The Stadium Chase: Equity Bank Park - Wichita, Kansas
Home of the Wichita Wind Surge
written by Brian Bice
Please note: Full photo gallery coming soon.
After the 2019 season, the New Orleans Baby Cakes, AAA affiliate of the Miami Marlins were approved for relocation to Wichita. However, with the 2020 season lost to COVID and the subsequent realignment of the Minor Leagues, Wichita was awarded a AA team in the Texas League. The Miami Marlins moved their AAA team to Jacksonville and rebranded as the Jumbo Shrimp. Equity Bank Park became the home of the Wichita Wind Surge, the AA affiliate of the Minnesota Twins.
Equity Bank Park - field view from behind home plate
The new stadium was originally named Riverfront Stadium because of its location on the west bank of the Arkansas River. Built on the site that previously housed Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, groundbreaking started on February 13, 2019. Construction was completed in March of 2020, however the opening of Riverfront Stadium was delayed until 2021. In January 2025, the naming rights for the stadium were bought by the locally owned Equity Bank. These rights last until 2039.
Official capacity of Equity Bank Park is 10,025 with around 6,000 fixed seats and the rest general admission. Above the main seating level there are 12 executive suites and other group areas. The record attendance was set on September 16, 2023 as 10,442 fans watched the Wichita Wind Surge take on the Midland RockHounds.
The first game at Riverfront Stadium took place on April 10, 2021 as the Wichita State Shockers hosted the University of Houston The first Wichita Wind Surge game took place on May 11, 2021 against the Amarillo Sod Poodles. In this game Wind Surge lost by a score of 3-2 in front of a crowd of 7,908. Alek Thomas of the Sod Poodles recorded the first hit in Riverfront Stadium history. This first home run was hit two days later on May 13, 2021. Jose Herrera of the Sod Poodles took Dakota Chalmers deep in the 1st inning.
Around the Concourse
Equity Bank Park has a natural grass field. The dimensions of the field are: 340 down the left field line, 400 to centerfield and 325 to right field. The bullpens are located beyond the outfield walls. The Wind Surge bullpen is in left-center, while the visiting team is in right-center. Similar to major league stadiums, the clubhouses for both teams are located underneath the stands. There are tunnels that lead from each dugout to the respective clubhouse.
There are 3 gates that allow fans access to the ballpark. The main gate is located at the River Plaza on McLean Boulevard. The main ticket booth and team store are located near this gate. River Plaza gate opens to a view of the stadium over the centerfield wall. At the Maple Street entrance, fans enter the stadium along the first base side, behind the visitor’s dugout. The Delano Street entrance is out in the left field corner and is the closest gate to the Historic Delano District, a prime destination for dining options before and after the game.
One of the great features of Equity Bank Park is the 360-degree concourse. Fans can walk around the entire ballpark and view the Wind Surge game from all angles. Fans can even stand behind the bullpens to watch pitchers warmup. This type of concourse also allows people to be able to enjoy all the ballpark has to offer without backtracking.
Concessions
The fixed concessions along the concourse offer up the standard ballpark fare: hot dogs, popcorn, chicken tenders, etc. The Home Plate food court gives fans their choice of these ballpark foods as well as pizza, ice cream and burgers. The popular Midwest fast food chain, Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers has a stand behind home plate.
If you are looking for specialty foods, or foods served in a helmet, you will want to check out the carts along the first and third base lines. The Home Run Grill offers up a Cuban Sandwich as well as footlong hot dogs and bratwursts. Batter-Up Nachos serves soft tacos, the popular Walking Taco and a Nacho Bowl that comes in a Wind Surge helmet! If you are looking for something cold and sweet there are a couple of stands that have Hawaiian Shaved Ice.
Facilities
Looking to bring a large group? Equity Bank Park offers a variety of group options, from indoor banquet seating to outdoor picnic areas. Out in left-center field you will find Pump at the Park (aka Pumphouse), sponsored by Pumphouse Wichita. The Pumphouse offers up several game day drink specials and will often have a DJ spinning music creating a party-like atmosphere. Fans entering the Pumphouse will be greeted by a couple of vintage gas pumps keeping with the theme.
Other outdoor group areas include the Boot Barn Home Run Deck and the right field picnic pavilion. This space is equipped with tables and seating like the 4-Topps tables found at most ballparks so that everyone has a view of the game. The Coors Light Party Porch, above the first base side, and the Emprise Bank Pavilion, in right-center field are well-shaded outdoor areas for hosting large groups.
Aside from the suites, Equity Bank Park offers two unique indoor group areas. The Home Run Dugout is located beyond the right field plaza and features a virtual batting cage. The other is The Vault, an executive lounge and dining space. The Vault is located high above the third base line.
Team Store
The Wichita Wind Surge team store is located out in right-center field near the River Plaza Gate. The team store is housed underneath the Emprise Bank Pavilion. In the store you will find a wide variety of gear for the Wind Surge gear and their alternate identities Turbo Tubs and Honkers. In addition to being open during the game the team store is also open Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm. When the Wind Surge is in town the team store is also open on Saturday from 10am-2pm.
Alumni
Equity Bank Park pays tribute to many Wichita Wind Surge players who have gone on to play in the MLB. Around the ballpark banners adorn the light poles to honor those alumni. Such players include Simeon Woods-Richardson, Spencer Steer, Matt Wallner and Brooks Lee, among many others who have played here.
Outside the Ballpark
Located along the Arkansas River near downtown Wichita, Equity Bank Park sits a block away from the Historic Delano District, home to over 250 businesses including restaurants and bars. Several dining and drinking options like the Monarch, Vagabond Cafe and the Delano Barbeque Company are available both pre and post game.
If you are looking to plan a full day around the ballpark, the Exploration Place is a science Museum that offers many fun activities for kids of all ages. The Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center is located right across the Arkansas River. This venue hosts a variety of conferences and is home to four major music groups including the Wichita Symphony and the Wichita Grand Opera.
If you're a fan of Minor League Baseball and you want to watch the next generation of Minnesota Twins players, Equity Bank Park is the place to be! The ballpark offers some fantastic concession options and many great site lines to the field. There is not a bad seat in the house.
