Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14
Roadrunner Field 10 Barshop Blvd San Antonio, TX 78249
Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 800
UTSA Roadrunners – Roadrunner Field
The University of Texas-San Antonio (UTSA) was founded in 1969. Situated on the far northwest side of the Alamo City, the public institution has grown by leaps and bounds in the last 50-plus years, both academically and athletically – in 1992 the Roadrunners began their baseball program and would move into the Southland Conference.
Over the next two decades the Roadrunners would win two regular season conference championships (2007 and 2008), three conference tournament championships (1994, 2005, and 2013), and three NCAA tournament appearances (also 1994, 2005, and 2013). They have also sent one Roadrunner to “The Show,” in southpaw starter and current Texas Rangers minor leaguer Justin Anderson.
Since 1993 UTSA has played all their home games at their on-campus stadium, Roadrunner Field. The 800-seat field also features a fan-friendly berm located just beyond the right-field wall as well as box seats down the left-field line in a tree-shaded area for season-ticket holders. In 2006 the stadium was renovated to include stadium lights, allowing for night games for the first time ever in program history.
The Roadrunners are currently enjoying renewed success on the diamond and will be moving into the American Athletic Conference (AAC) by the 2023 season, which means now is probably a great time to see what Roadrunner Field is all about.
Food & Beverage 2
Right off the bat, metaphor not intended, you must be forewarned about the concessions scene at Roadrunner Field. Currently, there is only one stand located behind the home plate bleachers near the main entrance.
First, the positives; it is eminently affordable and carries all your ballpark favorites. This includes hot dogs ($3), nachos ($3), sunflower seeds, peanuts, and popcorn (all $3.50), bottled sodas, water (both $3), and sports drinks ($4). The stand also carries bottled domestic and imported beer ($5 and $6, respectively).
That’s the good; on the not-so-good side, because there is just the one stand with only one point of sale machine (and they only take credit cards), lines do tend to form. These lines do tend to be relatively long, as well. This needs to be taken into consideration when you make your food and beverage run.
Atmosphere 3
I should point out that I am a UTSA alum and a die-hard Roadrunner fan across all sports. I’ve been coming to Roadrunner Field for a number of years, but I try to be objective with my reviews of the teams and their facilities, especially in this area.
One of the best aspects that I have always enjoyed about Roadrunner Field was its open feel. This was in large part due to the berm seating along the first base line. Fans, in past years, could casually stroll up to the games with their blankets and/or chairs and just catch a game free of charge.
That is no longer the case as, with the team’s aforementioned renewed success, they have installed portable fences along the exterior of the park to ensure that everyone who gets in pays to do so. Still, the berm seating is a great way to watch – fans not wanting to sit in the bleachers can also bring their chairs and sit down in front where space allows.
The Roadrunners have found a way to honor the success of their past with signage on the fence at the front of the ballpark, highlighting their conference champions and All-Americans. There is also huge signage near the team’s bullpen area showcasing the Roadrunner greats of past seasons.
Neighborhood 5
Roadrunner Field is right on the UTSA campus and is near the historic Convocation Center, home of the basketball and volleyball teams. The campus is on the far northwest side of the city off Loop 1604. This puts it at a 20-minute drive from San Antonio’s vibrant, tourist friendly downtown area. It’s also an 18-minute drive from the San Antonio International Airport. More on this in the Access section.
While you will have to put in a bit of a drive if you want to see highlights of the Alamo City, there is still plenty to do in the area near the ballpark. In fact, one of the state’s top amusement parks is literally across the street from the UTSA campus. Six Flags Fiesta Texas celebrated its 30th year in 2021 and has seen several upgrades and renovations over the years. However, it is still recognized by several of its anchor rides, including the Iron Rattler and Scream drop tower ride. If you have time, this is the perfect place to spend time before or after a Roadrunners game.
If you’re not interested in riding thrill rides or seeing costumed characters sing and dance, there is another world-class option nearby that’s a little more laid back; La Cantera Resort & Spa is also practically across the street from the UTSA campus. In addition to being a world-class hotel and spa, La Cantera is also home to one of the best hotel restaurants in the country (Signature), and the award-winning La Cantera Golf Course was the former home of the PGA Tour’s Valero Texas Open from 1995-2009.
For dining, the nearby Shops at La Cantera have an abundance of options. These range from higher-end spots including Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar, Bovino’s Churrascaria, and Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille. There are also numerous other options to choose from, depending on what your tastebuds are in the mood for. If you’re looking for lodging, there are options nearby as well – these include DoubleTree by Hilton San Antonio Northwest and Quality Inn San Antonio Fiesta At Six Flags. However, there are other options farther down Loop 1604, or closer to nearby Interstate 10.
Fans 4
These days, seats in the bleachers are hard to come by at Roadrunner Field, especially for weekend games. As an alum and a fan this is good to see, but as someone just going to catch a ballgame, this is also very much appreciated. More fans equals more energy, and that is great for the overall atmosphere of the game. The crowd is lively and root on the home team throughout the game, and they come out to the games decked out in their orange, blue, and white gear. There are also a lot of young fans in the stands – and I’m not talking about current students – which is refreshing to see.
Access 4
As previously mentioned the UTSA campus is easily accessible by Loop 1604, or you can reach it via Interstate 10 (along the fortunately named UTSA Blvd.) From there, you pretty much just need to look for the stadium lights, as there is not much in the way of signage marking where to go.
Once on site there is free parking in unmarked spaces in the Barshop Lot. Or, if you choose not to drive, VIA, the city’s public transportation option, does offer routes to the campus. While the campus is 20-minutes from Downtown and 18-minutes from the airport, this needs to be taken with a grain of salt, and that is traffic on Interstate 10 and Loop 1604; keep that in mind when heading toward the game.
Return on Investment 3
General admission tickets for games at Roadrunner Field are $7 per person, which is pretty fan-friendly to the old wallet. Factoring in the free parking and low concession costs, a family (or someone just going solo) can really catch some big-time college ball on the cheap at UTSA.
The Roadrunners typically play a very high-end non-conference schedule, and with their impending move to the American Athletic Conference, their regular season opponents should soon be even better. Bottom-line, you’re getting a great bargain to see some high-end college baseball at Roadrunner Field.
Extras 1
There isn’t much in the way of Extras at Roadrunner Field, however, they do offer your typical giveaways and contests in between innings. However, that’s pretty much the extent offered, but what they do have is the setting – the academic setting, the nearby Convocation Center, Roadrunner Softball Field, intramural fields, and the newly constructed Roadrunner Athletic Center of Excellence are all great backdrops for exploring before and after games.
Final Thoughts
As a fan, it’s great to see the Roadrunners back to being competitive on the diamond. With plans in the works to upgrade their basketball facilities, one can only hope that the master plan to expand the ballpark happens sooner rather than later. In the meantime, if you find yourself looking for something to do on the far northwest side of San Antonio, you should take in a game at Roadrunner Field. It’s not a bucket list stadium, but if you’re a fan of the sport, I think you’ll enjoy it.
Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477.
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