Carolina Stadium named top ballpark

THE SOUTH CAROLINA baseball program’s Carolina Stadium has been named the No. 1 college baseball ballpark in the country by stadiumjourney.com.

Stadium Journey compiled the work of correspondents across the country to produce the 2015 NCAA Ballpark Experience Rankings. A total of 284 NCAA Division I ballparks were reviewed.

Stadium Journey uses the “FANFARE” system to provide an overall fan experience rating based on: F - Food & Beverage (concessions); A - Atmosphere; N - Neighborhood; F - Fans; A - Access; R - Return on Investment; and E - Extras.

What they said about Carolina Stadium:

“Some places just do college baseball better. Before you walk through the gates and are greeted by two national championship trophies, you’ll be greeted by tailgaters, boiled peanuts, cold beer and general excitement. Baseball season at Carolina Stadium is second only to football season. And even that is debatable . ... The Gamecocks baseball program emerged over the last decade as one of the elite programs in the country. Legendary coach Ray Tanner led a baseball renaissance, and the team won two national titles. Perhaps part of the draw for recruits is the 8,242-seat capacity gem of a college baseball venue, Carolina Stadium.”

From Staff Reports

This story was originally published June 15, 2015 at 4:37 PM with the headline "Carolina Stadium named top ballpark."