A stroll through the home of the Altoona Curve

ALTOONA, Pa. -- It's a landmark for anyone driving past the ballpark. Once inside Peoples Natural Gas Field -- the home of the Altoona Curve -- one can't help but stare at the structure.

How many ballparks have a rollercoaster beyond the right field wall? It's part of a fascinating setup for the Pirates' Double-A affiliate, but it wasn't until I first visited the park last year that I learned much more about the rollercoaster named the Skyliner and how it's part of Lakemont Park, which bumps up against the ballpark.



The lights on the coaster's structure will turn on and flash during games, but the ride itself -- which is shut down this summer while Lakemont Park undergoes renovations -- has been described by several brave media members as terrifying. I have no desire to find out whether their takes are true or not, even if it would really make for an interesting Daily Fun Thing, but besides the wooden structure in right field that scares me just to look at, there's a lot to like about this ballpark.

Minor league venues of course are meant to attract kids and families, making for an inexpensive night out. During a recent trip to Altoona for our Below Deck feature I spent most of the game dodging raindrops while checking out all the views.