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Orlando's not a one-mouse town and this is the site that proves it! |
Leaving Ed Smith Stadium, I saw something I never thought I’d see. I waved two men across the aisle in the parking lot. They waved to say thank you. That’s when I noticed these weren’t your average fans. They were Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Kenny Lofton and another player walking to their cars. While this is typical of the surprises and experiences you’ll find at Spring Training, it is not something you would expect at Ed Smith Stadium. The stadium is about as nondescript as any stadium in the Grapefruit League. A chain-link fence surrounds it and the design is pure cement. It’s as if they built the stadium to match Cincinnati’s Riverfront Park, the one they tore down recently. There’s little to like about Ed Smith Stadium. While it comes close in size to some of the League’s intimate older parks, it’s missing the things that would make it quaint. For instance, there is little to say “Wow!” about. Well, aside from the “Big Red Smokey” and the rib tips, there’s nothing to say “Wow” about. And the lack of the Wow-factor hits you as you walk into the stadium and notice that there is no roof over the main concourse. Do not go to Ed Smith Stadium if there is a chance of rain. You will get wet. The other item that hits you very quickly is the lack of large concession and souvenir stands. The main souvenir area is an outdoor stand right near the entrance, and the concession stands are hidden in the walls of the stadium. Other than the colors of the seats, it’s a fairly typical stadium inside, with little to excite your eye. The seats in this bare concrete stadium are all blue, with some red, white and blue bunting at the back. Only the metal gates and railings are painted red. The red makes sense, of course: Ed Smith Stadium is home to the Reds. But the blue seats are very blue and seem out of place in a stadium that houses a team with no blue in its colors. Didn't find what you were looking for? Try a Google search.
IF
YOU THINK THIS IS COOL, WAIT'LL YOU SEE |
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The
Intrepid Traveler |
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