Reviews

July 31, 2010

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Mavericks Stadium

League:  California

Class:  Single A

Affiliation: Seattle Mariners

Stadium Built:  1991

Ticket Prices:  $6.00 or $8.00

Parking: FREE

Address:  12000 Stadium Way, Adelanto, CA 92301

Directions:  From the Northeast, East, or South – Take Interstate 15 to Highway 395 North.  Exit on Adelanto Road.  The stadium will be on your left.

From the Northwest – Take California Highway 58 East to Highway 395.  Head south on Highway 395.  After passing Adelanto, turn left onto Old Ranch Road.  The stadium will be to the south.

Food:  **Just okay.  Food has improved at concessions over past years, but some of the healthier options once offered at the pizza window (now replaced by a pro-shop) are gone.  New pizza window offers Papa Johns, but the  best choice is the Roadhouse Grill, just to the left as you enter the stadium. Great value!  Expect to pay $2.50 for a hotdog, $2.00 for a 16 oz. soda, and only $4.50 for a 20oz beer.

Review:

Mavericks Stadium is off the beaten path, perhaps more than any other of California’s stadiums.  Sure you could argue that Interstate 15 is not that far away.  You could also argue that Chico is the most isolated of California’s pro teams (think Seattle to the majors).  Yet Adelanto really is a destination that you would have no reason to go to, unless to see a Mavericks game.  Mavericks Stadium is on the southern outskirts of town, adding to the remote feeling.  You could be driving along Highway 395, and suddenly there is a baseball stadium, seemingly sitting in the middle of nowhere.  Recent development to the south of the stadium has taken away a little of that remote feeling, but not enough to make you wonder “What the heck is a baseball stadium doing out here?”

Of course, off the beaten track is one of the charms of Mavericks Stadium.  While Adelanto isn’t large enough to support a professional team, nearby Victorville is.  Hence, the Mavericks, to a certain extent, is Victorville’s team, and the support shows through the advertisements in the outfield.

The stadium itself is sunken, which allows a traquil dessert scene over the outfield wall, broken only by the unfortunate presence of power lines that let’s you know civilization is not that far off.  Other plusses include the fact that this place offers a great value!  You’ll find some of the best prices in professional baseball here.  A simple ticket pricing structure adds to the “We’re not taking you for every penny we can get” relief one feels while enjoying a game in Adelanto.

In the past, the biggest drawback to Mavericks Stadium has been the food.  Recent improvements, along with the addition of some outside vendors, has improve the overall food experience.  While not one of the highlights of Mavericks Stadium, the great value makes it all palatable.

As for viewing the game, balls can get lost down the left field line as your view is somewhat blocked by the Mavericks’ bullpen.  Other than that, the view of the game is good throughout the stadium.  Six somewhat awkward “luxury” boxes, essentially blocked off seats, are positioned as the top of the stands.  Unfortunately, these boxes often block what would otherwise be a good view of the game for anyone visiting the concession stands. 

Pluses:  Great value.  Simple ticket pricing.  Free parking.

Minus:  Just alright concession food.

Quirky intangibles:  Stadium itself off the beaten track.

Tips:  For food, try the Roadhouse Grill just to he left as you enter the Stadium.

Scouting report:  Mavericks Stadium is a hitter’s park.  The 340-415-340 dimensions would suggest otherwise, but the dry desert air, combined with winds that commonly blow to the outfield, helps balls carry.  Also, small foul territory, especially down the left field line, doesn’t help the pitching any.

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