LOUISVILLE SLUGGER FIELD

Louisville Slugger Field is by far the best minor league park we have seen so far. Built in 2000 on the old site of a train depot, the park still contains restored remnants of the old building. When you enter the first set of doors, you are actually entering the "train-shed" building and the ticket windows and main gate are located on the inside of these doors. There is still an unfinished air about this area, according to the Riverbats' website, there will eventually be retail stores built here.

The restored outside of Louisville Slugger Field

The park has two seating levels, with the upper level extending over the last five rows of the lower level. There are lots of ticket options, but one problem with new minor-league parks is the lack of good seats available for walk-up customers - the entire lower deck in the infield is called Season Ticket Reserved and are generally not available to the general public. If you are able to buy these tickets, they will cost you only $8 which is a bargain for this park. The infield sections of the upper deck are club seats and are sold out as well.

There are reserved seats along the field for $7 and in the upper deck for $8. There are also left field ($6) and right field ($5) reserved seats as well as bleacher and grass seats in the outfield for $4. All reserved tickets are $1 cheaper for kids 12 and under and seniors 65 and over.

The stadium has a lot of amenities that most minor league parks don't have. In fact, this is almost like a major league stadium without the third deck. With a seating capacity of over 13,000, the Bats will often outdraw the Expos. The park has a great view of downtown Louisville from the second deck on third base, and nice views of the bridges spanning the Ohio River from the center field concourse.

There are three scoreboards, although the amount of information displayed is somewhat limited - with all that room, more stats could be added. There is the Overlook Grill beyond the right field fence ($2 beers until 7:00 encourage you to show up early), a large gorilla waving at fans from center field, and some rides for the kids as well. There are even tours available for those serious fans.

Concessions are typical, but there is a great fried bologna sandwich stand just behind home plate - definitely better than a hot dog, and they will smother your sandwich with onions upon request. One of the best things about this park, though, is the fan-friendly staff. I guess it's Southern hospitality at its best, but every individual that I spoke with was polite and smiling - they really enjoy working at this park - even the gentleman who cleans your seats before you sit down.

Slugger Field is a great place to catch a game. The Riverbats are an exciting team and the fans are good as well. If you are ever in Cincinnati to see a game, make the trip down I-71 to Lousiville as well - you won't regret it.