This past weekend I was in Memphis, Tenn., and I must say the sporting dynamic in Memphis is much different than a lot of cities. It is the first major city I’ve been to where people embrace a minor league team.

Memphis is home to the St. Louis Cardinals’ AAA affiliate, the Memphis Redbirds. The Redbirds are not treated like an ordinary minor league baseball team, though.

In Memphis you would think that they played in the bigs and competed on a yearly basis. Although after my experience I suspect the stadium has at least as much to do with that as the team.

Auto Zone Park is located right in the heart of downtown Memphis. Everything seems to flow around the stadium: Upscale restaurants, tourist attractions and parking garages stretch as far as the eye can see.

I couldn’t believe the buzz in the air and everyone who was just hanging out around the field as we walked up to the stadium gates. It reminded me a lot of the Wrigley Field experience because of its location and surrounding environment.

We entered the stadium to make our way up to the second floor skybox where we would be viewing the game and I was shocked by what I was seeing from a AAA ballpark. Right when you walk in, there is a huge open area with concessions and a shrine built to baseball. A model of a baseball field complete with statues of the pitcher and hitter is incorporated into the courtyard. The cement squares are colorful and have bases and an infield in the appropriate places.

Everyone gathers in this area on their way in and takes pictures or grabs a drink just to enjoy the atmosphere.

I commented on how cool this place was for a minor league stadium and a friend of mine from just outside of Memphis explained to me that it’s a hang out spot on non-game days, too.

Apparently, even when there is not a game the stadium is open to just walk around in. You can’t go down on the field but most everything else is fair game.

The stadium is designed as many new parks are, to give the modern-classic feel to a stadium. It is quite similar to a Turner Field, Camden Yards or Coors Field.

The park features multiple levels of skyboxes, several party patios and group sections, along with the largest scoreboard in the minor leagues.

Everything about the experience is major league quality except the players on the field.

After making our way up the elevator to our suite, I was able to see what else this impressive park offered. From our box, which faced left field, we had an awesome view into the city.

All around the outfield, apartments and buildings were left in open view of the stadium.

Several residents were out on their decks grilling and watching the game.

Out past the left field fence, a huge grassy hill allowed fans to lay out in the sun and watch the game at their leisure. Right next to the hill was an interactive fun zone for kids with tons of baseball-themed games and a giant inflatable slide.

All of this is elevated and outdoors so that you don’t have to miss a minute of the on-field action.

I was also very impressed with the fan entertainment offered by the Redbirds. The team has a cheerleading squad called the “Red Hots,” who come out nearly every inning and entertain fans with giveaways, water balloon launchers and cheer routines.

The product on the field wasn’t nearly as good as a Major League game but it didn’t even matter. After only three innings the Redbirds were off to a 10-0 lead over the Iowa Cubs. The Cubbies mounted a comeback but ended up losing 11-7.

I don’t think I’ll ever become an avid minor league baseball fan, but if they keep putting up stadiums like Auto Zone Park, I’d consider at least becoming a minor league ballpark enthusiast.

If anyone gets a chance to head down to Memphis for a road trip, don’t miss out on the Redbirds experience. Don’t miss out on Beale Street, either; it was at least as fun as the game.

Frank Vanderwall is a senior in Communications. He can be reached at [email protected].