Charles McGrath penned this interesting comparison of good v. evil, aka Yankees v. Red Sox in today’s Week in Review section in the Sunday Times. Specifically, he talks about the differences in the ballparks. The New Yankees home, “with its vast, mall-like spaces, its temples of conspicuous consumption, feels like something the ancient Romans might have dreamed up.”
Ballpark as theme park? Is that what it takes to entertain the crowds these days? I guess it’s no longer enough to offer a game, you have to have attractions and activities (in addition to the scores of concessions and souvenir shops). How does that build fans of the future? Are the owners hoping that the young ‘uns and significant others who just aren’t that into the game will magically come around, thanks to mini-parks where the kids can hit wiffle balls, or haute cuisne restaurants?
Anyone? Talk amongst yourselves.
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You’ve hit the nail on the head, Ron. Recently my home park, Kauffman Stadium, underwent some major renovations to make this beautiful ballpark more of an amusement park. Kauffman Stadium is still beautiful, but it seems like the focus is no longer on the field. In fact, the Royals promote a ticket package where you get four tickets and a pass for “unlimited games” in the outfield gaming area. Unlimited games?!?! Aren’t we already AT the stadium to WATCH a game?
Is this a major league ballgame or Chuck E. Cheese?
My thoughts exactly.
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