Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71
Otter Sports Complex 4113 2nd Ave Seaside, CA 93955
College Baseball by the Sea
The sports scene in Monterey is somewhat limited – aside from races at Laguna Seca or soccer at nearby Cardinale Stadium with Monterey Bay FC, you don’t have many options. However, college sports fans can find solace in the fact that Cal State Monterey Bay fields sports teams, including a baseball program. Situated right on campus adjacent to the school’s other athletic fields, the Otter Sports Complex is Monterey Bay’s home for baseball.
Food & Beverage 3
There are several food trucks and concession stands open right behind the grandstands where you can find numerous options. Steak sandwiches, melts, flatbreads, nachos, or grillitos are available for $12, steak & bacon sliders or chicken artichoke wraps are $10, chicken wings are $8, hot dogs, nachos, fries, or grilled cheese sandwiches are $7, and water or soda costs $3.
Atmosphere 3
The stadium itself is simple enough; reminiscent of local baseball fields, there are three grandstand sections that are all open and available to fans who wish to sit in any of them. Many fans bring their own folding chairs and line them up right against the fencing itself behind home plate to watch the game. Landscaping, through simple, features beautiful flowering bushes and trees, making for a nice aesthetic.
Weather in Monterey is practically perfect all year round, which means you won’t be uncomfortable watching CSU-MB games.
Neighborhood 5
Monterey is like much of the rest of coastal California; beautiful and relaxing. Boasting the weather and scenery of the Bay Area, but with the small-town feel of more inland locations, Monterey features a regional airport, numerous locations to stay at, and a wide variety of places to eat. In addition, the world-famous Monterey Aquarium is just minutes from CSU-MB, as are Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row.
The locals are kind and courteous, always willing to give you directions and recommendations on where to go, and no matter what time of the year you are going, there is always some sort of festival or celebration going on, such as Italian Fest, Jazz Fest, and Octoberfest.
For great food check out Gusto’s Handcrafted Pasta & Pizza, or Hula’s Island Grill. Hotels are plentiful here, including Hilton Garden Inn Monterey and Hotel Pacific. The stadium’s immediate location, the town of Seaside, also features numerous restaurants and hotels.
Fans 3
The majority of those in attendance are family and friends of the players on the field. With that said, there is also a notable attendance of younger fans, be they local youth players themselves, or kids who just want to watch baseball without their parents paying the price of MLB teams up north.
The fans who do attend games here are also sports knowledgeable, knowing all the players on the field as well.
Access 5
Parking is plentiful on-site for $5 – these lots offer easy in-and-out access to fans attending games here, and payment for parking is made at the pay stations as you enter the lot, making for a seamless experience on game day. To get to the stadium, you just need to take the Lightfighter Drive exit from Highway 1; from there, you’re practically dropped off right next to the parking lot entrance.
Return on Investment 5
Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for kids, making games at CSU Monterey Bay incredibly affordable. Couple that with very affordable prices for parking and concessions, and you have a great day watching college baseball for a great price. Also, with the great weather you won’t be miserable watching the Otters take the field, so this really is a win-win for all parties.
Extras 2
QR codes are posted at various locations for fans to scan each game’s digital program. The field also allows fans to walk around behind the warm-up area for the visiting team, giving you an up-close view of their workouts and bullpen action.
Final Thoughts
Going to Monterey may not bring college baseball to mind, but this should change for diehard fans of the sport. CSU Monterey Bay features a great affordable product with stellar weather in a fantastic city – this is a great option for fans who want to catch some sports, either if you’re visiting or a local.
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