The Sandcastle is the home of the Atlantic City Surf of the Atlantic League.
The new Atlantic League ballparks are all similar in their basic design. A seating bowl close to the field with the concourse above the seating and luxury boxes over the concourse. The good news is that this basic design is a very nice one for the baseball fan. If ballparks have to look alike, they might as well be nice ballparks.
The Sandcastle differs from it's Atlantic League brethren in color and setting. The light brown stone along with the teal and blue seats are very pleasant on the eye. The seaside setting is quite nice as well. Set right on the water with the Atlantic City skyline beyond the outfield fence, the combination of seagulls, ocean air, and gentle breezes is very relaxing.
The park is set away from downtown, which is a shame. There is a big empty lot at the end of the line of casinos along the Boardwalk and a ballpark right on the Boardwalk with the waves crashing as a backdrop would have been very cool. The concessions were also understaffed, making for very long food lines, but the staff that was present was very polite and courteous, even allowing me upstairs to the luxury boxes to snap a few photos. Free parking is also a nice touch.
Overall, the Sandcastle is a top-notch facility that deserves better support than it receives. If you are in Atlantic City, take a break from the casinos and throw your money at a sure thing... a night at the ballpark.
