Winston Salem's Baseball Stadium Versus Greensboro's

Winston Salem's Baseball Stadium Versus Greensboro's

by Liv | Published on December 9th, 2006, 3:26 pm | Sports

OK, I'm no sports fan, you all know that; but, Winston Salem's proposed design for their baseball park knocks it out of the park.

I know for sometime Winston & Greensboro have been arch rivals for sometime, and while no one has verbalized it, I'm betting that this is a thorn in the side of all those who worked so hard to build Greensboro's beautiful ballpark. It will no doubt effect attendance, revenue, and reputation.

But when they showed the design on TV the other night, I was in awe of Salem's new park. The idea that the stadium is actually integrated into the surrounding storefronts is something that might even get me into the ballpark.

Think about it? My dad and son go to see a game, meanwhile I can shop till my hearts content during the boring parts, even get my Mocha Cappuccino Latte, and sit out on the cobble-stone street front, and watch a few minutes of baseball and than make it back to my seat by the 9th inning to cheer on the home team?

I've got to say, I think Winston one-upped Greensboro on this one.

It's the difference between planning and settling. While First Horizon is great place, it was not the first choice. It was far down the list and we lost the ability to have features that Winston-Salem will offer.

I don't expect any major exodus of Greensboro fans to Winston-Salem. We had WS fans come to Greensboro on days WS didn't play; just as many Greensboro folks went to WS when the Grasshoppers were out of town.

It's great for WS as it is also good for Greensboro because two great stadiums help improve quality of life.

Has Billy Prim even agreed to this yet? Last I heard, the city wants Billy to foot the bill, but Billy wants to co-sponsor it with the city. Either way, it's counting chickens before they're hatched. Last time I read about the actual planning, they haven't even gotten the land or who's going to pay for it worked out.

I think Winston one-upped Greensboro on this one.

Hell, I didn't know we were competing with anybody.

actually the store fronts you see in the rendering of the W-S ballpark will also be the future of First Horizon Park. Have we forgotten about Bellemeade Village so soon? I know Bellemeade VIllage is being put on hold for now but the plan hasnt been scrapped. Retail, a hotel and condos are suppose to front left field at First Horizon Park. Basically the retail and residential planned around the Winston-Salem ballpark is like Bellemeade Village. The ballpark will be the first phase. the retail and residential will be a later phase which may not immediately happen after the ballpark is built. I wouldnt say Winston-Salem has one up on Greensboro just yet......While Bellemeade Village is being put on hold, it gives developers time to rethink a plan and to do something unique next to First Horizon Park. I still think the ACC Hall of Fame and Museum in addition to retail, residential and a hotel is still a possibilty.

Knightrider, Bellemade Village? I don't know about it I'm new in Santa Fe Spring. where it is?