| When I heard Stockton was building a new park, I figured it would be like almost every other new minor league ballpark built during the past decade. But I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, it does have some of the same features found in your typical AA park, but also has several aspects that make it quite unique. Banner Island Ballpark (a temporary name until a sponsor is found) is located on the outskirts of the downtown, next to a new arena that is still under construction and right on the banks of the Port of Stockton. Parking is available in small lots across the street (for $5) or on the street for free. A large parking garage is being built along with the arena, so that will provide additional spaces once complete. The park follows the familiar template of having the concourse overlook the field and wrap around the entire park. The concourse is covered from 1st base to 3rd base, but no luxury boxes are stacked on top. Instead, the luxury boxes they have here (there are only 4 of them) are located at the concourse level on the first base side. Seating extends from one foul line to the other, meaning that no seats are too far from the field, but that some are a ways from the infield. Also, because of the footprint, foul territory is large pushing the seats further back. The outfield features a large picnic area (located behind the bullpens in left field), a grassy berm in right-center field for fans to sit on, and the ballpark's most distinct feature - the "Backporch". This is a covered structure in right field that features 50 rocking chairs. The price for the Backporch seats are $20 and include a BBQ. One other unique feature of Banner Island Ballpark is the bating cage located along the first base concourse. This allows fans to watch the players take BP before the game and to take some hacks of their own during the game. A small gift store is located in the left field corner. Concessions here are reasonably priced, but they don't seem to offer much beyond the usual ballpark fare. Fried asparagus is the signature item, though I didn't try any. The atmosphere was pretty much what you'd expect at a minor league game - there were a few between inning games, but the team certainly didn't go overboard. Also, there was no annoying sound effects - something I always appreciate. Overall, Banner Island Ballpark is an adequate new facility, but not one that I was overly impressed with. The "Backporch" and viewable batting cage are nice touches, but because of how spread out everything feels, it lacks the intimacy that a good minor league park should have.
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