KNIGHTS CASTLE

Knights Stadium, or as it is more commonly known, Knights Castle, is the home ground of the Charlotte Knights. Although Charlotte is located in North Carolina, the stadium is actually in Fort Mill, South Carolina, just 2 miles from the state line. As you drive down I-77, you will see a large water tower with a baseball on top - this tells you that you are getting close. The stadium is just off the Interstate and easy to get in and out. Parking is only $2, and there are plenty of spots. 

As in most minor league parks, there are three seating areas. The lower level has two areas separated by a walkway: field box, which are the bottom 15 rows and cost $9, and the lower reserved which are above the walkway and cost $8. All seats in the upper deck are general admission and cost $6. The upper deck is small (only 8 rows) and the suites are actually above these seats, so they are actually quite close to the field. But since the staff here seems to let people sit wherever, you can get the $6 seats and try to sit where you want. There are also two berm areas down each line, although they were closed on the day I attended. The unique thing about the seats are the variety of colours. In the lower level, the first two seats on each aisle are differently coloured, while the upper deck seats are seem to be randomly coloured. I couldn't determine the meaning of this scheme, but it is very intriguing.

There are lots of food options here. Along the first base line is a stand known as Gone Hog Wild, which serves lots of meat dishes. I tried the Fried Twinkies, which are Twinkies that are dipped in batter and fried. After two of these (at $4, too expensive), my cholesterol has likely doubled, they are not recommended. Along the 3rd base line is the Kingsford Grill which offers grilled burgers and dogs - the bratwurst is quite nice. Beside the grill is a small picnic area. As well, the concourse is open, so you can watch the game while waiting for your food.  

For those of you with a bigger appetite, try the Home Run Cafe, located on the second deck behind home plate. For $10, you can enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet while watching the game from some great seats. The ceiling lights are also interesting - a bat and some baseballs, which look very interesting from the seats down below.

Lights from the home run cafe

Behind the Gone Hog Wild stand is the Rookie Playzone, a small area with a carousel and a mini-golf course, as well as the usual pitching and batting games - a good place for kids before and during the game.

The starting lineups are posted just inside the main entrance, next to the guest relations office. Don't forget to pick up a program and enter the many contests - there is a good chance you will win a prize.

Overall, this is a great place to watch a game. Spacious, clean, a great field, easy access, and lots of fun things on the go - definitely worth a visit if you are in North (or South) Carolina.