Photo courtesy of USF Athletics
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14
USF Baseball Stadium 4202 E Fowler Ave Tampa, FL 33620
Year Opened: 2011
Capacity: 3,211
Stunning Views in Tampa
USF baseball may not be as popular as the baseball programs at some of the other major schools in Florida (such as Florida State, the University of Florida, or UCF), but USF Baseball Stadium is easily one of the most visually stunning and impressive college baseball venues in the state. Sporting a unique twin-stadium setup with USF’s softball field, this facility offers the best in comfort, viewing angle, and overall experience for both hardcore and visiting fans alike.
Food & Beverage 3
The food options at USF Baseball Stadium are what one would expect from a college sporting event, and the concessions stands look top-quality. Featuring multiple stations and lines to help keep congestion down, getting a snack is smooth and painless. In addition, you are likely to find a great deal depending on what day you visit. At Tuesday home games, for example, fans can get $2 hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, or small sodas, while all Wednesday games feature $2 hot dogs.
Atmosphere 5
USF Baseball Stadium is stunning. With two patios behind first and third base, plenty of seating to pick from, and viewing berms that extend along both foul lines, you have no shortage of places to sit and watch the game. The seats themselves are contoured, meaning you fit into the seat rather than just sit on it. There is covered patio on the upper deck along the first base line, called the Donaldson Patio, which gives you an elevated view of the action. The best part of this section is that it also offers views of the USF Softball Stadium on the other railing, as both venues are connected.
USF Baseball Stadium’s entrance area features ticket offices for future games, schedules for both USF softball and baseball teams, and a team store for fans to get the latest gear.
Neighborhood 4
USF is located just north of downtown Tampa. The Tampa Bay area as a whole has experienced a revitalization recently, with both Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and the various other suburbs getting an influx of new restaurants, shopping areas, and more. The campus is also close to major highways, making exploring the greater bay area rather easy for visiting fans. Hotels line the roadways outside of campus, as do restaurants and stores. And being located along the west coast of Florida not far from the water, you are sure to feel a cool breeze off the Gulf, to help with the warmth of Florida’s sun.
Fans 3
The fans at USF Baseball Stadium are varied, from students to older fans who love the game of baseball. On nights that feature big games and rivalry matchups, the stands are full. However, lower division opponents draw more modest crowds that aren’t as diehard as some fans are. While they are no less passionate, and cheer for their hometown Bulls with every big swing of the bat, fans on these nights can seem a bit disinterested at times.
Access 4
USF’s campus is located within easy driving distance of I-75 and I-275, and the campus is pretty easy to navigate as well. Signage lets you know where the various sports stadiums are, and once you get to USF Baseball Stadium, parking options are plentiful across the street at the Sun Dome, home of USF basketball.
Once inside USF Baseball Stadium, it is pretty easy to get around from one side of the field to the other.
Return on Investment 5
Tickets at USF Baseball Stadium run starting as low as $5 for general admission, which is any seat not at field level behind home plate (those seats can be more expensive, and include padded seats).
With concessions reasonably priced and parking free, you end up with a pretty affordable game at a top-quality D-1 college baseball venue.
Extras 5
The stadium’s proximity to USF’s other athletic fields, not just USF Softball Stadium, makes it a great place for fans to be able to jump from game to game whenever they want to catch more than one sport in a day’s visit. USF Baseball Stadium also posts the schedules of both softball and baseball outside by the main entrance, as well as the starting lineups for both teams before the first pitch.
Fans also have the ability to purchase USF items from the team store, which is located next to the concessions stand on the lower level. Also, as stated before the Donaldson Patio is arguably the best place to catch a game at USF Baseball Stadium, with an upper level view of the field as well as comfortable tables to sit at.
In addition, team offers free giveaways at every game, from posters of the teams to t-shirts and other memorabilia.
Final Thoughts
USF Baseball Stadium is one of the most stunning in Florida, let alone Tampa. Great for families and diehard fans alike, the home of the South Florida Bulls is a must-visit for any sports fan passing through the area. Not to be outdone by its competitors, USF Baseball Stadium deserves billing as one of the most comfortable and well designed in college baseball.
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