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"The Knights Castle" was opened in 1990, and is actually located in South Carolina, in
a town called Fort Mill and about 12 miles south of the city of Charlotte. Located right
off of I-77, the ballpark sits literally in the middle of nowhere, and the stadium shares
space with a training facility formerly used by the Charlotte Hornets. This is a two deck
stadium, with the upper deck ringed with suites atop both base sides, and a really nice
restaurant with a sports motif called the "Home Run Cafe" directly above home plate.
With tiered seating and a drink rail, patrons can enjoy a buffet and a great view of the
action. The main level concourse is plenty spacious and offers a view of the field
throughout.
Notable food item - actually a stand at the end of the third base line called the
"Kingsford Grill", where sizzling burgers and brats are prepared to order.
Notable in game entertainment - "Mayberry Trivia". where fans are dazzled with
questions like "who did Aunt Bea beat out to win the pie baking competition at the
church social?" You know you are in the Carolinas!
Cool things near the ballpark - Fuhgetaboutit! Hop back in your car and head to
Uptown Charlotte.
FIRST USRT VISIT: June, 2000
ANDREW'S RATING - 2 stars PETER'S RATING - 1 star
COMPOSITE RATING: 1.5 stars
a town called Fort Mill and about 12 miles south of the city of Charlotte. Located right
off of I-77, the ballpark sits literally in the middle of nowhere, and the stadium shares
space with a training facility formerly used by the Charlotte Hornets. This is a two deck
stadium, with the upper deck ringed with suites atop both base sides, and a really nice
restaurant with a sports motif called the "Home Run Cafe" directly above home plate.
With tiered seating and a drink rail, patrons can enjoy a buffet and a great view of the
action. The main level concourse is plenty spacious and offers a view of the field
throughout.
Notable food item - actually a stand at the end of the third base line called the
"Kingsford Grill", where sizzling burgers and brats are prepared to order.
Notable in game entertainment - "Mayberry Trivia". where fans are dazzled with
questions like "who did Aunt Bea beat out to win the pie baking competition at the
church social?" You know you are in the Carolinas!
Cool things near the ballpark - Fuhgetaboutit! Hop back in your car and head to
Uptown Charlotte.
FIRST USRT VISIT: June, 2000
ANDREW'S RATING - 2 stars PETER'S RATING - 1 star
COMPOSITE RATING: 1.5 stars
Another of the new generation of HOK designed minor league ballparks, Bulls Athletic
Park goes a long way in showcasing this community's long and rich baseball history,
celebrating their most notable claim to fame in the movie "Bull Durham", and also
providing a comfortable venue with great sightlines and fan amenities.
First let's say this - despite the hype that the entire world is leaving the rust belt and
moving to North Carolina, the city of Durham is somewhat grungy and dog eared. The
stadium sits downtown, and next door is a vacant cigarette factory screaming for a new
tenant. Most buildings in downtown Durham are kind of on the old side. But the
stadium itself is marvelous! Capacity over 10,000, and a distinctive wall out in left field
dubbed the "Blue Monster", similar to the more famous monster at Fenway; and yes,
there is a hand operated scoreboard built into the Monster! And above the wall is a
replica billboard of the famous Bull which appeared in the movie. The actual bull
hangs in the concourse. Speaking of concourse, there are great exhibits and wall
sculptures throughout which lay out the history of baseball here in an informative
manner, and a two level team store is located at the main entrance behind home plate.
Notable food item - The Flying Burrito, this huge Mexican concoction costs $4.50 and
can be found at a stand in the homeplate area.
Notable in game entertainment - the organist is stationed in a cross aisle in the main
level right in the stands and can be seen entertaining the fans right from that visible
perch. Very cool!
Must see on your visit here - El Toro Field, the former home of the Durham Bulls and
the location of that great movie "Bull Durham" still stands and if you are a die hard fan
you gotta make the pilgrimage. The park is in a neighborhood just north of downtown
Durham, any local will give you directions.
FIRST USRT VISIT: June, 2003
ANDREW'S RATING: 3 stars PETER'S RATING: 3 stars
COMPOSITE RATING: 3 stars
Park goes a long way in showcasing this community's long and rich baseball history,
celebrating their most notable claim to fame in the movie "Bull Durham", and also
providing a comfortable venue with great sightlines and fan amenities.
First let's say this - despite the hype that the entire world is leaving the rust belt and
moving to North Carolina, the city of Durham is somewhat grungy and dog eared. The
stadium sits downtown, and next door is a vacant cigarette factory screaming for a new
tenant. Most buildings in downtown Durham are kind of on the old side. But the
stadium itself is marvelous! Capacity over 10,000, and a distinctive wall out in left field
dubbed the "Blue Monster", similar to the more famous monster at Fenway; and yes,
there is a hand operated scoreboard built into the Monster! And above the wall is a
replica billboard of the famous Bull which appeared in the movie. The actual bull
hangs in the concourse. Speaking of concourse, there are great exhibits and wall
sculptures throughout which lay out the history of baseball here in an informative
manner, and a two level team store is located at the main entrance behind home plate.
Notable food item - The Flying Burrito, this huge Mexican concoction costs $4.50 and
can be found at a stand in the homeplate area.
Notable in game entertainment - the organist is stationed in a cross aisle in the main
level right in the stands and can be seen entertaining the fans right from that visible
perch. Very cool!
Must see on your visit here - El Toro Field, the former home of the Durham Bulls and
the location of that great movie "Bull Durham" still stands and if you are a die hard fan
you gotta make the pilgrimage. The park is in a neighborhood just north of downtown
Durham, any local will give you directions.
FIRST USRT VISIT: June, 2003
ANDREW'S RATING: 3 stars PETER'S RATING: 3 stars
COMPOSITE RATING: 3 stars
Here is a great downtown ballpark nestled along the river front in a sparkling and
vibrant center city. Harbor Park opened in 1993, and still looks much like a brand new
stadium. A single wide concourse with a view of the field throughout, and the upper
levels serve the suites and two party decks. One of the coolest thing about the
concessions here are grilling stations which face the field. Each stations offers a
different fresh grilled item - 1/2 pound burgers, polish sausage, philly cheesesteaks
and barbecued pork. The stadium restaurant is called "Hits at the Park" and is located
down the end of the first base side. Mahogany walls, climate controlled and a nice
view of the action, a buffet is offered for $13.95.
About the only fault we can find with this place is a neglected area beyond the right
field wall. Nothing but thick brush and a swampy area between the boundary of the
stadium and the river. We can only imagine the possibilities of a nice walkway,
perhaps a dock and marina tied right into the venue.
Notable food item - the Fried Twinkie! Take a twinkie on a stick, dip it in batter, deep fry
and then add powdered sugar. Not recommended by the American Heart Association!
Cool way to go to the ballpark - Take the ferry from Portsmouth. A nice river ride and
you will be deposited at a dock just steps from the right field entrance.
Cool things near the ballpark - downtown Norfolk offers endless dining, shopping and
entertainment options. Try the Waterside Festival Marketplace a few blocks from the
ballpark - Hooters and Jillians right there! The MacArthur Center is a massive
shopping mall also just blocks away. Museums, attractions, great great city!
FIRST USRT VISIT: June, 2003
ANDREW'S RATING: 4 stars PETER'S RATING: 4 stars
COMPOSITE RATING: 4 stars
vibrant center city. Harbor Park opened in 1993, and still looks much like a brand new
stadium. A single wide concourse with a view of the field throughout, and the upper
levels serve the suites and two party decks. One of the coolest thing about the
concessions here are grilling stations which face the field. Each stations offers a
different fresh grilled item - 1/2 pound burgers, polish sausage, philly cheesesteaks
and barbecued pork. The stadium restaurant is called "Hits at the Park" and is located
down the end of the first base side. Mahogany walls, climate controlled and a nice
view of the action, a buffet is offered for $13.95.
About the only fault we can find with this place is a neglected area beyond the right
field wall. Nothing but thick brush and a swampy area between the boundary of the
stadium and the river. We can only imagine the possibilities of a nice walkway,
perhaps a dock and marina tied right into the venue.
Notable food item - the Fried Twinkie! Take a twinkie on a stick, dip it in batter, deep fry
and then add powdered sugar. Not recommended by the American Heart Association!
Cool way to go to the ballpark - Take the ferry from Portsmouth. A nice river ride and
you will be deposited at a dock just steps from the right field entrance.
Cool things near the ballpark - downtown Norfolk offers endless dining, shopping and
entertainment options. Try the Waterside Festival Marketplace a few blocks from the
ballpark - Hooters and Jillians right there! The MacArthur Center is a massive
shopping mall also just blocks away. Museums, attractions, great great city!
FIRST USRT VISIT: June, 2003
ANDREW'S RATING: 4 stars PETER'S RATING: 4 stars
COMPOSITE RATING: 4 stars
The Diamond in Richmond.....what a great name! The name was chosen as part of a
name the stadium contest, and quotes from the winning letter appear in a concourse
display.
This is an older facility, opened in 1985 built predominantly of precast concrete and
erected over a seven month period on the sight of its predecessor, Parker Field. This
stadium reeks of being exactly what a minor league facility should be. An outfield fence
with two levels of ads from foul pole to foul pole, simple metal bench seating for about
12,000. Concourses with simply the basics in concessions, grilled italian sausages,
and gourmet pretzels to boot.
The Diamond may become a thing of the past in the near future, as a development
group has unveiled plans for a new downtown ballpark and us attempting to secure
financing. Part of the money which was to have been used to refurbish the Diamond
has been earmarked for this project. In a way, the demise of this venue will be a sad
thing.
Notable food item - There is a restaurant called the Diamond Room at the end of the
first base side, and here is where you'll find Famous Dave's Barbecue. St. Louis Ribs,
pulled pork, all the trimmings and plastic checkered tablecloths so nothing fancy here.
And of course a great view of the field! Open to all ticket holders.
Coolest signature element of the stadium - a massive sculpture of a Native American
peers down from high above the concourse at the home plate entrance.
Things to do near the ballpark - about the only thing near the Diamond is the bus
station and lots of parking; otherwise, hop in your car and head down I-95 to downtown
Richmond to find things to do.
FIRST USRT VISIT: June, 2003
ANDREW'S RATING: 2 stars PETER'S RATING: 3 stars
COMPOSITE RATING: 2.5 stars
name the stadium contest, and quotes from the winning letter appear in a concourse
display.
This is an older facility, opened in 1985 built predominantly of precast concrete and
erected over a seven month period on the sight of its predecessor, Parker Field. This
stadium reeks of being exactly what a minor league facility should be. An outfield fence
with two levels of ads from foul pole to foul pole, simple metal bench seating for about
12,000. Concourses with simply the basics in concessions, grilled italian sausages,
and gourmet pretzels to boot.
The Diamond may become a thing of the past in the near future, as a development
group has unveiled plans for a new downtown ballpark and us attempting to secure
financing. Part of the money which was to have been used to refurbish the Diamond
has been earmarked for this project. In a way, the demise of this venue will be a sad
thing.
Notable food item - There is a restaurant called the Diamond Room at the end of the
first base side, and here is where you'll find Famous Dave's Barbecue. St. Louis Ribs,
pulled pork, all the trimmings and plastic checkered tablecloths so nothing fancy here.
And of course a great view of the field! Open to all ticket holders.
Coolest signature element of the stadium - a massive sculpture of a Native American
peers down from high above the concourse at the home plate entrance.
Things to do near the ballpark - about the only thing near the Diamond is the bus
station and lots of parking; otherwise, hop in your car and head down I-95 to downtown
Richmond to find things to do.
FIRST USRT VISIT: June, 2003
ANDREW'S RATING: 2 stars PETER'S RATING: 3 stars
COMPOSITE RATING: 2.5 stars
| South Division |
KNIGHTS
STADIUM
Fort Mill,
South
Carolina
STADIUM
Fort Mill,
South
Carolina
DURHAM
BULLS
ATHLETIC
PARK
Durham,
North
Carolina
BULLS
ATHLETIC
PARK
Durham,
North
Carolina
HARBOR
PARK
Norfolk,
Virginia
PARK
Norfolk,
Virginia
THE
DIAMOND
Richmond,
Virginia
DIAMOND
Richmond,
Virginia
| International League |