| Is there a better or more beautiful setting for a ballpark than that of AT&T Park ? While Coors Field has the Rocky mountains and PNC Park has the Allegheny River and city skyline, neither can top the setting at SBC where the ballpark overlooks the San Francisco Bay. Add to that an intimate park filled with modern amenities and you have perhaps the finest baseball venue constructed since the wave of new ballparks began in 1991. AT&T Park is located in the China Basin section of San Francisco, a short distance from downtown and Fisherman's Wharf. While not directly accessible from a freeway, it is still rather easy to get to. One problem with the current location is the lack of parking. The team has a couple of lots ($20-25), but I was unable to find any other private lots that may have been cheaper. Apparently most residents take some form of public transportation to the games. The exterior of the ballpark is the usual red brick. A statue of Willie Mays sits at one corner of the ballpark while a statue of Willie McCovey is located behind the cove which bears his name. Inside, AT&T Park resembles many of the parks built since 1991. It has three levels of seating - field, club, and upper deck, but actually has 4 distinct concourses. The main concourse (mezzanine) is located at the top of the first level of seating. Here is where you will find the majority of the concession stands. And apparently a diverse population calls for a diverse selection of concessions : sausages, garlic fries, Italian, Chinese, deli sandwiches, and BBQ are just some of the offerings besides the standard ballpark fare. Prices are major league high, but portions tend to be large and the food is quite tasty. The outfield concourse has a kid's play area (in the Coke bottle and glove) and a large food court with tables and chairs. This area is a great spot for people to stroll through or hang out at during the game. The seating at AT&T Park is all green fold downs except for the bleacher section in left field. Most seats offer an unobstructed view of the field and the upper deck does not feel as high as in the other new parks in Cincinnati and Philadelphia. The atmosphere here seems to be pretty laid back - the ushers are not obtrusive and fans seems to be into the game. Probably the biggest problem with the park is something that nobody can control - the weather. It gets very cool here most nights, but fans seems to come prepared with winter coats and gloves. I never saw a game at Candlestick Park, but supposedly AT&T Park is not nearly as cold. Clearly fans don't mind the cold as they continue to sell out many games. While the new parks will probably never overtake my love for the old parks (Fenway and Wrigley), AT&T Park is still a gem and one of my favorites among the "retro" parks. A must see for any baseball fan.
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