June 1, 2010 - the home opener for the Normal Cornbelters in the stadium cited as the Corn Crib. I guess that makes the playing surface the Corn Field! The Cornbelters lost the game 3-2 but the fans appeared to be winners.
Unfinished as it is, the Crib is an amazing place by collegiate standards, let alone a community college. Even more amazing is the very few dollars overall of government money invested.
There are plenty of box seats complete with backs to help keep you comfy and some enclosed suites if you just have to be in your own little group or if you require shade and A/C (at least I think they had A/C). The outfields are accessible and many families were out there on blankets watching the game. The sound system left a little to be desirable, but who really goes to the game to listen to the commentator. You can listen to the game on the radio if you can't understand the PA guy. I really only find the PA useful to tell me who is at bat and maybe a tidbit or two here or there if something special is about to happen.
The players are also pretty well taken care of. The field is turf, the soft kind you would find on most football fields - full of those small ground up rubber pellets. The dugouts are very spacious and include a porta potty. I think maybe they dugouts were built around those because I can't figure out how they are ever going to get them out and replace them.
Short comings? Yes, I saw a few of those too.
PARKING - why is it that no one in this town can seem to put in enough parking. It's been a major complaint of attendees to ISU events since Redbird Arena was opened. Yet, here we have another venue with limited parking next to the field. Most parking is required a half mile away at Heartland's main campus. Buses and a wide walking path through some tall grass is used to get patrons to the park. There is also parking across the street on Lincoln College's campus. Wonder how long you will be able to get by using it.
Signage. There is adequate signage over the store, restrooms and restaurants, but there is little directional signage. I'm hoping this changes as the work to put the finishing touches on the park. One has to walk and walk and walk hoping they are headed in the right direction. Finding the staff is also a bit hard. Dark green shirts too close to being identical to the ones everybody can buy online or in the gift shop.
Cover... If it rains or you want to get out of the sun, forget it unless the bathroom is empty or you can squeeze into the gift shop. Fortunately, half that issue is resolved with the schedule - all evening games. So if you work 2nd shift, plan on attending on a week end or taking a day off.
Stairs - stairs in the stands are a foot too narrow if you are carrying anything. Sorry if my lens banged you on the head as I tried to navigate up and down to the field.
Lights (field) - Well, what can I say? I'm a photographer, there is never enough light.
Press areas? Where are they. Shooting from the dugout fun and you get to chat with the players. Makes the game go faster. It is also a bit limiting. Complimentary work room with snacks and drinks? I never found one. I know most don't always think a lot about it and those that do may thing the media is spoiled, but much of the media has nothing to do with scheduling. Meals, even a snack are hard to get unless the venue you are covering offers something. Even bottled water would be an improvement. It's outside in the hot sun and the press is there giving free coverage, least you can do is help keep them hydrated. Parking close by, especially for those with short deadlines or lots of equipment to carry in and out is always appreciated.
All in all, I think the Crib will be a very nice addition to the community. Getting organized quickly to handle all the different situations a people will be a make or break for it. Hopefully some of my insight above will be a helping hand.
20100601 Thunderbolts v Cornbelters - Images by Alan Look
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