Play Ball! Where to Take Your Family Out to the Ballgame Near Champaign-Urbana
For those who enjoy spending an afternoon or evening at the ballpark, this time of the year is special. But there’s more to baseball than just the major league variety.
Going to Chicago or St. Louis to see some Major League Baseball can be a major league pain-in-the-tush — not to mention a major league drain on your bank account — especially when hauling the smaller people with you.
But don’t fret, there are plenty of options to take your family, friends and neighbors out to a ballgame. We’re here to give you the lowdown on where to take your family to see some quality baseball action that’s within a reasonable driving distance from Champaign-Urbana — and won’t break the bank, either.
Illini baseball and softball seasons happen in the spring each year, but we can’t start this article without acknowledging how awesome it is to have these sporting events right in our backyard. Even better yet – they are FREE! Illinois Field and Eichelberger Field are our favorite places to get out to the ballpark right here in Champaign-Urbana.
We add Illini softball and baseball games to our calendar. However, beware of weather that can result in schedule changes at the last minute.
The Illini diamond seasons are short, and we have a whole summer ahead of us. In that spirit, we’ve put together a list of several options for taking your family to the ballpark, without breaking the bank.
Here’s some of what we found for those of you itching to get back to the ballpark — so, enjoy!
(From nearer to farther):
Danville Dans
Why You Should Go: Visiting historic Danville Stadium — scenes from the movie The Babe were filmed there — is reason enough to go see the Dans, a team made up of collegiate players wanting experience playing with wooden bats and to get in front of scouts. If you haven’t been to Danville in a few years, the stadium has enjoyed significant upgrades in the past several years. Games start in late May and the season ends July 31.
Deals to Be Had: Can’t beat the ticket prices, $8 per person; 5 and under are always free. Tuesday nights are $3 tickets and Sundays are $6. Free parking. Concessions are easy on the wallet too.
Distance from C-U: About 40 minutes. Most start at 6:30 p.m., making it an easy weeknight outing.
Normal Cornbelters
Why You Should Go: The Corn Crib used to be home to a minor league team but has shifted over time. It hosts a team that plays in the Kernels Collegiate League, which is for collegiate athletes. Opponents include teams from the Prospect League, the collegiate wooden bat league where the Dans play.
Deals to Be Had: Individual game tickets start at around $10 per person. (Heads up: the ticketing system is a bit confusing.)
Special Promotions: There is an extensive list of promotions, including Bark in the Park, fairytale night, carnival day, and some fireworks nights — including on the Fourth of July.
Distance from C-U: About an hour.
Peoria Chiefs
Why You Should Go: The closest minor league team to C-U that is affiliated with Major League Baseball. If you or the favorite baseball aficionado in your life is a Cardinals fan, this trip is a must. Located in downtown Peoria, there’s more to do if you want to make a weekend or a trip out of it. Games start on April 4 and go through end of August.
Deals to Be Had: Individual game tickets start at $10 for the lawn and generally range from $14-$16 for a seat. Sundays have $5 kids tickets (12 and under).
Special Promotions: The 2025 promotional calendar features 26 giveaways, 23 fireworks nights, 22 theme nights, four alternate identities and three bobblehead nights. On Sundays can run the bases, play catch on the field and get autographs after the game.
Distance from C-U: About 90 minutes. Get directions here.
Indianapolis Indians
Why You Should Go: We love the Indians games! Victory Field, the Indians stadium, is beautiful and lively. There is never a dull moment, with plenty of activities for kids all around the building. Also, it’s high quality — the Indians are a Triple-A team (the highest level of minor league baseball), affiliated with the Pittsburgh Pirates. This is a very family-friendly ballpark — all restrooms have changing areas, and they also have a room for nursing moms.
Deals to Be Had: Individual game tickets start at $13 per seat a game, there are often deals for kids tickets. Children 2 years old and younger receive free admission into Victory Field. Sundays, all children ages 14 and under will eat free; each child receives a voucher for one hot dog, one drink and one bag of chips. Check out the daily deals list for food. Half price tickets on Wednesday nights.
Promotions and Special Events: Fireworks are on Fridays, and on the Fourth of July. Characters often pop up at Victory Field, including Bluey, Blippi and princesses.
Distance from C-U: About two hours.
Joliet Slammers
Why You Should Go: This is an independent league baseball team, playing in the Frontier League, the largest and longest running independent professional baseball league — an official “partner league” of Major League Baseball. Games start in early May and last through August.
Deals to Be Had: Tickets start at $7. Save money on tickets by buying at least a day in advance online. Each Tuesday night game at Slammers Stadium, get $2 hot dogs, $2 french fries, and $2 domestic beers.
Promotions and Special Events: It wouldn’t be a Slammers game without a promotion. Fireworks on Fridays are generally themed, and it’s beyond your typical fare. Themes include a Pride celebration, disco night, 80’s night, sensory Sunday (August 3) and princess night. Like to bring your pup to the games? They have two days to do that. Kids can run the bases following all games (except fireworks nights). Family Sundays offer full team autographs following the game. You can buy special packages for fireworks games.
Distance from C-U: About two hours north.
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