Dayton Dragons at Day Air Ballpark | Dayton

The Dayton Dragons are a highly successful Minor League Baseball team based in Dayton, Ohio, playing their home games at Day Air Ballpark. They are the High-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and are renowned for their exceptional fan experience and remarkable sellout streak.

The Dayton Dragons: A Story of Success

• Affiliation: The Dayton Dragons are the High-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, a relationship that has been in place since the team's inception in Dayton in 2000. This means that promising young players in the Reds' farm system often pass through Dayton on their way to the major leagues, including notable figures like Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Johnny Cueto, and Elly De La Cruz.
• History and Relocation: The franchise originally began in Rockford, Illinois, in 1988, undergoing several name changes (Rockford Expos, Royals, Cubbies, and Reds). In 2000, the team relocated to Dayton, bringing professional baseball back to the city after a 50-year absence.
• Longest Sellout Streak in Professional Sports: The Dragons hold an unprecedented record for the longest consecutive sellout streak in North American professional sports history. Since their inaugural season in Dayton in 2000, they have sold out every single home game. As of early 2025, this streak had reached over 1,573 consecutive games. This remarkable achievement underscores the team's strong connection with the community and the exceptional fan experience they provide.
• Attendance Leaders: The Dragons have consistently ranked among the top minor league teams in attendance across all levels of Minor League Baseball, often leading all Single-A teams and frequently being in the top 10 overall. In 2024, they had the third-highest attendance in MiLB, despite being a High-A team.
• Community Impact: Beyond baseball, the Dragons have played a significant role in the revitalization of downtown Dayton. Their presence has transformed the area into a hub of activity and economic opportunity. They are deeply involved in community programs, such as the "Hometown Heroes" program, which honors service members, and the "Home Run for Life" program, which recognizes children overcoming medical challenges.
• Ownership: The Dragons were recently sold in March 2025 to Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH), an organization that owns and operates numerous minor league clubs. However, the team will remain in Dayton, maintain its affiliation with the Cincinnati Reds, and the existing front office, led by President Robert Murphy, will continue to operate the club.

Day Air Ballpark: The Home of the Dragons

• Location: 220 N Patterson Blvd, Dayton, OH 45402, USA. The ballpark is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Dayton, easily accessible from Interstate 75.
• Capacity: Day Air Ballpark has a capacity of 7,230 stadium-style seats, with additional room for approximately 1,000 fans in the lawn areas, bringing the total capacity to around 8,200. It features two-deck seating, 29 luxury suites, and 3 party decks.
• Construction and Renovation: The ballpark broke ground in April 1999 and opened on April 23, 2000, as Fifth Third Field. The construction cost was $23.5 million. It was renamed Day Air Ballpark in January 2020 after Day Air Credit Union purchased the naming rights. The city of Dayton renewed the park's lease agreement until 2060 and has committed to securing financing for up to $4.5 million in improvements, including energy efficiency upgrades. Significant renovations have also occurred, including a new Kentucky Blue Grass playing surface and drainage/irrigation systems in 2011-2012, and major video enhancements in 2014-2015, including a large HD video board that was one of the clearest and largest in MiLB at the time.
• Amenities and Concessions: The ballpark offers a wide array of food and beverage options, including Donatos Pizza and Cold Stone Creamery. There are also gluten-free and vegetarian options, as well as specialty drink sections. Fans appreciate the reasonably priced food, beverages, and merchandise.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The Dragons prioritize a family-friendly atmosphere. Features like the "Great Clips Fun Zone" near the batter's eye cater to younger fans. After every day game, kids are often invited to run the bases, a popular tradition.
• Mascots: The team is well-known for its lovable green dragon mascots, Heater and Gem, who actively engage with fans. Another unique mascot is Roofman, who collects foul balls from the roof and throws them back into the stands as soft "softee balls."
• Accessibility: The ballpark is wheelchair accessible, with accessible parking and entrances, ensuring a comfortable experience for all visitors.

The Dayton Dragons and Day Air Ballpark represent a highly successful model for minor league baseball, combining competitive play with a focus on fan engagement, community involvement, and a top-notch ballpark experience.