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Created by:
Jeff LeCrone
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World War Memorial Stadium |
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You don't even need to see this place to know that it's old. The fact that its name refers to the "World War" without any numbers behind it should tell you all you need to know. Nonetheless, you get a real sense of history when you actually do walk through the front gates. The concourse is cramped and a little dingy, but that's the way it was back then, and that's what makes it great. The grandstand is a little unusual, as it was constructed to house both baseball and football. Thus, the stand forms a "J" shape, somewhat like the ballpark in Portland, Maine, with most of the seating on the third base side. The area directly behind home plate is covered, which was a plus the night I was there, because there was a long rain delay. Much of the seating is on backless benches, but there are quite a few sections of fold down seats as well, which is more comfortable, but takes away from a little bit of the old-time atmosphere, as the seats are not only plastic, but orange and yellow. Compare this with the green wooden seats of Riverview Stadium in Clinton, IA. One of the more unique aspects of this park, however, is the P.A. announcer. He is somewhat colorful in his announcing ("Attention fans - please remember that umbrellas are not allowed at World War Memorial Stadium .... Just kidding!" and "Attendance tonight is 22,253, give or take 20,000"). The most unique thing about him, however, is that he does not stay in the press box, but wanders instead around the area in front of it in the last few rows of the stands with a wireless microphone and a clipboard. If you get a chance to see a game in Greensboro, make sure you say hello! The Bottom Line: While not overwhelming, this is a nice, old ballpark. I'd give it a rating of above average.
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