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Quad Cities River Bandits - User Comments Add your own

Cosy little field. -- 2007-06-18

As stated before, there are no bad seats. I went there while on a business trip, and I found it quite picturesque. Great backdrop of the bridge that crosses the Mississippi River that is very nicely lit during night games. Kid friendly as well with three mascots roaming around interacting with them.

Jim Janssen

don't count on JOD if it's rained -- 2007-05-06

Hi All! The only extra thing I would mention that hasn't been included in the comments below is that, in the rennovations a few years back, they spent all their money on the customer-facing stuff (seating, concessions, pottys) and that is much better now that it used to be. However, it is important to note that the field did not get the same makeover - the drainage system needed a major overhaul and did not get it, so if there's been any sort of rain, be wary of heading to the stadium. Swing management loves to sell tickets, get you in to the stadium for a couple of hours (eating their food and drinking their beer) before they decide that the field isn't playable. This has happened to us at least 3 times over the past couple of years. We were there for the Midwest League All-Star game in 2006 and were disappointed. The events the night before the game did not appear to be particularly well-organized, and even the local paper didn't have great coverage of the event. When in the Quad Cities, we also try very hard to get to Jim's Rib Haven - it looks like a hole in the wall, but is a local shrine. The BBQ is the best I've ever had, and they've even been featured on a Food Network show. Finally, when in Quad Cities, please note that the streets can be a bit confusing...for instance there's both a 5th St and a 5th Ave. Be sure to note which you need to be on, as if you're not careful, you can end up very far from where you want to be!

Karen MacKenzie

Renovation -- 2006-04-15

I know I may be a bit biased, but this is one of the best ballparks I've been to. JOD was renovated in 2004, most notably for making 1 concourse so fans are able to walk all the way around the stadium. Where there were no outfield seats previously, they have built up grass hills in left field. GA tickets are now $7, and as said before: there are no bad seats. Enjoy!

Vance Law

"Changing River Bandit name????????" -- 2003-07-07

Blessings to the Quad City River Bandits! As a River Bandit fan, I've acknowledged recent news information about "changing the River Bandit name" consideration by your front office. Of course, I've always enjoyed the name River Bandits! However,if you're looking for another, could I suggest QUAD CITY "PLOW-BOYS?" Since many of the historical perspectives of the growth and development of the Quad Cities are complete with stories about John Deer, International Harvester, Caterpillar, and of course, the entire farm community in which it serves, would the baseball nickname PLOW-BOY send a resounding and stellar message? If you would enjoy discussing this matter, please call anytime at 815-288-9146 or 309-762-9481. Go Quad Cities!!!!!!!!! Again, blessings to you always!

Dr. Fred Isele, WIU-Quad Cities

Old Times -- 2003-04-07

The first professional baseball game I ever saw was here in 1967. My dad took me to see the old Quad Cities Angels play the Appleton Foxes, when we used to live in Rock Island, Ill.

At that time it was called "Muni" (Municipal) Stadium. Since then I've been to more than 20 MLB stadiums and about 30 Minor League ones, but the best IMHO is still John O'Donnell, at the foot of the Centennial Bridge, in Davenport, Iowa.

Ken Severson

A good one. -- 2002-08-10

This is one of the really nice old ballparks, but if you go in the spring, check to see if it is underwater. In spite of its downtown location far from any interstates, it is very easy to find and to get to---no traffic problems. And, the view of the park is beautiful as you approach it---one of the most impressive minor ballparks to see from the distance. Concession prices are among the best: $2.75 for a brat, with a bottomless pit of kraut to slosh all over it. Parking is free. All seats are good views and comfortable, even the $5 GA. A few nice extra views. A seat in the back row down the third base line will give you a birdseye vews of a 100-car freight train every couple of innings, and when there is no train, there are plenty of river boats to watch in the other direction. The PS system is completely incomprehensible, don't expect to understand any announcements. At least it's not ear-splitting.

Jim Turner

PNC? -- 2002-06-28

With all due respect, how can a park that opened 71 years ago be "reminiscent" of a park that opened last year???

Dan Doherty

Gem -- 2001-10-08

John O'Donnell is a great ballpark, period. It is one of the best places to see a night game, reminiscent of PNC in Pittsburgh. Seats are always available and you can move around to get the best view of the River and the Bridges if you wish. Parking is easy. The only fall back is the occassional flooding experienced during the summer which hurts the team financially.

Matthew Mahaffey

Beautiful Riverside Park -- 2000-09-22

The Quad City River Bandits play in one of the nicest low A parks I've been in. The location is just fantastic. There are train tracks on one side of the park, which can on occasion block your entrance into the park, and then the Mississippi River is on the other side. There is a beautiful view of one of the bridges crossing the river.

The grandstand is covered and fairly comfortable, and there are usually plenty of seats available. You can also do riverboat gambling not too far from the ballpark if you enjoy that.

Sean Forman

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