# Castle Field

Castle Field is a baseball stadium located in Anoka, Minnesota. It is primarily used for baseball, and has been the home ground for the Anoka High School, Anoka Bucs, Minnoka Grays and Cutter Post 102 since its opening in 2013.
== History ==
On July 25, 1950 the first game was played on Anoka’s lit baseball field located at Greenhaven Park. More than 1,200 people gathered in the stands and along the baselines to watch the games that evening. Two local peewee teams played the first game of the night, playing the last two innings under the lights. Two adult "townball" teams were the main event. It was Anoka vs. Nowthen.
Anoka was successful in building this field through community monetary donations and a donation of land from the Anoka American Legion. Baseball enthusiasts and City leaders worked together to build the “finest lighted field” in the state. The field was of a novelty design; being lowered an additional eight feet below the property’s original grade so that bleachers could be erected into the hillside. The bleachers wrapped around home plate extending down the baselines. Spectators were also able to watch the game from their cars with uninterrupted views from the parking lot.
In 1953 the field was renamed Castle Memorial Field after Willard E. Castle, an excellent baseball player, Veteran, and former employee of Anoka Electric. His memory lives on through all the boys and men that have played on this community ball field. The Castle family still lives in and around the Anoka area.
== New Castle Field ==
In 2009, the City staff began working with the Anoka American Legion, Anoka-Hennepin School District 11, City leaders, and members of Anoka’s baseball community to make this new field a reality. In 2012, the field was constructed and in 2013, the building which includes restrooms and concession room were added.
In addition to the name, the new Castle Memorial Field includes a 250-seat stadium bleacher with overhead canopy, press box, concession stand, and restroom facilities. Continuing Anoka’s tradition of a sunken field, the first row of bleacher seats are nearly eight feet above the field.
As a premiere ball field serving both youth and adults, Castle Memorial Field will fulfill the community needs of Anoka and surrounding cities for years to come.
== Events ==
Throughout its history, the venue has hosted numerous significant events, including hosting the Gopher Classic every summer. Numerous Sectional and Regional games. The 2022 35+ Minnesota State Tournament and the field has hosted the St.Paul Saints.
* Event 1 (Year)
* Event 2 (Year)
== Tennants ==
Anoka High School Tornadoes
Anoka Bucs
Minnoka Grays
Cutter Post 102
== Castle Field Association ==
The Castle Field Association (CFA) was formed prior to the construction of the new field. The specific purpose of this organization is to lessen the financial and labor burdens of the City of Anoka in the relocation, construction and maintenance of a city owned baseball facility commonly known as Castle Field. CFA is responsible for the operations and activities including plans for seasonal field usage such as managing the scheduling of practices, games and tournaments and setting fees for field rentals.