GPU Energy Park is the home of the Lakewood Blue Claws of the South Atlantic League. The Blue Claws are the Class A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies.
In an era when nearly all new minor league ballparks look alike, the stadium connesieur must endeavour painstakingly to find that which is unique about each new abode. Surely, I can not say that GPU Energy Park is not a nice ballpark simply because it shares so many characteristics with it's brethren, because it is a nice park.
One feature which I particularly like (and isn't found too often) is the concourse that completely circles the field. You can stroll all the way around and take in the game from any possible angle. The spaces out beyond the fence feature grass berms which are sold as general admission. On this night, the stadium was sold out and I found myself watching a game from the grass for the first time. It was fun, although I wouldn't want to do it every night.
The crowd was lively and all of the amenities were up to snuff, with food of good quality and variety. The single access road is not a very good idea, especially on nights when they pack 'em in, but overall I give high marks to a nicely done, though unexceptional ballpark.
