The new Lookouts stadium--Erlanger Park--did not disappoint! I hope, as time goes on, they will…read morecontinue to spruce it up and add some new features. Mainly, I would LOVE to see the old Coke bottles displayed more prominently in the stadium. We were told they were IN the Coke area, which apparently was not accessible to the general public. At least, that's what we were told...and we certainly didn't see them. Also there were smallish plaques on the polls around the concourse displaying the history of the Lookouts. I think they should be bigger and we didnt see anything about when Oakland was there. Perhaps a museum constructed in part of the undeveloped part soon.
It was really cool to walk down to a place I have seen all of my life and always wondered about. The old steel buildings, weathered by years of abandonment and Mother Nature, created such a cool juxtaposition with the brand-new ballpark.
I really miss Engel Stadium and all the memories we made there. But as I looked around last night, I realized something: new memories are already being made. Families, friends, children, grandparents--all experiencing the excitement of baseball together.
Now...about that parking.
In my opinion, that needs to be one of the next things addressed. It was nice that they had shuttles TO the stadium, but there were only two, and NONE coming back to your car after the game. The walk itself isn't terribly far, but it is DARK. There is virtually no lighting.
That could prove dangerous for older citizens with emerging cataracts who find it difficult to see at night--or for young families trying to maneuver strollers over uneven ground. The parking lot really needs to be paved, marked off, and, most importantly, LIGHTED. Parts were paved, parts were gravel, and some areas were pretty uneven.
The other thing I think could be improved is having a larger, more centrally located box office and entrance. Think Engel Stadium. We entered one way and later saw another entrance waaaay down the sidewalk near even more random parking.
I'm sure they will continue to improve the stadium and the surrounding areas. I heard there are plans to develop the property around the rest of the old factory, and I sincerely hope they preserve the look and character of those old buildings. They are part of what makes the setting so interesting.
Sadly, the Lookouts lost. But for those of us who simply love baseball--the excitement, the crack of the bat, the smell of popcorn and peanuts and, in my case, HOT DOGS --it was all front and center.
And we had a GREAT time.
New stadium. Old Chattanooga history. New memories being made.
Be kind to everyone!
