| This is one new ballpark where setting makes all the difference. If this was set in a parking lot on the outskirts of the city, Autozone Park certainly would not rate as high in my book. But because of its downtown location, it's certainly one of the top new ballparks in the country. Yes, it is a bit big for a minor league park, and therefore almost has a major league feel to it. But its downtown location, tucked in among large buildings, gives it a more intimate feel than it otherwise would have. The seating bowl is similar to most new parks with the concourse overlooking the field, and the luxury boxes built over the concourse. The concourse encircles the whole field, though there is not much activity on it in the outfield. Almost all the concessions stands are located between the bases. They have a decent variety of concessions including some exotic items like sausage and cheese platters, but the prices are as high as you'd find at a major league ballpark. The atmosphere provided by the team is quite contradictory - they play live organ music which is very refreshing (especially at the minor league level), but also have cheerleaders that come out periodically. I could really do without the cheerleaders at a baseball game - leave them for the NFL and NBA. But other than that minor distraction, the focus is on the game here. The exterior of the park is made of the classic red brick, which has become tiring, but works here as it fits in with the surrounding buildings. Because of its locations in downtown Memphis, near Beale Street, surface parking lots are scarce. Most of the parking is provided by parking garages, though I could not find any team sponsored parking. Expect to pay $3-$5 to park, which really isn't too bad considering the downtown location. Having never seen a game at Tim McCarver Stadium (the park it replaced), I can only assume that Autozone Park is a vast improvement over that 1960 park.
|
