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A spirit that is not afraid

Baseball fans flock to parking deck

Numerous fans take in last week's baseball series against the Florida State Seminole from the parking deck between Plainsman Park and Jordan-Hare Stadium. The fans pictured had various opinions on why the location was better than purchased seats.
Numerous fans take in last week's baseball series against the Florida State Seminole from the parking deck between Plainsman Park and Jordan-Hare Stadium. The fans pictured had various opinions on why the location was better than purchased seats.

Rounding third and heading home: the announcer's call echoes throughout the stadium, touching the top of the parking deck where some baseball fans choose to watch the game.

Instead of paying the $2 for a student ticket or $5 for regular admission, some fans prefer the bird's-eye view from the top of the parking deck next to the stadium.

Jonathan Bowen, a sophomore in electrical engineering, noticed the crowd gathering outside one game and decided to check it out.

"Last time I heard there were a bunch of people up here, and they seemed to be having more fun up here than down there," Bowen said.

For someone who has played baseball his whole life, Bowen said for a good game, he doesn't mind standing the whole time.

The fourth level gives viewers a different insight. The scoreboard is still visible; however, it is harder to see the calls of whether the ball is in batting range. Deck viewers also have to wait for the introduction of players and must rely on the umpire's call.

While some devoted baseball fans want to avoid costs, others use it as a chance to hang out together and enjoy a good game, something that might be a little difficult with stadium seating.

Alpha Kappa Psi, a business fraternity, uses it as a chance to get to know members outside of meetings.

Clayton Cox, a senior in supply-chain management and member of Alpha Kappa Psi, said it is a great chance to build brotherhood. He said the organization meets at the top of the parking deck to watch the game, grill and hang out.

Cox said, though the view isn't the best, fans can watch the game for a discount price and eat for half the cost.

When Auburn plays well, Cox said parking-deck viewers will be shoulder to shoulder.

Rachel Warren, a junior in business administration and vice president of marketing for Alpha Kappa Psi, said it's a nice, relaxing break for members.

"We like to go to support the University and the baseball team," Warren said "We do a lot of professional business activity so it's nice to do something just for fun and hang out and not have to be in a professional environment."


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