Home run in Louisville

A ticket into Louisville Slugger Field earns you more than a seat at a baseball game.

So you say watching a baseball game is not really high on your list of activities? Oh, you might tune in to the World Series every year, but beyond that you really don't get it?

Well, get this. Louisville Slugger Field will hit a home run in the fun department, whether you're a dyed-in-the-wool fan or just someone looking for an all-American good time at a bargain price.

Matt Andrews, a radio announcer for the AAA affiliate team of the Cincinnati Reds, loves to show off the four-year-old baseball field. "This was a train shed," he says of the building that houses the ticket booths and gift shop area. "And the field itself is built over scrap metal, a car graveyard. It was a real eyesore."

Now named one of the top facilities in the country, the stadium and field are among the best in professional baseball. A total of 13,131 seats provide terrific views of the pristine field, the Ohio River Bridge, and Louisville's downtown skyline. One side of the field even boasts a carousel and play area for youngsters.

Across the field from the carousel, fans can bring blankets, sit on the grass, and enjoy a game for $5. Matt points out more helpful hints about seating. "Try to sit at third base to keep the sun out of your eyes," he advises. "Or if you are at first base, be sure to bring a hat. . .or buy one."

The great gift shop certainly has plenty of hats, shirts, and other baseball paraphernalia. (It is open even when games are not being played.) Other amenities include two great sit-down restaurants that attract walk-up crowds from downtown, as well as fans at the ballpark. Wellinghurst's Steak House provides a white-tablecloth experience in a timely manner. They offer a quick menu right before the game. The other restaurant, Browning's, features a relaxed pub atmosphere.

Matt boasts about the food, but he is especially stoked about broadcasting Louisville Bats games. "We have 20 televised games this year," he adds. "It's a 144-game season with 72 home games and 72 away games, which culminates in the Governor's Cup-our version of the World Series."

As Matt readies his radio voice and the players flex their pitching and hitting arms, Louisville Slugger Field lies ready to welcome all. Play ball!

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Jun 2003
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved