On the Banks of the Dan

Exterior of stadium in Dan Daniel Memorial Park, Aug-2000.

The seating areas, including three sections of bucket seats.

• Location: West of US 29 Bypass, 1 exit south of US 58, Danville, Va.
• Opened: 1993
• Home team: Danville Braves, Appalachian League (1993-present); Danville 97s, Carolina League (1998)
• Capacity: 2,588

Rating: 2 baseballs

The park features three sections of bucket seats behind the plate and just flanking that on the base lines, all attached to aluminum structures, plus aluminum bleachers extending further out. The only view is of the hill into which the field is built. The Dan River does run below the park (meaning an insect population), but it is not visible, at least in the summer.

I didn’t care for the access to the sections, particularly section B directly behind the plate. They built wheelchair access ramps, which was wonderful, but they fan out to the sides while the concession and souvenir stands are located at the base of the press box, which rises behind section B. It makes it inconvenient to run down between innings. This is partially offset by the presence of waitresses working these center sections, which are labeled “box seats” at $6 apiece. Lest you think it’s too much of a big-league touch in the Appy League, the concessions are very reasonable -- particularly on Thirsty Thursday, when a 32-ounce souvenir cup of pop is $1.