According to public resources, certain baseball teams in the minor Northern League began migrating from their old stadiums to new ones in the late 1990's. For example, in 2003, the current KC T-Bones moved from Duluth, MN, to their new stadium in Kansas City, KS. This stadium happened to be located in a new rapidly developing shopping-entertainment center next to a new NASCAR racing speedway.
However, except for these location changes, the league's structure stayed much the same. It consisted of 14 Midwestern teams from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, none of which are owned by major-league teams. In 2011, the league changed its name to the American Association.
KANSAS CITY
Although the T-Bones themselves have won the league championship only once in 2008, they are a busy successful franchise. Six reasons why their fans keep coming back are listed below.
1. Stadium design (multi-purpose and fan favored)
The stadium's grass and dirt field are sunken, which gives its outside appearance a low-profile. However, it will hold over 6,500 fans easily, and up to 8,500 when it is used for entertainment other than baseball.
The fans enter the main concourse of the stadium at the street level. The only fans needing to climb stairs or use an elevator are those seated in the upper-level, private glass-enclosed boxes. Everyone else moves downward toward their seats, some of which have an extended awning over them.
In addition to the regular seating behind the infield bases, the stadium has a grassy berm in the outfield for its least-expensive tickets and a separate party/picnic deck w/tables for groups. It also provides a huge playpen for children at one end of the concourse. Additionally, all of the concessions and restrooms located on the concourse are easy to get to and use. Of course, several hawkers patrol the open crowd, while the box lounges have their own waiters.
2. Stadium location and parking
The stadium is located on the western edge of this fairly new center called Village West. Basically, it is next to Highway-24 on a huge open field still being developed commercially. Thus, it easy to get to without having to wait in lengthy lines of slow-moving vehicles. Its parking is free and right next to the stadium, which are convenient pluses. Like in other ballparks, certain people in the parking lots seem more interested in their own eating and entertainment than in the ball-games themselves.
3. Ticket cost
On the average tickets cost about or less. Prime and choice seats behind home plate run between -16, while the bleacher seats are about . Entrance to the grassy berm is .50. Our group tickets on a weeknight are .50 each, seated near the main concourse behind third base.
4. Family entertainment and freebies
Besides the games themselves, attractions include endless on-the-field demonstrations between innings. These include everything from clown mockups to mini-competitions, often involving young people or kids, which are meant to entertain families. Audience interaction is encouraged both through the game announcer and by throwing freebies into the crowds from atop the dugouts. Music, sound effects, and wireless videos of the crowd are also part of the fun. "Sizzle," the bull-costumed mascot stirs up memories as well.
5. Discounts and promotions
In addition to group discounts, the franchise offers promotional pricing. These are family nights, senior Sundays, military and theme-night discounts, and other specials given on short notice.
6. Concession food and drink (same as anywhere plus hotdogs)
These meals, snacks, and drinks generally cost more than in the grocery stores and small cafes. But, -hotdogs with all the self-service trimmings are kept on the menu, regardless. Many hotdogs are consumed here.
Conclusion. In the face of rising family and living costs, the fan-favored amenities mentioned above offer a fun evening of baseball worth watching live, whether the T-Bones win or not. For more information on minor league baseball, see this website.
Kansas City T-Bones Baseball Team - Its Minor-League Home Success Reviewed KANSAS CITY
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