Lake Olmstead Stadium
After being rained out here in 1999, I was finally able to get back to Lake Olmstead Stadium for a game in '07. My initial impressions were not changed based on my second visit. This is the way more new parks should be built. Though I'd prefer to see more concrete, and less tin, it is quite refreshing to see a park that offers a covered grandstand. The seating is split into three distinct sections, each with a large roof covering about 75% of the seating. Also, each section has two large overhead fans suspended from the roof to keep fans cool.
The box seats are located in front of the grandstand sections. The reserved seats (behind home plate) are molded plastic chairs while the GA seats (located down both lines) are just metal benches. The outside of the park in nicely done as a black wrought iron gate surrounds the park and banners displaying all the previous Augusta teams' logos adorn the exterior. There is no fancy brickwork, but I think many teams are wasting too much money worrying about what the outside of the park looks like, and forgetting that the inside is where the game takes place (Rochester's new park is an example of this).
Augusta has made the outside look nice without spending a lot of money on it - actually the whole stadium only cost $3 million to build. Hopefully other teams will follow their lead, but since opening in '95, I haven't seen any that have. Probably because Lake Olmstead does not have luxury boxes. The concourse area is located between the iron gate and the grandstand and is completely uncovered. It features several concession stands, a grill, and a "cool zone" where fans can get relief from the summer heat. Food options are well varied and include such items as turkey legs, brats, burgers, and chicken sandwiches. Prices are reasonable and quality is good, though service could be better.
The atmosphere was pretty typical with games between almost every inning. And the team really embraced the "nerd night" theme they were having in honor of Myron Noodleman (who was a no-show). The team's mascot, Auggie, was also around, but didn't seem to be causing much trouble. Programs and parking are both free - another positive of Lake Olmstead. My only complaint has nothing to do with the park, but with the new owners of the Greenjackets.
Ripken Baseball nows owns the team and they seem to have plastered their name all over the stadium. In addition, half the gift store is loaded with Cal merchandise. I realize that he was an extremely popular player in his day, but there just seemed to be a bit too much self promotion here from the Ripkens. Other than that, I really enjoyed my visit to Lake Olmstead Stadium - it truly is a unique ballpark. There has been talk of building a new ballpark in Augusta, but here's hoping that Lake Olmstead lives on for many more years.
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