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Alex Box Stadium Review, Comparison Thread
Posted on 4/7/13 at 1:10 pm
Posted on 4/7/13 at 1:10 pm
As some of y'all may know, I visited Baton Rouge and Alex Box Stadium a few weekends ago. I attended the Auburn-LSU game on Friday, a 9-4 LSU win. This thread is an attempt to explain Alex Box to those who have not had the opportunity to visit.
Pre-game:
After parking, we walked east along a sidewalk to get to the stadium. Parking was pretty easy and free. The walk wasn't a problem, except for the massive dairy farm that reeked of cow shite right across the street. We were able to secure tickets easily, next to the "gold section" behind the plate. After entering the stadium, several old-timers began giving me shite for wearing Arkansas attire, which I expected. I had a good time bullshitting with them and found our seats.
During the game:
As expected, LSU wrecked Auburn although Auburn had a bunch of hits they shot themselves in the foot several times. The fans were pretty loud when the game's outcome was in question, but it got out of hand pretty quickly. One thing I noticed was how everyone was intensely watching the game and almost exclusively talking about LSU athletics. Something else I noticed was almost all the songs played in the Box had come out in the past few years.
Eventually I spoke with a few nice guys about the area, SEC sports, etc etc. The fans at the Box were possibly the nicest SEC fans I have ever interacted with.
Comparison to Baum Stadium:
Honestly, I think Alex Box and Baum are two different animals. The Box felt to me more like a job than something someone would do for fun. Although I had a great time, it seemed like the LSU fans were showing up for "work" to cheer for LSU. At Baum it feels more like people just come to chill and watch some baseball. Folks will sit and BS for innings at a time in Baum while keeping one eye on the game waiting for the action. I tried to ask folks about the area but most didn't seem interested in talking about anything except the game until after the 7th inning stretch.
The loud, pumped in Top 40 music kind of set a more up-tempo mood at the Box, rather than the the Marshall Tucker Band-type chill songs that are often played between innings in Baum.
Also, the legendary concessions weren't that impressive to me.
Verdict:
Since I like chilling when taking in a baseball game, I would much prefer to go to a game at Baum. I understand the appeals of Alex Box and I won't knock it for what it is. The differences are basically the same as the major differences between Baton Rouge and Fayetteville: BR is a "big city" with traffic and a faster pace where Fayetteville is small and slow. To each their own, I won't knock BR either, I actually liked it a lot. The folks were great and I enjoyed my trip, but I wouldn't trade Baum for the Box.
Thanks for the hospitality if you were at the game, Tigah fans
Pre-game:
After parking, we walked east along a sidewalk to get to the stadium. Parking was pretty easy and free. The walk wasn't a problem, except for the massive dairy farm that reeked of cow shite right across the street. We were able to secure tickets easily, next to the "gold section" behind the plate. After entering the stadium, several old-timers began giving me shite for wearing Arkansas attire, which I expected. I had a good time bullshitting with them and found our seats.
During the game:
As expected, LSU wrecked Auburn although Auburn had a bunch of hits they shot themselves in the foot several times. The fans were pretty loud when the game's outcome was in question, but it got out of hand pretty quickly. One thing I noticed was how everyone was intensely watching the game and almost exclusively talking about LSU athletics. Something else I noticed was almost all the songs played in the Box had come out in the past few years.
Eventually I spoke with a few nice guys about the area, SEC sports, etc etc. The fans at the Box were possibly the nicest SEC fans I have ever interacted with.
Comparison to Baum Stadium:
Honestly, I think Alex Box and Baum are two different animals. The Box felt to me more like a job than something someone would do for fun. Although I had a great time, it seemed like the LSU fans were showing up for "work" to cheer for LSU. At Baum it feels more like people just come to chill and watch some baseball. Folks will sit and BS for innings at a time in Baum while keeping one eye on the game waiting for the action. I tried to ask folks about the area but most didn't seem interested in talking about anything except the game until after the 7th inning stretch.
The loud, pumped in Top 40 music kind of set a more up-tempo mood at the Box, rather than the the Marshall Tucker Band-type chill songs that are often played between innings in Baum.
Also, the legendary concessions weren't that impressive to me.
Verdict:
Since I like chilling when taking in a baseball game, I would much prefer to go to a game at Baum. I understand the appeals of Alex Box and I won't knock it for what it is. The differences are basically the same as the major differences between Baton Rouge and Fayetteville: BR is a "big city" with traffic and a faster pace where Fayetteville is small and slow. To each their own, I won't knock BR either, I actually liked it a lot. The folks were great and I enjoyed my trip, but I wouldn't trade Baum for the Box.
Thanks for the hospitality if you were at the game, Tigah fans
Posted on 4/7/13 at 1:11 pm to Porker Face
LSU fans, don't give this guy what he's looking for.
He'll go back into hiding
He'll go back into hiding
Posted on 4/7/13 at 1:12 pm to Porker Face
quote:We hate the new music too. They changed it this year for whatever reason.
The loud, pumped in Top 40 music kind of set a more up-tempo mood at the Box
Posted on 4/7/13 at 1:14 pm to Porker Face
Cliff Notes: Arkansas fan prefers Baum to Alex Box.
Posted on 4/7/13 at 1:14 pm to Porker Face
Looks like a respectable venue. I would want more options at the suite level but thankfully Baum has every luxury known to man. I guess I'm spoiled.
Posted on 4/7/13 at 1:15 pm to Porker Face
Glad you had a good time.
Can't wait to wreck Arkansas in Baum this weekend. It'll be a good birthday gift.
Can't wait to wreck Arkansas in Baum this weekend. It'll be a good birthday gift.
Posted on 4/7/13 at 1:18 pm to Porker Face
quote:
Porker Face
I have always been ambivalent about the new Box.
I personally think the parking situation is atrocious, and the concessions are branching out into too much stuff, most of which is overpriced with skimpy portions.
That being said, I do appreciate the extra seats very much, as well as all the new space in the concourse walkway.
Overall, it's an improvement, but I think LSU could have done better.
I've been overseas lately, so I haven't seen the Hall of Fame thingy yet.
Posted on 4/7/13 at 1:18 pm to Porker Face
What no piss balloons,spitting on fans OR tipping over wheelchair bound arkie fans ???? You must have been sorely disappointed...lol
Seriously, glad you had a good time...never been to Fayette/Baum...I'm sure it's an equally good/different experience than B.R./Box !
Ni ce to have a level headed arkie post...thanks
Seriously, glad you had a good time...never been to Fayette/Baum...I'm sure it's an equally good/different experience than B.R./Box !
Ni ce to have a level headed arkie post...thanks
Posted on 4/7/13 at 1:38 pm to Porker Face
quote:
Arkansas fan
quote:
I would much prefer to go to a game at Baum
Posted on 4/7/13 at 1:44 pm to Porker Face
quote:
Marshall Tucker Band
Big Gamecock fans. Glad to know that y'all are paying proper homage to them in Baum.
Posted on 4/7/13 at 1:49 pm to Porker Face
Verdict: LSU fans go to watch baseball, pig fans go to check out the newest Fayettechill tshirts. Shocked face.
This is also the first I've ever heard of the concessions being legendary.
This is also the first I've ever heard of the concessions being legendary.
Posted on 4/7/13 at 1:58 pm to Porker Face
quote:
The Box felt to me more like a job than something someone would do for fun.
I've never once thought about punching a time clock when attending a baseball game at The Box.
Arkansas fans, really, you all need to stop these never ending facility comparisons. No one cares what Wal-Mart and Tyson Chicken provide you with.
Posted on 4/7/13 at 2:08 pm to Porker Face
Win a handful of NC and see how chill it is at the Baum.
This post was edited on 4/7/13 at 2:10 pm
Posted on 4/7/13 at 2:12 pm to Porker Face
damn. nicest post i ever read from an arky. i guess i'm naive because i'm sure a lot of folks will say i was sucked in. but, if there is integrity in the motives of the op, i'm in.
Posted on 4/7/13 at 2:15 pm to Porker Face
They make homes for people like you!
Posted on 4/7/13 at 3:12 pm to Porker Face
quote:
Since I like chilling when taking in a baseball game,
What on Earth? Like one can't "chill" in any stadium where taking in a baseball game.
quote:
I would much prefer to go to a game at Baum.
You don't say?
Posted on 4/7/13 at 3:51 pm to Porker Face
I sat next to die hard LSU baseball fans in Omaha last year. Very focused and dedicated college baseball fans.
Posted on 4/7/13 at 4:08 pm to Porker Face
quote:
The Box felt to me more like a job than something someone would do for fun. Although I had a great time, it seemed like the LSU fans were showing up for "work" to cheer for LSU. At
That's a very interesting analysis coming from a neutral observer. I never thought of it like this, but for many of our fans, I totally agree.
Posted on 4/8/13 at 9:30 am to Porker Face
I'm not a fan of the NEW box. It's not a bad stadium, but to me it's just kind of blah. I hate the design of the grandstands and the design of the suites. It should have been filled in without the gaps under the boxes. Archetechtrally,it's very generic and blah. I give the nod to Arkansas and USCE for having the best stadiums. It's a shame that the powers that be at LSU couldn't have done a better job. We should have the most elite stadium in the SEC with our program.
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