I’ve only been to Steinbrenner Field in Tampa a couple of times. Once was a rainout. The other was a nice day and a nice game was played, but I got the same impression from the joint both times. Nice enough. Big. Professional. A bit on the cold side, though, and surprisingly utilitarian for baseball’s marquee team. Most spring training parks have a greater sense of fun and comfort and intimacy to them. Most people are on vacation when they visit the place, so why not make it more enjoyable?
Seems like the Yankees and the folks in Tampa are going to try to do that with a $40 million renovation, according to the New York Times. The specifics are a bit light, but a new outfield concourse is being constructed. That could be good. They tend to put bars and things on outfield concourses. Steinbrenner Field could use somethin’ like that.