| Well here's one newer park that doesn't fit the
standard template. While the template is fine, it's nice to see some
cities try something different. And that's exactly what Charleston
did. Despite having plenty of space to work with, the designers decided
to put many odd angles in the outfield - the strangest of which is in the
left field corner where the outfield fence goes literally straight back after
the foul pole. The concourse is set behind the seating areas and almost
completely uncovered. It features several concession stands and a small
gift store. Concessions were on the whole average in quality, variety,
and price. One complaint I had about the concourse is that all the concessions
seem to bunched up on the third base side, leaving the first base side of
the concourse with the feel of dead space. The seating is made up
of box seats below the concourse, and benches (with backs) above the concourse.
A small roof covers the last several rows of bench seating. There
are two picnic areas - one down the right field line, and one at the
top of the seating on the third base side. For all the talk of Mike
Veeck being a promotional genius, I didn't notice much unique. The
standard between inning games were played (sumo wrestling, race the mascot,
etc.) and many of the same sound effects were used. Music is blared a bit
too loud, especially when the PA announcer is trying to talk over it. I
was also disappointed that the starting lineups were not announced - one
of the only parks I've encountered that doesn't do this. I had read
many articles about how scenic Riley Park is, but I didn't get the same impression.
The river is not in view and there are many trees/shrubs that are blocking
the view beyond the outfield fence. Actually, trees surround the park
giving it almost a hidden feel. Parking is plentiful in surface lots,
but is a bit expensive ($3-$4) and far from the park. Overall, I enjoyed
my visit to Riley Park as it's nice to see a park built in different mold,
but there were a few aspects with regard to the atmosphere and the park that
could use some improvement.
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