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The Play
By: Matthew Preslar June 29 2022 Augusta Greenjackets vs. Columbia Fireflies During our early Summer ballpark adventure, still in awe after our night at the Savannah Bananas, I looked for results of that night’s Augusta GreenJackets game. Fortunately for us, a RAINOUT. We could take the direct route home from Savannah, OR we could head a little bit west and see the GreenJackets. The rainout meant the next day would be a single ticket double header in Augusta, and our decision was made. 
Augusta’s SRP Park is one of our favorite stadiums to visit. We have been every year since the park opened in 2018 (excluding 2020). The twin bill was all the excuse we needed to squeeze in our 2022 visit. After eating at Southbound Smokehouse just outside the stadium, it was time for our next ballpark adventure.
Very recently the wife and I have decided to cut out most alcohol, she more than I. For the first time, we are seeing a lot of these stadiums with a new sense of clarity. As much fun as it is indulging in ballpark beers, these facilities are all the more beautiful looking through clear eyes… and clear eyes come in handy. 
Early in the first game of the DH the clarity mattered. A crack of the bat and one was chasing us just back of the first base dugout. Safety comes first, but we love game baseballs. I stood up and found my best spot to cover my family, which left the foul ball just out of reach. With hardly anybody at the park that early, NOBODY else even attempted to make a play. The ball landed just into the previous section and took a strong bounce off the concrete all but out of sight. However, the ball hit the facade directly above us. It seemed to be falling as slowly as a feather floating in the wind. I put my two hands up as we are taught as kids and made the PLAY. I made a clean catch of a prized item in perhaps our most favorite minor league park, and I even heard a clap or two in the small crowd. That alone was well worth the extra drive and the much later night getting home. I also would like to acknowledge this moment was much more enjoyed and physically possible than certain occasions. Sodas taste pretty good too.
The remaining several hours of the evening were enjoyable as usual. Always a great time at SRP Park. Pregame BBQ, two games, great family time, and a baseball to add to the collection. |
SRP PARK
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Opening Weekend at SRP Park
By: Matthew Preslar
Review from April 13 & 14, 2018
Augusta Greenjackets vs. Lexington Legends
This trip was one that I had been looking very forward to for months now. I had never had an opportunity to be at a park in its opening series. In addition, the franchise had lured me in by all the branding: the new team logo with a refreshed Auggie the mascot, the fresh new uniform designs, and even an “SRP PARK Inaugural season” logo. Once single game tickets went on sale I had my wife on the phone securing our spots for opening weekend. Once we got there, it exceeded expectations. The aesthetics are top notch in every aspect. For that, I will let the pictures speak for themselves.
There are a few features I want to point out that I think will attract the average consumer to spend entertainment dollars with the GreenJackets. Especially as the summer continues to warm up, many would like a cold refreshing beverage. As a few of our pictures will show you, there are actually bar style counters all along the outfield wall, with exception of the kids area straight back of center field.
All the kids activities are another big reason to visit SRP. The play area behind center field had multiple bounce houses. There was also an inflatable mist tunnel which will be greatly appreciated in the Deep South hot and humid summer in June/July/August. For only $1, kids can spin a wheel near the entrance. One of mine got a button pin with a GreenJacket logo that she wore on her shirt all game, and the other won a small hand fan that be brought home as a cool keepsake. Each child leaves with a small token from the $1 spin. As much as we want to spoil and provide a great time for our children, $1 could get them something from the game even if times were too hard to buy a hat or shirt. They will still enjoy it.
I also want to speak on the scenery and history of this area. The Augusta GreenJackets have previously been based in Augusta, Georgia. For reasons I still have yet to research, the franchise elected to build SRP Park just across the Savannah River back into North Augusta, South Carolina. From an outsider’s view, this area and venue seemed to be a great blend of the two states. I can only imagine the arguments that will come up involving college football as time goes. I saw many car decals featuring Clemson, South Carolina, and Georgia logos. I can foresee some heated debates may break out at SRP as football allegiance is part of one’s identity when you are born this far South.
All that aside, during our two days in the CSRA (Central Savannah River Area), we took a boat tour of the Augusta Canal learning about the historical significance of that waterway in terms of manufacturing, hydroelectricity, and the area’s involvement in the Civil War. Geographically, the city is very inland to have this substantial of a waterway which made it a major asset to Confederate forces. Point being, aside from sporting events, this area has it’s share of educational value and scenic beauty to add to the experience. My family and I will have more memories of this trip than just a couple of baseball games. We fell for the entire area and are already anxious to plan our next trip. We will also look for the GreenJackets a little closer to our home in North Carolina as they come up to play South Atlantic League rivals.
By: Matthew Preslar
Review from April 13 & 14, 2018
Augusta Greenjackets vs. Lexington Legends
This trip was one that I had been looking very forward to for months now. I had never had an opportunity to be at a park in its opening series. In addition, the franchise had lured me in by all the branding: the new team logo with a refreshed Auggie the mascot, the fresh new uniform designs, and even an “SRP PARK Inaugural season” logo. Once single game tickets went on sale I had my wife on the phone securing our spots for opening weekend. Once we got there, it exceeded expectations. The aesthetics are top notch in every aspect. For that, I will let the pictures speak for themselves.
There are a few features I want to point out that I think will attract the average consumer to spend entertainment dollars with the GreenJackets. Especially as the summer continues to warm up, many would like a cold refreshing beverage. As a few of our pictures will show you, there are actually bar style counters all along the outfield wall, with exception of the kids area straight back of center field.
All the kids activities are another big reason to visit SRP. The play area behind center field had multiple bounce houses. There was also an inflatable mist tunnel which will be greatly appreciated in the Deep South hot and humid summer in June/July/August. For only $1, kids can spin a wheel near the entrance. One of mine got a button pin with a GreenJacket logo that she wore on her shirt all game, and the other won a small hand fan that be brought home as a cool keepsake. Each child leaves with a small token from the $1 spin. As much as we want to spoil and provide a great time for our children, $1 could get them something from the game even if times were too hard to buy a hat or shirt. They will still enjoy it.
I also want to speak on the scenery and history of this area. The Augusta GreenJackets have previously been based in Augusta, Georgia. For reasons I still have yet to research, the franchise elected to build SRP Park just across the Savannah River back into North Augusta, South Carolina. From an outsider’s view, this area and venue seemed to be a great blend of the two states. I can only imagine the arguments that will come up involving college football as time goes. I saw many car decals featuring Clemson, South Carolina, and Georgia logos. I can foresee some heated debates may break out at SRP as football allegiance is part of one’s identity when you are born this far South.
All that aside, during our two days in the CSRA (Central Savannah River Area), we took a boat tour of the Augusta Canal learning about the historical significance of that waterway in terms of manufacturing, hydroelectricity, and the area’s involvement in the Civil War. Geographically, the city is very inland to have this substantial of a waterway which made it a major asset to Confederate forces. Point being, aside from sporting events, this area has it’s share of educational value and scenic beauty to add to the experience. My family and I will have more memories of this trip than just a couple of baseball games. We fell for the entire area and are already anxious to plan our next trip. We will also look for the GreenJackets a little closer to our home in North Carolina as they come up to play South Atlantic League rivals.
OUR RATING:
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TICKET VALUE 11/10
CONCESSIONS 8/10
FAMILY FRIENDLINESS 6/5
ATMOSPHERE 11/10
CHARACTER 9/10
PARKING 4/5
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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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