BB&T BALLPARK
Charlotte, North Carolina

OUR RATING: 
45 / 50

HOME OF THE:
CHARLOTTE KNIGHTS

MLB AFFILIATE:
CHICAGO WHITE SOX

BUILT: 2014
CAPACITY: 10,200
CLASS: Triple-A
LEAGUE: International League

Review from August 6, 2017
Charlotte Knights vs. Gwinnett Braves
In North Carolina, any Braves affiliate is a big draw. This game was no exception. The majority of the bigger prospects were in the visitors' dugout. Dansby Swanson was recently sent down and actually started the game at second base for the G-Braves. Minor league player of the year, Ronald Acuna started in Center field. The Braves hit multiple homers and won the game. This experience had the feel of going to a major league game because Charlotte is on the verge of being a "major league" city. Riding the light rail into the city and walking around a booming area really sets the tone for the views and the talent soon to come. Braves players to play in the majors during the 2017 season included Swanson and Rio Ruiz, both of who homered, as well as winning pitcher, Aaron Blair.

TICKET VALUE 9/10

  • $18 tickets on top of dugouts — we used the dugout as our cupholder, plus ample leg room!
  • ​$55 upper club tickets, included dining
  • $30 behind the plate
  • $8 Standing Room Only
  • Wide range of ticket options/price points to appeal to various crowds
  • ​Stadium heavily netted down low; seats so low to the field cost a little perspective of the entire playing field

CONCESSIONS  10/10

  • Mason jar souvenir cup $11 — most unique cup we had seen!
  • $8 chicken finger baseket
  • $6 personal Dominos Pizza
  • Soft Serve Ice Cream available
  • Wide selection of food choices and craft beer
  • ​Vendors walking aisles selling drinks / snacks

FAMILY FRIENDLINESS  5/5

  • Large kids play area
  • Kids run the bases after Sunday games
  • Home Depot tool race and other between-inning games
  • Homer the dragon walked around stadium throughout the game

ATMOSPHERE  8/10

  • Free programs
  • Very large crowd for Sunday afternoon game against Gwinnett Braves
  • View of Charlotte skyline creates the feel of a big city baseball game at not quote a major league price
  • Tons of traffic in team store once gates opened
  • Free giveaway, Sunbelt Sunday towel — very useful in wiping sweat off face after standing in line in the sun waiting for gates to open!
  • While a big crowd, the vibe felt social vs actual Knights fans — and a huge percentage of crowd was in Braves apparel

CHARACTER  9/10

  • Beautiful brick building, very clean and fresh
  • Banners hung outside stadium depicting  Charlotte players of the past. Notables include Charlotte's own Cal Ripken Jr, and former Knights Livian Hernandez, Jim Thorpe, and Manny Ramirez. 
  • Normal home uniforms look similar to White Sox with black pinstriped home white, but otherwise not much recognition of parent club

PARKING  4/5

  • Took light-rail into the city and walked a few blocks through the of citto the ballpark — nice not to have to worry about parking ($4.50 round trip)
  • Several paid lots available around the stadium, prices vary
  • No designated "BB&T Ballpark" Parking which might deter out of town visitors

TICKET VALUE
(10 points)

• Ticket Prices
​• View from Seat

​CONCESSIONS
​(10 points)

• Variety, Quality & Price of Food
• Variety of Drinks / Souvenir Cups
• Length of Lines at Concession Stands

​FAMILY FRIENDLINESS
​(5 points)

• Play Areas
• In-Between Inning Activities & Contests
• ​Mascot
• Family Bathrooms

​ATMOSPHERE
​(10 points)

• Local Experience
• Sound-Effects & Music
• Programs
• ​Restrooms

​CHARACTER
​(10 points)

• Home Team Uniforms & Colors
• Architecture of Stadium
• History of Stadium
​• Tributes to MLB Affiliate / Local Players
• Location of Stadium & Surrounding Scenery

​PARKING
(5 points)

• Price for Parking
• ​Size, Quality & Location of Lot