New Britain Rock Cats

The New Britain Rock Cats play from April to early September in their stadium in Willow Brook Park as the Minnesota Twins’ affiliate in the AA Eastern League. Back this year as manager is Jeff Smith, the first New Britain player in franchise history to come back to lead the team. After a tough 2010 season (44-98) the Rock Cats are looking to rebound, with 20 returning players, including the 2010 Minnesota Twins Minor League Player of the Year. Although the Rock Cats started out as a Red Sox franchise, they’ve been with the Twins since 1995 and celebrated their 25th anniversary in New Britain in 2007, the oldest continuously operated sports franchise in Connecticut where some well known players have played the game. The current stadium, with a 6,146 capacity, opened in 1996, replacing the well-loved Beehive Field.

Game times are at 6:35 or 7:05 with Sunday games at 1:35 or 2. The best seats are $18 and general admission is $5; there’s a small parking fee. Concessions are also reasonably priced and families can get a Family Four Pack (four hotdogs, beverages, popcorns and reserved level tickets) for $30 on Wednesday nights (by phone order).

Details

The Rock Cats may be found at the New Britain Stadium in the Willow Brook Park Complex on South Main Street, reached from I-84, Exit 35 or 39A. Call 860-224-8383. The Web site is www.rockcats.com.