Ballparks are where people go to enjoy spectator sports, but at Regions Field in Birmingham an attraction has been designed to provide an opportunity to actually participate in games.

SwitchYard on 14th is an outdoor venue at Regions Park where visitors can play on a regulation-size bocce court, play ping pong or partake in other outdoor games.

Macknally Land Design and Appleseed Workshop partnered on the design, which includes two early Airstream trailers – one offering gastro-pub food and the other offering a variety of beers and liquors. The “Beerstream” has been designed with a custom draft beer system.

The Airstream serving food dates to 1967 and the one serving drinks is a 1971 model. Silverliner in Irondale gutted the two vintage Airstreams and completely rebuilt them. Their bullet-shaped riveted aluminum was polished to a high sheen that catches the light in the Alabama sun.

The main seating area features a distinctive metal arbor that creates partial shading over the tables. Large perforated metal in a circular shape is suspended from posts over each table. The perforations cast striking shadows on the ground, and at night create an equally dramatic effect.

“They provide a little shade and are aesthetically pleasing,” notes Switchyard on 14th general manager Angela Cagle. “We had them specially designed in Kansas and they are power coated.”

Bistro table and chairs painted in chartreuse green add to the festive feel. More of these brightly colored chairs are by the ping pong tables. Landscaping softens the space and adds a naturalistic, tranquil feel.

“We wanted to provide a relaxed area by the ping pong tables,” adds Cagle.

Switchyard on 14th is now open during the Barons offseason. If no game is in session a ticket is not required to enjoy this outdoor venue. A TV was recently installed for fans to watch the games during the fall football season.

Image 1 -Switchyard on 14th at Regions Field is designed for fun and relaxation. The main seating area features a metal arbor with perforations that create a striking lighting effect at night.

Image 2- Plenty of seating options are offered to encourage visitors to linger and enjoy themselves.  Food and drink are served out of two vintage Airstream trailers that were completely refurbished.

* Article By Jessica Armstrong and Images Courtesy of Angela Cagle