From my website - www.theviewfromhome.me
On to the ballpark! If you enter Trustmark from the left field entrance, you are enticed by this lovely view of the park right away after being greeted by some of the nicest people in town. Any entrance to the park is going to give you a wonderful view. Which is also why you cannot go wrong sitting on either side of the plate. The team is only six years old, after moving from Greenville SC, and is owned by the Atlanta Braves. The "fan assistants" boast of Trustmark having 360 degrees worth of viewing space. This is slightly true as you cannot sit/stand over the wall in centerfield. But there is not a bad view in the park, and I would love to see it from one of the 12 box seats they have on the second level.
It was "Star Wars" Day at the ballpark, so I had to get a picture with everyone's favorite bad/good father for the record books. If one thing can be said about this ballpark, it is that it is extremely family friendly. There are at least six different inflatables for kids to enjoy and a plethora of hotdog stands. The atmosphere at the park is a mix of high-end showmanship with slow-down family values. Yet many of the fans were not there. I was disappointed to see a team that won the League two years ago not even sell out on the 3rd home game. Also, we were slightly confused with the dance squad of what seems to be 16-19 year old girls dancing like it was an NBA time out in some of the innings as entertainment. You can never go wrong with the dizzy bat, costume racing, or t-shirt throwing which the Braves also did.
The park boasts a Wall of Fame highlighting the various Braves to come through Jackson in the six years the team has been there. The most noticeable? Jason Heyward. The park also has a unique feature that the first six rows behind home plate are BELOW the field of play! So you are practically watching the game for the baseball's point of view as it crosses the plate. Now that is worth more than $12 a ticket. Definitely the most unique thing about the ballpark are those seats. Our seats where the $8 club level on the first base side. Since nobody was there, we had the pick of the litter and enjoyed some great views as day turned into night. The park reminded me of the Greensboro Grasshoppers home. New, open, and inviting like an old friend.
A Taste of Trustmark
While you are at the ballpark, make sure to stop by one of the hotdog stands. There you can enjoy a dog for $3 and 32oz of the suds for under $6. Their basic hotdog is one of the best so far. If you are in the mood for something more, how to you say, complete meal - ish, then hit up the Farm Bureau Grill out in right field. There you will find a full restaurant with patio seating over the right field wall, with wait service, and some awe-inspiring foods to go with the view. Next time I go I will have to try the Jalapeno Pork Sausage dog that is topped with tomatoes and cucumbers!
At the end of 9 innings, the Braves lost 7-3. However, for $30 (under my budget by $10!) to eat, grab a souvenir, and watch spring minor league ball, how could anyone lose? read more