Miller Park

Milwaukee Brewers, National League

9/10

The brick facade pre-game in 2017.

                                       

The Blue Jays celebrate a getaway day win

The interior looking in towards home, also in 2017.

I swung through Milwaukee for the first time in 2012 after driving from Indiana, back through Chicago(and it`s total gridlock) and up in time for a Saturday night game against the Washington Nationals. The gates opened pretty early, which gave me time to have a look around. The stadium is one of the few newer parks with a retractable roof, similar to Seattle`s Safeco Field or Marlins Park in Miami. I've heard complaints that it is somewhat cavernous, but I honestly enjoyed my visit.

I was looking forward most of all based off my multiple visits to Maryvale Ballpark, the Brewers' spring home. Maryvale has some of the best food and atmosphere you'll find anywhere and the Brewers home field is much the same. People were tailgating on a hot Saturday afternoon in the nearby parking lots and had clearly driven from all over the state to take in the game (as evidenced by stadium cups lying around at a rest stop a few hours away after the game).

The food at Miller was pretty good I have to say and by food, I mean Brats. You must have a Bratwurst at either Miller Park or Maryvale, they're easily the best at any ballpark anywhere. People also enjoyed their beer at Miller, I can't remember if I had one here, but Leinenkugel's is a favourite of mine from Spring Training that's popular in Wisconsin.

The game itself was Negro League night, with the Brewers taking on the colours of the Milwaukee Bears and the Nationals the Homestead Grays. I enjoyed it pretty thoroughly, people were into it and just seemed to really enjoy being there. I thought Miller did a relatively decent job of being an outdoor park with the roof open. Now, Safeco Field is still the best in that regard and I think Phoenix does better too, but Milwaukee is ahead of Toronto in this category for sure.

The only real drawback to my trip to Miller Park was the Parking. Getting in was easy. Getting out was almost an hour. Showing up early punishes you in the end. Also, leaving the game, Milwaukee had to be the most intoxicated crowd I've ever been around. Even getting out of the parking lot was an adventure, as a drunk thought he'd assist me in getting out by standing in front of me and giving me hand signals(not that hand signal, but still). Overall, I'd say Miller Park is slightly above average, the Brewer fans are some of the most fun to watch a game with anywhere and combining that with the food, I would absolutely go back to Miller Park. I likely will if I go back to Wrigley again in the near future.

Update 2016: This place could maybe factor into my summer travel plans. Looking back on it almost 4 years after the fact, the question is, if the atmosphere and food were both good points, why isn't Miller Park a 9 under the new rating system? I have no good answer for this. I have upgraded the rating here from 8 to 9.

Update 2026: This is now American Family Field as of 2020. I did make it back here in 2017, which means I finally have pictures to upload after my Camera ran away in 2012. It was a getaway day versus the Toronto Blue Jays, with a drive south to Beloit for a minor league doubleheader immediately after. Jose Bautista hit one off the underside of the scoreboard and Ryan Goins hit a grand slam as the Jays took it 8-4. This stadium is very enclosed with the high glass, but I do like this park. The Brewers recently agreed with the state government to upgrade the stadium, to keep the team here. Milwaukee's already lost big league baseball once and thankfully, it won't be happening again anytime soon.

Linescore
2012-07-28 
                        123     456   789     R H E
Washington       000    310    000    4 11 0
Milwaukee         000    100    000    1  6  0
Temp: 76F    Time: 2:41 Att: 41,890

2017-05-24

                       123   456  789   R H E

Toronto           000  215   000   8 10 0 

Milwaukee      001  003  000    4  5 0

Temp: 65F  Time: 2:51 Att: 26,607

AT&T Park

San Francisco Giants, National League

9/10

 

I replaced my exterior photo from 2013, with one from 2016 that's only a little better....

The view from the upper deck prior to a game at the 2013 World Baseball Classic.

The seats begin to fill for a late preseason game between the A's and Giants in 2016.

San Francisco marks the final of the 75 parks that I posted on the initial run through the blog, which took from July 2013 to February 2016, so about 2 and a half years, which is truly incredible looking back. At any rate, I saved a good one for the last one.

This place replaced the oft-maligned Candlestick Park and as if by magic, the Giants, who contemplated leaving the bay area a few times, saw their attendance slightly more than double. It was telling when I was in Oakland one night and the 1st place A's drew 18,000 and the last place Giants drew over 40. The reason, besides the much better, more accessible location is that the place is just a total gem. I have been here 5 times now, I went in 2009 to watch the Giants take on the Diamondbacks, then in 2013 for the two semifinals and final of the World Baseball Classic, then again in 2014, when me and my ladyfriend saw them play the Phillies. In all but the first game, I sat in the upper deck, which I highly recommend here, as there's a nice view of the bay that you can't really see from the ground floor. This park by the bay is well laid out, with the stereotypical redbrick exterior, but nestled in just the right spot. It's easily accessed by the Muni streetcar, or Caltrain from points south. The BART only runs to the area of the ferry building, so you'll need a transfer(or walk) the rest of the way. I drove straight here my first game and parked in a lot next door for 25 dollars(reminder: this was in 2009), which is particularly expensive, hence most people taking transit.

The 2nd neat thing here is the atmosphere. Giants fans love their baseball and after a few games in previous days with few people, or few interested people in attendance, it was great to see. People knew their players and were pretty vocal in their support of the team, which made the game that much more enjoyable.

The food here is pretty varied, with numerous options, including of course, the local "Anchor Steam" beer, which is an acquired taste, but I do like it. I was all ready to give it flying colours too, but I don't remember a whole ton about it, other than it being passable, so no points here. I did have a cheeseburger on one occasion and perhaps clam chowder another time, but I remember little else.

Overall, a tremendous park with a tremendous atmosphere. Not many memories about the food though and I could use a better shot of the entrance, so....9/10 for now. I may be back here in around a month, so I will take care of both issues then.

Update 2026: Well! The blog now has 113 stadiums this time through. San Francisco is the last one I've added linescores for. I've now been here seven times. Three MLB games, one exhibition and three games from the 2013 WBC. As of 2019, this is now called Oracle Park. Even just today a friend sent me a "top ten" list of parks and this one was on it(in 2nd!). 

Giants attendance has finally started to dip after years averaging over 40 thousand.  There's been no talk that I've seen about the Giants doing any major renovations, or looking to leave. It's the park they need, in a decent spot, so why do anything? This one could be up for a redo here soon. For now, it's still a 9.

Linescores

2009-08-27

                         123   456   789  R  H  E

Arizona            310   041   002  11 15 2

San Francisco  000   000   000   0  5   1

Time: 2:55 Temp: 70F Att: 28,575

2013-03-17

                      123  456  789  RHE

Puerto Rico   100  000  200  390

Japan             000  000  010  161

Time: 3:27 Temp: 55F Att: 33,683

2013-03-18

                                     123  456  789  RHE

Netherlands                  100  000  000  141

Dominican Republic    000  040  000   490

Time: 3:09 Temp: 57F Att: 27,527

2013-03-19

                                   123 456  789 RHE

Puerto Rico                000  000  000 030

Dominican Republic  200  010  00x  381

Time: 3:06 Temp: 58F   Att: 35,703 

Dominican Republic Wins the 2013 World Baseball Classic

2014 -08-15

                        123 456 789 10 R H E

Philadelphia     000 010 020 2  5 7 0

San Francisco  000 300 000 0  3 11 0

Time: 3:36 Temp: 60F  Att: 41,425

2016-03-31 

                        123  456 789  R H E

Oakland            000  000 100  1 3 2 

San Francisco  000  111  000  3 10 0

Time: 3:00  Temp: N/A  Att: 41,241

Exhibition-Spring Training

2016-05-09 

                            123  456 789  RHE

Toronto               102  000  000  370

San Francisco     000  001  000  140

Time: 2:52 Temp: 57F Att: 41,256

Surprise Stadium

Texas Rangers, Kansas City Royals (Spring Training)

9/10

The third base gate is used more for leaving than entering, the front door isn't much more notable.

The view from behind home plate for 2011 Fall League action.

The view from centre field shows the grandstand, press boxes and a bit of the 2nd level seating.

I first came here in 2010 for a Cactus League contest and as of 2015, have been a total of 7 times, for 6 Cactus League games and one Fall League game in 2011, which featured a young Bryce Harper.

As the name suggests, the park is in the Phoenix suburb of Surprise, about 40 minutes northwest of downtown. The Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers have been training here since 2003. 2005 saw Golden League baseball here as well, with the Surprise Fightin' Falcons lasting just the one season. It's more of an AAA style ballpark than one of the bigger stadiums built lately. It's pretty well laid out, with a ton of shade in the infield, a pretty wide concourse, that is a little dark, but nothing too wild. The two sections of upper deck seating are popular and are well shaded with a good sight line. The quirkiest plus of the park is the unique design of the roof, which has circle-shaped depressions in it to stop foul balls from rolling back down and landing on spectators. 

Concessions here are pretty good too, embracing the local tastes of the two teams. Kansas City naturally features BBQ, which in this case, meant a pulled pork sandwich. I believe that Tex-Mex also featured prominently, as do usual ballpark favourites.

Atmosphere here is subdued, rarely crowded, but always interested in the action on the field. There's no mascot or promotions as far as I can remember.

Overall, I am generally so engrossed in enjoying a game and the experience that I remember little else about it. This is among about 5 parks in the Cactus League that I would go to anytime, just a very enjoyable ballpark. A point for concession, plus a half point for the park and atmosphere gives it a 9.

Update 2026: Both the Royals and Rangers have been in Surprise for over 20 years now. There are some Facebook photos of the field itself being renovated in 2019, but I can't see anything more obvious. I have a total of 6 Cactus League and one AFL game here. I've added the scores as best I can.

Linescores

2010-03-25

                       123 456  789  RHE

Seattle            031  200 100 7

Kansas City   101  000 105  8

Time: N/A Temp: N/A Att: 4,510

2011-10-05                           R

Scottsdale Scorpions            1

Surprise Saguaros                10

2012-03-31

                         123  456  789   RHE

Arizona             101  040 400   10 

Kansas City       100 000  110   3

Time: N/A Temp: N/A Att: 5,997

2013-03-24

                       123  456 789  R H E

Cincinatti        000  000  020  2 5 0

Texas               100  200 04x  7 12 0

Time: N/A Temp: N/A Att: 7,117

2013-03-28

                       123   456  789  R H E

Arizona            000  040 401  9 11 3

Texas                100  000  101  3 7 3

Time: N/A Temp: N/A Att: 7,269

2014-03-22

                       123  456  789  R H E

Texas              000  000  130  4 9 0

Kansas City    050  020  01x  8 11 0 

Time: 2:42 Temp: N/A  Att: 9,341

2015-03-21

                     123  456  789   R H E

Milwaukee   120  003  600   12 19 0

Texas           000  010 100    2  7  0

Time:  N/A  Temp: N/A  Att: 8,027

Camelback Ranch

Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox (Spring Training)

9/10

Crowds line up at automated kiosks to print their tickets.

Another clear day in Glendale.

I made sure to go out into left field to get a shot on my first trip here.

This place is the spring home of both the LA Dodgers and Chicago White Sox. The Dodgers were coaxed west from their longtime spring home in Vero Beach, Florida and the White Sox left Tucson to join them here. It is technically just inside the city limits of Phoenix, but is on land owned by the city of Glendale, which is also the home of the NFL Cardinals and formerly the NHL Coyotes.

The stadium is visible from nearby Camelback Road and has a pronounced western theme, starting with the name, which is historically the name for the land and continuing with the rustic looking wood finish on the press boxes. This is definitely one of the new breed of Cactus league parks, which are more than just AAA calibre parks that host 20ish games a spring. It compares somewhat to Cubs Park or Salt River I have now been here a total of 7 times, 6 Cactus League and 1 Fall League game, so it's a place that I'm becoming familiar with, which is great, because there's lots to like.

Firstly, this place actually captures the possibilities of building a unique new park. There's no park you can point at and say it looks like Camelback Ranch, because there's not one. The theme of the architecture, wide open concourses, that somehow always seem to feature a gentle breeze on a hot day, some shade, some sun, lots of good places to stand, there's not much about the place to dislike. Parking is still free, egress is easy before the game, as long as you're 20 minutes early. Leaving can be a bit of a hangup, but traffic control here is good too, so it's not as long as it ought to be.

Food here is also good. The Dodgers naturally have the Dodger Dog on feature, but there's Vienna Beef for the Southsiders as well. There are some specialty places, but I haven't tried anything besides pizza and dogs here.

Atmosphere is pretty good too. There used to be disastrous sellouts here, with large crowds. My stepfather was even more averse to big crowds than me, so we'd usually head for Goodyear, Surprise or Maryvale. When we finally went in 2012, we both really liked it, the crowds for Dodger games are a little bigger, but only so much. The White Sox crowds are just fine, at around 6,500 or so.

Overall, this place is at the cutting edge of the newer spring parks and in the west valley, is always a good option to take in a game. I give it an extra point for the food and half points for atmosphere and the park. 9/10.

Update 2026: It has been 10(!) years since I posted about this place. I wasn't even putting up linescores then, so I've done my best to dig them up. I have been to six Cactus league games and one fall league game here, but nothing since 2015. The Cactus league website points out that for 2026, the White Sox saw the biggest increase in spring attendance in Arizona. There have been some minor renovations, such as the adding of some sun shades on the first base side, but nothing major. It appears both the Dodgers and White Sox are still satisfied with this park and aren't intending on moving anytime soon. I visited the Triple-A stadium in Omaha in 2022, and despite not being from the same architect, I found the seating bowl layout very similar. I would recommend to anyone headed to Arizona for Spring Training, but would suggest White Sox tickets are likely the cheaper bet.

Linescores

2012-03-22    

                       123   456   789   R

Kansas City    010   010  200  4

Chicago(AL)   400   061  23x 16

Time: N/A Temp: N/A  Att: 4,942

2012-03-26

                             123   456  789  R

Chicago(AL)         021   000  000  3

Los Angeles(NL) 000    021  001 4

Time: N/A/  Temp:  N/A Att: 5,816

2013-03-21

                       123   456  789  R H E

Milwaukee       101   001  000  3 5 2

Chicago(AL)   322   001  00x  8 13 1

Time: N/A  Temp: N/A  Att: 6,916

2013-03-25

                                123   456  789  RHE

Los Angeles(AL)      024   000  014  11

Chicago(AL)            001  000   022  5

Time: N/A Temp: N/A Att: 8,911

2015-03-23

                               123   456  789  R H E

Arizona                   100   003  000  4 6 1

Los Angeles(NL)     002  200   03x  7 11 0

Time: N/A  Temp: N/A  Att: 8,525

2015-03-25

                            123  456  789 R H E

San Diego            002  210  000 5 9 2

Los Angeles(NL)  203  211  00x 9 14 1

Time: Temp: Att: 8,363

2015-11-19                   RHE

Surprise Saguaros         1

Glendale Desert Dogs   4

Time: N/A Temp: N/A Att: N/A

Chase Field

Arizona Diamondbacks, National League

9/10

Despite being here a few times, I never got a good shot of the outside.

Looking in, you can see how it looks a bit like a permanent dome.

Looking out, it's a whole different story.

Chase Field is a favourite of mine, for a lot of reasons. Right in the middle of the "Stadium District" in downtown Phoenix, right across the street from what is now the Gila River Arena, it's part of a downtown that has signs of life outside of banker's hours. There's tons of parking, right across the street from the Arena is my favourite. Light rail runs right past the venue and the freeway system for the whole area points right at downtown. I did 6 years of Cactus League baseball in the area as well, so I know it well and have lots of memories here.

This is a retractable roof ballpark with some retro-modern elements, like those dark green seats and wide open concourses with polished concrete. I did two games in here in 2011, Game 162 versus the Dodgers, where I spent most of the night watching the out of town scoreboard to see if I needed to leave for Texas or not, a 2nd Division series game against the Brewers where Paul Goldschmidt cleared the bases with a grand slam off Shaun Marcum, then a spring training game in 2013 against the Reds, and two more that September against the Blue Jays, for a total of 5 times.

For those of you that don't like domes, I have news, Phoenix has to have one. The days I went to see them play the Blue Jays, the mercury sat at 41 degrees Celsius(105 F). 41! In the middle of the summer, it can go even higher, so unless you want a repeat of the Houston Colt 45s playing in oppressive heat all season, this is the way to go. I did see a game with the roof open and it was about as good as can be, especially with the large panels along the exterior wall facing the outfield that will open up as well. I'd give it a half point as it succeeds a little better than other retractable roof parks in resembling an open air park when the roof's open.

The atmosphere here is a little above average, the game versus the Dodgers was a little quiet, as the D-Backs had already locked up the division, but the playoff atmosphere was raucous to say the least. Baseball is probably 3rd most popular around here as the Suns and especially the Cardinals are also on people's radars around Phoenix.  I'd still say the fans here are slightly above average as far as being into the game.

The big plus here is the food, there are Fatburger stands all over the park and as much as I like it, I haven't eaten at one of them yet. The pizza stand features the triple threat pizza, which might be the best pizza outside of Chicago, that I've ever had at a game. Cold stone creamery and I believe some subway rounds out the selection, which is very broad. There isn't really a food item that screams Phoenix, but a good selection of good options more than made up for it.

Overall, if you're looking for a place to cool off in the midst of a brutal Phoenix summer, look no further. A 9/10 from me.

Update 2023: I have not been here in nearly 10 years, but the layout of the park has not changed much at all. There's been nothing I've seen regarding a replacement, even as it is about to enter its 25th MLB season. It's served it's purpose well.

Linescores

2011-09-28

                             123   456  789   R H E

Los Angeles(NL)   101  201 200  7 12 0 

Arizona                 000  000  005 5 7 0

Time: 2:47  Temp: 94F(Roof Closed)  Att: 41,791

2011-10-04

                      123     456     789   RHE

Milwaukee     001   000     000    1  3 1

Arizona          201   050     000    8  11  0

Time: 3:01 Temp: 75F(Roof Closed)  Att: 48,312

Note: Game Three of Division Series

2013-03-29

                      123     456    789   RHE

Cincinnati      000   000      101  251

Arizona         000    010      000  180

Time: 2:33 Temp: 85F  Att: 14,839

2013-09-02

                      123     456    789   RHE

Toronto         020     000     002   450

Arizona        000      000     001  140

Time: 2:19  Temp: 76F(Roof Closed)  Att: 21,014

2013-09-03

                      123     456     789   R H  E

Toronto          140    010     013    10 15 2

Arizona         000    120     100    4  7  2

Time: 3:00  Temp: 77F (Roof Closed)   Att: 19,100

Cubs Park

Chicago Cubs (Spring Training)

9/10

A healthy crowd takes in the Cubs/Angels

This place is jaw dropping for many reasons, including the teeming mass of humanity on the outfield berms. Not a patch of grass to be had.

I hate sitting this close, or paying this much, but it was this or not going and it would've been a long flight home without at least one new park.

 This place was the only new park I got in for my 2014 Cactus League trip. The Cubs moved to Cubs Park(now "Sloan Park") for 2014 after deciding that their old digs at HoHoKam Park weren't good enough for their growing fan base in the Cactus and also seeing Salt River Fields elevating Spring Training facilities to a whole new level of amenities....and prices. But at any rate, they didn't move far, less than 4 miles as the crow drives, staying within Mesa, building a 15,000 seat stadium, the largest for Spring Training anywhere. 

Firstly, this place is expensive. Ticket prices are high, food prices are high, parking's around average, but the ingress is a disaster(more on this later). Still, I don't really rate parks based on how affordable or expensive they are, because everyone has a different view of how much things are worth anyway. At any rate, I digress....

Overall, Cubs Park is pretty impressive. It's enormous, easily comparable to a newer AAA stadium, but with major league concessions, which we hardly got into in one day, but not limited to the Turkey Burger or Pulled Pork Hot Dog as options. I watched the first game here on WGN and they had a 5 minute feature during the game on just the food, with the whole telecast coming across like a big commercial to get out to Arizona. The stadium is really well laid out architecture wise, as almost the entire seating bowl, from foul pole to foul pole is under a giant sun shade, which even as the afternoon drags on, doesn't have many gaps. Atmosphere here was largely reflective of a new park, with lots of curious onlookers, snowbirds wanting to see "the new park" and of course, legions of Cubs fans.

The only knock on this place was the fact it was just so crowded, which usually is only so much of a problem, but I anticipated crowds. I also anticipated that at a new park in its first season, things might not run so smooth. So we left the west valley super early, then got off the 202 at 1215 rolled into Mesa and hit a BRICK WALL. It took about an hour to get from the exit, into a parking spot, then from there, back to the ballpark and into our seats, meaning we were in the neighbourhood almost an hour prior to game time and still late.

If the Cubs want to have a "Premium Tier" park to match Salt River, they need to make the experience match up too. I didn't go back in 2014 or 2015, because tickets were simply not possible to get, unless at a substantial markup. Given the choice between 2 and a half hours in the car from the West Valley to Mesa and 20 minutes round trip to Goodyear for the cheapest tickets anywhere, it was not a hard call. For now, my advice is to all but the most loyal Cub fans, go once, enjoy, then stay away and wait a second, until the prices and crowds die down. One of my cardinal rules(no pun intended) of Cactus League games is to avoid the Cubs, as the crowds follow.

But, don't let that take away from this place, which is still pretty impressive. Just don't plan on going too regularly, for your own sake.

Update 2021: The Cubs continue to draw well here. I haven't been to the Cactus league since a short pit stop in 2017, but did not even attempt to come back here, as ticket prices and traffic keep this one down my list. It's been 7 years now, so it should start to work its way up.

Linescore:

2014-03-25

                                123   456   789  R H E

Los Angeles(AL)     100  100  006   8 13 0

Chicago(NL)           020   010  100  4   9 1

Temp: N/A   Time: N/A    Att: 15,276

Great American Ball Park

 Cincinnati Reds (National League)

9/10

I actually quite enjoyed the outside of this place.

The Easter Bunny showed up pre-game. You can see the smokestacks in right center.

Looking back on a mostly empty seating bowl. People apparently had places to be.

I headed here from a hockey game in Nashville the night before. As of time of writing in 2021, this is my most recent, brand new MLB park. It was Easter Sunday on the 1st of April, meaning lots of things were closed, including in Kentucky on the way up and downtown once I was here. The only thing I could find that was open in the downtown was a Walgreen's. I was quite surprised to find that attendance on the first Sunday of the year looked to be pretty limited, as it was just a bit over 10 thousand, which in an MLB park, felt like nothing. The temperature was barely into the 50s, which for this area, could be considered cool, but for the first day of April, was pretty nice by my more northern standards.

I really liked this park. The lack of crowd meant it was pretty easy to go explore and after a pretty bad night for pictures a few nights prior in Atlanta, I more than made up for it here. The exterior is actually glass panels and painted steel. It's pretty staid, but compared to the bricks you see on nearly every other park, it's quite unique. The park is right between downtown Cincinnati and the Ohio River, with the headquarters of the insurance company that the park gets its name from looms large over the first base side. There's an outfield concourse with two smokestacks reminiscent of the steamboats that used to be on the river. 

The food here was not too bad, I ended up going to Skyline Chili for a chili dog. I was eyeballing Big Boy pretty hard, but a co-worker at the time who grew up here for a time said that the chili dog was required, so I did. I'm not a chili guy at all, but I did like it. Lines were not a thing due to a tiny crowd. Atmosphere was flat, but so flat that individual voices in the crowd could be heard throughout the game, which meant that some individual subplots were interesting to follow. It was more of a Triple A experience than anything.

On the whole, this is a somewhat underappreciated park, due to a pretty marginal Reds team. The facility itself, like so many others is a massive improvement over what it replaced. The food was somewhat memorable and the atmosphere for a small-market, cannon fodder organization like the Reds was pretty neat as well. I'd give a point for facility and half each for food and atmosphere, which make this a surprising 9. 

Linescore

2018-04-01

                      123   456   789   RHE

Washington    200  001   201   680

Cincinnati      000   001  022   570

Temp: 50F  Time: 2:47  Att: 10,355

PNC Park

Pittsburgh Pirates, National League
9/10

 

The Facade was not actually redbrick, but was not easy to get a good picture of....

The ballpark is pointing AT downtown! Makes for an unbelievable view. Possibly the best I've seen so far.

PNC looks surprisingly normal from the outside in however.....

Bonus shot: The park sits on the shore of the Allegheny River, just across the Roberto Clemente bridge.

I came through Pittsburgh for the first time as part of my May 2017 loop that saw me go basically from Calgary toWashington DC and back. I had come in from Nashville after seeing a game there the previous night. I ended up getting a hotwire hotel about 3 or 4 blocks from the ballpark, dropped the car and walked over.

PNC Park is located right next to the Allegheny river, a few blocks from the NFL’s Steelers at Heinz Field. A boardwalk goes by the outside it’s possible for homerun balls to make it into the river, especially on a bounce. The park is very open looking out from home plate and has an unbeleivable view of the downtown skyline, which is VERY close. This is easily one of the top 3 backdrops in the majors, which only St. Louis and San Francisco can compare to in my opinion (and only from the upper deck at both of them). The stadium has a lot of concourse that the game can be viewed from, including a series of ramps from to the third deck on the left field side.


Concession was good but a slight bit pricier than I might have liked. I ended up with a gyro or something if I remember correctly. It seemed pretty good overall, with lots of offerings.

Atmosphere was a big positive of this place. It was a Friday night home game against the Mets, with Jacob Degrom starting for them. The local fans(and a good crowd for the Mets) were into the game, but avoided going totally crazy. I ended up speaking with length to a retired middle manager for US Air, who filled me in on all things sporting and Pittsburgh.There was a younger crowd, because of a post-game concert, I'm pretty sure it was Flo-Rida.

Overall, a really good night. I was expecting good things, after seeing what others had to say, but experiencing for myself, I was still surprised. A good facility in a great location, with a good fanbase and some above average food means this place would be a solid 9 in my book, bordering on 10. The only downside is that I’m not sure when I’ll be able to make it back.

Linescore:

2017-05-26
                              123   456  789  R H E
New York (NL)          012  023  000  8 12 0
Pittsburgh                000  100  000  1 6 0
Temp: 69F Time: 2:57 Att: 29,408

First Tennessee Park

Nashville Sounds, Pacific Coast League

9/10

The facade is NOT redbrick, but instead, glass and polished metal.

The park has a great view of the Nashville skyline, plus an LED board in the shape of the old guitar scoreboard.

The park is slowly over capacity on a good night.

I made a long drive from just outside Beloit, to head down to Nashville, for this game against Omaha. Nashville is an old American Association city that moved to the Pacific Coast League. This is a new park as of 2015, built on the site of the old Nashville ballpark, Sulphur Dell. It has two tiers and a wide, wrap around concourse. The atmosphere is a little more consistent with a lower level of baseball, while the park itself presents something a little more "big league".

The concessions are major league calibre in my opinion. I had the Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich, which I liked quite a bit. Overall, I'd give this place a point for food and facility and a half point for the atmosphere. The other noteworthy detail was the city of Nashville, I ended up seeing the area around the ballpark, part of downtown and ended up staying out by the Vanderbilt University campus and was pretty impressed. I ended up back there the following March for a Predators game and have it on the list to visit with the wife soon enough. 

Update 2019: I've finally gotten a review for this one up. This year, the Sounds will be affiliated with the Texas Rangers. 

Linescore
2017-05-25
                                                123    456   789   RHE
Omaha Storm Chasers(KC)         010    230  002   890
Nashville Sounds(OAK)               010    001  200   482
Temp: 74F  Time: 2:52 Att: 10,442

Civic Stadium

Demolished

9/10

 

 

Approaching the park, the wooden facade with peeling paint lets you know what you're in for.

I wasn't as proficient at ballpark pics, but these two give you the general idea.

The long side of the L-shaped grandstand.

Back in 2009 for the last night game here ever against Salem-Keizer.

 We first attended Eugene's Civic Stadium in 2007 as part of a 3 game loop of the Northwest League, which was really our first ballparking trip. We had seen a game in Spokane the night previous and started off towards Yakima afterwards. I went again on the way home from my big 2009 loop for one last game, which turned out to be the 2nd last game and last night game for the Emeralds here. This drew over 5,000 people. Approaching, the park looks like something out of Bull Durham. A peeling wooden facade greets you on the way in.

The park is very simple, lots of wooden bench seating made up the bulk of this WPA era ballpark. There was nothing fancy or modern about this place, it was baseball, pure and simple. But, as much as I like wooden, WPA era bandbox style ballparks, there were some drawbacks about this park. 

 Firstly, food was difficult to buy here at best, there just weren't many concessions and the ones there were lined up quickly. Parking was almost non-existent, as the small parking lot was reflective of the time in which the stadium was built. The almost entirely wood construction made the park seem like a bit of a firetrap.

Still, I thoroughly enjoyed this park. It was absolutely a baseball-first atmosphere, as a wooden ballpark from 1940 was hardly a place to be seen. There was really nothing distracting from the game, with the possible exception of an overly talkative neighbour. This place is a time machine, 9/10.

The Emeralds moved across town to the University of Oregon campus to share a park with a newly formed Ducks varsity team. Locals wanted to preserve this one, which was on the National Register of Historic Places. The plan included purchasing the stadium and renovating it somewhat so it could host lower tier soccer. Funding to buy the stadium was raised in the summer of 2015 and it looked like the plan would go ahead.


But, what I alluded to earlier became a reality that same year. Several youths, playing with matches in the press box, managed to set a fire, which quickly spread out of control, and destroyed the stadium in about an hour. Throngs of people turned out to watch the local institution burn to the ground. The "Friends of Civic Stadium" are planning to use the money they raised towards something similar, but haven't decided what as of yet. It was disappointing to hear about their dream dying the way it did, but I'm interested to see what plans they come up with as an alternative.

Update 2018: I've added the linescores of the two games I went to here. I cannot find any more information about the plans for the stadium site, and the website for "Friends of Civic Stadium" now defaults to some random "sports" site. Under the new grading system, this place likely shouldn't have scored so high, but it's a moot point. Besides, I'd rather not take anything away from this gem. 

Linescores
2007-07-16
                                                    123  456  789  R H E
Vancouver Canadians(OAK)             023  020  012  10 16 0
Eugene Emeralds (SD)                    002  030  201  8  11  1
Temp: 79F Time: 3:48 Att: 2,987


2009-09-02
                                                         123  456  789  RHE
Salem-Keizer Volcanoes (SF)               001   030  300  771
Eugene Emeralds (SD)                        100   000  022   593
Temp: 83F Time: 2:32  Att: 5,815 

LECOM Park

Pittsburgh Pirates, Spring Training
Bradenton Marauders, Florida State League

9/10

The sidewalk was just a little too tight to get a decent shot of the entrance.

This is as good as I did behind home plate. I cropped a guy out, you can still see the top of his head.

Looking in at the grandstand.

Bonus Shot: This could be the best one I have, but it doesn't fit my facade/home/outfield template.

I went to LECOM Park on the last game day of my 2017 Florida trip, after a night game at Port Charlotte and before another one at Fort Myers. This is a pretty old field, having existed as McKechnie Field for numerous years and several other names since initial construction in 1923. The Pirates have been here since 1969, though it's been renovated several times since then. New renovations were completed prior to my visit in 2017. The park shows it's age and is a group of three grandstands set up behind home plate and each dugout.

The atmosphere is more oriented on baseball for sure, as there are flashier parks even in the Tampa area, let alone on the Gulf Coast. People were into the game, but not too into it.  The weather was clear and hot. The park's renovations mean it now has a wrap around concourse, which consists of a boardwalk which I thought looked pretty good.. There are numerous concessions on the first base side, and in center field, they do sell Gator Bites, which I would have had if I'd found them before I had my fish sandwich(which was very good as well).

It's a tough call, but I'd give this place a point for food and the park layout, plus a half point for atmosphere. I'd go back here again in a second, and likely will.

Linescore
2017-03-10
                     123   456   789  RHE
Tampa Bay    001  000   000  142
Pittsburgh      100  000   003  450
Time: N/A  Temp: N/A  Att: 5,804

Dodger Stadium

Los Angeles Dodgers, National League

9/10

Large photos of Dodger players line the outside of the Stadium in 2009.

The view from the upper deck pre-game vs. Arizona in 2009.

Packed house on a hot summer night versus San Diego in 2013.

I have been to Dodger Stadium twice. I went in 2009 to watch LA play the Diamondbacks and again in 2013 where they played San Diego on a Saturday Night. I found the first visit quite a bit better, but it was mostly not the ballpark's fault. Anyhow...

In '09 I was already in the LA area having been to Anaheim twice and Rancho Cucamonga the night before. I ended up going up Pacific Coast Highway and exploring Malibu, before checking out Will Rogers State Park before driving to the ballpark and arriving pretty early. I didn't know the aggravation I'd saved myself at the time. I was in the upper deck and remember a real cultural mosaic in our section. People from all different backgrounds just sat and watched baseball.The game was close, with a few lead changes, I enjoyed a Dodger Dog and it ended up going 10 innings. Ronnie Belliard(was it Ronnie Belliard?) hit a homer in his first at bat as a Dodger, Manny Ramirez hit a home run and utterly mangled a routine fly ball to left.  ESPN quipped after the game that it "looked like the ball was chasing Manny and he was trying to get away from it."  The game itself went into an extra inning before the Diamondbacks pulled out a win. After the game ended, I was caught up in the legendary Dodger Stadium traffic and funneled onto the Long Beach Freeway. Pre-GPS, I had no idea where to go and ended up in East Los Angeles, doing a U-turn via Olympic Blvd, before heading north and out of town.

In 2013, I came down from the North Bay area, having seen the A's the night before. My scenic detour along the Pacific Coast Highway and Monterey really hosed me and I got into the area 20 minutes before the first pitch. I promptly ended up stuck in traffic trying to exit the 110 Freeway. Then, out of nowhere, I decided to hit the detour button. I ended up getting into Chavez Ravine by driving past the LA Fire Academy and after stop for food and souvenirs, got to my seat in the bottom of the 2nd. It was a Saturday night game against San Diego in the midst of a pennant race, so it was crowded. I ended up with an obstructed view seat at the back of the 1st level, next to a very angry Japanese tourist, clutching his Japanese language guide to the MLB rosters. It was very hot and my Dodger yearbook ended up going for a walk, although I ended up getting a free jersey and a t-shirt for my stepfather, who lived in the LA area for a few years as a kid after his family emigrated from Northern Ireland. When he passed away that winter, the Jersey was buried with him. He and his very English father ended up watching Sandy Koufax pitch at the LA Coliseum......anyway.

On the whole, I really like Dodger Stadium. The only negative in my mind, is the location. Traffic, is horrendous. You need to be here a minimum of 90 minutes before the game starts to actually get parked and to your seat before first pitch. The park is basically built into a big hole. There is nothing around here but parking lots. Public transportation is just not a thing in this part of Los Angeles.

On the plus side. It's Dodger Stadium. It is the mecca that the Dodgers moved to the west coast to build. Sight lines are not bad, concessions are still above average, but the big thing is atmosphere. In the 2nd game, it was intense the people watching were in a borderline frenzy. They would not have looked out of place in the Roman Colosseum.

I gave this park a 10/10 the first go through, but after my experience at game #2, I had to take it down to a 9. Still a fantastic ballpark.

Update 2017: I have not been back here since my two visits, by coincidence, four years apart to the day. Rating it again based on my past memories, I'd give it a plus for both the facility and atmosphere, with the concessions being somewhere between average and a half point, so it stays at 9. Maybe in a few more years, I'll try and head back.

Linescores
2009-08-31
                                123   456  789  10  R H E
Arizona                    020  000    010 2  5  10  1
Los Angeles(NL)     010  002   000  0  3 5  1
Temp: 88F  Time: 3:02  Att: 45,211

2013-08-31
                               123   456  789 R H E
San Diego              000   100  000  1 10 1
Los Angeles(NL)  000    000  11x  2 13 0
Temp: 85F  Time: 2:53  Att: 53,121