February 18, 2011  
   

 

6 Things to Check Out at Minor League Ballparks in 2011

(In No Particular Order...)

By: Amanda Lippert of www.baseballstadiumreviews.com

 

1. New Videoboard at Coca Cola Field, home of the Buffalo Bisons (Triple A Affiliate of the New York Mets): The Bisons now have claim to the largest video board in the minors, thanks to the installation in the off-season of an 80' x 33' HD LED Daktronics, Inc. The videoboard, which cost $2.5 million dollars was privately funded by the Bisons. The new videoboard is three times the size of the old video board. For more information on the new video display, click here.

The old videoboard at Coca-Cola Field

2. Renovations at First Energy Stadium in Reading, PA: The home of the Reading Phillies got a huge $10 million dollar make-over this Winter. The renovations included:

  • VIST Financial Plaza - where fans can go to enjoy food, music, and much more. Features a food court four times the size of the previous food court. For the safety of the fans, the plaza will be completely covered by protective netting. A permanent performance stage will also be featured in the plaza.
  • Expanded Ticket Plaza (8 windows instead of 5)
  • Climate-Controlled Team Store
  • Family Restrooms
  • New Offices for Front-Office Members
  • An Additional 180 Parking Spaces
  • Light Poles
  • Cement in the Main Grandstand
  • Padded Outfield Walls
  • New Clubhouses for Both the Home and Visiting Teams. The Home clubhouse will be 45% larger and the Visitors' Clubhouse will double in size.

3. New Ballpark in Rockland County, NY: Despite much controversy, the construction continues seven days a week in Rockland County, NY to get the ballpark finished in time for the Rockland Boulders to join the Can-Am League in June 2011. The ballpark will feature a 360 degree concourse, food courts, kids area, outfield party deck, and luxury suites. The park's capacity will be 3,500 fixed seats and 750 berm seats.

Photo Taken February 2011

4. The Gateway Grizzlies' New Concession Item: Since 2004, the Gateway Grizzlies have added a new concession item to their line-up, and 2011 is no different. As of the time this article was written, the new item was not announced. Although, iif last year's item is any indication of the creativity behind the prospective concession item, I think fans are in for a treat. Last year's new concession item was called "Thes Beast". It contained 15, 1/3 pound beef patties marinated with steak sauce, bacon & pepper jack cheese, with a gourmet hamburger roll. Fans who wanted to indulge in this tasty gigantic treat were required to call the ballpark ahead of time. Otherwise, fans had to settle for the "junior" version which was available at concession stands throughout the game. In 2009, the new concession item was called "Baseball's Best Burger" which featured a beef patty topped with bacon and cheddar cheese, on a Krispy Kreme Glazed Doughnut. Yes, I said "doughnut", not "roll". The ballpark has been featured on the Travel Channel's "Man v. Food" show. So, can't wait to see what is being added to this year's concession menu!

5. The Renovations at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma: Cheney Stadium is another park that underwent a massive face-lift this off season. The renovations cost $30 million dollars. The renovations include:

  • Redesigned Concourse
  • Right Field Grass Berm with Kids Play Area
  • New Bleachers in Left Field
  • 300 Club Seats Behind Home Plate
  • 5,000 Square Ft. Restaurant
  • 16 Luxury Suites
  • Home Dugout is now on 3B Side
  • Great Views of Mount Rainier
  • Larger Kitchens for Concession Stands Will Improve Line Speed/New Beer Taps
  • Ramps/Elevators

6. The Renovations at Coveleski Stadium in South Bend, IN: Coveleski Stadium in South Bend also underwent some major renovations this Winter. The renovations include:

  • New Scoreboard
  • Renovated Upper Deck Catering Facility and Suites
  • Artificial Playing Surface
  • New Center Field Entry Way