THE BALLPARK IN ARLINGTON

The Ballpark In Arlington is one of the first of the now several retro-classic parks that have become so popular over the last decade. This park was opened in 1994 and it is still one of the best new parks in the majors.

The park is located right in the middle of nowhere, which makes for some fantastic views as you approach in your car. Surrounded by access roads such as Stadium Drive and Nolan Ryan Expressway, we recommend taking a few minutes and circling the park in your car first, simply to get an appreciation of how the park looks from afar. On a hot day, it resembles an oasis shimmering in the Texas heat.

From the outside, the most interesting feature is the arched entrances and second floor arches above. This facade is reminiscent of the Roman Coliseum, but as you get closer, you notice Longhorns and Lone Stars adorning the facade, reminding you that you are in Texas.

Before entering the stadium, check out the Legends of the Game Museum - the entrance is next to Friday's Front Row Grill. The museum has two floors of memorabilia - the first is a collection on loan from Cooperstown and includes some trophies from the 1920s and 30s, while the second floor is dedicated to the Rangers and baseball in Texas. The third floor is a children's learning center. Admission is normally $6, but you can get in for $3 with a game day ticket. As well, if you show up before 4, you can park for free.

Once inside the gates, you are on the main concourse. The fun stuff is located at Vandergriff plaza behind center field. The Kids Sport Park is there as well as a misting station and a couple of statues: one of Fred Vandergriff, and one of Nolan Ryan. Behind this is the signature white building that contains four stories of office space. This was not open to the public, but it is definitely the part of the park that is most unique. The grassy knoll in center field is actually the batter's eye. Watch for kids racing on there to get home run balls.

Vandergriff Plaza

Seating is relatively expensive. The best seats that are available are the lower infield at $42.50, and these are recommended over the $40 seats lower box seats down the line, if they are in fact available. One of the advantages of these seats is that you gain admittance to the Gold Club, the posh seating area right behind home plate, where you can enjoy food and beverage service, although it isn't free.

The next best seats, when considered on a value for money basis, are probably the $16 upper box seats, especially if you can get in the lower 4 rows. The Upper Reserved Seats are $12 but you are getting far away by that point. Bleacher Bums should enjoy the $12 center field bleachers which are close to field, and those on a shoestring can purchase $6 grandstand reserved in left field, or $5 grandstand in right. 

The Rangers are not having a very good 2001 season and demand is down given the high ticket prices. When we were there, we found a couple of ticket specials - phone ahead (817-273-5100) and see if you can find any discounts that may help your budget. The designated driver program is available at guest services behind the Gold Club entrance.

Finally, if you are hungry and interested in some trivia, go to Friday's Front Row Sports Grill for some food and NTN Trivia and you can watch batting practice as well. Located right beside the first base entrance, tickets are not required, so you can go there any time to enjoy the atmosphere of the ballpark. 

View from Friday's

Overall, the Ballpark in Arlington has a lot to offer. Good tickets may be hard to get, and I think the pricing structure is a bit too high, but the park is easy to get to, easy to get out of, and a fun place to walk around. and I enjoyed watching the games there. As one of the early retro parks, it led the way for the newer parks that followed and it did that difficult job very well. Definitely stop in to see in on any southern baseball tour.