America’s favorite pastime is alive and well in Kansas’ largest city, Wichita. If you’re planning on going to an upcoming Wichita Wind Surge game at Riverfront Stadium and looking for things to do, places to eat and nearby hotels, you’ll find plenty of choices!

We’ve put together a list of suggested activities for enjoying the time before and after a game, all within walking distance of the stadium. Plus, we’re including a rundown of what to expect at the game.

Meet the Wichita Wind Surge!

Newly constructed Riverfront Stadium is home to the Wichita Wind Surge, the Double-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. They compete against teams such as Tulsa Drillers (Dodgers), San Antonio Missions (Padres) and Corpus Christi Hooks (Astros).

The Surge will open their fourth season on Friday, April 5 at home against the Frisco Roughriders. Weekday games begin at 7:05 p.m., with Saturday games starting at 6:05 p.m. and Sunday contests at 1:05 p.m. Gates usually open 60 minutes before first pitch but check windsurge.com to confirm gate times for your specific game. The regular season concludes with a six-game homestand that wraps up on Sunday, Sept. 15. See the full schedule here.

The Wind Surge are planning 13 fireworks dates, giveaways, a postgame concert, in-game promotional acts, Military Appreciation Night, and three Bark in the Park dates where fans can bring their dogs. Find all the fun details with their full promotion schedule.

With more than 9,000 parking spaces near the stadium and along a downtown shuttle route and free Q-Line, visitors can find ample parking for events. Please note: Riverfront Stadium operates as a cashless facility, including food/beverage, merchandise, tickets, and parking.

Explore Delano

Located along Douglas Avenue on the west bank of the Arkansas River and just a block away from Riverfront Stadium sits the Historic Delano District. Delano was established during the days of the Chisholm Trail cattle drives as a place for the cowboys to blow off steam after months on the route from Texas.

During the 1870s through 1880s, the cowboys who drove cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas on the Chisholm Trail would often find their so-called rest and recreation in Delano. Eventually incorporated into Wichita, Delano is now a thriving area with more than 250 businesses, including dining, shopping, and entertainment. You’ll find markers, monuments, and historic signage throughout the district honoring the area’s past.

Play

One of the most unique features of Riverfront Stadium is its location along the Arkansas River. Just north of the stadium is Boats & Bikes, which offers seasonal kayaking and other water activities such as pedal boats and stand-up paddleboards (SUP). From their dock, it’s easy to make your way to the Keeper of the Plains, which turns 50 this year, for a beautiful view.

You also can rent equipment right on the river.  Wichita Park & Recreation offers year-round self-service rentals of kayaks and kayak equipment. Or, join in a free Parkrun at Exploration Place on Saturday mornings.

Swing axes at targets in a friendly competition at Blade & Timber. Just across the street from the stadium, you can take advantage of public skate sessions on the indoor rink at Wichita Ice Center.
 

Indulge

If you’re looking for a bite to eat or a place to find a local brew, specialty drink or glass of wine, try Delano favorites including Alzavino Wine Tavern, Mokas Cafe, Monarch, NuWay Burgers and Pennant Coffee. Other eateries within Delano include Delano Barbecue Company, La Galette French Bakery, Milkfloat, Picasso’s Pizzeria, Reuben’s Mexican Grill, Shamrock Lounge, TJ’s Burger House, Vagabond Café and Yokohama Ramen Joint.
 

Relax

If a massage or body treatment sounds good, you won’t have to go far from the stadium. Bohemia Healing Spa uses natural and holistic methods of treatment, specializing in therapeutic massage, facials, waxing, and more. Further west on Douglas Avenue, The Health Connection is an alternative medicine and holistic healing store providing services ranging from yoga and guided meditation to Reiki touch therapy, ionic foot detox, and other treatments. There are also hair and nail salons in the district to pamper yourself.
 

Stay

If you want a convenient place to relax and stay overnight, check into Home2 Suites by Hilton Wichita Downtown Delano, Delano Bed & Breakfast or Waterwalk Wichita on the west side of the river, or just across the river from the stadium is Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview, Hyatt Regency Wichita or Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Wichita Downtown.

Shop

The Delano District is also a great area to shop for bath and body products, clothing, jewelry, home décor, snacks, and Wichita souvenirs, among many other items.

Visit Hatman Jack’s for a hat customized just for you by a team that has fitted the likes of Merle Haggard and Luciano Pavarotti. A couple of doors down, pop into Bungalow 26 for handmade goods for bath, body and home. All Things Barbecue has a wide selection of sauces and rubs, plus all the equipment you need to barbecue and enjoy outdoor living. Head to Fartleks for running shoes, clothes and accessories – or to order a delicious smoothie. Pick up Wichita flag swag including T-shirts and mugs at The Health Connection or Wichita Screen Printing. Walk along the sidewalks of Delano and you’ll discover even more shops, from Spektrum Müzik and What’s Brewin’ to Sweet ’n Saucy, which carries an assortment of candies, bottled soda pops and novelty socks.
 

Explore museums

The Wichita area is home to 50-plus attractions and museums. One you can find at Riverfront Stadium is the Wichita Baseball Museum, which features trivia and historical artifacts showcasing Wichita’s baseball history. Others like Wichita’s Museums on the River are within just a few miles of each other not far from the stadium.

Also within walking distance, you’ll find Wichita’s most iconic landmark: the Keeper of the Plains, which sits at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas rivers. Visit the Keeper during Daylight Saving Time between 9 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. and you can take in the “Ring of Fire” at the base of the sculpture.
 

Visit Wichita

Be sure to check out the Visit Wichita calendar of events to see what else is happening when you’re in town and download the latest visitors guide for even more ideas. For a complete guide of what to expect at Riverfront Stadium, take a look at this blog before your visit.