Rating the Sun Belt Ball Parks – #2 – From the Bird’s Nest

#2—SPRINGS BROOKS STADIUM—COASTAL CAROLINA

THE GOOD—The ambience in this stadium is pretty much unmatched.  It’s new, it’s bright and it’s a great place to watch a game.  There’s plenty of teal in this ball park and let me tell you, it works.  There are a few suites for donors, the press facility is very good but it’s the things you don’t get anywhere else that sets this apart from other parks.  Berms on the first and third base lines can double the capacity when big programs come in or the Chanticleers are hosting a regional.  But I really love the boardwalk going around the outfield.  Adirondack chairs are available if you want to watch from out there.  That is the crown jewel of the facility, in my opinion.  I love the fact when you walk into the stadium, the stadium says who you are.  In this case, it says let’s head to the beach after the game.

THE BAD—The biggest issue by a long shot is the lack of parking in the immediate vicinity.  They do run shuttles to the ball park, which is good, but I would think a shuttle, realizing you forgot something in your car, a shuttle, retrieving your item(s) and a shuttle could be a real pain in the butt.  When I was there, you had to go down the left field line to get a beer, but I’m told that wasn’t the case this season.  I’m curious to see what happens with a really big crowd when it comes to concessions and restrooms. I'm wondering if they could have used the lower concourse for something other than storage.  Definitely a hitter friendly park, which is fine if you like that sort of thing.

ANALYSIS—I've only been here once and I bet next time I go, I find even more things to like.  There's a great ambience here.  I would think fans who visit for the first time walk away really impressed.  Coastal hosts the conference tournament next year and if you have the chance, you really need to check it out.  Personally, I’m looking forward to my next trip there. An outstanding facility