Along with the greening of trees, blooming of tulips, and busting-out of azaleas, there's a sure sign that spring is here: Opening day at Dickey-Stephens Ballpark.
It's easy to overlook the appeal and utility of a facility like Dickey-Stephens after a while. When it opened on April 12, 2007, everybody went bonkers, showing up in droves and raving about what it offers. By now, everybody's getting used to it being there--just as we do regarding the (truly spectacular) sight of the rocky bluffs on the north side of the Arkansas River or the jagged profile of Pinnacle Mountain.
Learning the intricacies of professional baseball is a major undertaking, but expertise in the game is not required to enjoy spending time in Dickey-Stephens.
"Dickey-Stephens Park," its website says, "not only has beautiful and unique design elements, it also takes advantage of a wonderful location [how about that view of Little Rock's skyline as the sun sets? and the glamorous Broadway Bridge rising over the Arkansas River?]. Perhaps best of all, it is truly a baseball-first venue."
Not to mention the benefits of wide-open 360-degree concourses, lots of concessions that go far beyond hot dogs and Cracker Jacks, plenty of restrooms (sorry, Ray Winder, but you did not excel at this, especially when it came to accommodating women), a souvenir shop, picnic areas, a beer garden (with local favorites like Diamond Bear, Core Brewing, and Lost Forty) with cheerful folks behind the taps, a crisply audible sound system, high-resolution video scoreboard, a terrific live organist, and tickets that start at $6.
The Arkansas Travelers will play the San Antonio Missions at 7:10 p.m. April 5 at Dickey-Stephens, just a few days after Easter. The series continues at 7:10 p.m. April 6 with post-game fireworks, and at 6:10 p.m. April 7.
Don't forget how much fun is waiting there. It's spring! Play ball!
Editorial on 03/27/2018