Entering the Park
There are times where the traffic flow through the park is one-way. This isn’t always the case but if it is and you try to enter from the University Drive entrance, you’ll have to either drive down, do a U-turn, go back to Highway 6, drive over to Harvey Road and enter the park from that side or keep going on University and figure out how to cross over to Harvey Road cutting through subdivisions.
It is best just to enter from the Harvey Road side of the park and avoid the hassle.
Park on the Correct Side of the Park
Pay close attention to what field your team’s pool is located on. The park is huge and divided into two halves. Park on the wrong side and you are in for a long trek to the field your team is playing on.
Fields 1-6 are on Harvey Road side of the park (before you get to the softball fields). Fields 7-13 are on the University Drive side of the park (after you pass the softball fields).
Field assignments will not be announced until the morning of pool play. Based on the Pools that will be on Texan Live, we know that Division II & Division III pools C and D will be on Fields 7 and 8. We also know the Division I pools E, F, M and N will be on Fields 7 and 8. The rest of the assignments will be released the day pool play. Be sure to have a way for your coaches to communicate pool assignments to you so you know where to park.
Hydration, Snacks and Shade
It is currently forecast for the high temperatures on Thursday – Saturday to be over 103 degrees each day. That’s the temperature not the heat index.
The park doesn’t have much natural shade around the fields. Be sure to bring your own shade. Also be sure to find some natural shade in between games.
There are concessions at the park, but the lines are always long and the food is hot food. Bring your own water and some cold snacks to help beat the heat
Eating Out
On Wednesday night most of the Division II and III teams will be in town. That means 64 teams of twenty players plus coaches, parents and media trying to find places to eat. Make reservations if possible. If not be prepared for long lines.
On Thursday night most of the Division I will have arrived. That means 128 teams of twenty players plus coaches, parents and media trying to find places to eat. Make reservations if possible. If not be prepared for long lines.
On Friday night it will be back to JUST 64 teams. Still plan ahead for your meals.
Division I Fans Time Your Arrival on Friday
Division II and III bracket play starts at 8am and 8:45am on Friday. That means that every 45 minutes or so the size of the field will be quartered. By 9:30am we will be down to 32 teams and by 11am we will be down to 16 teams.
The window between 9:30am and 11am is usually a good time to arrive AND get a close park space.
Lock Your Car
From Travis Hill on Twitter
“It’s important to note that local burglars know when these events happen and like to hit hotel parking lots. Make sure that the cars are locked and valuables are taken out while at the hotel. Should be fine in the park but the hotels get hit hard over night.”
I would add that while this seems obvious, it is easy to forget if you are running in and out of your hotel to bring items in. Lock your car in between trips back and forth and make sure to check it one last time before the end of the night.
If you are veteran attendee of Texas7on7 State, leave your tips in the comments.