9	Banner Island Ballpark
	Stockton, California

Banner Island Ballpark is another high scenery stadium. Located next to the water, the park has views of boats and jet skiers passing by, adding to the nautical theme of the Stockton Ports baseball club.

While Banner Island Ballpark is certainly worth traveling a long way to see, the Ports didn’t sit back and wait for the fans to roll in.  The Ports were becoming a well-integrated part of Stockton before a brick of Banner went in.  “The organization's directive is (to) integrate the Ports into our community,” said Ports general manager Mike McCarroll.

The team has also “invested in a television marketing campaign that is extremely inventive,” said McCarroll, “while also reinvesting in our Community Relations Department to ensure that the Ports are a partner in the San Joaquin County community’s development.”

It had been rainy in Stockton during the week leading up to this season’s home opener, the Ports were concerned that fans might stay away, so the team promised free season passes to all fans in attendance if the game ended up being rained out.  The game was indeed played, but it turned out to be a close call, because the game the next night was postponed due to rain!

More for Fans, Fun for Seniors

“The major changes are in regard to customer service and improvements to the fan experience,” said McCarroll.  “The Kids Zone will have a new and improved look to improve the area and our concessions operation is receiving upgrades to improve customer service.” A new “Silver Sluggers” program is being implemented that will permit fans 55 and older to attend Wednesday home games for free.

Experts Take

Sitting right on a shipping channel, fans at Banner Island Ballpark have a wonderful view.  “Anytime you can have jet skis and sailboats right beyond the fence, it makes for a great atmosphere,” said Brian Thomas, play-by-play broadcaster for the rival Bakersfield Blaze.  “I did part of the broadcast of one of our games (in Stockton) from the outfield last year.  It is a great atmosphere being right next to the water.  I also like the size of the ballpark, because it’s small enough to let you feel really close to the action.”