Press box

The Press box is the section of a ballpark where sportswriters work to prepare and file their stories about a game they are covering.

Originally, journalists sat in the stands like everyone else, but this made for poor working conditions when there were large crowds. The Baseball Writers Association of America was originally formed to protest these and push for a dedicated section of the ballpark, separated from the rest of the crowd, with appropriate amenities such as desks, telephone lines, nearby rest-rooms, access to food and beverages - and an unobstructed view of the field. An enclosed space protected from extreme weather is also demanded. Modern ballparks provide all of these and more, but older ones still have cramped conditions, especially on days where there is a lot of demand for access to the press box.

The official scorer's work area is usually located in or near the press box - reflecting the fact that for many years, sportswriters moonlighted as official scorers before scoring became a dedicated specialty. In any case, reporters will usually need to be informed quickly of scoring decisions and changes, so there is a practical side to this co-location. The broadcast booths, housing the various broadcasters, are also often situated in the same general area, but not always - in any case, they need a certain level of soundproofing, whereas the press box can be the site of spirited debates and conversations.

Access to the press box is limited to holders of press passes and special guests. The general public cannot simply wander in.