Gary Southshore Railcats

We had something last year called the Chicagoland Pass of all Passes, which included tickets to Gary Railcats games. The pass marketed itself as good for one calendar year.
When I came tonight, with my 3 kids, and on crutches (I came because I promised them), they declined the passes. I have been told by them it’s because they didn’t sign an agreement this year. So, I buy tickets at gate prices for the outfield as its what I can afford.
I get all the way out there on my crutches, which takes like 15 minutes with my 3 kids. I noticed that as people get settled, like 70% of the seats are empty.
So, I call the stadium and ask why something couldn’t have been offered considering the offer from the Pass, the fact that I am on crutches, the fact the 70% or more of the stadium is empty, and the fact that they give away tickets all the time at McDonalds, Meijers, Community Healthnet, Indiana Northshore Healthcenters, Gerber Collision and Glass. It’s actually sad they couldn’t fill 70% off the stadium on opening night with all those places giving tickets away. All of this and a person on crutches who is trying to go to the ballpark with his kids can’t even be offered the price for advanced tickets.
It’s not likely I’m returning. We will go to the South Bend Cubs in the future.

I’m kind of torn about how I really feel about this team. I have been a fan since 2004 and go to more than several games a year. It seems to be a well-​managed team which won 3 championships under the current manager. Concession prices are ridiculously high so I try to avoid buying concessions when there. $ 3.75 for a bottled water is simply trying to stick it to the patron. Also, a few years ago I was a part of a group of fans who had a Facebook page dedicated to their then bullpen catcher. Instead of being met with appreciation for our fandom, we were mocked and belittled by players and other fans alike, both on Facebook and during their radio broadcasts. Other than that, I have really enjoyed going to the games at one of the best minor league ballparks in the country, possibly the world!

Well, what can I say!!! Who doesn’t like free?! Haha, my family and I were invited to watch a game and enjoy free fireworks after, as we were standing in line to buy tickets a couple approached us and gave us free tickets! The start of an awesome evening! The game went into extra innings and the players were definitely competing. The children were invited onto the field for events often, the park was clean, food was fresh, and fireworks were spectacular

So I finally went to a game at US Steel Yard (had this on my to do list for a few years), and it was really enjoyable. Like others said, no ticket is more expensive than $ 10, and the bleachers are only $ 5 for I believe all games. Parking is free as well, and there are lots across the street to the west and south, and also one just east of the ballpark. West lot had signage that appeared to say it was for VIP ticketholders only, though not sure if it’s restricted to just those ticketholders since I took the train here. Did also like how they incorporated local NWI vendors into the concessions here, such as Jodi’s Italian Ice (I’d say this rivals how good Miko’s is in Chicago), and Figure Eight Brewing for an on tap beer offering in the Leinie Lodge Bar (by section 111). Every employee I encountered was friendly, and I didn’t find one dirty bathroom anywhere in the place. The concession food I ordered (pizza puff and fries) wasn’t bad either, and it tasted just like the ones I’ve had at a lot of mom and pop Chicago fast food places over the years. And yes, it is a totally safe walk from Gary Metro Center South Shore station to the ballpark (3 blocks I believe), if you’re wondering. I saw plenty of cops both outside the ballpark, and inside. I guess part of me hoped there were a tad more beer options (besides just Leiniekugel, Blue Moon, and other MillerCoors owned beers), but that’s just me. Since that was the lone minor negative I saw, and since I only noticed one local beer choice (1 beer from Figure Eight, based in NWI). Surprised they don’t try to offer say, some beers from 18^th Street, Three Floyds, Shoreline, etc. in the Leinie bar area. The food options were covered pretty well, though.
It is indeed like how Jason put it in an earlier review, ‘a diamond jewel on the turd.’ Wish the city of Gary could find ways to attract more businesses to their downtown, besides just in the Miller area. But I know years and years of disinvestment and trends of businesses pulling out, can’t be changed overnight. Looks like there was something like a soul food restaurant just across the street from the stadium, but not surprised there weren’t a lot of options to eat except there, or of course within the stadium. Of course, one can drive east to the Miller area of Gary (or take the South Shore one stop east), for more options (i.e. Miller Bakery Café, 18^th Street Brewery, Miller Pizza Station, etc). Hopefully one of these days I get to experience more minor league ballparks in the area (i.e. Joliet, Schaumburg) besides the Kane County Cougars, and see how they compare.
Side note too, I thought it was nice that before the game, there was a jazz band performing in the park/​plaza that was just south of the Gary Metro Center South Shore station this past Sunday when I attended the Railcats game. Always thought that plaza was heavily underutilized from my past experiences visiting the city to explore abandoned buildings (yes I like doing that, shut up), and wish the city held more events there.

I know Gary can be a scary place but the stadium is a beautiful, safe park. The only way I’ll go is by car and by using the expressways. Go to I65 North and that will let you off a ½ mile away from the stadium, and it’s a straight shot. The park is next to the park and there are tons of cops around the parking lot and inside the stadium. I’ve been going to the games over about 7 years and there has never been any issues during the game.
I love that tickets are cheap and there isn’t a bad seat in the place. This is a stadium to take kids who are into baseball. There are a ton of places for children to play. The mascots are all over the place taking photos and having fun with everyone and the players are approachable before the game. Most will take the time to give autographs and pictures with anyone.
The biggest pain about this place is all the drunks during thirsty Thursdays. They can kind of ruin the game, however, it’s easy to get up and move somewhere else.

So, yeah. I went all the way to Gary Indiana… for a minor league baseball game. I’ve seen the stadium while passing by on the South Shore Rail Train… and always though I’d love to get to a game. I had a free Sunday so I took a bus from Milwaukee to Chicago, and a train over to Gary.
Let me tell you this… Gary Indiana is as big of a shithole as you think it is. In fact, in walking the 4 blocks from the train depot to the stadium, it’s much more depressing than it looks from the interstate or train.
However, the US Steel Yard is a diamond crown jewel on the turd that is Gary Indiana. The people at the stadium were friendly, the concessions workers were a bit slow, but still friendly. And the Rail Cats staff puts on a good minor league show.

Came here on a whim and a Groupon on Memorial Weekend. This was my first minor league game ever and what a fun stadium to check out. Just a quick hop over the state line and just right off 90 the stadium is convenient to get to.
The Groupon gave us a chance to get two tickets for $ 8 and it came with $ 5 worth in concession cash. The fact that normally seats don’t cost more than $ 10 should be a draw anyway.
The stadium is so family friendly and for the kid at heart so many things to do. The seats are so close to the field there isn’t a bad seat in the house. It is occasionally exciting to avoid foul balls because of the lack of netting. There are concessions galore ranging from the typical burgers and pizza slices to chicken taco bowls and funnel cakes. Don’t ever worry about your kids getting bored. The mascots, especially Rusty interacted with the crowd and got the kids all riled up. There are stations catering to kids all around the perimeter of the park from the arcade, to the bunjee jumping, blow up batting cage, and playground. Don’t forget about the activities catered to them during the game like the kid parade that allows kids to run across the field during the 7^th inning stretch.
Loved my visit, it brought out the kid in me.

Fun fun fun! Great prices. Dicey area but completely safe around the ballpark.

Had a great time, very entertaining, $ 2 brews, close free parking, staff is courteous and willing to help and listen! Got a free towel, keep up the good work! Hope to attend again or see the Cats in Joliet or Schaumberg!
Finally, I really enjoyed the PA announcer, has some style and isn’t the basic PA voice, makes the game more enjoyable!

Where can you get into a baseball game for $ 10, buy Blue Moon on tap for $ 5, or $ 2 domestic drafts and various themed events (ie: hockey theme w/​special blackhawks appearances) all in one?
AT THE GARY SOUTHSHORE RAILCATS GAME!!!
I LOVE going to RailCats games. They remind me of going to a White Sox or Cubs game with a smaller stadium and better prices.
There are a lot of free giveaways like t shirts, towels, autographs and a bunch of other things I can’t even think of. Rusty the RailCat Mascot is a lot of fun and very interactive with the crowds.
I can’t tell you how much fun these game are, you just have to come and find out for yourself!
Also, I just rented a suite for my birthday party. It was all you can eat/​drink (beer/​pop), tickets and more for around $ 40 a person! Very reasonable for an awesome time!