Next year will mark the 10th anniversary of the Nats arrival in Viera. If you decide to fly down take money for the tolls.
Parking is $7 on grass fields with a small handicapped parking lot near the stadium. For those so inclined there is “free” parking just past the stadium in municipal lots. It is a walk but people do it.
The stadium capacity is about 8,000. Since they release seats just after the start of the spring training season, sometimes better than the ones they sell on-line, an option is to purchase tickets for the Yankees or Cardinals on-line (assuming they are on your schedule, since both usually sell out) then buy the rest at the gate. The space shuttles, a unique feature here, have been removed from the foul poles. Some enjoyed watching the Osprey nest on the light pole in right field.
Gates open 1 ½ hours before the contest. The small gift store is just in front of the main entrance, their selection is limited. The concourse containing the refreshment stands is behind the seating bowl, but they sell beer, water and soda in the bowl on a regular basis. Food is ok, but prices are high. There are some tables situated along the concourse to sit and eat but most fill up early. You have the typical mix of seats and bleachers in the seating bowl. For people with bad knees the seats along the lower bowl offer limited leg room and there are no cup holders. A small grassy berm, accessible down the third base line offers some shelter from the sun but they may close it for a party. There are two very small shaded areas at the top side of the seating bowl. On a hot day avoid the bleacher seats and there is no play area for children.
There is talk about the Nats and Astros packing up and moving to West Palm Beach. This has caused some resentment among the locals. Some fans will head over to the line-up posted near the entrance to see who will be on the field that day. A small number will then complain that “such and such player” will not play that day. Keep in mind that the only a portion of the regulars will play on any one day and most will not play more than a couple of innings. The traveling team will also only bring a limited number of regulars and you bet the house that Derek Jeter will not be making the long bus ride up from Tampa.
Looking for a good meal? We suggest Smokey Bones and Grill in Melbourne. Seafood, the locals recommend Shells in Melbourne. Something different, we suggest Coconuts on the Beach in Cocoa Beach. Hungry, Sonny’s BBQ near the stadium off Wickham.
