San Manuel Stadium
San Bernardino, CA
Review by Mike
San Manuel Stadium is the home of the Inland Empire 66ers of the California League. Located in downtown San Bernardino, just off the highway, this is a basic ballpark perfectly sized for Class A. It's a simple low minor league park with a standard single-level grandstand that wraps from beyond 1st base to beyond 3rd base, with berms and picnic areas further extending towards the foul poles.
The concourse doesn't wrap around, but the picnic berm curls around the left-field foul pole to give a little bit of over-the-fence view for those looking for it. The ballpark is "old school", with the concessions concourse under the stands, allowing no view of the game while fetching snacks and assorted what-what.
The ballpark is looking a little worn and a bit grungy, with stained concrete concourses and the private boxes and press box seeming a little frayed around the edges. Nearly 25 years in, the ballpark could use a good power washing and upgrading on its basic structures.
The nicest bits of the stadium are outside, with an inviting entryway flanked by palm trees and a lovely view of the mountains beyond the outfield fence. The crowd was lively and enthusiastic on a pleasant April evening, probably the best time to visit San Bernardino, before the summer swelter fully sets in. The ballpark has no protection at all from the elements, but it never rains in Southern California and I'm sure the 66ers are smart enough to start all of their games close to sunset.
This is not a special ballpark, but a thoroughly serviceable one. It seems to need a little TLC to maximize its potential, but even without the spic-and-span, it's a nice enough to watch a game and the sunset reflecting off the colorful San Gabriel mountains.
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2014
109
