Salem-Keizer Volcanoes
Good
This is the stadium that I have been to more than any other over the past 5 years and I can say beyond a shadow of a doubt that for an autographer like me there is no better stadium. Both the visiting team and the home team walk right through the fans and although it may be annoying at times for the players, it is amazing for fans.
I also love the outfield seating at Volcanoes Stadium. You are up high enough to see over the fence if you are in the grass but there are also plenty of picnic tables to sit at and eat and socialize with friends.
Bad
If you go to a Volcanoes game don’t expect a lot of excitement from the fans. I’ve gone to little league games where the fans have been more excited and louder at games. It is sad at times to watch a Volcanoes player hit a homerun or make a great play and barely hear anything from the fans.
Also, don’t expect a lot of extra entertainment in between innings like at other minor league and summer league teams. Not much is done to excite fans during the game and it shows.
General Information
Volcanoes Stadium is connected to Keizer Station which has a handful of easy options for food and even shopping if you get to the area a little area. It is rare to find fast food places so close and easy to get to by a stadium so that is a nice benefit.
Autograph Information
As I mentioned above this stadium is quite possibly the best stadium to get autographs in across the entire northwest. Plus with it being a minor league stadium the players are normally great about signing for everyone they can. There are always the few players who think they are too good to sign for people but I don’t want their autograph anyways.
Hillsboro Hops
Good
I love going to spring training because the atmosphere is amazing and so are the stadiums and the Hillsboro stadium gives off the exact same feel. It is an amazing stadium that has an amazing fan base.
Whoever designed this stadium was pretty smart in their planning. The baseball stadium is connected to the backside of the football stadium in Hillsboro so there are plenty of restrooms and concession stands throughout the park.
Bad
The entire field at Hillsboro is AstroTurf and when it gets hot outside you can feel the heat roll off of the field. I understand having an infield that is AstroTurf in the northwest but I would much rather see an outfield that is natural grass.
The one game I made it to this year it was 100 degrees and for me it was pretty miserable. I can’t complain about the stadium too much, I just chose a bad day to make my first visit to the stadium.
General Information
Parking is widely available but is also quite a walk to the stadium. Be prepared for that. There is grass seating, so if you have kids that need to move around the grass seating is an ideal area.
Autograph Information
This is the one stadium that I didn’t get any autographs at. The players come out into the dugout so you don’t even see them until they get onto the field. Guys will sign along the baselines but it is a lot easier for players to come out late and not sign any autographs.