Cannon Ballers Inaugural Season

Review from August 15, 2021
* I was challenged to rate Atrium Health on our scale by a baseball friend, Bob Parrish. My family and I worked really hard and think we scored our home park very objectively. Yes, we are season ticket holders. Yes, we have positive relationships with many staff members. However, we stepped out of ourselves and gave an honest review for the integrity of our system.*

One of our main reasons to move to Kannapolis, NC was the birth of the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers and their brand new Atrium Health Ballpark. In fact, we bought season tickets and believe in the organization as well as the community. The Kannapolis downtown is developing and will make the ballpark an even better destination in coming years. Making this facility more special are the two high school games I’ve umpired on that field.

​2020 ruined the scheduled inaugural baseball season. When Covid protocols relaxed Atrium Health opened as a public park. Playground facilities, food and beverage operations, and other select events made the park a fun community destination even without baseball. I believe these are the factors that led to Atrium Health winning a popular vote to be named 2021 Ballpark Digest Low A park of the year. The town of Kannapolis loves its new stadium.

As time drew near, even the 2021 season was delayed a few weeks. FINALLY the first game at Atrium Health was played on May 4th. The crowd was so appreciative to have baseball. While still working out first year kinks, operations showed progress as the season progressed. Between promotions, in game entertainment, unique park features, and a “down home” feel, you will enjoy a visit to the ballpark in Kannapolis.

Now if the Cannon Ballers could only win a few more games…

ATRIUM HEALTH BALLPARK
Kannapolis, NC

OUR RATING: 
45 / 50

HOME OF THE:
KANNAPOLIS CANNON BALLERS

MLB AFFILIATE:
CHICAGO WHITE SOX

BUILT: 2020
CAPACITY: 4,930
LEAGUE: LOW A EAST

OUR RATING: 
45 / 50

TICKET VALUE 8/10

  • $14 in Home plate premium area
  • ​$12 Infield Box, $11 in bar area, $10 Concourse (Standing Room) & Berm
  • All are great views in respective ways... several spots along 360 degree concourse with bar to lean on or barstools to sit down
  • Picnic tables and other unofficial seating options around the park
  • Outfield bar / “Corona Corner” with anorondak chairs
  • *Some of our most fun games throughout the season have been grazing around the ballpark, not confound to our season-ticket seats behind the plate

CONCESSIONS  7/10

  • Cashless
  • $11 baskets of chicken, hot dog, burger or wrap w/ fries, drink & cookie
  • Carnival themed stands featuring nachos, cheesesteaks, funnel cakes, roasted corn
  • Souvenir soda cups, quality aluminum beer cups; no ice cream helmets
  • Full bar in outfield; Several beverage only stands throughout concourse
  • Variety of craft beer, many by local Cabarrus Brewery including Baller Beer made for the Cannon Ballers
  • Kona Ice, Dippin' Dots and hand dipped ice cream cones​
  • Very long waits at the 2 primary stands on busy days (Thurs-Sat)
  • Some items expensive compared to other Single-A venues. ($7-8 ice cream)

FAMILY FRIENDLINESS  6/5

  • Unique rope-jungle gym for kids different than traditional playground
  • Splash pad in same kid-zone… Both kid activities are free and open to public as city park on non gamedays
  • Inflatable “Boomer” mascot bounce house in outfield concourse, closed with COVID but will be fun in the future, for now a nice decoration
  • Activities nearly every inning of game including T-shirt tosses, best kid animal noise, name that tune
  • Boomer the mascot is making rounds all game for pictures, high fives
  • Kids run bases on Sundays
  • Extremely large berm (beware of home runs)
  • More than adequate restroom facilities, family bathroom as well

ATMOSPHERE  10/10

  • Small town fair environment
  • Stadium employees dressed in theme (team colors, tie-dye)
  • Most games feature a keyboard player which adds a traditional element to the park
  • Basic programs: printed monthly, gives a home team roster as of print date and an article featuring a player (who may not even still be with the team)
  • Very friendly employees all around the stadium
  • Air-conditioned lounge with buffet available for purchase with select tickets
  • Party areas down both lines
  • Regular special days throughout week (bark in the park, thirsty Thursday, firework Saturdays, $1 ice cream Friday)
  • Engaging music played during game (everybody clap your hands) and can be heard throughout stadium and nearby surroundings of stadium
  • Concession stands and bar open on non-game days at discounted pricing. Families can eat and enjoy the view of the field (city park)

CHARACTER  8/10

  • Completely new branding that legally can’t mention anything “Intimidator” which limits ability to mention former players 
  • No permanent fixture mentioning parent club White Sox (currently one of the best teams in baseball)
  • New mascot, Boomer, is a tongue-in-cheek caricature of Dale Earnhardt, which is important to the community
  • Team colors are red, white, blue which really represent a great American small town
  • Stadium was built by one of the top architects so very similar to other recently-constructed ballparks
  • Stadium is dropped in the middle of a revitalized downtown that is adding more on the Main Street every day, lots of energy
  • Four entrances into park, very convenient and near any parking area 
  • Logos/alternate logos look great on all the merchandise - basic selection for inaugural year but enough variety to serve all styles
  • Large video board, large scoreboard in opposite corner, smaller basic digital scoreboards on overhang in main seating areas

PARKING  6/5

  • Significant free parking on city streets and nearby parking lots all within two blocks of the stadium
  • Two paid lots (one grass and one paved) for $5 near left field entrance. These lots can be purchased in package with season tickets for about $3 per game

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