Bernie Arbour Memorial Stadium

Bernie Arbour Memorial Stadium in Hamilton

Bernie Arbour Memorial Stadium in Hamilton, situated on East Hamilton Mountain, is a significant baseball facility with a rich history. Owned and operated by the City of Hamilton, it serves as a beautiful home ground for the McMaster baseball program, which relocated its games there in 1997. The stadium was officially named in 1971 to honor Bernie Arbour, a former police sergeant recognized for his extensive involvement in youth sports. Historically, it has hosted various professional franchises, and currently, it's home to the Hamilton Thunderbirds of the Intercounty Major League during summer months, alongside other premier league teams.

Features & Amenities

Playing Field: A baseball diamond with a grass surface, covered dugouts, and full lighting for night play.

Seating: A main grandstand accommodating upwards of 300 spectators, along with bleachers on the first and third base sides for over 1,000 additional spectators, bringing the total capacity to 1,500-3,000 (depending on source). Seating is general admission.

Player Facilities: Includes a diamond with covered dugouts, washrooms, changerooms

Fan Facilities:

• Washrooms
• Concession Stand
• Merchandise Store
• First AidGuest Services
• Media Facilities: A Press Box with seating for up to 10 members of the media, capable of supporting radio and television broadcasts.
• Parking: Multiple free parking areas are available in the immediate vicinity of the stadium (southwest and east), with street parking also an option in surrounding neighborhoods.

Scoreboard

Sound System

Equipment Storage

Other: The stadium is part of the larger Mohawk Sports Park, which also includes soccer pitches, other baseball diamonds, a track and field facility, and hockey rinks. There is no public WiFi at the stadium.

Classes & Events

1. Baseball Games: The most prominent events are the home games of the Hamilton Cardinals of the Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) and the McMaster University baseball program. These games constitute the main event schedule for the stadium during their respective seasons. 
2. Camps/Clinics: The Hamilton Cardinals offer Summer Baseball Camps at Bernie Arbour Memorial Stadium. These camps are designed for kids aged 6 to 14, focusing on fundamentals of baseball like hitting, throwing, fielding, and base running. They are led by Cardinals coaches and players.
3. Special Events: The stadium also hosts special events related to baseball, such as:
4. Cardinals Charity Classic - Celebrity Softball Game: A celebrity softball matchup held in partnership with organizations like the Canadian National Autism Foundation.
5. IBL All-Star Showdown & Home Run Derby: A major event showcasing the league's top talent.
6. School Day Games: Exhibition games specifically for local school groups.

 How are reservations made at Bernie Arbour Memorial Stadium?

• Official tickets are sold only online through Ticketmaster (via HamiltonCardinals.com) or in person at the stadium box office starting one hour prior to game time. Be wary of unauthorized vendors.
• Children must contact gate staff for age verification.
• If a game is postponed or rained out (either before or after kickoff), tickets may be exchanged for a future regular season home game. No cash refunds will be issued. Lost or damaged tickets may not be eligible for exchange.

Entry Requirements:

• Gates open one hour prior to the first game (unless otherwise noted).
• The Hamilton Cardinals reserve the right to deny entry to fans who do not comply with stadium policies and the Fan Code of Conduct.
• Bags will be searched upon entry. No outside food or beverage (except for medically necessary items), alcoholic beverages, cans, bottles, coolers, radios without headsets, umbrellas, selfie sticks, video cameras, professional cameras (lenses longer than 5 inches), drones, weapons, hoverboards, bicycles, skateboards, artificial sound devices, and smoking (including e-cigarettes/vapes) are permitted inside the stadium. Strollers are also prohibited.
• Fans are expected to adhere to the Fan Code of Conduct.
• By using a ticket, the ticket holder assumes and accepts all risks associated with attending a baseball game, including injury from a baseball bat or pitched ball. This includes the inherent risk of exposure to communicable diseases.
• Handheld cameras and personal audio and video equipment are permitted, but flash photography, game filming, or tripods are not permitted.

Stadium address and contact number

• Address: 1280 Main Street West. Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L8
• Phone Number: (905) 525-9140
• Social Media:

Twitter (twitter[dot]com/McMasterSports)

Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/McMasterMarauders)

Instagram (instagram[dot]com/mcmastersports)

YouTube (http://www[dot]youtube[dot]com/[at]mcmastermarauders)

FAQs

Are children admitted free to Hamilton Cardinals games?

Yes, kids aged 10 and under generally receive free entry, though they need to check in with gate staff for age verification.

What facilities does the stadium offer for fans?

It includes a main grandstand and bleachers for seating, washrooms, a concession stand, and a merchandise store ("The Cardinals Perch").