Ron Tonkin Field

Ron Tonkin Field. It is a professional baseball stadium located in Hillsboro, Oregon, and serves as the home of the Hillsboro Hops, a Minor League Baseball team in the Northwest League. The ballpark opened in 2000 and was renamed in 2013 to honor prominent local automobile dealer and philanthropist Ron Tonkin. With an intimate capacity of approximately 4,500, the venue is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and has become a central community asset in the Portland metropolitan area.

History

The stadium's development was spearheaded by the City of Hillsboro in partnership with Minor League Baseball to provide a permanent home for a relocated franchise, following the arrival of the Hillsboro Hops from Yakima, Washington. Originally known as Hillsboro Ballpark, it was constructed in 1999 and officially opened for play on June 20, 2000, with a game against the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes. In 2013, the naming rights were secured by the Tonkin family, leading to its renaming in honor of Ron Tonkin, founder of the Ron Tonkin Dealerships. This period also coincided with the team's affiliation shifting to the Arizona Diamondbacks, strengthening its ties to Major League Baseball.

Facilities and features

The ballpark features a classic, open design with views toward the Tualatin Valley and seating primarily consisting of chair-back seats and bleachers. The playing surface is natural Kentucky Bluegrass, maintained to professional standards. Key amenities include multiple concession stands offering local fare, group picnic areas, and a children's play zone. The stadium's intimate scale ensures close sightlines to the action, with the Hillsboro Hops bullpen situated along the baselines. A notable feature is the Gordon Faber Memorial plaza, honoring the former Mayor of Hillsboro.

Events and usage

Primarily hosting Hillsboro Hops home games from April through September, the stadium is the centerpiece of the Northwest League schedule. Beyond professional baseball, the facility is used for numerous community events, including high school baseball tournaments, charity fundraisers, and concerts. It has also hosted exhibition games and clinics involving players from the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. The annual Fourth of July celebration at the ballpark, featuring a post-game fireworks display, is a major local tradition drawing crowds from across Washington County, Oregon.

Management and operations

The stadium is owned by the City of Hillsboro and operated under a management agreement by the Hillsboro Hops franchise, which is owned by Short Season LLC. Day-to-day operations, including ticketing, concessions, and maintenance, are handled by the team's front office staff. The partnership with the Arizona Diamondbacks influences player development and operational standards. Key figures in its history include general manager K.L. Wombacher and longtime team president Mike McMurray, who have overseen significant fan experience improvements and facility upgrades.

Transportation and access

Located within the Hillsboro Stadium complex near the intersection of U.S. Route 26 and Southwest 206th Avenue, the ballpark is accessible by multiple modes of transport. Public transit is provided by TriMet bus lines and the MAX Blue Line, with a stop at the nearby Hawthorn Farm MAX Station. The venue offers on-site parking, with additional spaces available at adjacent Hillsboro School District properties on event days. Its proximity to Portland International Airport and major highways like Oregon Route 217 makes it a regional destination for fans from Beaverton and Portland.

Category:Baseball venues in Oregon Category:Hillsboro, Oregon Category:Minor league baseball venues