The main entrances and ticket windows are on the south side.
J.R. Loubriel Stadium in Bayamón |
The former Bayamón Vaqueros (Cowboys) moved in 2003 to become the San Juan Senators and share the Bithorn stadium with the Santurce Crabbers. In 2004, through a creative deal that pleased no one, they became the Crabbers.
Loubriel is still used for other games, so the directions below may be useful.
The stadium is convenient to San Juan and is the only one in the metro area with natural grass (or, as the north side of the island is the rainiest, natural mud).
The old team had chronically low attendance. The press sometimes referred to
the team with references to Bayamón's nickname, the City of the Pork
Rind (chicharrón). The announcer had a clear voice, an
attention to detail, a willingness to announce scoring decisions in the case
of ambiguity, and a signature yell, "Arriba Vaqueros!" (the u is silent).
They occasionally scheduled 11 AM starts, with free admission to school children. This was almost the only way to see two pro games in one day. The stadium was ringed by school buses and their noise was deafening. And Students' Day was almost the only time that any national anthem is played. On such a day in 1999, they played the Bayamón city anthem, the Puerto Rico anthem (many many verses, although nobody was singing), and finally the US national anthem. They also played certain games in other cities, such as their old home of Arecibo.
Nearing Christmas, a carnival used to set up in the parking lot and batters coped with a moving ferris wheel just above the CF fence.
A sports bar beyond right field is like the one in Caguas but not as plush. It has a separate entrance and overlooks the home bullpen. The play-by-play was broadcast on their radio.
In 2000 the franchise's financial problems worsened and Carlos Baerga bought the team. As well as a star player, he is an innovator, organizing the annual celebrity All-Star Game. People hoped he would find a way to get the turnstiles spinning. He did all the right things--sponsoring bus service, putting up posters highlighting the team's heritage, and starting a club for young fans--but it didn't work. In 2003 they moved into the Bithorn alongside the Crabbers, becoming the new San Juan Senators.
Approaching from the east on Route 2, when you see the elevated train to your
left, start paying attention. You may be able to turn left before the stadium
into the parking lot. If this is closed or backed up, then quickly get to the
right and exit before the overpass, turn left onto 167, and cross under Route 2.
(If you see City Hall, built directly above Route 2, you've gone too far.) Now
going south on 167, the stadium is still on your left. Take the second ramp,
rounding a cloverleaf to pass under the same bridge and head back east on
177. Turn left after the stadium into the parking lot.
Or, just after seeing the elevated train, turn left onto 174. After the turn, a mall with a Sears store, surrounded by a large parking lot, will be on your right. Bear right, circling the mall, and turn right again at the light. Now you are headed west on 177 and stadium parking is an easier right turn.
Late in the evening after the game, you may be able to leave the lot north, onto Route 2. Route 2 efficiently returns to San Juan; there is again no need to use the toll road. But study the interchanges and leave Route 2 at an opportune time; if you stay on it to the end, it will plant you in downtown San Juan; getting out is time-consuming.