Midway Stadium
Fun is Good! ...and it's not called "The Midway" for nothing.
Midway Stadium is not the newest, fanciest, or prettiest. It has little history beyond the Saints (and the high school games) played here because it was landfill. What brings the throngs to the park is the carnival atmosphere every game. It is very much like an ongoing side show that could, if necessary, be packed up and moved to a new ballpark.
Here the spirit, fun and frivolity make up for an otherwise undersized and misplaced ballpark. Taking what was here and adding, even building on it is an art. Where else are people encouraged to count or wave at the freight trains passing behind the outfield fences? Where else does the community fire department regularly set buildings on fire for practice? What other stadium uses a cloth batter's eye because the outfield is used for concerts (like Bob Dylan or the B-52's) when the team is on the road. And of course no other teams has bizarre promotions like "Mime Night" or "Big Bang Night" (with free Saints whoopee cushions).
No other ballpark is "officially" a "No Wave Zone." Those who try to start "The Wave" will be chastised by Eric Webster on the PA system. Eric also has many other comedy bits such as "The Secret Microphone on the Mound" (when opposing managers go to the mound), calling out "train." in the middle of an announcement, or teasing other teams that they have to go back to their "little town" (compared to the big city of St. Paul).
Other problems have lead to more character(s). The big crowds lead to long lines at concession stands so there are lots of vendors. Many of them are institutions themselves.
Other nuances include the St. Paul Fire Department practice buildings beyond the right field fence. It's not unusual during a game to see a hook and ladder pull up and extend into it or see smoke and flames rise from them. During Darryl Strawberry's time as a Saint the Fire Dept. hung a banner promising to donate $15,000 to charity if he hit the five story tower (which he nearly did had a light tower not been in the way).
with the Original Saint (1993)
Note: Fire Dept. practice
building in outfield.
In the distance over the left fence is the Minnesota State Fair Grounds. Some buildings visible include the main arena, grandstand and "Space Needle." During the Fair (which causes additional congestion when the Saints play during it) you often see some of the rides or fireworks shows in the distance.
Just beyond the left field property are two main rail lines for freight trains. Throughout the game trains roar by, often honking their horns. About once per game there is the "rare double train." More amusing are those instances where the engineers stop the train and watch the game for a couple innings.
Also along the left field fence are one of the league's early hot tub "seating" sections well as the "fish house." The Fish House looks more like an elaborate tree house, but another group seating option.
Last but not least is the SS Porkchop (aka the "Pork Chop Yacht"). At one time this would be "paddlewheeler" may have floated on a river somewhere. But it's (more or less) permanently docked near the foul pole as a deck from which to watch the game.
To try covering up it's general "ugliness" nearly all exposed concrete (or other) surface has been painted over with murals by Andy Nelson, had advertising or photographs placed on it, had plants (or other usual things) hung from it, or other attempts at beautification.
