Places To Play

LEFT PHOTO: Manteca’s Spreckels Park BMX track— considered among the top tracks in Northern California is located near the heart of the city. It has just undergone a major renovation. RIGHT PHOTO: Manteca Golf Course is the most popular public course in the Northern San Joaquin Valley in terms of play.

BIG LEAGUE DREAMS: Ever dream of playing on Wrigley Field? Do you daydream what it would be like to park one over the infamous Red Monster left field fence at Fenway Park? You don’t have to travel to Chicago or Boston just to Manteca where you’ll find the Big League Dreams sports complex and indoor soccer arena. Six Major League Baseball fields have been replicated in proportionate size for softball play right down to details that a die-hard baseball buff would appreciate. The year-round facility has artificial turf plus two restaurants where fans can catch the action at three different fields inside or step outside and enjoy stadium-style seating in the shade. Teams come to BLD from as far away as Sacramento and San Jose to play during the week and from throughout Northern California, Nevada and the West to play in weekend tournaments. There are batting cages and a covered playground area as well for kids. If you’ve got time between games, the park is right next door to the Stadium Retail Center where you’ll find Kohl’s, Costco, Old Navy, Ross Dress 4 Less and a host of other stores as well as restaurants. For more information go on-line to www.bigleaguedreams.com or call (209) 824-2400.

SOCCER, SOCCER & MORE SOCCER:

Not only does Manteca have the premier indoor soccer arena for recreation play in the Northern San Joaquin Valley but it has 11 highly regarded soccer fields including eight at Woodward Park — with four lighted fields. The soil conditions mean play can go on in Manteca even during the rainy season when those in the Bay Area often can’t even practice due to poor drainage. By having eight soccer fields in one place, Manteca hosts a variety of various skilled recreation soccer tournaments.. For more information call the Manteca Parks & Recreation Department at (209) 823-8470.

MANTECA GOLF COURSE: Manteca boasts a challenging 18-hole golf course that has the most play in the area due to design, pricing, and drainage. It is located at 305 North Union Road. For more information go to www.mantecagolf.org or call (209) 825-2500.

BOWLERO BOWLING CENTER: At 48 lanes, Bowlero Bowling Center is the largest in Northern California. It also offers a large sports bar and restaurant, a large arcade and nine batting cages. For more information call (209) 824-2889.

GOLF & MORE GOLF: There are is also a 9-hole golf course within 6 miles of Manteca — the Jack Tone Golf Course in Ripon Go on-line at www.jacktonegolf.net or call (209) 599-2973.

ANYONE FOR TENNIS? The Manteca Regional Tennis Center — with six courts and a pro shop — at 307 North Union Road is located in front of the Manteca Golf Course. For info call the Manteca Parks and recreation Department at (209) 823-8470.

BMX PARK: The city’s state-of-the-art BMX Park at Spreckels Recreation Park hosts numerous regional and state competitions. Unlike other BMX parks located on the outskirts of towns, this in the heart of the community near shopping and services. Manteca also offers 8 miles of bike paths, a skate park, an interactive water play feature as well as 70 parks for recreational use. For details on Manteca’s offerings call the Manteca Parks and Recreation Department at (209) 823-8470)