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HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
By; Matthew Preslar July 31, 2022 Nashville Sounds vs. Charlotte Knights On the back end of our 2022 Tennessee vacation was Rebecca’s Birthday. Very thankful that she’s up for an outing at the ballpark. Except this isn’t the average ballpark. This is First Horizon Park, home of the Nashville Sounds. On Sunday, July 31 the Sounds concluded the week’s series against, ironically, our local Charlotte Knights. Everybody knows the city of Nashville is a little extra! The ballpark is no exception. Knowing this from a previous trip (2018), we knew First Horizon Park was more than adequate to host a birthday party. We started with a pregame meal at a nearby sports bar. Nashville Hot Chicken sliders and a buffalo chicken pizza got my night started. The birthday party continued in the park. The birthday girl really wanted to play a round of putt-putt. Yes, there is a nine hole course in the right field corner of the stadium. After three holes the rain started enough to stop our round. The rain was enough that first pitch was delayed about 45 minutes. More time for a good time. The golf contest concluded during the baseball game. The outfield also has corn hole and ping pong available daily at no cost. Such a good place to visit for a game, even for non baseball fans. The highlights:
Places like First Horizon Park really show the crazy/genius of some people in the world. A party zone meets a ball game at a country bar. Truly one of a kind and thankful for the opportunities I have in life…mostly because of that birthday girl. |
FIRST HORIZON PARK
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Music City Experience
By: Matthew Preslar
Realizing the fluidity of minor league rosters, the Nashville Sounds publicly declare there is no need to “promote” players, but simply to create an event every time they host a game. I agree with this concept and appreciate their efforts. First Tennessee Park had many completely unique features, all while remaining loyal to perception of the city. The most predominant feature is the score/video board in the shape of a guitar. We had read about this in our research and were somewhat skeptical. However, it was one of the most creative signature attractions I have seen in any ballpark. Other events helped maintain the country party theme: with corn hole and ping pong in a private party area to classic country music playing over the speakers before the game. There was also a $5 putt-putt course open to the entire crowd. I have never seen amenities like these in any other park. There was also a full bar and couches along the outfield concourse in "The Band Box" section.
My disappointments are few with the Nashville Sounds. I prefer seeing more team branding and mentions of the parent team. I saw absolutely nothing announcing the affiliation with the Oakland A’s and very little commemorating current or former Nashville players in the Major Leagues. I only saw a poster of Don Mattingly in the team store, and I believe that dated him back to the early 1980’s. I like learning franchise history as we tour MILB parks. Nashville, for whatever reason, choose not to share that information.
My other negative point was the lack of attendance. By looks, the stadium seemed only half full. Maybe 1/4 or more of those were Cubs fans, cheering on the visiting Iowa Cubs. We have learned that Cubs fans show up for their team: from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach, and all points in between. I believe the stadium would have been even less full without those Cubs fans. I would think the park alone could sell itself. It is a beautiful facility and the talent is one injury away from a call up: any AAA park provides high quality baseball. I hope team officials can increase engagement with the people of the city (or passers by like us) and bring more people in to see the wonderful First Tennessee Park.
By: Matthew Preslar
Realizing the fluidity of minor league rosters, the Nashville Sounds publicly declare there is no need to “promote” players, but simply to create an event every time they host a game. I agree with this concept and appreciate their efforts. First Tennessee Park had many completely unique features, all while remaining loyal to perception of the city. The most predominant feature is the score/video board in the shape of a guitar. We had read about this in our research and were somewhat skeptical. However, it was one of the most creative signature attractions I have seen in any ballpark. Other events helped maintain the country party theme: with corn hole and ping pong in a private party area to classic country music playing over the speakers before the game. There was also a $5 putt-putt course open to the entire crowd. I have never seen amenities like these in any other park. There was also a full bar and couches along the outfield concourse in "The Band Box" section.
My disappointments are few with the Nashville Sounds. I prefer seeing more team branding and mentions of the parent team. I saw absolutely nothing announcing the affiliation with the Oakland A’s and very little commemorating current or former Nashville players in the Major Leagues. I only saw a poster of Don Mattingly in the team store, and I believe that dated him back to the early 1980’s. I like learning franchise history as we tour MILB parks. Nashville, for whatever reason, choose not to share that information.
My other negative point was the lack of attendance. By looks, the stadium seemed only half full. Maybe 1/4 or more of those were Cubs fans, cheering on the visiting Iowa Cubs. We have learned that Cubs fans show up for their team: from Atlanta to Myrtle Beach, and all points in between. I believe the stadium would have been even less full without those Cubs fans. I would think the park alone could sell itself. It is a beautiful facility and the talent is one injury away from a call up: any AAA park provides high quality baseball. I hope team officials can increase engagement with the people of the city (or passers by like us) and bring more people in to see the wonderful First Tennessee Park.
OUR RATING:
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TICKET VALUE 8/10
CONCESSIONS 7/10
FAMILY FRIENDLINESS 6/5
ATMOSPHERE 9/10
CHARACTER 9/10
PARKING 6/5
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Our Purpose is to show that going to a baseball game is the best value in entertainment. Baseball Makes Memories.
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