[Teflon Skies]

State Fair Park has a unique history and a down-home flavor. The natural bowl-shaped ravine at the southwest corner of the state fairgrounds was used as an early grandstand site for everything from concerts to demolition derbies. When the city was looking for a location for its new baseball stadium the state offered this land free of charge with the stipulation that the ballpark also accommodate state fair concerts. The city was glad to oblige, taking advantage of the natural amphitheater, huge existing parking areas and transportation access.

A couple of traditions at Fairgrounds Park are the annual All-American Barbecue Cook-Off Competition in the parking lot on Memorial Day Weekend and the scheduling of no games on the weekends that NASCAR is in town. Another tradition is the crowd standing and singing as Alabama's "Cheap Seats" is played while the home team takes the field to start the game.

The ball carries very well in this park as it is sheltered from the wind by the natural enclosure. Foul territory is generous, however.

(More than you want to know department: One of the team's part-owners is a popular country recording artist and son of a famous big league pitcher. He can frequently be coaxed into singing the national anthem to the delight of the fans - many times with his equally famous wife. The fans have informally named the hill that forms the batter's eye in her honor.)

Capacity: 41,800

Left Field Line: 336
Left Field: 351
Left Center: 375
Center Field: 400
Right Center: 375
Right Field: 350
Right Field Line: 333

Fences - 8 ft.