Digital Domain Park (now known as Clover Park), originally known as Thomas J. White Stadium, has been the spring home of the New York Mets since 1988. When I first stopped by in 1999 to take some photos, the park seemed to be in the middle of nowhere and it didn't seem to have much character. But upon returning to see a game in 2011, I got a much different impression. Not only has Port St. Lucie grown up quite a bit, the ballpark has also received a facelift that makes it much more aesthetically pleasing. Fans enter behind home plate and must go up a set of ramps to reach the concourse, which is narrow and out of view of the field. The grandstand features a large cantilevered rood that provides shade for almost all the upper level seats and a good portion of the lower level seats as well. The seating is split by a narrow concourse that has portals to the concourse. A large bleacher section is located on the first base side and a grassy berm behind the right field fence. Strangely, if you have either a bleacher or berm ticket, you do not have access to the rest of the park. These tickets are significantly cheaper than those in the grandstand, but it is still not clear to me why they shouldn't be able to see the whole park. The sightlines from the main grandstand are quite good here as a result of the steep seating bowl. A tiered picnic area is located down the left field line. This is a nice place to eat your concessions and be able to see the game at the same time. Also, located near the picnic area is the ever popular tiki bar - something that seems to be sprouting up at a lot of spring training parks nowadays. Concessions at Digital Domain Park are well varied and quite reasonably priced. Since the Mets play here, it is no surprise to find Nathan's hot dogs and fries, New York style pizza, Boars Head deli sandwiches, and grilled pretzels. Other unique items include a fried shrimp basket and a taco in a helmet. Unlike Citi Field when it first opened, Digital Domain Park definitely feels like a Mets home park. All the seats are blue and there are plenty of Mets photos and banners throughout the park. Parking here is $5 and is located in a large grass lot which is adjacent to the park. There isn't a whole lot memorable about Digital Domain Park, but it does provide a relaxing environment to take in a Grapefruit League game.
|