Reviews' of top ballparks

SunDancer · 09-09-2003, 03:12 PM

Reading the articles on ESPN, the guys named PNC Park the best in MLB. This is what missing from text-based sim games.

I wonder what the perfect blend of location, history, design, comfort and football would be.. Your feedback?

http://espn.go.com/page2/s/ballparks/pncpark.html

korme · 09-09-2003, 03:12 PM

gab got hosed

henry296 · 09-09-2003, 04:44 PM

I kept waiting for PNC Park to show up all summer, now I know why it was last. I love did. To me it is Camden Yards with a better view.

Todd

Balldog · 09-09-2003, 06:04 PM

GAB really isn't all that special though, its kind of plain.

lynchjm24 · 09-09-2003, 06:08 PM

Even though it's very similar to Camden Yards - my favorite is Jacobs Field. Haven't been to PNC yet, going next year.

Vince · 09-09-2003, 06:26 PM

I gotta throw in my 2 cents for Pac Bell Park. I haven't been to a better park (I've been to Candlestick, Chavez Ravine, Oakland Colliseum, Bank One Ballpark, Anaheim, and Safeco), and I'm hoping to go to a few more in the near future.

Coffee Warlord · 09-09-2003, 06:32 PM

Bah.

Wrigley bleachers is still the best baseball experience one can ever have.

Alan T · 09-09-2003, 06:33 PM

I have been to 17 of the ballparks listed in this review (was higher until some of the recent retired parks that I had been to fell off the list (such as Cinergy, Astrodome, Three Rivers, etc)..

I have never been to PNC park though, and having seen this list I guess I need to venture out there some time soon for a game (maybe even drive out this season)..

Just other odd listings though that I find...

How can any park be ranked below Tropicana field is beyond me. I have been in the three worst fields according to this list, and Tropicana is hands down the worst baseball experience I have ever had... I will go as far as saying that a game in pawtucket is more enjoyable than a game there...

I don't understand why Yankee Stadium is so low... Don't get me wrong, the park is no where as nice as some of the newer parks, but games at Fenway aren't too comfortable either, and they smell, and you have obstructive views, and the food is too expensive, etc... Both parks have great history, and fun fans and atmosphere.. For the Yankee fan atmosphere alone, I would rate the park over Cellular Field or Pro Player stadium... (and I hate the Yankees..)

I also think the Ballpark in Arlington is underated.. That park is one of the best to look at I think.. People seem to usually downgrade it because of all the huge advertising in the outfield.. but I think that adds something to it..

I am glad to see Kaufman up as high as it was, I have long thought that Kaufman was one of the best early baseball only parks. I used to fly into Kansas City once a month for business back in the 90s.. I would make sure to make a point at getting tickets for at least one game every trip there.

Anyhows.. interesting article.. I will have to go back through and re-read the older articles. Not sure how I missed this series, since I love baseball parks. I have a goal of eventually getting to everyone, but so far have only made it to about 30-32 of the past and present major league stadiums..

Killebrew · 09-09-2003, 06:52 PM

Yankee Stadium's merciless "upgrades" of the late 60's and early 70's sucked out much of it's retro charm. That's why they had to film "61*" in Tiger Stadium painted to look like the vintage Tankee Stadium of 1961.

About the ESPN picks: I'm glad Kaufman Stadium got it's usual high marks.

lynchjm24 · 09-09-2003, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Coffee Warlord
Bah.

Wrigley bleachers is still the best baseball experience one can ever have.

I find the Wrigley 'experience' the most overrated. Beautful park, but it's not a baseball game, it's a social event.

SunDancer · 09-09-2003, 08:12 PM

Anyone know a similar series on other sports (football, ect?)

Buccaneer · 09-09-2003, 08:22 PM

I read that list earlier and found it fascinating. My brother goes to about 20 games a season at Pac Bell and continues to rave about it.

I went to Camden for the first time in June and truthfully, I was not that impressed at all. I thought the food was pretty mediocre (Boog's BBQ). But mainly, I had been to that park before - it's called Coors Field. After experiencing many games at Coors, I felt going to Camden was no big deal.

When I was in SD in July, I made a point of watching the construction at Petco. They were adding the seats and leveling the interior. What I noticed was that the upper two decks pretty much hung over the lower deck at the rim (not including the less sloped field seats). Most parks has the upper decks cascading back, thus putting the fans further away.

I have not been to many ballparks but of the ones I visited, Fenway was by far and away the most memorable experience, both inside and out.

SunDancer · 09-09-2003, 08:24 PM

What makes ballparks so differenet from other sports? Is it that they play 80-some games?

Football and arenas don't seem to get the same "level" as ballparks.

Any info on the Padres new stadium?

I found the Tigers stadium an interesting read...the statues of tigers and that. I love that. They should have a real tiger as well.

Buccaneer · 09-09-2003, 08:27 PM

For SunDancer (thanks for asking):

San Diego Petco Park

Buccaneer · 09-09-2003, 08:31 PM

dola

In this photo of Petco

, the viewing area where I went to is at the right edge in the middle. The Convention Center (where I was) is in the upper left. I think you can see how the upper decks hang over the field more than typical.

SunDancer · 09-09-2003, 08:34 PM

I think I will love the stadium. It seems the new stadiums lack something...in all sports.

Do they do the stadium tour every year? Do htey do it in football?

What are your overall thoughs on the baseball stadiums, from a owner/fan viewpoint?

Say you are building a football or sporting arena, what would you plan be?

tucker342 · 09-09-2003, 08:36 PM

really interesting article.... I hope to go to Pak Bell Park and also PNC Park someday.....

I've been to Wrigley, Kaufmen, and the Oakland Colliseum. Kaufmen was by far the best of those three....

lynchjm24 · 09-09-2003, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Buccaneer

I went to Camden for the first time in June and truthfully, I was not that impressed at all. I thought the food was pretty mediocre (Boog's BBQ). But mainly, I had been to that park before - it's called Coors Field. After experiencing many games at Coors, I felt going to Camden was no big deal.

You kind of have it backwards. Camden Yards opened in 1992, Coors Field in 1995.

lynchjm24 · 09-09-2003, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SunDancer
I found the Tigers stadium an interesting read...the statues of tigers and that. I love that. They should have a real tiger as well.

I spent a weekend at Comerica this summer. Not good times, bad times. To me, it's easily the worst of the 'new' parks. Some of the Tiger stuff is kind of funny, like the Tiger carousel, but other then that it's pretty lame.

Balldog · 09-09-2003, 09:14 PM

To each his own I guess, everyone I've talked to loves Comerica Park.

JeeberD · 09-09-2003, 09:37 PM

Minute Maid Park is amazing. Just something about going from 100 degree weather with 80% humidity into an air conditioned building and still seeing an amazing looking grass field in there...

clintl · 09-09-2003, 09:53 PM

Pac Bell is outstanding. The peep holes in the RF wall where people can stand outside the stadium and watch the game for free are probably the greatest thing anyone has incorporated into a new sports facility for the fans.

The Oakland Coliseum was a much nicer place to watch a game before Al Davis moved the Raiders back and constructed that monstrosity beyond the OF fence.

Buccaneer · 09-09-2003, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lynchjm24
You kind of have it backwards. Camden Yards opened in 1992, Coors Field in 1995.

No, Camden opened in 1985. That's my point. At the time, Camden was very special (being the first of the "old" new park). If I had gone there first (instead of Coors), then I would have been amazed at Camden. But since I didn't, I feel that Coors is a better version of Camden.

SunDancer · 09-09-2003, 10:58 PM

Anyone know about similar "tours' of other leagues?

TroyF · 09-09-2003, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SunDancer
Anyone know about similar "tours' of other leagues?

No, I don't. Baseball is special for stadiums because the actual playing field is different in everyone.

When you go to a football stadium, the field is going to be the same size and dimensions as every other stadium. There are better stadiums then others I'm sure, but other than the atmosphere there isn't a real difference for me from watching a game at Mile High to watching one against a high school rival.

The fans level of excitement make or break the experience. With baseball, that isn't the case for me.

TroyF

SunDancer · 09-10-2003, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by TroyF
No, I don't. Baseball is special for stadiums because the actual playing field is different in everyone.

When you go to a football stadium, the field is going to be the same size and dimensions as every other stadium. There are better stadiums then others I'm sure, but other than the atmosphere there isn't a real difference for me from watching a game at Mile High to watching one against a high school rival.

The fans level of excitement make or break the experience. With baseball, that isn't the case for me.

TroyF

Like the Green Monster, the Ivy and Brick walls with the bleacher seeting at Wrigley, and the Cove at Pac Bell Park?

SunDancer · 09-10-2003, 12:47 AM

Also my fav part of the Pirates reading

6. Quality of hot dogs: You know how some teams have interns running around with those gas-canister powered cannons to shoot T-shirts into the stands between innings? The Pirates use them to launch hot dogs into the stands. As I watched them, I couldn't help but wonder about some very embarrassing moments at the doctor's office.

DOCTOR: And just how did you get this wiener stuck in your ear?

PATIENT: A guy shot me with a cannon.

DOCTOR: Yeah, sure ...

PATIENT: No, really. A guy shot me at a Pirates game.

DOCTOR: Please. That's very funny but I have a lot of patients to see.

PATIENT: No, really. A guy shot me at a Pirates game.

DOCTOR: Look, I can't help you unless you're honest with how this happened

TroyF · 09-10-2003, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SunDancer
Like the Green Monster, the Ivy and Brick walls with the bleacher seeting at Wrigley, and the Cove at Pac Bell Park?

Exactly. There isn't anything different in the field of play at a football game. Each stadium may have its own special wrinkle (the horse at Mile High, the pirate ship in Tampa, etc.) but the field is the same one you'd find at your local high school.

TroyF

Schmidty · 09-10-2003, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by lynchjm24
I spent a weekend at Comerica this summer. Not good times, bad times. To me, it's easily the worst of the 'new' parks. Some of the Tiger stuff is kind of funny, like the Tiger carousel, but other then that it's pretty lame.

Comerica Park is a gem hidden in the trash heap that is metro Detroit. I love the park, and so does everyone I've talked to.

Seems to me that you might just have bad taste. You are forgiven.

sterlingice · 09-10-2003, 01:37 AM

I've only been to three stadiums: The Astrodome, Wrigley, and Kaufman. I think Kaufman is the most gorgeous park and it constantly gets ratings like "the best park you've never been to" and "most underrated park". However, I think I liked the experience at Wrigley better. As for Yankee Stadium ranked low, unless you're a Yankee fan, it's not a baseball mecca. Wrigley and Fenway are. Yankee Stadium fits in that category with Dodgers Stadium of "well, it's historical and all but the park doesn't look very interesting". I really want to check out Camden and Fenway next. Although, tomorrow, I'll be at Kaufman...

I've loved reading this series all summer. I'm really glad ESPN did it!

SI

Neuqua · 09-10-2003, 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Coffee Warlord
Bah.

Wrigley bleachers is still the best baseball experience one can ever have.

So, so true. I wish everyone could spend just one day in those bleachers watching a Cubs game. It was an experience I'll never forget.

SuburbanPimp · 09-10-2003, 02:24 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Buccaneer
No, Camden opened in 1985.

The Orioles were playing in Memorial Stadium in 1985. I went to an O's/A's game there in 1985. They began playing in Camden Yards in 92, hosted the All Star Game in 93.

Anyway, Camden is the original, and will forever be the best. The atmosphere is the best, and the B&O warehouse is the unattainable (well, except for griffey in the home run derby) goal for left handed hitters.

lynchjm24 · 09-10-2003, 05:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Buccaneer
No, Camden opened in 1985. That's my point. At the time, Camden was very special (being the first of the "old" new park). If I had gone there first (instead of Coors), then I would have been amazed at Camden. But since I didn't, I feel that Coors is a better version of Camden.

The Orioles played at Memorial Stadium until 1991.
http://baseball-reference.com/teams/BAL/attend.shtml

lynchjm24 · 09-10-2003, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Schmidty
Comerica Park is a gem hidden in the trash heap that is metro Detroit. I love the park, and so does everyone I've talked to.

Seems to me that you might just have bad taste. You are forgiven.

Well I can promise you I'm not the only person who thinks that Comerica Park stinks. Even when I was there in July they were still printing articles in the about how bad it is.

Everyone I've ever talked to who has been to a number of the new stadiums has it at the bottom or near the bottom.

Balldog · 09-10-2003, 05:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by lynchjm24
Well I can promise you I'm not the only person who thinks that Comerica Park stinks. Even when I was there in July they were still printing articles in the about how bad it is.

Everyone I've ever talked to who has been to a number of the new stadiums has it at the bottom or near the bottom.

Put a decent team in that stadium and everyone would think it was great.

ice4277 · 09-10-2003, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by lynchjm24
Well I can promise you I'm not the only person who thinks that Comerica Park stinks. Even when I was there in July they were still printing articles in the about how bad it is.

Everyone I've ever talked to who has been to a number of the new stadiums has it at the bottom or near the bottom.

I'm not a big fan of it either. Its not terrible, just not great. The only part of the stadium that definitely exudes an authentic original feel is the area in the outfield with the statues. Other than that, it doesn't really feel special at all. The sightlines are ok, but in most seats you are so far removed from the action that you may as well be watching the game from I-75. There is nothing about that stadium that I could say really would draw me back just to go. If you want to see what a great stadium in Detroit truly is, walk to 20 feet across the street to Ford Field.

Alan T · 09-10-2003, 06:34 AM

Of the newer stadiums that I have been to Comerica is one of the "cheaper" feeling ones. Only Miller Park seemed to feel cheaper than Comerica.. Its a nice park with some personality, but not anything outstanding like some of the other parks.. To me there was some special personality about old Tiger Stadium that stood out. I loved the Center Field, I loved the Overhand Roofs in the OF, I loved the double deckers.. I loved the rare occasion someone hit the ball out of the park...

Comerica Park is a more comfortable seat than old Tiger Stadium. It is cleaner and newer and nicer in that sense.. But I would also hate to see someone tear down Wrigley Field or Fenway to put in a newer somewhat generic stadium too. I think that is what I miss about Tiger Stadium being gone...

As for football stadiums.. I obviously have not been to as many of them as I have baseball parks.. Probably only 6-7 of them (and most of those also served as baseball stadiums in those cities ironically enough) . All of the ones i have been to for the most part have been rather similar in design and void of personality... THe only one I have been to that stands out is probably the new Gillette Stadium in New England. That for a football stadium is a marvel to me.

I still prefer at least 10-15 of the baseball parks I have been to though.

Balldog · 09-10-2003, 07:09 AM

Cheap = GAB

lynchjm24 · 09-10-2003, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ice4277
If you want to see what a great stadium in Detroit truly is, walk to 20 feet across the street to Ford Field.

I was going to mention Ford Field as being quite an awesome place when someone mentioned football, but I'm lazy

.

Buccaneer · 09-10-2003, 07:45 PM

Sorry about the Camden dates, I must have been thinking of something else. Still, I wonder how many would agree with me that Coors is a better version of Camden?

kcchief19 · 09-10-2003, 07:57 PM

No offense to the stadiums at the bottom -- they deserve to be there -- but I have never talked to anyone who has been to a game at U.S. Cellular (Comiskey) that hasn't had to take a long shower afterwards and seek counseling. I haven't been there, but the generally take I here is that it is a 12-year old stadium that feels like it's been there for ever -- and not in a good way.

Irony -- the architecture firm here in KC that designed Camden Yards pitched the design and proposal to the White Sox first. The Sox turned it down because they didn't think that retro feel would fly. Good call. The Orioles should send Jerry Reinsdorf a Christmas card every year.

Alan T · 09-10-2003, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kcchief19
l The Orioles should send Jerry Reinsdorf a Christmas card every year.

I think alot of teams should

its amazing to see a larger market team just struggle in poor decisions for a long long time... Of course I guess there are a few of those..

lynchjm24 · 09-10-2003, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Buccaneer
Sorry about the Camden dates, I must have been thinking of something else. Still, I wonder how many would agree with me that Coors is a better version of Camden?

Well I know I am somewhat negative about Comerica because it is in Detroit. I haven't been to Coors, but I understand the area to be great, much better then say....... Baltimore.

SunDancer · 09-10-2003, 08:55 PM

Here's another article regarding the stadium subject:
http://espn.go.com/page2/s/neel/030910.html?partnersite=espn

Iceberg · 09-11-2003, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by lynchjm24
Well I know I am somewhat negative about Comerica because it is in Detroit. I haven't been to Coors, but I understand the area to be great, much better then say....... Baltimore.

The Inner Harbor area in Baltimore is actually pretty nice.

SunDancer · 09-13-2003, 09:49 AM

Do you guys feel a new pro baseball league could suceed? Where, how and why?

Balldog · 09-13-2003, 10:02 AM

There is no way a new pro league could succeed, the MLB barely succeeds.

clintl · 09-13-2003, 10:53 AM

There aren't enough good untapped markets for a new league in any of the four major team sports.

09-09-2003, 04:44 PM	#3
henry296 College Starter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Pittsburgh, PA	I kept waiting for PNC Park to show up all summer, now I know why it was last. I love did. To me it is Camden Yards with a better view. Todd __________________ "It's a great day for hockey" - "Badger" Bob Johnson

09-09-2003, 06:26 PM	#6
Vince Pro Starter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Willow Glen, CA	I gotta throw in my 2 cents for Pac Bell Park. I haven't been to a better park (I've been to Candlestick, Chavez Ravine, Oakland Colliseum, Bank One Ballpark, Anaheim, and Safeco), and I'm hoping to go to a few more in the near future. __________________ Every time a Dodger scores a run, an angel has its wings ripped off by a demon, and is forced to tearfully beg the demon to cauterize the wounds.The demon will refuse, and the sobbing angel will lie in a puddle of angel blood and feathers for eternity, wondering why the Dodgers are allowed to score runs.That’s not me talking: that’s science. McCoveyChronicles.com.

09-09-2003, 06:33 PM	#8
Alan T Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mass.	I have been to 17 of the ballparks listed in this review (was higher until some of the recent retired parks that I had been to fell off the list (such as Cinergy, Astrodome, Three Rivers, etc).. I have never been to PNC park though, and having seen this list I guess I need to venture out there some time soon for a game (maybe even drive out this season).. Just other odd listings though that I find... How can any park be ranked below Tropicana field is beyond me. I have been in the three worst fields according to this list, and Tropicana is hands down the worst baseball experience I have ever had... I will go as far as saying that a game in pawtucket is more enjoyable than a game there... I don't understand why Yankee Stadium is so low... Don't get me wrong, the park is no where as nice as some of the newer parks, but games at Fenway aren't too comfortable either, and they smell, and you have obstructive views, and the food is too expensive, etc... Both parks have great history, and fun fans and atmosphere.. For the Yankee fan atmosphere alone, I would rate the park over Cellular Field or Pro Player stadium... (and I hate the Yankees..) I also think the Ballpark in Arlington is underated.. That park is one of the best to look at I think.. People seem to usually downgrade it because of all the huge advertising in the outfield.. but I think that adds something to it.. I am glad to see Kaufman up as high as it was, I have long thought that Kaufman was one of the best early baseball only parks. I used to fly into Kansas City once a month for business back in the 90s.. I would make sure to make a point at getting tickets for at least one game every trip there. Anyhows.. interesting article.. I will have to go back through and re-read the older articles. Not sure how I missed this series, since I love baseball parks. I have a goal of eventually getting to everyone, but so far have only made it to about 30-32 of the past and present major league stadiums.. __________________ Couch to ??k - From the couch to a Marathon in roughly 18 months.

09-09-2003, 09:37 PM	#21
JeeberD General Manager Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The Town of Flower Mound	Minute Maid Park is amazing. Just something about going from 100 degree weather with 80% humidity into an air conditioned building and still seeing an amazing looking grass field in there... __________________ UTEP Miners!!! I solemnly swear to never cheer for TO

09-10-2003, 01:37 AM	#30
sterlingice Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Back in Houston!	I've only been to three stadiums: The Astrodome, Wrigley, and Kaufman. I think Kaufman is the most gorgeous park and it constantly gets ratings like "the best park you've never been to" and "most underrated park". However, I think I liked the experience at Wrigley better. As for Yankee Stadium ranked low, unless you're a Yankee fan, it's not a baseball mecca. Wrigley and Fenway are. Yankee Stadium fits in that category with Dodgers Stadium of "well, it's historical and all but the park doesn't look very interesting". I really want to check out Camden and Fenway next. Although, tomorrow, I'll be at Kaufman... I've loved reading this series all summer. I'm really glad ESPN did it! SI __________________ Houston Hippopotami, III.3: 20th Anniversary Thread - All former HT players are encouraged to check it out! Janos: "Only America could produce an imbecile of your caliber!" Freakazoid: "That's because we make lots of things better than other people!" Last edited by sterlingice : 09-10-2003 at 01:38 AM.

09-09-2003, 03:12 PM	#2
korme Go Reds Join Date: May 2001 Location: Bloodbuzz Ohio	gab got hosed

09-09-2003, 06:04 PM	#4
Balldog Pro Rookie Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Macomb, MI	GAB really isn't all that special though, its kind of plain.

09-09-2003, 06:08 PM	#5
lynchjm24 College Benchwarmer Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Hartford	Even though it's very similar to Camden Yards - my favorite is Jacobs Field. Haven't been to PNC yet, going next year.

09-09-2003, 06:32 PM	#7
Coffee Warlord Head Coach Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Colorado Springs	Bah. Wrigley bleachers is still the best baseball experience one can ever have.

09-09-2003, 06:52 PM	#9
Killebrew H.S. Freshman Team Join Date: Feb 2003	Yankee Stadium's merciless "upgrades" of the late 60's and early 70's sucked out much of it's retro charm. That's why they had to film "61*" in Tiger Stadium painted to look like the vintage Tankee Stadium of 1961. About the ESPN picks: I'm glad Kaufman Stadium got it's usual high marks.

09-09-2003, 08:12 PM	#11
SunDancer College Benchwarmer Join Date: Sep 2002	Anyone know a similar series on other sports (football, ect?)

09-09-2003, 08:22 PM	#12
Buccaneer Head Coach Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Colorado	I read that list earlier and found it fascinating. My brother goes to about 20 games a season at Pac Bell and continues to rave about it. I went to Camden for the first time in June and truthfully, I was not that impressed at all. I thought the food was pretty mediocre (Boog's BBQ). But mainly, I had been to that park before - it's called Coors Field. After experiencing many games at Coors, I felt going to Camden was no big deal. When I was in SD in July, I made a point of watching the construction at Petco. They were adding the seats and leveling the interior. What I noticed was that the upper two decks pretty much hung over the lower deck at the rim (not including the less sloped field seats). Most parks has the upper decks cascading back, thus putting the fans further away. I have not been to many ballparks but of the ones I visited, Fenway was by far and away the most memorable experience, both inside and out.

09-09-2003, 08:24 PM	#13
SunDancer College Benchwarmer Join Date: Sep 2002	What makes ballparks so differenet from other sports? Is it that they play 80-some games? Football and arenas don't seem to get the same "level" as ballparks. Any info on the Padres new stadium? I found the Tigers stadium an interesting read...the statues of tigers and that. I love that. They should have a real tiger as well.

09-09-2003, 08:27 PM	#14
Buccaneer Head Coach Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Colorado	For SunDancer (thanks for asking): San Diego Petco Park

09-09-2003, 08:31 PM	#15
Buccaneer Head Coach Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Colorado	dola In this photo of Petco , the viewing area where I went to is at the right edge in the middle. The Convention Center (where I was) is in the upper left. I think you can see how the upper decks hang over the field more than typical.

09-09-2003, 08:34 PM	#16
SunDancer College Benchwarmer Join Date: Sep 2002	I think I will love the stadium. It seems the new stadiums lack something...in all sports. Do they do the stadium tour every year? Do htey do it in football? What are your overall thoughs on the baseball stadiums, from a owner/fan viewpoint? Say you are building a football or sporting arena, what would you plan be?

09-09-2003, 08:36 PM	#17
tucker342 Pro Starter Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Iowa City, IA	really interesting article.... I hope to go to Pak Bell Park and also PNC Park someday..... I've been to Wrigley, Kaufmen, and the Oakland Colliseum. Kaufmen was by far the best of those three....

09-09-2003, 09:14 PM	#20
Balldog Pro Rookie Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Macomb, MI	To each his own I guess, everyone I've talked to loves Comerica Park.

09-09-2003, 09:53 PM	#22
clintl College Starter Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Davis, CA	Pac Bell is outstanding. The peep holes in the RF wall where people can stand outside the stadium and watch the game for free are probably the greatest thing anyone has incorporated into a new sports facility for the fans. The Oakland Coliseum was a much nicer place to watch a game before Al Davis moved the Raiders back and constructed that monstrosity beyond the OF fence.

09-09-2003, 10:58 PM	#24
SunDancer College Benchwarmer Join Date: Sep 2002	Anyone know about similar "tours' of other leagues?

09-10-2003, 12:47 AM	#27
SunDancer College Benchwarmer Join Date: Sep 2002	Also my fav part of the Pirates reading 6. Quality of hot dogs: You know how some teams have interns running around with those gas-canister powered cannons to shoot T-shirts into the stands between innings? The Pirates use them to launch hot dogs into the stands. As I watched them, I couldn't help but wonder about some very embarrassing moments at the doctor's office. DOCTOR: And just how did you get this wiener stuck in your ear? PATIENT: A guy shot me with a cannon. DOCTOR: Yeah, sure ... PATIENT: No, really. A guy shot me at a Pirates game. DOCTOR: Please. That's very funny but I have a lot of patients to see. PATIENT: No, really. A guy shot me at a Pirates game. DOCTOR: Look, I can't help you unless you're honest with how this happened

09-10-2003, 06:34 AM	#37
Alan T Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mass.	Of the newer stadiums that I have been to Comerica is one of the "cheaper" feeling ones. Only Miller Park seemed to feel cheaper than Comerica.. Its a nice park with some personality, but not anything outstanding like some of the other parks.. To me there was some special personality about old Tiger Stadium that stood out. I loved the Center Field, I loved the Overhand Roofs in the OF, I loved the double deckers.. I loved the rare occasion someone hit the ball out of the park... Comerica Park is a more comfortable seat than old Tiger Stadium. It is cleaner and newer and nicer in that sense.. But I would also hate to see someone tear down Wrigley Field or Fenway to put in a newer somewhat generic stadium too. I think that is what I miss about Tiger Stadium being gone... As for football stadiums.. I obviously have not been to as many of them as I have baseball parks.. Probably only 6-7 of them (and most of those also served as baseball stadiums in those cities ironically enough) . All of the ones i have been to for the most part have been rather similar in design and void of personality... THe only one I have been to that stands out is probably the new Gillette Stadium in New England. That for a football stadium is a marvel to me. I still prefer at least 10-15 of the baseball parks I have been to though. __________________ Couch to ??k - From the couch to a Marathon in roughly 18 months.

09-10-2003, 07:09 AM	#38
Balldog Pro Rookie Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Macomb, MI	Cheap = GAB

09-10-2003, 07:45 PM	#40
Buccaneer Head Coach Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Colorado	Sorry about the Camden dates, I must have been thinking of something else. Still, I wonder how many would agree with me that Coors is a better version of Camden?

09-10-2003, 07:57 PM	#41
kcchief19 Pro Starter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Kansas City, MO	No offense to the stadiums at the bottom -- they deserve to be there -- but I have never talked to anyone who has been to a game at U.S. Cellular (Comiskey) that hasn't had to take a long shower afterwards and seek counseling. I haven't been there, but the generally take I here is that it is a 12-year old stadium that feels like it's been there for ever -- and not in a good way. Irony -- the architecture firm here in KC that designed Camden Yards pitched the design and proposal to the White Sox first. The Sox turned it down because they didn't think that retro feel would fly. Good call. The Orioles should send Jerry Reinsdorf a Christmas card every year.

09-10-2003, 08:55 PM	#44
SunDancer College Benchwarmer Join Date: Sep 2002	Here's another article regarding the stadium subject: http://espn.go.com/page2/s/neel/030910.html?partnersite=espn

09-13-2003, 09:49 AM	#46
SunDancer College Benchwarmer Join Date: Sep 2002	Do you guys feel a new pro baseball league could suceed? Where, how and why?

09-13-2003, 10:02 AM	#47
Balldog Pro Rookie Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Macomb, MI	There is no way a new pro league could succeed, the MLB barely succeeds.

09-13-2003, 10:53 AM	#48
clintl College Starter Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Davis, CA	There aren't enough good untapped markets for a new league in any of the four major team sports.

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