May

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By The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Posted: October 6, 2009 at 11:42 a.m.

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The addition of a minor league team and an increasingly successful college program keep Northwest Arkansas baseball fans hopping with excitement in May.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals, a Class AA affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, play in the new Arvest Ballpark on the west side of Springdale. Games are plentiful in May.

"May is when we really start to ramp up the promotions at the ballpark," said Frank Novak, marketing and public relations manager for the Naturals. "April usually has a lot of bad weather here in Arkansas, but in May, things settle down and it's a good time to get out to the ballpark."

After ordering better weather, the Naturals unintentionally at times team up with the University of Arkansas to provide the avid baseball fan with a perfect situation - baseball all day.

"There are a few times in May where the Razorbacks will have a day game and we'll have a night game," Novak said. "That's unique to May and makes for a really good day for baseball.

"We've heard of people catching the Hogs' game in the morning or afternoon, then coming over here [to Arvest Ballpark] and tailgating until our game starts. You can't beat that."

As the Naturals' season begins to hit stride, the Razorbacks are in the thick of their conference schedule, which means the level of play is usually high, along with the intensity.

As if the action isn't enough, both Baum Stadium and Arvest Ballpark have been mentioned among the nation's most comfortable.

The UA stadium, which opened in 1996, remains the gold standard for college baseball facilities and has repeatedly broken attendance records.

In 2007, 20 luxury boxes and more than 1,200 chairback seats were added, along with additional restrooms and an expanded Hog Pen and picnic area.

The additions raised capacity to about 10,500 seats with 9,200 chairbacks and 34 luxury boxes.

Arvest Ballpark, which opened in 2008, seats 6,500 and treats patrons to huge firework shows (usually on Friday nights), specials on beverages (Thirsty Thursdays beer night) and tons of other activities, especially for children.

Insider Tips

May is a month to dress in layers. Bring a jacket just in case temperatures dip as the sun goes down.

Arvest Ballpark

1. There are several easy access points to the stadium other than the main entrance. Side streets and approaching the ballpark from the west has proven to be a time saver. However, traffic isn't much of an issue any time.
2. Thrifty fans save on tickets by purchasing at the gate. Doing so avoids service charges on Internet purchases, and since there's not a bad seat in the house, getting a "good" one is usually not a problem. The ticket office opens at 10 a.m. on game days.
3. For hungry fans, Cider Shack BBQ Pit offers all things barbecue. Turkey and pork platters or sandwiches are available for $9.75 and $6.75, respectively. Outside the park, there's Buffalo Wild Wings to the west, which caters to sports fans. For a change of pace, head east into Springdale to Joe's Pizza and Pasta at 4224 W. Sunset Ave. The atmosphere is always high energy but oddly romantic (good for a first date after the game), and the food is delicious.
4. Don't forget the sunscreen!

Baum Stadium

1. Without a parking pass, be prepared to park across the street from the ballpark on Razorback Road. There's lots of parking, so finding a space is usually not a problem.
2. Seeking a party atmosphere? The berm area, which now has some seating, is the place to be.
3. Be prepared for a crowd. Games consistently sell out. Come early to avoid the last-minute rush.
4. Baum Stadium offers the usual ballpark concessions. For a more substantial meal before or after games, there's Foghorn's, a sports bar just south of the stadium that offers wings, fried food and lots of TVs. Options north of the stadium include Italian fare at Mezza Luna and Razor's Reef Grill and Cantina. Myriad options abound on Dickson Street, about five minutes to the north, depending on traffic.

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