Rating the Sun Belt Ball Parks – #6 – From the Bird’s Nest

#6—J.I. CLEMENTS STADIUM—GEORGIA SOUTHERN

THE GOOD—Its right in the middle of campus, making it easy for the student body to participate.  And, the surrounding area makes for an intimate atmosphere at games.  The press facility is okay (but could be roomier), concessions are easy to get to and lines shouldn’t be too long and overall this is a good place to see the game.  They recently moved the fences back a bit, which was a big improvement.  The addition of the blue monster in right field adds character to the park and the manual scoreboard is a great touch.  There’s also a video board, which is very good.  .

THE BAD—When games are well attended, parking can be an issue because of it being right in the middle of campus.  While adequate in size, it’s obvious no one consulted the media when building the press facility.  It’s not very user friendly.  While adding the blue monster was good, it really looks (and sounds) like they went the cheap route. Bench backs for the bleachers would be a good thing.  And, the fiasco at the conference tournament last year tells me drainage is an issue at this facility.  There also needs to be more for upper level donors.

ANALYSIS—Welcome to the upper division of the league’s ball parks.  I like this place.  The improvements they made a year ago really have added to the fan experience.  This is a good place to watch a ball game and I like the location right in the middle of campus (except for the parking, of course.)  I think there is more that can be done here, but this park suits Georgia Southern just fine.