About L.P. Frans Stadium
L.P. Frans Stadium is the home of the Hickory Crawdads baseball team, built in 1993 at Winkler Park. This 4,000-seat stadium has been the heart of Hickory's professional baseball scene for over 30 years.
Stadium Details
- Built: 1993 (30+ years of baseball history)
- Capacity: 4,000 seats
- Home Team: Hickory Crawdads (Texas Rangers affiliate)
- Location: Winkler Park, Hickory, NC
- League: Carolina League (Single-A, as of 2025)
- Construction Cost: $3.8 million (city + private funding)
- Named After: Lee Polk Frans (Pepsi bottler philanthropist)
The stadium has hosted South Atlantic League Finals three times (2002, 2004, 2015) and SAL all-star games in 1994, 2001, and 2014. The Crawdads won the championship in 2015.
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Benefits of Living Near L.P. Frans Stadium
⚾ Family Entertainment
Easy access to affordable family entertainment with Hickory Crawdads baseball games. The stadium features family-friendly amenities including playground, merry-go-round, and team store.
🏞️ Winkler Park Access
Located within Winkler Park, residents enjoy access to recreational facilities, green space, and community events. The park setting provides additional outdoor activities beyond baseball.
🎉 Community Events
The stadium hosts various community events, tournaments, and special activities throughout the year. Living nearby provides convenient access to local culture and community gatherings.
Stadium Features & Amenities
Main Concourse
The upper concourse runs from foul pole to foul pole, featuring luxury suites, press box, concessions, and family-friendly amenities.
- • Executive suites
- • Press box facilities
- • Concession areas
- • "Crawdudes" & "Crawdettes" restrooms
Family Amenities
Family-focused features make L.P. Frans Stadium ideal for all ages, with entertainment options beyond the baseball game itself.
- • Children's playground
- • Merry-go-round
- • Official team store
- • Family-friendly pricing
Unique Features
L.P. Frans Stadium has the unique distinction of sitting on the county line, with different sections in different counties.
- • Multi-county location
- • Left field in Burke County
- • Right field in Catawba County
- • Historic championship venue
Hickory Crawdads Baseball History
Team Heritage
Founded: 1993 (Professional baseball returned to Hickory)
Team Name: Named after crawdads in local waterways
Stadium Opening: L.P. Frans Stadium inaugural season
MLB Affiliation: Texas Rangers (since 2009)
Championship: 2015 South Atlantic League champions
Stadium Achievements
SAL Finals Host: 2002, 2004, 2015
All-Star Games: 1994, 2001, 2014
League Status: Promoted to Carolina League (2025)
Capacity: 4,000 loyal baseball fans
Season: April through September home games
Stadium Area Market Insights
Current Market Data
Median Home Price: $292,400
Average Days on Market: 39 days
Annual Appreciation: 9.1% annually
Market Conditions: Strong family-oriented demand
Property Appeal: Recreation access premium
Area Characteristics
Entertainment: Professional baseball season (Apr-Sep)
Park Access: Winkler Park recreational facilities
Family Appeal: Youth sports and activities
Community Events: Stadium hosts various functions
Parking: Ample game day and event parking
Frequently Asked Questions
Does stadium proximity affect property values positively?
Yes, proximity to recreational amenities like professional baseball stadiums often enhances property values due to entertainment access and community pride. L.P. Frans Stadium provides affordable family entertainment and hosts various community events.
Are there noise or traffic concerns during baseball season?
Baseball games generate moderate, seasonal activity from April through September. Most residents appreciate the community atmosphere and limited schedule (typically evening games). Traffic is manageable with good parking facilities at Winkler Park.
What makes this area attractive for families?
The stadium area offers affordable family entertainment, Winkler Park recreational facilities, and strong community connections. Children enjoy the playground, merry-go-round, and youth baseball programs, creating a family-friendly neighborhood environment.
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Let Smith Realty Group help you discover family-friendly neighborhoods near L.P. Frans Stadium. Community living with recreational benefits and local charm.