and all this time I thought the Joe.....

[Richard Alderson]

was a great ballpark in other's eyes. but not so according to this link.

http://www.secsports.com/index.php?url_channel_id=6&url_publish_channel_id=887&url_subchannel_id=&well_id=2

 

[JoJoforHeisman]

I'm not too surprised that the Joe wasn't included in this list, although I do believe it is better than some on there. You have to give Auburn and Arkansas credit for their facilities, but LSU? Please. They were thrown on the list just because they are LSU. They may be able to seat a lot of people, but it's far from picturesque if you ask me. Mississippi State? Alright, but nothing special - no better than Sewell-Thomas. I think Vanderbilt should have been given more credit, to be honest. I'd rank their stadium third in the SEC behind Auburn and Arkansas. Ole Miss at least has a good location, and the unrestricted beverages section out in left field is a nice touch. The problem with the Joe is that it's hard to turn the place into one of these collegiate Camden Yards parks when you've got a stunning view of Coleman Coliseum and the parking lot. I'd add some seats out in right field (move the section already out there closer to the action; similar to what they have in Oxford), and plant some trees to fill up the extra space along the outside of the wall.

Sewell-Thomas is a great place to see a ballgame, but it is nevertheless pretty "basic" to non-Bama fans when compared to some of the other stadiums, particularly new ones like Plainsman Park at the Barn. At least we don't have to play at Stanky Field - USA deserves much better than that termite-infested joke of a facility.

 

[Play Ball!]

I'd have to disagree with a few of these. Auburn is over-rated, its nothing special. Arkansas is new, nice layout. LSU has personality, but needs improvements bad. Georgia is a dump.
I tell you the reason many are listed is because they are friendly to opposing teams, "The Joe" is not. At Arkansas the fans a way back from the field. At The Joe, you are on top of the field of play. Last year ESPN said, "The Joe" is one of the most intimidating college parks to play in. From a fans perspective "The Joe" is hard to beat.

 

[JoJoforHeisman]

True, from an Alabama fan's perspective, the Joe is hard to beat, but I think this poll was more concerned with aesthetics than the intimidation factor. MLB has started a trend with ballparks that is seeping into the minors and collegiate ranks. Not that it's a bad thing, by any means - I love a neat ballpark - but it's not the most important factor either.

Just for fun, if I were asked to build one of these modern-type stadiums replacing the Joe, I would relocate. An important aspect of ballpark appeal (to the generic fan, not Bama fans) is the scenery, which is why the bay at PacBell and the rooftops near Wrigley are intriguing to so many. I'd build a park down by the river on Jack Warner Parkway. I think there is a Little League park already down there, but a riverside stadium overlooking the Black Warrior, I believe, would be pretty hard to beat. Although it would technically be off campus, it seems like it would be a good spot.