Have you ever heard of a baseball stadium named after a foundation member? Right here before us stands Viticon Stadium, formerly known as Holloway Field. It was named after Stan Holloway, a life member of the Windsor Royals. This baseball field, nestled in Newmarket, Brisbane, has been the home of the Brisbane Bandits since the 2013-14 season. Viticon Stadium holds a special place in the hearts of Brisbane baseball fans.
Viticon Stadium has seen its share of thrilling victories and heartbreaking defeats. It’s witnessed the Brisbane Bandits rise from humble beginnings to become Australian Baseball League champions not once, not twice, but four times! The stadium has echoed with the roar of the crowd as the Bandits clinched those championships in 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, and 2018-19. Remember those back-to-back home runs? Or that nail-biting final out that secured a championship? Those moments happened right here, on this field.
Viticon Stadium has also undergone several transformations throughout the years. Originally known as Spencer Park, the field opened in 1964. It was expanded in 1986 and underwent significant renovations in 2013 to prepare for the arrival of the Brisbane Bandits. These upgrades included a new brick backstop, improved netting, additional seating, and a refurbished infield. The lighting towers have also been progressively replaced, ensuring that night games are played under the best possible conditions. Even the foul poles have a story. They were originally fabricated for the Major League Baseball Opening Series at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 2014 and were later relocated here to Viticon Stadium.
Imagine the cheers of the crowd during a tense game. The crack of the bat as a Bandit connects for a home run. The roar as the team secures another win. This isn’t just a stadium; it’s a living testament to the passion and dedication of Brisbane baseball fans. Viticon Stadium, from its early days as Spencer Park to its current incarnation, has been a vital part of the Brisbane sporting landscape. It continues to host exciting baseball action, bringing the community together to cheer on their beloved Brisbane Bandits.