Pride's new den is a step up

by Marc Viquez
Published on June 20, 2002 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL)

The 2002 season for the New Jersey Pride has brought a few changes, but none as big as the team's new residence. Commerce Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, N.J. is the new home of the club after playing one season up north at Yogi Berra Stadium. The relocation to a centralized part of the state will benefit patrons from southern New Jersey.

"I like the complex better here than at Yogi Berra," said Charlie Dwyer who heads youth lacrosse camps in Millburn, N.J. "It's a better location for the sport, because it is going to get a better draw from the southern part of the state"

The central New Jersey location was one the major reasons why the team switched venues during the off-season. Yogi Berra was situated within miles of the Lincoln Tunnel and New York City, while Commerce Bank Ballpark sits comfortably off of Rt. 287 in Somerset County. The team is looking to gain new fans from the lacrosse-savvy schools of Rutgers and Princeton.

The team had originally planned to use the baseball stadium for its inaugural season in 2001, but was unable to do so and opted for the stadium 36 miles north on the campus of Montclair State University. The two ballparks host independent minor league baseball (in different leagues), were built around the same time, and have similar dimensions, however, there are big differences between the two facilities that are evident when you first walk into the park.

"I think this is a great facility. It's bigger, there's skyboxes and chairs all around," said Pride Head coach Ted Georgalas after a home game. "The other place was nice, but this is a level up."

Yogi Berra Stadium by all means is a souped-up college ballpark that seats 3,478 and serves as home to the New Jersey Jackals of the Northern League. Commerce Bank Ballpark, very similar in design to Trenton's Waterfront Park and Camden's Campbell's Field, seats 6,100. The skyboxes are in abundance at the new stadium with 20 suites compared to just one at Yogi Berra.

The complexity of putting a lacrosse field and the disadvantages of certain sections is the same at both parks. The field is laid out down the third base line with the endline goal, closest to the stands, situated near first base. Large netting is placed in front of the seating, which could further obstruct the field of play. There is no added seating in the open space of the outfield, which could provide a little better view.

"You cannot see anything from here, everything is so far away," said Julie Shultz who was at her first game. The same problem existed last season at the old facility, but most of the action in the stands can be seen throughout the third base line. However, not all is better at the new stadium.

"At Yogi Berra Stadium the lower level seats were above the score table, the seating was higher up," added Lou Meany whose site was sometimes obstructed by the official scorers table. "Rightfield line is a good place to watch, but you do not want to sit down in the corner."

Both home and away players seem to like the new place the best for both home and away players. The maintenance on the field was beautiful and perfect for lacrosse. The baselines and the pitchers mound were well covered and provided great traction for the players.

"The grass is great. I love playing on a great grass field," said Long Island's Casey Powell, and the Pride's Jesse Hubbard agreed with his longtime friend, "It's a great stadium, good traction on turf."

The season should benefit the team with its location and stadium upgrade. The field was in perfect shape once again during its second lacrosse game and perhaps the biggest applause should be given to the grounds crew for making the transformation from a baseball diamond to a lacrosse field.

Major League Lacrosse Stories from June 20, 2002

• Pride's new den is a step up - OSC Original by Marc Viquez
• Barrage Game Day Preview - Philadelphia Barrage

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.