Rangers Ballpark in Arlington

Official Review by Bo Reed, Stadium Journey Correspondent

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In 1994, The Rangers played their first game in what has become known as "The Ballpark." It's an architectural beauty that borrowed components from great stadiums of the past, but still delivered something entirely Texan.

Food & Beverage   5/5

While serving the classic hot dogs and nachos, the Rangers also have many unique items including: : Loaded Big Dog (1/2 pound hot dog loaded with chili, cheese and grilled unions), Garlic Fries, Cajun Fries and Turkey Legs. Rangers Ballpark also features a “Beers of the World” stand, a full bar behind home plate called The Cuervo Club, and an Irish Pub on the second deck down the third base line called Dublin Up Pub.

Atmosphere   5/5

The Rangers Director of Marketing and P.A. announcer is the best in the business as he provides fans a unique experience using various LED displays along with the large scoreboard and video screen in right field. Do not miss the dot race after the top of the fourth inning. The last leg is live featuring three “dots” colored Red, Green and Blue sprinting down the third base line from the wall in left field. The Coca-Cola Sports Park located beyond the seats in center field features a variety of games for the kids, including a whiffle ball park and is also home to statues of Nolan Ryan and Tom Vandergriff who is responsible for the Rangers relocating from Washington D.C.

Neighborhood   3/5

The current neighborhood around Rangers Ballpark is the only disappointment at the moment. There are a few options for before and after the game, but not a lot of them. However, now that the Cowboys Stadium is next door, the city of Arlington is planning more developments to maximize the effect of both stadiums.

By simply driving around the square area surrounding both the new Cowboys Stadium (a must see) and Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, we found a Buffalo Wild Wings, Pappadeaux Seafood, Hooters, Joe’s Crab Shack, TGI Fridays, Chili’s, On the Border and a Texas Land and Cattle Steakhouse.

Pappadeaux Seafood is a very impressive bar featuring a wide variety of beer and spirits. It has above average food menu with impressive portion sizes. I had one of the best grilled Tilapia dishes I’ve ever tasted while my friend ordered fried shrimp on a plate full of fries. A meal so large he was unable to finish. The service staff was outstanding and the atmosphere was very warm and friendly.

Buffalo Wild Wings is located about a mile from Rangers Ballpark. It is the best sports bar around Rangers Ballpark offering draft beer, bottled beer, spirits and wine. The food menu offers you a variety of different flavor and heat combinations for their buffalo wings as well as alternatives for those who do not like the wings. Those alternatives include chicken strips and salads. The atmosphere at Buffalo Wild Wings is perfect for any occasion. There is a separate bar area to watch any sporting event on large plasma displays as well as a restaurant and patio area for other occasions.

Fans   4/5

Rangers fans are always very attentive and stand behind the local team through the good and the bad. Like in most stadiums around the American League, the Yankees and Red Sox have a large enough following to be an annoyance to Rangers fans. However, if the Rangers are having a good year then the atmosphere for those games is pure electricity as Rangers fans engage with those following the Yankees or BoSox. Also, Rangers fans aren’t as mean as those in Oakland, but heckling is very much fair play in Arlington.

Access   5/5

There are parking lots on all sides of the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington with frequent restrooms on every level. You can pay $12 for general parking or $35 for valet parking.

Return on Investment   5/5

Rangers tickets are among the most cost effective in baseball. Good seats are available for as little as $25 and the nose-bleed sections are closer to the action than most stadiums. Win or lose, Rangers fans always have a good time at the ballpark.

Extras   5/5

Must see items on the exterior of Rangers Ballpark in Arlington include a tribute to each playoff team in club history on the brick sidewalk. Each piece includes individual bricks for each player and large square bricks for individual awards like league MVP.

Rangers Ballpark in Arlington also has a ring of murals depicting various moments in World History along with some baseball items on top of the bottom sections of brick. These items when paired with the blend of old school and modern architecture make Rangers Ballpark in Arlington one of the best venues to enjoy a night of baseball.

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