THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, July 19, 1995 TAG: 9507190560
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BOB MOLINARO
LENGTH: Medium: 76 lines
In only its third year on the Norfolk waterfront, it is easy to take Harbor Park for granted.
And then, as sometimes happens, an out-of-town visitor will come by to help you look at it with new eyes and a fresh perspective.
``One of the best two or three parks I've ever seen,'' the vacationer told me the other day.
En route to the Outer Banks, he had to drop in on Harbor Park. He has been to Cleveland's Jacobs Field, and Oriole Park at Camden Yards, as well as to Wrigley Field and Fenway Park.
He wasn't expecting to be so impressed by our downtown diamond, which is, after all, home to a Triple-A team.
``Hard to believe it's a minor league park,'' he said.
When a jaded out-of-towner compares the look and feel of Harbor Park to some big-league stadiums, it should make us pause. How many other Hampton Roads landmarks leave such a satisfying impression?
``I like gauging the reaction of first-time visitors to the park and see if it's changed in three years,'' Norfolk Tides president Ken Young says.
Has it?
``Not as far as I can tell,'' he says. ``I haven't noticed any diminishing of enthusiasm.''
Which is another way of saying that he hasn't noticed a diminishing of business. The Tides lead the International League in ticket sales, with 7,780 per game.
For a change, the team is also very successful on the field. But while the Tides are up in '95, the big draw is the same as it ever was: the park itself.
``In the overall scheme of things, I don't know if (winning) makes more than a 5 or 6 percent difference in attendance. And we are up 5 or 6 percent,'' Young says.
Customers continue to be struck by the attractive sweep of the seats, the upper decks that give the place a big-time feel, the open concourse that allows fans to get something to eat without missing the action, and the restaurant in rightfield.
``People will still come up to me and make the same comments they made the first time they came to the park,'' Young says.
What they may not notice is the care that goes into maintaining the park. The day after a recent game, workers were pressure-washing the aisles, loosening the residue from spilled sodas, beer and popcorn.
But the Tides and the city don't stop there. Between homestands they tackle the tedious task of removing the dark buildup that accumulates on the concrete underside of each row.
``Keeps the place looking new,'' Young points out. ``Most people wouldn't notice.''
This probably includes the people who watch from the luxury boxes. Of the 23 sky suites, ``all except one or two is used 100 percent of the time,'' Young says.
The sky boxes are a big deal for the well-connected, but part of the park's appeal stems from its classy little touches, like the silver maces on the seats at the end of each row. And the maroon outfield fence that is devoid of tacky, wooden advertising signs.
``That's part of what separates us from a minor league-looking park,'' says Young, gazing out toward centerfield. Excessive signage, he adds, ``would hurt the charm of this place.''
Sometimes, taking for granted the charm of the place can't be helped. At moments like this, it's useful to come across an out-of-town visitor who has just been bowled over by Harbor Park.
Yet another benefit of tourism. ILLUSTRATION: Color photo
BILL TIERNAN/Staff file
Norfolk's Harbor Park continues to impress visitors, both local and
out-of-town, as a minor league facility with a major league feel.
by CNB