Stadiums make difference in minor league experience

Been to a few minor league games in my time, but until recently, I had never been to Charlotte to see the Knights.

After going, I realize I hadn't been missing much.

Don't get me wrong, the baseball is top notch. Triple-A is one step away from the majors and you can watch these guys and see how close they are to moving on to The Show. They execute the fundamentals flawlessly most of the time. And on any count when they know a fastball is likely coming, these guys don't miss.

I guess my major problem was with the stadium itself. Knights Stadium is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and maybe all the new stadiums have spoiled me in recent years, but it just doesn't have the same feel to it. From the concession stands to the seats, you can tell that the city or the team hasn't put a whole lot of money into renovations.

The look of the stadium wasn't anything to write home about either. It doesn't have quite the same nostal-gic, close feel that a lot of today's ballparks have. I would much rather enjoy a game at Myrtle Beach or Carolina Stadium for that matter.

Triple-A is great baseball, and I know there's been talk of getting a new stadium in downtown Charlotte, although some would prefer a major league team. But I think that with the history the Knights have, a new ballpark in the city would really bring a lot more people in.

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