New Mexico is known as the Land of Enchantment, and for baseball fans nothing is more enchanting than an afternoon or evening spent at ball park. That’s why visitors to the state’s largest city will want to take in the sights and sounds of Isotopes Park Albuquerque, a short drive from the convenient Fairfield Inn by Marriott Albuquerque Airport hotel.

The Isotopes are named are the radioactive versions of elements, a nod to New Mexico’s history as a site for nuclear research and development. The ‘Tropes are a minor league team for the LA Dodgers and play in the Pacific Coast League. The team’s 2010 season has been especially impressive, with the Dodgers calling up five players to the majors: pitchers Jon Link and John Ely, infielders Chin-lung Hu and Russ Mitchell, and slugger John Lindsey. Lindsey topped the PCL’s 2010 stats with a 3.53 batting average, his best in 15 years of minor league play.

As their teammates move up to the majors, the Tropes plan to uphold their topnotch performance for the coming season. Along with superb baseball, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy the Fun Zone, a carnival-like attraction featuring a playground, inflatable rides, a putting challenge, a lovely carousel and the Topes Tower. The Tower takes riders to the top for a spectacular view and then drops them back down for an exciting rush.

While some familiar faces are leaving Isotopes Park, two other familiar faces will be joining ‘Topes fans in Albuquerque: Homer and Marge Simpson! America’s favorite cartoon couple have been captured in life-size statues and will be available in the new season to greet visitors to the baseball stadium, as well as pose for pictures.

The statues owe their new home to the ingenuity of Isotopes General Manager John Traub and his wife Liz, who saw the bedraggled statues while they were in Los Angeles for the Dodgers’ 2009 playoff series against the St. Louis Cardinals. It took some negotiating and refurbishment, but Homer and Marge are now happily ensconced with other ‘Topes fans at the park.

Isotopes Park is situated on the corner of University Boulevard and Avenida Cesar Chavez in Albuquerque, only a short drive from the convenient Fairfield Inn by Marriott Albuquerque Airport hotel. In addition to its closeness to Isotopes Park and other attractions, the Fairfield Inn features the kinds of amenities that make anyone’s stay thoroughly enjoyable: complimentary high-speed Internet and wireless access in every room, hot continental breakfast, outdoor pool and spa, fitness center, in-room appliances such as coffee maker, refrigerator, microwave and a safe for valuables and a healthy, smoke-free atmosphere.

Yes, fun radiates far and wide from Isotopes Park Albuquerque and the close, comfortable Fairfield Inn by Marriott.

Planning a visit to Isotopes Park Albuquerque ? Get the low down on the best accommodation now in our Fairfield Inn Albuquerque Airport guide.