SHADE GUIDE

Durham Bulls Athletic Park

Durham BullsMLB
American Tobacco Campus,
10,000 seats
0° orientation
Open Air
Built 1995
Durham Bulls Athletic Park stadium information: Home of the Durham Bulls in MLB. Located in American Tobacco Campus, with a capacity of 10,000 seats. The stadium has open air and faces 0 degrees. Built in 1995.

Overview

Durham Bulls Athletic Park (DBAP) is an iconic ballpark in downtown Durham, home to the Durham Bulls, Triple-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. Famous for its connection to the movie "Bull Durham," this ballpark sits in the heart of the American Tobacco Campus and celebrates Durham's rich tobacco heritage.

Stadium Highlights

  • Iconic connection to the movie "Bull Durham"
  • Located in historic American Tobacco Campus
  • Famous Blue Monster left field wall seating
  • 360-degree walkable concourse
  • Rich tobacco heritage and Bull City history

Unique Features

  • 32-foot high Blue Monster left field wall with seating
  • Bull sign modeled after the movie prop
  • American Tobacco Campus setting
  • All seats have extra width and cup holders
  • 95% of seats feature seat backs
  • Cashless facility with local food emphasis

Shade & Sun Protection Guide

Best Shaded Sections by Time

Morning Games

  • First base side sections 116-119
  • Covered sections 200-203

Afternoon Games

  • Third base side sections 100-104
  • Covered sections 204-208

Evening Games

  • Behind home plate covered sections
  • Blue Monster seating provides some relief

Shade Tips

  • Covered sections 200-208 provide best protection
  • Blue Monster seating gets afternoon shade
  • 360-degree concourse offers shaded walking
  • Evening games provide natural relief

Monthly Weather Patterns

April

67°F 65% 35% rain

Pleasant spring weather

Great conditions for any seating

May

75°F 70% 30% rain

Warm and comfortable

Consider covered sections for day games

June

83°F 75% 40% rain

Hot and humid

Covered sections highly recommended

July

86°F 78% 45% rain

Hot, humid with afternoon storms

Covered seating essential for comfort

August

85°F 78% 40% rain

Hot and very humid

Evening games much more comfortable

September

79°F 73% 30% rain

Warm but pleasant

Excellent conditions for all seating

Seating Guide

Premium Seating Options

Club Levels

Covered Sections (200-208)

Upper level with roof coverage

  • Weather protection
  • Premium views
  • Enhanced amenities
Blue Monster Seating

Left field wall seating

  • Unique experience
  • Above 32-foot left field wall
  • Great views

Seating Tips

Covered Sections 200-208

Best weather protection and comfort for hot/rainy days

shade

Blue Monster Seating

Unique experience above famous left field wall

experience

Accessible Seating

Available in sections 100, 103, 104, 116-122, 128, 130, 132, 134

accessibility

360-degree concourse

Can walk completely around field with continuous views

experience

Budget-Friendly Options

  • General admission sections
  • Outfield seating
  • Standing room areas

Food & Drink

Signature Items

  • Bright Leaf Hot Dogs
  • BBQ from Brookwood Farms
  • Local Durham specialties

Local Favorites

  • Brookwood Farms BBQ
  • Chick-fil-A (locally owned)
  • Mezcalito
  • Jimmy's Gourmet Popcorn
  • Loco Pops
  • Pie Pushers Pizza
  • Rita's Italian Ice
  • Two Roosters Ice Cream

Beer & Beverages

  • Foothills Beer Garden
  • Local craft selections
  • $5 tallboy specials on Tuesdays

Local breweries: Foothills Brewing, Local Triangle area breweries

Getting There

Address

409 Blackwell Street, Durham, NC 27701

Parking Options

North Deck

Distance: AdjacentPrice: $7✓ Covered✓ Shaded spots

Covered parking deck - no cash accepted, cards only

South Deck

Distance: AdjacentPrice: $7✓ Covered✓ Shaded spots

Convenient covered parking - cards only

East Deck

Distance: AdjacentPrice: $7✓ Covered✓ Shaded spots

Multiple deck options around stadium

Free Parking

Distance: 0.3-0.5 milesPrice: Free

Available for those willing to walk further

Alternative Transportation

Public Transit

  • Durham bus routes to downtown

Ride Share: Available with designated pickup areas

Game Day Tips

Cashless Facility

Only cards accepted throughout park - no cash

Blue Monster Experience

Unique seating above the famous left field wall

Theme Nights

Bull Durham movie nights and special promotions throughout season

Local Food Tour

Try Bull City Hospitality's local vendor selections

Typical Game Day Schedule

  • Gates Open: 1 hour before first pitch
  • First Pitch: Varies by game
  • Batting Practice: 1.5 hours before first pitch

Neighborhood: American Tobacco Campus

Located in downtown Durham's historic American Tobacco Campus, a revitalized tobacco warehouse complex with restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues.

Before the Game

  • American Tobacco Campus restaurants
  • Downtown Durham dining
  • Historic tobacco district exploration

After the Game

  • Campus bars and restaurants
  • Downtown Durham nightlife
  • Historic district attractions

Insider Tips

Pro Tips

  • Experience the Blue Monster seating for unique left field wall views
  • Take advantage of covered sections 200-208 for weather protection
  • Try the local vendors emphasized by Bull City Hospitality
  • Visit during Bull Durham movie theme nights for special atmosphere
  • Park in covered decks to avoid weather issues

Best Value

  • General admission for budget-friendly option
  • Tuesday tacos and tallboys promotion
  • Thursday dollar dog specials
  • Group packages for families

Hidden Gems

  • 360-degree walkable concourse with continuous field views
  • American Tobacco Campus historic architecture
  • Local Durham food vendors throughout park
  • Bull sign replica from the famous movie

Things to Avoid

  • Bringing cash - completely cashless facility
  • Large bags over 16x16x8 inch limit
  • Missing Wool E Bull's entertainment during games

Stadium History

Timeline

1995Durham Bulls Athletic Park opens
1988Movie "Bull Durham" brings national attention to team
1998Becomes Tampa Bay Rays affiliate
1992Wool E Bull mascot debuts
1913Team renamed Durham Bulls
1902Durham's first minor league team formed as Tobacconists

Stadium Traditions

Bull Durham Movie Connection

Ballpark celebrates its famous movie connection with theme nights and memorabilia

Tobacco Heritage

Honors Durham's historic role in tobacco industry

Bull Durham Mascot Race

Themed mascot races during games