'The Brick' is outstanding

by Ryan McGhee
August 10, 2002 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)

You know, the other day I passed "The Brick" while I was on my way to Norman and I realized that I take it for granted that I live in a city with such a nice stadium. All I have to do is think back to the days of good ol' One Sport Stadium to see how much better baseball in Oklahoma City is today.

Before opening SBC Bricktown Ballpark in 1998, the Oklahoma RedHawks were known as the Oklahoma City 89ers and played their games in All Sports Stadium. Although it was known as All Sports Stadium because the All Sports Association ran it, One Sport Stadium only played host to baseball.

The passing of the MAPs project for downtown Oklahoma City brought with it a new baseball stadium for the Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers. When the RedHawks first took the field on April 16, 1998, their sparkling new home was considered the best below the major league level (while most now consider Autozone Park in Memphis to be the best, I'll reserve judgment until I see it in person this Sunday).

"The Brick" is a part of Oklahoma and Oklahoma is a part of "The Brick". Not only is the park home to Oklahoma's current baseball heroes, it is also a shrine to heroes of the past. Statues of native sons Mickey Mantle and Johnny Bench mark the home plate and first base entrances, respectively. Inside, you'll find tributes to other Oklahoma greats such as Dizzy Dean and Don Porter. The stadium fits in with its surroundings in Oklahoma City's Bricktown and helps bring the area to life at night.

The park is easy to get to, as it is located near the intersection of I-40 and I-35. Parking is a hassle, as there is limited space on the grounds of Bricktown Ballpark. Also, it is expensive. You'll be hard pressed to find a parking spot in Bricktown that won't set you back $5, still a bargain if you are used to major league prices.

Ticket prices are consistent with the rest of Triple-A. It's $10 to sit behind home plate. The concourse is wide with plenty of space and no matter where your seat is, there's a concession stand close by.

Every seat's a good one at "The Brick." Behind home plate and the dugouts gives you a good view of the field and puts you very close to the action. The club and press level suites are tailor-made for fans who are interested in the game and those who would rather stay inside and mingle.

The most interesting view is from the upper deck sections that overhang right field. They give you the best overall view of the stadium, though you're farthest from home plate, and feature a nice view of downtown Oklahoma City.

As the park begins to close its fifth year of hosting baseball, it continues to draw large crowds. While the novelty has started to wear off, Bricktown Ballpark will probably never lose its luster or magnificence. While other parks are able to claim they have better views or more attractions other than baseball, "The Brick" is probably the best place to watch a baseball game in the minor leagues.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from August 10, 2002

• 'The Brick' is outstanding - OSC Original by Ryan McGhee
• Trappers Beaten by Brown - Edmonton Trappers
• Beavers Tack on Another - Portland Beavers

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