Minor League Like a Pro, Burger Ball Like a Spartan
Warmer weather is calling, and BASEBALL SEASON is nearly here!
Abigail here, InTheBurg’s Content Manager. While I usually write articles from the third person, this one is in my own voice and perspective— because while I’m not the sportiest of Gails, I am a huge personal fan of our hometown baseball team.
South Atlantic League 2025 Championship, game one
You can get as into the weeds and outfields as you want with the details of batting averages and player stats, but the beauty of baseball at its [cork] core is its simplicity and appeal for all types of viewers. Two teams, nine innings, three outs, and often, neck and neck scores throughout the game.
I’m lucky enough to live just two blocks from Fifth Third Park in the Historic Hampton Heights Neighborhood, (AKA walking distance from baseball games!) After attending over a dozen fantastic games in the inaugural and championship seasons, I’d like to consider myself a minor pro in casual baseball game attending.
From solo gamedays to date nights, special events, family outings, numerous giveaways and everything in between, follow along for tips and tricks for your next Hub City Spartanburgers game day.
Find Your Seat at Fifth Third Park
So you’ve picked your ideal game date. Now what? Choosing your seat and ticket is super simple. Fifth Third Park offers numerous half or full season packages, but you can also opt for single game day tickets online.
There’s not a bad seat in the park. Seats along third base have great shade, the Milliken Club has exclusive menu items and box seating, first base flanks the home team dugout, Dr. Pepper Terrace and Chaser’s Corner offer high-top tables, and home plate is, well, home plate! The eye-catching, neon Spartanburg banner sign looks great from every angle.
When you purchase tickets online, set up a MiLB account and password, and don’t forget it! You’ll need to show your digital ticket at the gate for entrance.
If you’re opting for an economic game day approach, (or if attending with kids who struggle to sit still in a seat,) the lawn “SCC Berm” seating is perfect. Bring a blanket or towel, and camp out for a cool $5 per seat. Lawn seating is first-come-first-serve and can be sunny, so apply sunscreen beforehand.
SCC Berm seats
Parking, Parking, Parking
Whether spending the day downtown prior or coming directly to the ballpark, some of the best parking deals can be found near Fifth Third Park. For a flat fee of $10 during games, park in the garage adjacent to Left Field Gate and hit the garage team store on your way in/ out. There is no time limit on parking, so come early and enjoy a full day downtown!
If you prefer surface lots, several independent businesses and nonprofits (such as PAL Spartanburg) offer game day parking along Daniel Morgan Avenue and West Henry Street. ($10-20)
Lastly, season ticketholders have access to private parking lots and the gate behind home plate. Find more navigation tools and ballpark FAQ here.
Navigating the Ballpark
Getting through the gate is as simple as scanning your digital ticket. If you’re over 21 and planning to purchase alcohol, save some time and the line by getting your free 21+ wristband before entering.
Fifth Third Park is a cashless venue and requires clear bags smaller than 16x16x8 inches. Aerosols are not allowed, so apply sunscreen beforehand and/or bring a small lotion variety.
Take it from me— double check your approved items and make sure you have your sunglasses, clear bag, and cards, BEFORE walking from your house or car. I also bring a mesh cloth produce bag, to hold gate giveaways, my handmade burger fan, and a blanket for the lawn.
Once you’re in the park, it’s time to play! Or in my case, eat. Because seats are assigned, (unless you’re sitting in the Berm,) there’s no rush to find your seats. Stop in the TWO team stores that carry unique merchandise, grab dinner pt.1 and a drink, and locate the bathrooms. Each new homestand means new merch added to the in-person and online stores.
Call It! (A Delicious Dinner)
Naturally, a burger-themed team should have THE BIGGEST BURGER TOPPING BAR IN BASEBALL. With 101 custom toppings, one of the best ways to keep your meal fresh every visit to the ballpark is to order a plain burger and add all the veggies, cheeses, sauces, and accoutrements to your heart’s content.
Personally, my favorite meal is the (very filling) fried pizza, which is like the love child of a calzone and a hot pocket. Choose from pepperoni or margherita. Other options include classic hot dogs or specialty dogs, Bojangles chicken and fries, popcorn and chips, soft pretzels, and more.
Cool treats range from Jeremiah’s Italian Ice (or a “jelati” soft serve combo,) King of Pops seasonal flavors, Dippin’ Dots, alcoholic boozy slushes that change spirits and flavors per game, and more.
NOTE: Fifth Third Park allows empty, soft-sided water bottles! Bring your own vessel to fill from the water fountain bottle-filling station, and stay hydrated on a budget. Thanks, Spartanburg Water!
The Seventh Inning Stretch
If you’re at a baseball game, chances are you love watching baseball. Or, you love someone who loves watching baseball. Or, you came for the fried pizza and a bobblehead, and stuck around for the entertainment.
Either way, there’s a good chance you’ll want to stretch your legs at some point during the lengthy nine innings. This is another chance to explore the team stores, concourse art (more on that later,) visit the bathroom, and maybe get dinner pt.2. If you have kids, check out the interactive, Spartanburg-themed playground and climbing wall near third base.
Fifth Third Park is baby- and kid-friendly! Parents can bring soft-sided diaper bags and kids’ bags into the park. Find more kid-centric recommendations from Kidding Around Spartanburg.
On field entertainment goes far beyond the traditional “Seventh Inning Stretch.” Between each inning, enjoy on-field mini games, trivia, competitions on top of the dugouts, dancing mascots, entertaining music and commentary, and more.
FUN FACT: My sister’s wedding weekend activity with the full family in town was a Spartanburgers’ game! As part of the group ticket sales for our crew, she had the opportunity to compete in on-field games with her husband and brothers-in-law. This was also my super-freshly-born niece’s first baseball game at three weeks old.
Chuck, Chip, & Flip; via MiLB, by Ty Barrett
Give It a Little Sparkle
Every direction you look in Fifth Third Park, you’ll find Spartanburg-themed murals, Hub City icons and local history nods, painted by Spartanburg artists. The legendary Ronnie Younts, whose work can be found at 40+ MLB and MiLB parks, designed all art and signage for the new ballpark. Local artist and fine line specialist, Jeremy Kemp then put paint to the walls.
Beyond murals and colorful wall art, find mascots Chuck and Sparkle for photos or find one of the largescale bobbleheads at the main gate entrances.
Weekly Events to Return For
Teams and themes change each homestand, but there’s several daily promotions that you can count on each week:
Toss-It Tuesday— Practice your aim at home; 1000 fans will get the chance to toss tennis balls into a hoop on second base. First to make it, gets a prize…
Waggy Wednesday— Bring your (leashed) pups to the park!
Thirsty Thursday— 21+ Attendees will enjoy discounts on beer and mystery can option.
Fireworks Friday— In addition to fireworks after each home team point scored, stay after the game each Friday for a full fireworks extravaganza.
Sign It Saturday— Come early for exclusive opportunities to meet the Hub City Spartanburgers and get your team merch signed.
Family Fun Day Sunday— Stay after the midday game for your kids’ chance to run the bases. (Line begins forming in the eighth inning.)
The Spartanburgers Love a Good Theme
The Hub City Spartanburgers LOVE their theme nights.
For the 2026 season, fans can anticipate the return of Star Wars Night, “Catch ‘Em All Night” with trading cards, tributes to the former Spartanburg Alley Cats (1995) and Spartanburg Peaches (1946-1955,) beach-themed “Sandy Buns,” a prehistoric “Jurassic Fifth Third Park,” pro-wrestling with “Action at the Fraction II,” and more.
Several theme nights offer “doorbuster” prizes, with just 1000-3000 items usually available per game. Inaugural season examples include mascot bobbleheads, a Father’s Day Flip spatula, miniature Fifth Third Park replicas, train whistles, team posters, conductor’s and Texas Rangers hats, and more.
Stay tuned this year for first baseman Arturo Disla El Búfalo and Spartanburg Phillies’ Pat Williams bobbleheads, Duncan Park stadium replicas, croc clogs,
If you’re hoping for a free prize, definitely plan to be at the gate at opening time an hour prior to first pitch, if not earlier.
Burger Ball Like a Spartan
While the Hub City Spartanburgers’ home team is the Texas Rangers, the Spartanburg team also debuts alternative jerseys and identities for select games, such as exclusive Spongebob and Star Wars collaboration jerseys.
In 2025, Hub City paid tribute to the Spartanburg Sluggers, a Negro League team that played at historic Duncan Park. Former Sluggers were honored at the game, including second baseman Archie Means (1958-’60) who threw the first pitch. The Sluggers will return June 14th and August 16th.
Spartanburg Sluggers alternate jersey, at Duncan Park; via Hub City Spartanburgers
In 2026, in recognition of the United States’ 250th Anniversary and Spartanburg’s namesake Revolutionary militia, The Spartan Regiment will take the field for three games. Each game will offer enhanced ticket discounts for active and retired military: May 23rd-24th for Memorial Day weekend and August 2nd.
Exclusive Regiment jerseys, hats, and shirts are available now in the team store, with a replica Spartan Regiment flag giveaway August 2nd.
Spartan Regiment alternate identity; via Hub City Spartanburgers
Stay tuned for a new Copa identity coming in March, to be featured at a Cinco de Mayo celebration game featuring Copa de la Diversión. (Copa identity will also play September 3rd.)
As my nephew likes to say, “Play sandwich ball!”