How To Get A Ball At BB&T Ballpark

After the gates open, spending some time browsing the seating bowl can often yield a batting practice baseball.
After the gates open, spending some time browsing the seating bowl can often yield a batting practice baseball.

BB&T BallPark presents you with some good opportunities to snag a ball during your visit. As with any MiLB facility, getting there early and scouring the seats for leftover batting practice balls is worthwhile. If you hope to snag a home run ball once the game begins, the outfield seats the Home Run Seats section and the Left Field Power Alley Seats section are your best bet. The Home Run Porch, as its name suggests, can also be a good place to buy a ticket if you hope to get a ball, but it’s worth noting that the elevated position of this section means that only mammoth home runs will make it up to you.

If you’re OK with running after a foul ball, one hot place to stand is the open pavilion area behind the seats in the left field corner. Long foul balls can make it this far, and because you’ll be standing, rather than sitting, you have a better chance of getting under one and making a catch or, at least, scrambling after it once it bounces. If you have trouble snagging a ball, it’s worth noting that the team shop sells game-used balls for $10.

If you’re an autograph seeker, your best bet is always to get to the park before the gates open, and then hurry down to field level as soon as you’re allowed in. The Knights use the first base side dugout, but regardless of which team you’re targeting for autographs, you should stand at the edge of the dugout or anywhere along the front row of seats between the either dugout and bullpen. Numerous players from each team will generally sign in these areas on and off in the hour between the gates opening and first pitch.

The team also holds a handful of free autograph signings with notable baseball alumni throughout the season. Hall of famers Rollie Fingers and Jack Morris are some big names who have visited BB&T BallPark for these events in recent years. These special signings take place just a few times a year, so check the team’s website to see who might be coming to town.