New Melaleuca Field welcomes record number of fans at home-opener
- posted: 26 June 2007
- scrollsports@byui.edu
Friday night was a record-setting one at Melaleuca Field in Idaho Falls. Over 3,600 people attended the game, a new Idaho Falls record.
The Idaho Falls Chukars won their home opener against the Orem Owlz by a score of 4-1.
One of the fans in attendance was presidential nominee Mitt Romney. Romney made an appearance at the beginning of the game and received a warm welcome.
Senator Larry Craig and Frank VanderSloot, president and CEO of Melaleuca, who made contributions to the newly renovated field, escorted him on the field.
The Chukars gained the momentum in the bottom of the second inning, when right fielder O.D. Gonzalez hit a solo home run.
The Owlz fought back and tied the game until Clint Robinson hit a go-ahead two-run home run to go up 3-1. Zach Evangelho added a sacrifice fly to make the lead 4-1, and the Chukars never looked back.
Orem’s only run came from a solo home run from Donato Giovanatto.
Friday night was also the first peek Chukars’ fans had of the newly renovated Melaleuca Field, which had undergone a major overhaul during the off-season. Extra seating was added as well as a picnic area down the third-base line. The field, formerly known as McDermott Field, was originally constructed in 1940 and hadn’t undergone any changes since 1976.
While the renovations may draw a good amount of new fans, baseball has been a staple of American summers since the mid 19th century. Americans are drawn to the ballpark on any given summer night not just for the baseball, but for the atmosphere as well.
While the Chukars may only be a minor league affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, the atmosphere at Melaleuca Field is one to be sought after.
There is an abundance of concessions to be found at Melaleuca Field, so even those who don’t necessarily enjoy watching baseball can sit back and enjoy a hot dog or two. There are also promotions that occur frequently, depending on the home game, including a T-shirt giveaway on July 28.
The scent of hot dogs and nachos filled the June summer air as fans took in the action. Foul balls were chased and recovered by the young Chukars’ faithful. A firework display lit up the summer sky after the game, and because Idaho Falls is so close to campus, even a few BYU-Idaho students enjoyed the game.
“It’s America’s favorite pastime; how can you claim to be American if you don’t go to the ballpark,” said Carlos Munoz, a freshman from Houston, Texas.
BYU-I students can enjoy games at Melaleuca Field all summer long as the Chukars vie to win the Pioneer League championship. They’re currently 4-0 and will be playing home games throughout the summer. General admission tickets cost $6. 
