Review from August 24, 2019
Norfolk Tides  vs. Charlotte Knights
Enjoying the View at Harbor Park
By: Matthew Preslar

With being able to lump up and visit multiple stadiums in a close loop, Harbor Park in Norfolk, VA was worth the trip for Labor Day Weekend. New stadiums are all the rage. However many of them are getting more generic and “cookie cutter”. It was a nice change seeing this old park. Harbor Park opened in 1993 and in its early days was recognized as Facility of the Year by a major publication. 

Now 26 years old, this stadium still offers high quality AAA baseball with a backdrop like no other. Due to the seating requirements for AAA level and VERY minimal seating in the outfield, the main seating bowl includes three separate levels; it grows tremendously vertically.  We actually left our front row seat in a crowded section to take in the view from the top of the stadium. I recommend the climb to the top of the stairs to take in this view for any first time visitor. 

On a very classy note: the 7th inning stretch included a special presentation of “God Bless America.” The stadium dimmed the lights and turned them red and blue. This was a great tribute to our veterans, current service members, and anybody proud to be American... and nothing is more American than minor league baseball.

HARBOR PARK
Norfolk, Virginia

OUR RATING: 
43 / 50

HOME OF THE:
NORFOLK TIDES

MLB AFFILIATE:
BALTIMORE ORIOLES

BUILT: 1993
CAPACITY: 11,856
CLASS: TRIPLE-A
LEAGUE: INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE

TICKET VALUE 8/10

  • Box Seats roughly $18 online with taxes and fees 
  • $13 in advance or $15 game day at the Harbor Park box office
  • Lower level reserved, upper deck $12/$14
  • $2 off for military/seniors/children 
  • Cheapest entry for day of walk up purchase : $14
  • Explored many views from around the stadium
  • Higher seats show the harbor and provide the most scenic views as the stadium is truly just back onto land
  • For out of town visitors (like us) on a tour and not knowing all the inside information... paying $18 just because its online is a little disappointing.

CONCESSIONS  9/10

  • Many theme stands such as Mexican and pizza as well as standard ballpark food. Prices appeared on par and lines were reasonable
  • $5.75 for a very tall souvenir soda...cup was well designed way above price; refills at a reduced price
  • Specially printed plastic (not souvenir quality) cups for beer
  • Oriole named food items and ice cream helmets...no Tides ice cream helmet
  • Any paid ticket can pay an additional fee and have access to buffet meal in right field corner in a closed in/air conditioned room...game likely shown on TVs but I’m not certain. Through the door, menu read chicken tenders/hot dogs, but also more upscale items like brisket and seafood dishes. $18.95 seems well worth the price.

FAMILY FRIENDLINESS  5/5

  • Multiple mascots: Rip Tide and Trident (the tough sea horse strolling around)
  • A few inflatables and picnic tables
  • Rip Tides fun zone with a few child activities like “Spin the Wheel”
  • Activities between most half innings
  • Discounted tickets for children

ATMOSPHERE  7/10

  • $1 programs (essentially media guides for the season) with insert of current rosters and a wealth of information on current and past Norfolk players 
  • Waterfront agreed with name TIDES and a monster sea horse mascot
  • Unorganized line at our entrance, bad smelling dumpster in view as you walk in up the winding concrete entrance
  • Broken wobbly concrete steps going up top to the upper deck might make some feel uneasy or unsafe
  • Many activities and giveaways between innings for crowd engagement
  • Minimal standing/walking area where game could be in view while on the move

CHARACTER  9/10

  • Old stadium featuring concrete entrances and a winding ramp to arrive to the concourse/seating area.
  • Design of concourse and stands named to represent themes reminded us of Five County (Mudcats), a classic country feel and the literal construction and room of the concourse was compact height wise...not wasting space
  • Very small team store with minimal merchandise available
  • Many Orioles references like ice cream helmets, Oriole Dogs, “O” say does that star spangled banner...” just like the National Anthem in Baltimore (yes, we’ve been)
  • Details such as metal Tridents on the ends of aisles 
  • View of the Elizabeth River behind the outfield...which also means no seating in most of the outfield area, concourse is not 360
  • Program had a lot of information about rivals in the International League as well as franchise records covering the history of Norfolk Tides baseball​

PARKING  5/5

  • $6 in a city owned lot just outside of stadium
  • Light rail and ferry available for local residents

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