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Stadium Review -- 2005-05-25

Overall Rating: A-

Stadium: A

Certainly one of the prettiest ballparks we have visited in our travels. Still new and fresh, the ballpark celebrates its second year in operation. Take the time to walk around the outfield past the families sitting out in the grassy knolls to appreciate the sights and sounds of a top notch ballpark. Or watch the sun set on the Sandia Mountains out past center field

The center piece is “The Hill.” The sloped center field is 400 to dead center field but it angles back to 420 on both sides. At 340 down the line and deep power alleys it has the makings of a hitter’s park but don’t be fooled. Located well over a mile above sea level you can see some mammoth home runs sent off into the night. The sluggers try to arrive at the ballpark early eager to spice up their numbers.

The seating bowl follows around the infield. Some seats in the back of the sections are under cover offering protection for those attending day games. The design blocks the sun for night games. The long concourse holds numerous concession stands, a gift store and bathrooms. The seats in the seating bowl are box seats and allow ample room. All seats have cup holders.

Nice souvenir store. They had sold an autographed bat. Why not offer game used/autographed items for sale. Willington has one of the best souvenir stores we have been to. That would be easy to do and make some money (remember to have the players number on the bat).

Reserved seats are down the line on both sides of the field. Reserve seats are also behind the box seats on the third base line and to the right of the right field foul pole.

Parking is free. We have been here before so know the lay of the land but we were surprised when while walking across the street towards the stadium a car stopped and told us we must have figured out the key to parking here. We realized that the signs stating permit required would be confusing to first time fans. Management should put signs up to reduce the confusion.

The bullpens have been moved and are now in the outfield allowing fans an unobstructed view of the playing field. Sadly the bat boys are exiled far down the line so as to not block the fans view.

Atmosphere: A-

The staff is friendly, professional and attentive. They have one of the coolest logos in baseball.

Great video board.

Orbit does the base race and dances with the kids on the dugout, BUT…

They should get Orbit more involved with the fans. Hire a proven NCAA mascot and make him part of your marketing department. Outfit Orbit with small water balloons or a water gun for those hot summer games. You should see what they did at Delmarva. One other thing, on day games with a lot of kids in the crowd watching the game from the grass, hire some magicians; do face paintings and other activities. The time, energy and investment will pay off when the kids ask their parents to come back.

Promotions

I loved the Hit a Homer promotion. Maybe one day they could do a Dancing Homer promotion. The Home Dinger contest (ball through a window in left field) is done every inning and a nice contest and yes we were sorry Karen didn’t win. Maybe they should hold this until the game is official.

Strike Out the Bats is a classic. Fans have four chances to knock three bats over. A wonderful but tough promotion. We also enjoyed the Chili Pepper races. You should keep score like they do in Milwaukee. How about adding an Indian Taco to the mix. Three is better then one.

Other promotions: Sweetheart of the game Hit for the cycle contest. A player hits for the cycle and a fan wins a bike. Karen lost this one too. TEMA Toss, throw ball through hole and win a prize. T shirt toss GMC Dizzy Bat race Grand Slam Contest, win a Ford Explorer Outback sing for your supper

The Field MC has a nice voice and laid back manner. A fun run is featured after some of the games.

Value: A-

A good value

Tickets

A good value

Box Seats $10 Reserved Seats $8 Grass Berm seats 5

Food

Head down the first base line and try the Indian Taco. It is pretty good and very popular with the fans. There are a lot of vendors working the stands.

Food is good and variety is amazing.

Beer Jumbo $8.50 Fries Large $3.25 Btld Import $5.75 Small $2.25 Btld Domestic $5.00 Cotton Candy $3.50 Margarita $6.50 Chicago Dog $4.75 ½ lb burger $4.75 Philly Cheese $5.75 Black Angus grilled dog $4.00 Subs $3.50 Funnel Cake $3.50 Chicken tenders $5.50 Indian Taco $6.50 Tamale Bowl $4.75 Overstuffed Burrito $8.50 Brat $5.00 Jumbo Chili dog $4.75 Btld water $3.00 Btld soda $3.00 Krispy Kreme (4) $5.00 Dog $2.25 Jumbo dog $3.25 Gyro $4.75 Big Papa Pickle $3.00* Souvenir soda $3.25 Popcorn large $3.25 Popcorn small $2,25

* these were popular, go figure!

Odds and Ends

The ads on the video board (I hate ads at the ballpark) and promotions run like clock work. Since you will have a good number of fans attending more then one game why not mix things up. Keep it fresh and entertaining. If I know you are going to run a particular ad in the 5th inning I’ll tune it out.

If you want to take your family out for a good time this is your place. The stadium is easy to get to the staff attentive and the prices hard to beat. We love this place.

On a personal note, Mr. Wilson Valdez I enjoyed your play and hope to see you play again but how about an autograph

Kevin and Karen Flynn

Stadium Review for 2003 -- 2003-09-20

Overall Rating: A

Facility A

The new ballpark is in the SE quadrant of the city on the grounds of the University of New Mexico. Legroom is great and seats are comfortable. Section sizes also keep to a minimum the number of fans who might walk in front of you.

Atmosphere A

Mascot didn't do much (a Dancing Homer or Goofball would have been neat), on field promotions were fun and the fans were into the game.

Value A

The stadium is located on a college campus so there is ample free parking. I was surprised at the great staff. This is their inaugural season and they did so many things right. We found the ticket prices to be moderate and were surprised by the great food. Box seats are $10 and reserved two dollars less. Grass Berm seats are a bargain at $5.

Good prices and terrific facilities all add up to a bargain.

Odds and Ends

To me AAA baseball tends to combine the worst qualities of MLB and the minors, not here. I encouraged some people I work with to stop in for a game when they flew out on business. If in town take in a game. The grass berm in right is a great place to take the kids and relax.

Nice gift store. Their merchandise is hot! A storeowner in Old Town told us about a customer from Japan who spent a lot of money buying up Isotopes merchandise to sell back in Japan.

Karen and Kevin Flynn

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