Overview
Batter up at Portside. While most sports bars are happy with patrons simply watching their games of choice over a few drinks and a bite to eat, The Ballpark wants Brisbanites to get swinging. There's bats. There's plates to step up to, too. And when you have a slug, you'll be doing so in a batting cage.
As well as screening plenty of sports, The Ballpark Portside lets you play baseball via its three interactive simulators. The venue advises that they're an Australian first, expanding the usual lineup of bar pastimes — because playing pool and darts is also on the agenda here. Think of it as a cross between a sports bar and the growing range of watering holes with things to do other than drink (a trend that Brisbane is mighty fond of, with the axe-throwing joints, boozy mini-golf havens, challenge-room spots and more across the River City to prove it).
Open from Saturday, September 7, The Ballpark Portside has taken over a 450-square-metre space, which can welcome in 200 folks at once. Both local and international sports grace it screens, while its food and drink menu pairs tap beers, cocktails, wine and Seven Miles coffee with bagels from its Short Stop Cafe by day, and also with burgers from fellow American-themed Portside newcomer Dumbo when it opens.
If hitting the batting cages sounds like a group activity, that's firmly on offer, including for events — and you can even book out the entire place for parties.
"As lifelong sports fans, we wanted to bring that same energy and excitement to Brisbane," explains Ashley Johnson, one of the three Brisbane construction professionals — and fans of sport — behind The Ballpark Portside alongside Ben Holcroft and Jack Jones.
"We've created a space that's an authentic sports bar experience-meets-immersive gaming that really celebrates America's sporting culture, whilst still embracing Aussie sports. The Ballpark will be a community hub where fans, friends and families come together to celebrate the love of sports and good times."
Add it to the increasing list of new venues that are helping to revamp Portside Wharf. The current $20-million makeover has also seen Rise Bakery, Fosh, Rosé Gelateria and Birds Nest Yakitori join the Hamilton precinct in 2023, with gastropub Portside Social, Italian restaurant Sbagliata and French brasserie Mademoiselle also on the way — plus Dumbo.
Find The Ballpark Portside at Portside Wharf, 39 Hercules Street, Hamilton, from Saturday, September 7, 2024 — open 10am–10pm Sunday–Thursday and 10am–12am Friday–Saturday. Head to the venue's website for more details.