"In recognition of Modern Woodmen Park being named the nation’s 'Best Minor League Ballpark' in USA TODAY 10Best’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards, River Bandits owner Dave Heller announced Thursday that a 'Free Admission Day' is planned for Sunday, April 21.
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This year’s honor marks Modern Woodmen Park’s second USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Award after the ballpark earned the distinction in the publication’s last ranking in 2013. The accolade is just the latest for the historic venue that, since the Quad Cities franchise was purchased by Main Street Baseball in 2007, has been named one of the nation’s best by the likes of Bleacher Report, Ballpark Digest and Parade Magazine."
-Quad-City Times, April 12, 2024

"It's springtime and that means baseball and the opportunity to be reminded of the importance of sports tourism in the Quad Cities, specifically the gem that is Davenport's Modern Woodmen Park.
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That facility was recently selected for a second time as the nation's Best Minor League Ballpark by the readers of USA Today. It boasts the only double-decker carousel in baseball, its own cornfield (from which the players emerge each night), a 690-square foot 4k videoboard, 20 luxury suites, and five group areas."
-Quad Cities Regional Business Journal, April 1, 2024

"Modern Woodmen Park was just named by USA Today as the best minor league ballpark in America. Sitting on the banks of the Mississippi River with the Centennial Bridge as a backdrop, we love the park, its location and its history."
-Quad-City Times, March 31, 2024

"The home of the Quad Cities River Bandits will now feature a state-of-the-art LED lighting system. The new setup increases the light levels on the field by more than 40 percent and allows for better visibility for players, coaches, and fans, and increased quality of River Bandits MiLB.TV broadcasts."
-Quad-City Times, March 26, 2024

"The accolades kept rolling in: the Best Ballpark Amusement Ride nod from MiLB.com, the crown for Best of the Ballparks at the Class-A level by Ballpark Digest, and now the Best Minor League Ballpark in America. In the world of minor league baseball, Modern Woodmen Park is essentially the Beyonce of ballparks."
-Farm to Fountain, March 23, 2024

"Iowa is home to the best minor league ballpark in the country. Davenport's Modern Woodmen Park was voted as the No. 1 minor league baseball stadium in the country, beating out 10 other parks in a new survey by USA TODAY 10Best. This is the second year in a row Modern Woodmen has won best minor league ballpark from 10Best.

The stadium isn't just for baseball fanatics either. All ages who visit can be entertained with the mini amusement park featuring a giant Ferris wheel that looks over the river, kids roller coasters and the state's only double-decker carousel. Fans can sit on a green space that looks over the outfield in perfect range of catching home run balls. There is also a cornfield growing right inside the park that catches a few fly balls."
-Des Moines Register, March 22, 2024

"Modern Woodmen Ballpark has been named the "Best Minor League Ballpark" in America by USA Today 10Best for the second straight time in 11 years. The home of the Quad Cities River Bandits claimed the top spot among 20 ballparks up for consideration and was one of only four facilities that host Single-A or High A-level teams.

Built in 1931, Modern Woodmen Park is the fourth-oldest ballpark in Minor League Baseball and has been home to 10 affiliated Davenport-based clubs and hundreds of future Major League players. Since the Quad Cities franchise was purchased by Main Street Baseball in 2007, MWP has undergone several major renovations and numerous additions.

Previously, Modern Woodmen Park was named one of the nation’s best by the likes of Bleacher Report, Ballpark Digest, and Parade Magazine."
-Quad-City Times, March 21, 2024

"In 2021, the River Bandits became the first team in Midwest League history to win four championships in ten seasons (2011, 2013, 2015 and 2021) and were named Ballpark Digest's Minor League Baseball Team of the Year."
-Quad Cities Business Journal, March 4, 2024

"Built in 1931, Modern Woodmen Park is the fourth-oldest ballpark in Minor League Baseball. It has been home to 10 affiliated Davenport-based clubs. Hundreds of future Major League players have played there. Since the Quad Cities franchise was purchased by Main Street Baseball in 2007, the park has undergone major renovations. Additions include a 110-foot-tall Ferris wheel and an iconic amusement deck. It boasts the only double-decker carousel in baseball and other in-park amusements for fans.

Named one of the nation’s best by the likes of Bleacher Report, Ballpark Digest, and Parade Magazine, the ballpark also sports its own cornfield, a 690-square-foot 4K video board, 20 luxury suites, and five unique group areas."
-Quad Cities Business Journal, February 23, 2024

"A big congratulations to former River Bandit Joe Mauer. He's headed to Cooperstown, to the Baseball Hall of Fame. That's right, he started right here as a River Bandit back in 2002. He also had a remarkable career as a catcher with the Twins, winning three batting titles and an MVP Award. He spent 15 seasons in the majors but he got his start right here in the Quad Cities."
-WQAD-TV, January 23, 2024

"Work to bring the ballpark into compliance with new Major League Baseball standards, something that was a work in progress at the start of the 2022 season, has been completed. That includes the installation of a players-only parking lot located adjacent to the home clubhouse facilities underneath the stadium structure."
-Quad-City Times, April 6, 2023

"Modern Woodmen Park, the fourth-oldest ballpark in the minor leagues (built in 1931), lies on the banks of the Mississippi River, providing a perfect view of the river and the Centennial Bridge. In addition to baseball, this park also has amusement rides, with a Ferris wheel overlooking the mighty Mississippi, making it perfect for families."
-Iowa Starting Line, April 6, 2023

"Just over the horizon, as you watch the players, you can see the miniature amusement park that will enchant the youngest guests at the ballpark. This is a full-fledged carnival, complete with a vintage carousel and rides suited for both the littlest guests and the thrill-seekers in the crowd."
-Only In Your State, October 10, 2022

"As Dave Heller begins his 15th summer as the owner of the Quad Cities River Bandits, about the only thing that hasn’t changed since year one is a commitment to creating unique experiences for fans at Modern Woodmen Park.

“What I love is that we’ve brought things to the ballpark that nobody has ever done anywhere before,’’ Heller said. “We’ve given our fans unique and special experiences. We promised that from the beginning and we’ve made good on that, creating memories that will last a lifetime.’’

The installation of a Ferris wheel, a double-decker carousel, a kids’ coaster and other amusements have brought additional family fun to Midwest League games at Davenport’s riverfront ballpark.

Fans have participated in a variety of unique promotions as well. From candy and toys being showered onto the outfield from a passing helicopter to a circle of life promotion which gave away everything from baby supplies to a funeral, fans in the Quad-Cities have been treated to first-of-a-kind experiences."
-Quad-City Times, May 30, 2022.

"When Quad Cities River Bandits owner Dave Heller first heard about Major League Baseball’s plan to play a major-league game last season at the Field of Dreams movie site his first thought was how cool of an idea that was. His second thought was that having the River Bandits play there would be pretty neat, too. Heller’s dream turned into reality Thursday when Minor League Baseball announced that for one night in August, the Field of Dreams will become the home field for the Quad Cities’ Midwest League team. The River Bandits will host Cedar Rapids on Tuesday, Aug. 9, at the iconic site, playing on the major-league diamond adjacent to the Field of Dreams movie site near Dyersville, Iowa."
-Quad-City Times, April 21, 2022

"Fans can get pre-game autographs from the players and kids can run the bases after every Sunday home game."
-WQAD-TV, April 17, 2022

"The River Bandits are adding a colorful new uniform to its rotation this season that is meant to celebrate diversity and community. The goal is to make Modern Woodmen Park the most inclusive ballpark in the country. The ‘Bandidos del Rio’ logo includes the River Bandits mascot, Rascal, wearing a sombrero and multi-color bandana. In September, the jerseys will be auctioned off with the funds raised going to benefit a local charity serving the Latino community in the Quad Cities."
-KWQC-TV, April 14, 2022

"At the start of the season, the River Bandits unveiled upgrades to its in-game video production system... guests at River Bandits’ home games were treated to high-definition video and live in-game scoring graphics on the team’s state-of-the-art 42’ x 36’ video board and its new 7’ x 82’ ribbon board, each of which display 4K content. The team also enhanced the sound system throughout the ballpark and improved upon its fan experience with a new point of sale system at both concession stands and the team store."
-QuadCities.com, April 13, 2022

"Ballpark Digest, which chronicles the business and culture of baseball ballparks at every level of the game, has named the River Bandits as its national 'Team of the Year,' an award that was presented to Quad Cities owner Dave Heller during Tuesday’s home opener.... In addition to avoiding contraction as Major League Baseball reshaped the game at the minor-league level, cutting 40 teams, the River Bandits welcomed a new major-league affiliate in the Kansas City Royals and the move from Low-A to High-A baseball. The Bandits also navigated COVID-related restrictions, attracted more than 180,000 fans to a shortened 60-game home schedule, celebrated winning a league championship, and donated $600,000 to Quad-City area charities."
-Quad-City Times, April 12, 2022

"Next week will be the River Bandits' home opener at Modern Woodmen Park... we're Baseball fans and there's nothing like catching a ballgame by the river."
-Quad-City Times, April 9, 2022

"One thing has been apparent throughout Dave Heller’s 15-year ownership of the Quad Cities River Bandits. Bigger is better. This season, the River Bandits will give away pint glasses at each of the team’s 11 beverage nights; honor local first responders with a series of bobblehead giveaways honoring doctors, paramedics, nurses, firefighters and police; and host 13 fireworks displays.

Fans will also have a chance to receive replica River Bandits championship rings at a home game on July 2 and championship pennants at an April 30 home game. [Other] items to be given away over the course of the season include sunglasses, bucket hats, beach towels, aluminum water bottles, tumblers, mini fridges, prospect posters, pennants, clear tote bags, magnet schedules and freezers."
-Quad-City Times, March 19, 2022

"If there is one stadium to visit in Iowa, it is the Modern Woodmen Park in Davenport. The ballfield is home to the Quad Cities River Bandits. This stadium lies on the banks of the Mississippi River, providing a perfect view of the river and the Centennial Bridge jutting out into mid-right field.

In addition to baseball, this park also has amusement rides with a Ferris wheel overlooking the mighty Mississippi. The experience of baseball and rides at this stadium is the epitome of summer fun in the sun. The kids can play while the parents watch the ballplayers play.

Complementing the flawless stadium is the best name in baseball: River Bandits. Like their name, this team is great. The River Bandits are coming off their 12th league title in franchise history."
-Iowa Starting Line, March 17, 2022

"Over the last three decades, the club has produced some of the biggest stars in baseball while capturing four championships from 2011-21."
-MLB.com, January 3, 2022

"River Bandits owner Dave Heller sets the standard for minor league baseball with success on and off the field. Despite a global pandemic, the River Bandits remain one of Minor League Baseball's best organizations."
-WQAD-TV8, September 21, 2021

"Perhaps no park in the minors better combines elements of tradition and history with modern amenities than Modern Woodmen Park, nestled on the shores of the Mississippi River.... It is perhaps most famous for the stunning view of the Mighty Mississippi flowing beneath the iconic Centennial Bridge."
-Stadium Talk, August 13, 2021

"The Quad City area has a lot going on... The River Bandits' field, Modern Woodmen Park in Davenport, was voted the No. 1 minor league ballpark in the country."
-Peoria Journal Star, April 25, 2021

"We were gratified to see, as expected, that the Quad-Cities River Bandits were included among the 120 teams to be affiliated with Major League clubs beginning next season. The Bandits are now a part of the Kansas City Royals farm system, and the Midwest League, which will be downsized from 16 teams to 12 teams, will move from being a low-A league to being a Class A-Advanced league.

That’s good news for all of us in the Quad-Cities who love to go to Modern Woodmen Park and take in a game. And like many aspects of our lives, once the danger from this pandemic is past, we will be among the first to line up for a ticket next season.

A lot of credit for this goes to the ownership of the team. Dave Heller, the owner of the Bandits, is excited about the team's affiliation with the Royals, and we are too."
-Quad-City Times, December 12, 2020

"Davenport has hosted minor league baseball since 1879, and has been affiliated with a major league team continuously since 1937. Its stadium was built as part of the Depression-fighting Works Progress Administration in 1931 and regularly appears on lists of best baseball stadiums in America. Owner Dave Heller has sunk more than $7 million into stadium upgrades in the past decade and just last year was given an award for having one of the best playing surfaces in all of minor league baseball."
-Iowa City Press Citizen, February 25, 2020

"Heller's clubs all get high marks for fan fun, community involvement and charitable fundraising.... Heller goes to a lot of games, and he shakes hands with everyone who comes in and everyone who goes out."
-The Today Show, February 17, 2020

"Heller's River Bandits are key to Davenport's downtown renovations.... His club spends nearly $2 million annually with local vendors."
-Des Moines Register, February 13, 2020

"What the Quad-Cities has going for it is an owner who understands the 'game' and how it works.... Bandits owner Dave Heller is a forward thinker, arguably the most creative mind in Minor League Baseball. In his time owning the local club, Heller has met Major League Baseball at the front door, as he does fans each night at Modern Woodmen Park, in addressing the game's changes. Heller understands the need for enhanced video in his ballpark, so that each step, throw and swing can be analyzed by MLB data compilers. He knows his players must stay in first-class hotels on the road, and he must provide as much for clubs playing at Modern Woodmen. Heller knows improved nutritional needs must be met and maintained for his club."
-Rock Island Dispatch-Argus, November 24, 2019

"Thumbs Up to Genesis Health System and the Quad-Cities River Bandits, who earlier this month donated $100,000 to flood relief efforts."
-Quad-City Times, August 24, 2019

"The Quad Cities River Bandits, the Midwest League A-ball minor-league affiliate of the Houston Astros, features a "cornfield deck" in its ballpark so fans can commune with the ghostly players from Field of Dreams."
-Chicago Reader, August 13, 2019

"The new ribbon board being installed later this week will stand seven feet tall and 84 feet wide, which compares to the 6x72 board it is replacing.... The new video board replaces one that has been in place since 2011. The new board will measure 30x42 feet and will replace one that was 20x35 feet as well as a scoreboard that has been in place since 2004."
-Quad-City Times, July 28, 2019

"The Quad Cities River Bandits ballpark is getting an energy-efficient upgrade. The team has installed a small solar farm at Modern Woodmen Park.  The project includes 58 panels on the roof of the suite level and the panels are able to power the LED outfield lights, ultimately offsetting the electric usage.  The LEDs have brought the team's energy consumption down by 40% since they were installed in 2017."
-WQAD.com, June 12, 2019

"The Quad Cities River Bandits have partnered with Century Electric and Solar to add a small solar farm on the roof of Modern Woodmen Park. The 58-panel array, paid for without any city or state money, is located on the roof of the suite level on the third base side. It uses green energy to offset the entire annual electric usage of the new state-of-the-art LED outfield lights."
-Ballpark Digest, June 12, 2019

"Dave Heller relishes the chance to stand at the end of a makeshift ramp and greet fans as they enter Modern Woodmen Park."
-Quad-City Times, May 23, 2019

"The Quad Cities franchise is in a unique situation given the location of a ballpark that has been recognized as the best minor league stadium in the country."
-Quad-City Times, May 9, 2019

"Almost every list of the best, most picturesque minor league ballparks in the country includes the stadium now known as Modern Woodmen Park."
-Quad-City Times, May 4, 2019

"The Mississippi River that has long given Quad Cities fans one of the most picturesque views in baseball regularly escapes its banks during the spring. Because of that, the team and the city of Davenport, Iowa, have long planned for the possibility of flooding. Upgrades 15 years ago built a berm around the park that helps keeps the flood waters out. And with flood walls, the park remained dry throughout the flooding."
-Baseball America, April 18, 2019

"Perhaps no park in the minors better combines elements of tradition and history with modern amenities than Modern Woodmen Park, nestled on the shores of the Mississippi River. Opened in 1931, the stadium underwent a full-scale renovation in 2002 that produced 20 climate-controlled luxury seats, two picnic areas and a sports lounge. But it continues to retain some original signatures, including the classic brick facade. It is perhaps most famous for the stunning view of the Mighty Mississippi flowing beneath the iconic Centennial Bridge."
-Stadium Talk, March 1, 2019, "Best Minor League Baseball Ballparks"

"In a ballpark already known for a Ferris Wheel and other amusements, it takes a lot to stand out. The Quad Cities River Bandits added another set of unique amusements to Modern Woodmen Park, earning Ballpark Digest’s 2017 Award for Best Ballpark Improvement Under $1 Million."
-Ballpark Digest, October 24, 2017

"The Quad-Cities River Bandits have been selected by their peers in the Midwest League as its nominee for the John H. Johnson Presidents Award, the top team honor presented by Minor League Baseball annually at baseball’s winter meetings. The award is presented to a “complete baseball franchise that demonstrates stability and significant contributions to its community, league and the baseball industry.’’ The recognition comes one year after the River Bandits’ parent organization, Main Street Baseball, was named the sport’s Organization of the Year by Ballpark Digest."
-Quad-City Times, October 16, 2017

"Average annual paid attendance has jumped 63 percent at River Bandits games decade over decade since Heller took ownership [and] he has poured substantial cash into charity and college scholarships."
-Quad-City Times, October 1, 2017

"Heller is looking to give families reasons to patronize the park throughout the year."
-Quad-City Times, October 1, 2017

"Thank you to the River Bandits players, coaches and organization for an amazing summer and unexpected ride that ended, improbably, in a championship. We now prepare, as the great Rogers Hornsby did at the close of baseball season each year, to “stare out the window and wait for spring.”
-Rock Island Dispatch-Argus, September 19, 2017

"Thumbs up to the Quad Cities River Bandits.... It's been a good year for the Houston Astros' class A affiliate. And the Bandits have succeeded even as talent came and went."
-Quad-City Times, September 16, 2017

"Since completing a purchase of the team after the 2007 season, Heller and Main Street Baseball have presided over the River Bandits. Changes to the fan experience at Modern Woodmen Park have not gone unnoticed over the years, as the team has added a variety of amusements to the facility–and could add more down the road–while introducing some unique traditions, including the Mega Candy Drop."
-Ballpark Digest, August 31, 2017

"From the amusement rides that attract people well into fall during a farmer’s market in an adjacent parking lot to the receptions and meetings which take place in and out of baseball season, Modern Woodmen Park has become a year-round destination for Quad-City area residents."
-Quad-City Times, August 30, 2017

"If you go to a River Bandits ballgame, you’ll find there’s something for everyone. If you’re a baseball purist, the River Bandits are contending for a Midwest League title this year. If you’re out with the family, there’s something for everyone, ranging from the amusements, to the food, to the game."
-Ballpark Digest, August 25, 2017

"Complete with a Ferris wheel as well as a handful of other rides and attractions, Davenport's Modern Woodmen Park is a fantastic place to see a baseball game."
-Quad-City Times, July 22, 2017

"We should be applauding Heller for thinking outside the box in his quest to make Modern Woodmen Park a destination for families and kids in addition to hard-core baseball fans. Outside the box is never a bad thing."
-Quad City Times, June 15, 2017

"Since Dave Heller took over ownership of the ball club that calls Modern Woodmen Park home, there's been a lot more fun on and off the field."
-Quad-City Times, June 4, 2017

"Heller now owns the Quad City Bandits, as well as three other teams.... His ownership group Main Street Baseball was named “organization of the year” by Ballpark Digest. He’s in the midst of donating $250,000 in the Quad Cities area to fund a neonatal intensive care unit. He gives away more than $85,000 in scholarship money. He installed the first in-park Ferris wheel in minor-league history. Helicopters hover over his stadiums and drop candy onto the field as children scream “look at the candy! Look at the candy!”
His stadiums attract everyone – not just baseball fans. They’re destinations for fun in spring, summer and fall."
-Evansville Courier-Press, April 29, 2017

"Preparing for his 10th opening day as the owner of the Quad-Cities River Bandits, Dave Heller and the staff of the Midwest League club continue to keep their eyes on the fan experience at Modern Woodmen Park."
-Quad-City Times, April 2, 2017

"Creativity and innovation have never been an issue for the Quad Cities River Bandits, who celebrate their 10th year of ownership by Main Street Baseball."
-Quad City Times, March 17, 2017

"The Quad Cities franchise, in Davenport, Iowa, is a shining example of all the best of minor league baseball."
-Lowell Sun, June 11, 2016

"Modern Woodmen Park is home of the Quad Cities River Bandits, the Class A affiliate of the Houston Astros. It's a baseball stadium dressed up as an amusement park. They serve food at Modern Woodmen: vittles that rock. Stuff good enough to make you loosen your belt and look for an afternoon nap."  
-Rock Island Dispatch-Argus, April 10, 2016

"The local baseball franchise never has been healthier and more vibrant than it is right now. Heller knows what he's doing."
-Quad-City Times, November 17, 2015

"Solid management, great facilities and loyal fans for the Quad Cities River Bandits all contributed to Quad Cities' rise to the top."
-Quad City Times, August 21, 2015

"Over at Modern Woodmen Park, Dave Heller leads an organization that has given fans plenty to shout about on the field and lots to entertain them off it, drawing record-setting crowds to the highly-decorated best minor league ballpark in America."
-Rock Island Dispatch-Argus, August 18, 2015

"America's hottest hot spot for Minor League Baseball is just west of Chicago in the Quad Cities."
-Chicago Business Journal, August 17, 2015

"There’s a ballpark in Iowa where the players emerge from a cornfield and step out onto the diamond. And as you sit down the right-field line, in the shadow of the majestic Centennial Bridge, and you watch the lights from the 110-foot-tall Ferris wheel in left field reflect off the adjacent Mississippi River, you can almost hear James Earl Jones’ voice beckoning you."
-Sports Business Journal, August 17, 2015

"Modern Woodmen Park has become a destination even when there's no baseball being played. So the Ferris wheel is open [Thursday through Sunday] when the Bandits are out of town."
- River Cities Reader, August 8, 2015

"In the Quad Cities, Main Street Baseball has developed a reputation for aggressively making improvements to 83-year old Modern Woodmen Park."
-MiLB.com News, January 5, 2015

"Heller ... revived a dormant franchise in Davenport, Iowa, using energy, flair and creativity."
-Billings Gazette, December 24, 2014

"It’s hard to argue with the success that Heller and his team have brought to minor league baseball here. We’re seeing solid baseball, an affiliation with the Houston Astros and its excellent farm system, fun promotions, scholarships to Quad-Cities students and an opportunity for summer employment for many."
-Quad-City Times, August 1, 2014

"Heller and his management team have done a terrific job of building on the great family entertainment venue in what’s been described as the “Best Minor League Ballpark in America.”
-Quad-City Times, August 1, 2014

"One of the largest video boards in baseball, an outfield ribbon board, outfield party decks, a new entry plaza and the suite-level sky deck are among improvements at the ballpark in recent seasons, many cooperative efforts between the City of Davenport, which owns the stadium, and the River Bandits organization."
-Quad-City Times, May 17, 2012

"For an older venue, Modern Woodmen Park features many of the newer amenities along with original features of the park that give it a beautiful retro feel....Ballpark Digest, one of the leading websites for the ballpark industry, gave Modern Woodmen Park the Best Ballpark Improvement Award in both 2008 and 2009."
-Bleacher Report, September 9, 2011

"The integration of the old with the new makes Modern Woodmen Park one of the nicest ballparks in the minors. With the Mississippi River sitting directly behind the center and right field fence, it is a ballpark Mark Twain would have loved. He could have parked his raft and walked about 200 feet to a gate behind first base and taken in a game."
-Ballpark Digest, September 2, 2010

"In the first year under Heller’s ownership, the club’s 53 percent increase in attendance over 2007 was the largest nationally in minor league baseball."
-Quad-City Times, February 1, 2009