Fan's Guide To The Inland Empire 66ers' San Manuel Stadium
Like so many other communities across the United States, San Bernardino looks to baseball as a major American tradition and has done so for more than a century. Enter the Inland Empire 66ers, 2013 California League Champions who play the home field advantage at San Manuel Stadium.
San Manuel Stadium
280 South E St.
San Bernardino, CA 92401
(909) 888-9922
www.milb.com
Formerly known as Arrowhead Credit Union Park, San Bernardino Stadium and The Ranch, San Manuel Stadium opened in 1996 as the Fiscalini Field replacement for the Inland Empire 66ers. Named for San Bernardino's San Manuel Band of Mission Indians as well as for the historical highway's impressive impact on the general area. this open-air stadium is a great place to watch the ball crack the bat in more ways than one.
Getting Acclimated
Accommodating some 8,000 fans in the seats and on the grass, this intimate stadium is small enough to really feel the game. Easily accessible from downtown San Bernardino at just a few blocks away and only a few minutes from the 215 Freeway (and also convenient to the 15, the 10, and the 91), San Manuel Stadium was designed by the same enterprise behind Baltimore's Camden Yards and Denver's Coors Field. Parking is conveniently close to the stadium which has three entrances.
Seating Setup
All seats are angled toward home plate, which means there isn't a bad seat at San Manuel Stadium. Expect good sight lines and the San Bernardino mountains in the background, the latter especially impressive when the sun sinks in the west and the sky goes full blaze. All seats come equipped with cup holders, ready to hold the drink of your choice as the action continues.
Feel The Bern
Even if mascots aren't your thing, be sure to put eyes on Bernie, a furry red creature who often expresses himself via high-pitched yowls and yelps that get the crowd going. He's a real comedian during game time as evidenced by one instance when he was acting out a freestyle dance on top of the home team's dugout to a heavy metal tune via air guitar. As the big guy was jumping around, one of his eyeballs suddenly flew out of its socket, bouncing into the stands. A "blind" walk about ensued until Bernie disappeared, coming back shortly after "surgery" with his damaged eyeball falling down his cheek.
Family Friendly
In the vicinity of left field, a children's play area is on-hand where kids just wanting to have fun are able to play tag or baseball or another game of similar ilk with like-minded youth. Staff is on hand to care for your little ones while you pay full attention to the game from your given seat, undisturbed and focused on the baseball action in all its glory.
Food Glorious Food
Concessions on the premises are so varied you may have trouble choosing what to eat and drink while attending a 66ers competition. If you're game, try the hot links accompanied by peppers and onions with a side of bacon fries and try the famous Baseball Beer, a not-too-spicy mix of pilsner and American wheat. Genuine margaritas are also popular for quenching your thirst as the innings fly by.
