Water is the theme of today’s second set of awards, as we recognize Opening Day Partners and the Grand Prairie AirHogs for best ballpark innovations. In each case, the innovation had to do with water — and pools, specifically. A pool at the ballpark is no big whoop these days, but Opening Day Partners and the AirHogs ownership created new twists that caused them to stand out among the nominees in this category.
Water is the theme of today’s second set of awards, as we recognize Opening Day Partners and the Grand Prairie AirHogs for best ballpark innovations. In each case, the innovation had to do with water — and pools, specifically. A pool at the ballpark is no big whoop these days, but Opening Day Partners and the AirHogs ownership created new twists that caused them to stand out among the nominees in this category.
In the case of Opening Day Partners, water bumper cars were installed at Regency Furniture Stadium, the home of the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (independent; Atlantic League), and Clipper Magazine Stadium, the home of the Lancaster Barnstormers (independent; Atlantic League). Both a ride and a water attraction, the bumper boats allow kids and adults to glide along a water pool located right next to the outfield (the setup in Southern Maryland is shown to the right), and water guns provide entertainment to a group.
QuikTrip Park at Grand Prairie is home to perhaps the most unique swimming pool in a ballpark. Instead of merely placing a pool outside the home-run fence, architect SPARKS Sports thrust the pool out into right field. The Heliport is a semicircular group area in right field featuring a four-foot-deep pool (complete with lifeguard), plenty of lounge seating, and a dedicated concession stand. The center of the pool is only 350 feet from home plate in a power alley, so it won’t be surprising when a home run lands in it. A night in the pool provides one of the best views of the ballpark. Finalists in this category included the Washington Nationals for securing LEED certification for Nationals Park, and the Schaumburg Flyers (independent; Northern League) for providing live at-bat music.