Riverview Stadium is now called Alliant Energy Field
Riverview Stadium is now called Alliant Energy Field
Riverview Stadium is the home of the Clinton Lumberkings of the Midwest League. The Lumberkings are the Class A affiliate of the Montreal Expos.
I took a detour on my way to Davenport to see if I could gain entry to venerable old Riverview Stadium in Clinton. Now, I know the place is now called Alliant Energy Field, but that name is so ludicrously inappropriate for an old classic ballpark like this that I deny it. It is Riverview Stadium to me.
The first thing you notice upon approaching from the outside is the beautiful art-deco embellishments, especially rising above the area behind home plate. The exterior is painted in a bright, cheerful cream with dark red accents. A nice look for such a small, local ballpark.
Which is an interesting name, seeing as how you can't see the river. Possibly you can from the roof. In either case, it's near the river and that's good enough for me.
On the day of my visit, the ballpark was hosting a high school game between local rivals. The park was buzzing with dozens of fans.
This is a great old ballpark, simplicity itself. A covered grandstand sweeps from 1st base to 3rd base. Most of the seating is benches, some with backs, some without. The stands are so close to the field, you can hear the first baseman breathing.
This great little park really captures the feeling of small town baseball in middle America.
There is evidence of the Mississippi in the form of a riverboat, which can be seen beyond left center field. The ballpark appears to be in immaculate condition, both inside and out. Fresh paint was everywhere and it was clean.
This little gem looks like it could go on hosting class A baseball for another 60+ years with no problems at all.
These photographs were taken in May, 2002
Reader Comments
Clinton is doing major renovations to improve the playing surface and locker room facilities for the players. Quite a bit of stuff is being torn up, but the stadium itself will receive very little change. You can see what's happening at: http://www.lumberkings.com/alliant_energy_field_renovation.htm. By the way, the reason you can't see the river very well is because of a flood protection dike that was built after the Mississippi flood of 1965. I grew up in the area and I miss the view along the whole Riverfront Park which stretches 12 blocks to the south of the stadium.
- Howard, Clinton, Iowa (November, 2005)