Review from July 9, 2018
Elizabethton Twins vs. Danville Braves
A Trip Back In Time
By: Matthew Preslar

With our criteria being based on our perceived value of purchase, Joe O’Brien Field and the Elizabethton Twins exceeded our expectations. The on-field product was Rookie Ball and it looked like it. Not much about the players astounded me from a talent level. However, the overall value of the presentation did surprise me.

​As we write about and grade these parks, our foundation is evaluating the return of investment for an outing at these venues. Our GA ticket price for a bleacher seat was only $5. We shared a $3 Nacho and each had a $2 bottled soft drink. With free parking, our cost (other than my usual home team cap) came to $17. I really can’t speak to the day-to-day cost of living in a small Tennessee town, but I’m sure it’s hard to beat that price for 3-4 hours of entertainment. This proves my point that baseball is the best value in entertainment. I hope the people of Elizabethton can keep supporting the Twins and they maintain the relationship with the parent club for many years to come.

JOE O'BRIEN FIELD
Elizabethton, Tennessee

OUR RATING: 
37 / 50

HOME OF THE:
ELIZABETHTON TWINS

MLB AFFILIATE:
MINNESOTA TWINS

BUILT: 1974
CAPACITY: 2,000
CLASS: ROOKIE
LEAGUE: APPALACHIAN

TICKET VALUE  10/10

  • $5 GA Bleachers / $4 Kids Tickets
  • $7 Reserved Seating behind plate
  • Season ticket plans with price breakdown to only $3/game
  • Every seat close to the field with a varying view of mountain back drop

CONCESSIONS  8/10

  • $3 nacho with cheese and chili
  • $2 bottled soda; no special cups
  • $4-5 sandwiches (chicken, bbq, hamburger)
  • $4 Fried Bologna sandwich advertised - glimpse into the local fare
  • One Italian Ice stand, but no other specialty carts or unique items

FAMILY FRIENDLINESS  3/5

  • Public park and playground out back entrance, accessible during game
  • Small crowd, many kids got foul balls
  • ​Great hometown environment where children could roam
  • No mascot or designated kids zone

ATMOSPHERE  6/10

  • ​Decent restroom by entrance
  • Programs available but had to be purchased for $3
  • Background music not engaging
  • Air horn when team scores and when the Twins won the game​
  • Paved covered sections under press box for seniors/handicap- must bring own chair
  • ​Many regulars also sitting on top row of bleachers in their own camp chairs
  • ​Stadium attendance about half-capacity
  • Kids running around grabbing snacks and back to family on bleachers - very relaxed and safe environment
  • Local softball team on field with players before game and participating in between-inning activities

CHARACTER  6/10

  • Basic traditional small ballpark
  • No grandstand
  • Basic digital scoreboard, no video board
  • Team store was very small room with a walk-up window, minimal selection 
  • Posters for E-Twins to play in MLB
  • Signage declaring the Elizabethton/Minnesota Twins relationship since 1974
  • League championships displayed on scoreboard on outfield wall
  • Small public park and river behind back gate
  • Glimpse of scenic mountains in the background

PARKING  4/5

  • ​Unpaved, but free
  • ​Short walk to entrance

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