Ballpark hotspots: Inside and outside the stadium

There’s lots of perks to having a ballpark downtown. One of them being that you don’t even have to be inside to enjoy it.

It’s game two in Southwest University Park, and as some people found their seats, ABC-7 found people who instead, found their spots on the lawn.

“I think it’s a great place for a family to get together and not have to worry about the seat constraints,” said one woman.

“It’s comfortable and there’s a really good view,” said one man.”

Others skipped seats for the playground.

The ballpark also offer patios, where small groups can sit and sip at a table. And some already have their favorite spots picked out.

“Out there in right field there are a couple of balconies, a couple of different levels,” said one patron. “They all include their own bar. And it’s a really nice place where you can watch the game.”

But the fun isn’t just inside. A ballpark in the middle of downtown means anyone passing through can enjoy it. And forget a stadium suite, those who want real luxury can watch an entire game from inside the Double Tree Hotel, or from the balcony of a nearby apartment.

“It’s a downtown ballpark. It’s a reason to come downtown,” said General Manager Brad Taylor.

It’s the same concept that went into building Petco Park in San Diego.

“If one of the benefits of walking on the sidewalks around is being able to peak in,” Taylor said, “that’s one of the benefits of being a downtown ballpark people can see it.”

” I’m really excited to see something new in El Paso is really exciting,” said a spectator.