Alex Box Stadium Review, Comparison Thread

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