As I walked into ASA Hall of Fame Stadium this afternoon, I quickly noticed that something was strikingly different. It was a good kind of different.
Perhaps it was the thousands of fans filing into the stadium. Maybe it was the view of the impressive stadium or the Alabama and Baylor players warming up on the freshly mowed outfield grass.
Needless to say, the Women’s College World Series is quite the spectacle.
It all starts with the stadium. Hall of Fame Stadium is considered by many to be the premier softball facility in the country. It didn’t take me long to realize why this softball complex is so highly regarded.
Unlike many baseball parks, the fans are right on top of the field and all of the softball action. There is very little foul territory behind home plate and on each baseline.
Massive bleacher seating is added during the World Series just beyond the outfield fences. The additional seating significantly boosts the crowd and noise size.
The fans are loud. They’re excited, and even a little obnoxious at times, but that’s all part of the experience. In Friday night’s matchup between ASU and Florida, opposing fans engaged in lengthy shouting wars. Each fan base proudly displayed the Gator chomp or Sun Devil pitchfork.
I’ve attended my fair share of softball games this season, many of which were filled with fan excitement and plenty of on field action.
I saw a lot of Pac-10 softball, which is second to none as each week there are incredibly talented players taking the field.
However, the WCWS showcases top talent from across the nation. The country’s best players are on full display. It’s nice to see someone other than a Pac-10 rival every once in a while. These SEC and Big 12 teams provide a fresh new challenge for the visiting Sun Devils.
It’s all a part of the experience: new teams, rowdy fans, and an unmatched softball stadium.
The Hall of Fame Stadium atmosphere is at a whole new level. After all, it is collegiate softball’s biggest stage. It’s the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City.
