SOMERSET PATRIOTS
TD Bank Ballpark
TD Bank Ballpark is the New York Yankees' Double-A affiliate — 40 miles from Yankee Stadium, in the Somerset Hills of central New Jersey, developing the Yankees pipeline in the state that connects New York City to Philadelphia. The Somerset Patriots were an independent league team before becoming the Yankees' affiliate in 2021, bringing a built-in fanbase to the biggest brand in professional baseball.
PHOTO: Jeffrey Hayes · CC BY 2.0
.jpg){kind=link}
Architecture & History
TD Bank Ballpark opened in 1999 in Bridgewater Township, New Jersey, purpose-built for the then-independent Somerset Patriots. Its design emphasizes fan comfort with wide concourses and excellent sightlines from every seat.
The Patriots joined the Yankees affiliate system in 2021, bringing MLB-affiliated baseball to central New Jersey. The ballpark's design by Clarke Caton Hintz blends contemporary amenities with a classic exterior aesthetic.
Located along the Raritan River with the Watchung Mountains as backdrop, TD Bank Ballpark benefits from one of the most scenic settings in the Eastern League. The surrounding area offers easy access from major New Jersey highways.
Build specs
- ARCHITECT
- Clarke Caton Hintz
- CAPACITY
- 6,100
- OPENED
- 1999
- SURFACE
- Natural Grass
- COST
- $17M
Statues & Exterior
EXTERIOR FEATURES
Watchung Mountain Views
Outfield
The Watchung Mountains rise beyond the outfield fence, providing one of the most scenic natural backdrops in the Eastern League.
Raritan Riverwalk
Beyond right field
A walking path along the Raritan River connects the ballpark to surrounding parks and residential areas.
Names & History
1999–2007
Commerce Bank Ballpark
Original name at opening.
2008–present
TD Bank Ballpark
After TD Bank acquired Commerce Bank.
The Food
New Jersey Tomato Pizza (Bar Pie Style)
New Jersey's bar pie tradition — thin-crust, low-profile pizza in a well-seasoned pan, cut into small squares.
New Jersey Tomato Pizza (Bar Pie Style)
Pizza stand — main concourse
New Jersey's bar pie tradition — thin-crust, low-profile pizza in a well-seasoned pan, cut into small squares.
Pork Roll Egg and Cheese on a Kaiser
Pork Roll stand — main concourse
The pork roll — Taylor Ham in North Jersey, Pork Roll in South Jersey — on a Kaiser roll with fried egg and American cheese.
Loaded NJ Italian Hot Dog
Italian hot dog stand
A deep-fried hot dog in pizza bread with fried potatoes, peppers, and onions — invented in Newark.
Fresh Jersey Tomato with Mozzarella
Premium stands (summer)
New Jersey produces more tomatoes per acre than any other state. July-August fresh Jersey tomatoes with fresh mozzarella.
Patriots Dog
Hot dog stands
Standard hot dog with New Jersey yellow mustard and available pork roll as a side.
The Beer
TD Bank Ballpark has the most diverse craft beer program in the Eastern League. New Jersey has more breweries per capita than any U.S. state.
Kane Brewing Company Head High IPA
Kane Brewing Company · Ocean, NJ
Kane Brewing is New Jersey's most critically acclaimed craft brewery — their Head High IPA and Sunday Morning Stout are among the most awarded beers produced in the state.
Carton Brewing Company Boat Beer
Carton Brewing Co. · Atlantic Highlands, NJ
Carton Brewing, from the Jersey Shore, makes Boat Beer — a crushable session ale brewed specifically for drinking on boats — and a lineup of NJ-centric craft releases.
Icarus Brewing Bees Knees
Icarus Brewing · Lakewood, NJ
Icarus Brewing, Ocean County's most celebrated craft brewery, brings their honey-influenced ales and IPAs to the Somerset market.
Bud Light
Anheuser-Busch
Volume beer throughout the NJ-NY market.
Sun & Weather Guide
northeast — Bridgewater NJ · Raritan River valley · 44 ft elevation
Central NJ — comfortable suburban evenings
TD Bank Ballpark evening games in the Somerset Hills are comfortable May through September. Central New Jersey summer evenings are pleasant.
NJ summer — mid-Atlantic heat and humidity
New Jersey summer afternoon games carry mid-Atlantic humidity. 90°F+ with humidity in July and August. Evening games preferred.
NJ shoulder seasons — mild and comfortable
Somerset spring and fall games are excellent. New Jersey's shoulder seasons produce ideal baseball weather.
40 miles from Yankee Stadium — same organization
TD Bank Ballpark is 40 miles from Yankee Stadium. The proximity to the parent club makes the prospect-watching experience uniquely compelling.
Insider Tips
The One Thing
Order the pork roll egg and cheese on a Kaiser and a Kane Brewing Head High IPA. The pork roll was invented in Trenton in 1856 and is the most specific New Jersey food available at any professional baseball game.
Yankees Proximity
Yankee Stadium is 40 miles north. Watch the Yankees' top Double-A prospects in an intimate park for $15-20, then drive to the Bronx for a Yankees home game the following day.
NJ Craft Beer Corridor
The Somerset-Hunterdon County craft beer corridor includes Kane Brewing, Carton Brewing, and several Somerset area breweries. New Jersey has more breweries per capita than any US state.
Parking Reality
TD Bank Ballpark has large surface parking adjacent to the stadium off Patriots Park Drive. Central New Jersey is entirely car-oriented. Parking is plentiful.
Best Value Seat
Third base lower grandstand — Raritan River visible to the right field side, afternoon shade develops from the grandstand, and well-priced Double-A tickets. Pork roll, Kane IPA, Yankees prospects.
Pilgrim Stops Near Bridgewater
Weird, wonderful, and worth the detour.
Campbell Soup Museum
Andy Warhol's soup can at the university next to the actual Campbell's factory.
Thomas Edison Laboratory
Edison's actual lab, with the Black Maria film studio and 10,000 books he read.
High Point Monument
New Jersey's highest point, topped by a 220-foot stone obelisk with three-state views.
Plan your pilgrimage
Every Park a Pilgrimage.
Plan a baseball road trip through Bridgewater and beyond.
Start Planning →