Ballpark Visits: Scroll down for reviews
DIEHARD
BALL FAN
BALL FAN
| My "Home" ballpark: Rogers Centre, Toronto |
AL EAST – have visited all 5 ballparks.
Toronto
Games Attended: Hundreds!
Impressions: Realistically speaking Rogers Centre is NOT a ballpark. Although high-tech, this multi-purpose facility has a
concrete feel to it. Opened in 1989, but already many renovations have occurred. In 2005 the new videoboards were a great start,
as well as the new turf. Wider concourses and improved concession areas in 2006. Kudos to Rogers for their commitment to
improving the fan experience.
Fans: Not enough, and those that come are very quiet! A good low seat in the infield or right behind the plate is almost always
available except when the Yanks are in town. Avoid sitting too far down the field level baselines. Bad view. The 200 level is your
best bet.
Of note: Much better atmosphere when the roof is open. Try watching a game sometime from Windows Restaurant or the Hard
Rock Cafe - both are in the outfield. And we have the best 7th inning stretch in the Majors!
I love my ball, and my Jays, and you"ll find me there about 30 times a season.
Baltimore
Games Attended: 4
Impressions: A beautiful downtown park with excellent
sightlines & fan amenities. I tried one game sitting in
the centrefield bleachers. A good view despite being so
far away from home plate. Boog’s BBQ in rightfield is a
little pricey but well worth the visit. I had a rib platter that
comes with beans and a corn bread muffin.
The Mrs, had Crab cakes and loved them.
Fans: Very knowledgeable and enthusiastic.
Of Note: Visit the Inner Harbour before or after the game.
Excellent light-rail transit system can get you around the
city and to Camden Yards if you don’t want to drive.
Boston
Games Attended: 1
Impressions: If you love tradition, this is the place
to be. Take away the green monster, and you are
left with an old, cramped, bursting at the seams
park that is in need of replacing. Did not eat at
the game so I cannot review the food, although I
am told the Clam Chowder is a fan favourite.
The monster seats were added a couple of years
after my visit.
Fans: Great, loyal fans & friendly too. Among the
best in the entire league.
Of Note: Prepare to pay through the nose for
parking. Yawkey Way is a great outdoor
atmosphere to get you in the mood for the game.
NY Yankees
Games Attended: 1
Impressions: Great tradition, Monument Park is a must-see, but all
things considered, I was disappointed in Yankee Stadium. Dark, narrow
& dingy corridors, very steep upper deck, cramped seating,
below average food. Long lineups for everything. Souvenir areas
were nothing special.
Fans: Amazing! Rowdy, into the game. Very quick to jump on the home
team if losing. (Saw them lose to Detroit on a Sat. afternoon)
Of Note: Driving to and from the stadium was a nightmare! Just
getting out of the parking garage after the game is a problem! Despite
the history of this place, Yankee fans deserve a modern stadium
Tampa Bay
Games Attended: 2
Impressions: I came expecting the worst, but all in all I thought it
wasn't as bad as other reviewers have made it out to be.
Not the prettiest looking ballpark that's for sure, but I give the
D-Rays credit for trying very hard to make this a family place.
The field level concourse is like a big carnival... lots of
activities for children, and a HUGE food selection. The
Sting "Em Dog (chili & cheese dog) is a big hit.
The seating area is pretty basic, unless you are
prepared to shell out some big $$$ for the VIP sections.
The "Sandbar" down the left-field line looks intriguing.
Fans: hard to gauge: since the Red Sox were in town, their
fans literally took the place over!
Of Note: Free parking was the biggest plus, and the Rays
Tank, Ted Williams Museum and many bars inside were
not too shabby either!
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
AL CENTRAL – have visited all 5 ballparks.
Chicago White Sox
Games Attended: 1
Impressions: Not a bad ballpark, but nothing special about it
either. Good sightlines, steep upper deck seating.
Average ballpark food. Unfortunately I just missed their
renovations by 1 year. Worth a return trip to see what they have
changed.
Fans: average, plenty of tickets to be had.
Of note: I love the city of Chicago, but get out of the area the
ballpark is in after the game is over. I got the impression you
don’t want to hang around there at nighttime.
Minnesota
Games Attended: 3
Impressions: A classic example of why football teams &
baseball teams should not share facilities. The sightlines
aren't too bad, but the Metrodome lacks any intimacy
whatsoever. The rightfield baggy, & folded seats are plain
ugly. I can understand the Football Vikings needing to play in
the warmth, but sitting indoors during a beautiful Minny
summer just doesn't cut it. The acoustics for the P.A. are
terrible, but the Twins fans are nice and loud. Above
average food indoors, but you're best bet is the Famous
Dave's rib stand outside. A loss of points for extra long
stairs & extra wide rows. Adequate parking & public transit,
but the road configuration nearby is very confusing!
Of Note: Play the bingo-style "Twingo" game that is based
on scoring the game.
Detroit
Games attended: 3
Impressions: I miss the old-style feel of Tiger Stadium,but this roomy park brings Detroit to the modern ages. Good food and
family atmosphere. The have a old-style carousel and ferris wheel for the kiddies. The pulled pork sandwich was dee-lish. The
club seating featured deck chairs! I will have to try them out one day. I sat right behind the plate once, but was not impressed by
the view. The backstop partially obstructed my sightline. The slope of the lower level seating area is not steep enough, and
the seats are too far back from the field. I really hate paying $60.00 and having a big head blocking my view from the row in front
of me.
Of Note: If visiting from Canada, the Windsor Tunnel border traffic is brutal, especially after a weekend night game.
Cleveland
Games Attended: 3
Impressions: My first ever road trip to one of the newer “retro parks”
back in 1997. I like this place. The seating is good but avoid the
rightfield upperdeck like the plague. You are a long way from the
field of play. The food is good… best ballpark burger & nachos I
have ever had.
Fans: after a 90’s resurgence, the Tribe has fallen, and attendance
is poor. Plenty of good seats to be had.
Of note: Last trip was Labour Day Weekend in 2003 and as a bonus,
we got to see the air show!
Kansas City
Games Attended: 2
Impressions: Beautiful! One of my favourite ballparks. Very clean,
pristine condition. Sat both times in lower level behind plate with
an excellent view. Food was outstanding! Get the ribs. Fountains
in the outfield are a nice touch. Good parking available, very safe
area. Great Interstate access.
Fans: Few, but polite. Definitely a family atmosphere.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
AL WEST – have visited 1 of the 4 ballparks.
LA Angels of Anaheim
Games Attended: 1
Impressions: After a couple of renovations, Anaheim managed to build a more intimate ballpark. The main entrance behind the
plate is awesome, as well as the Food Court & souvenir area. I sat in the very last row of the Upper Deck, but could not complain
as the view was excellent. A rowdy, sellout crowd to watch divisional rival Oakland in a great game. A plus was the fireworks
display after the game, which happens quite often on Friday nights. More than ample parking and good freeway access, Anaheim
was worth the visit.
Fans: Very supportive of the home team! Watch for the Rally Monkey!
Seattle
Have not visited Safeco Field yet.
Texas
Have not visited yet. Will do Arlington & Houston on the same trip late June of '08.
Oakland
Have not visited yet. The A's were on a road trip during my visit to California.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
NL EAST – have visited all 5 ballparks.
Florida
I attended a football game here back in 1991. The seats were huge! I think they assume the average fan is 275 lbs… plenty of
leg room! Great highway access & more than enough parking. Overall, I was impressed with the facility but cannot give a proper
review until seeing it in the baseball setup.
Atlanta
Games Attended: 3
Impressions: A first class organization delivers a
first class ballpark.
A fan-friendly place, Turner Field offers it all! Great
seating areas, the best videoboard in the majors,
Tooner Field for the kids, a hub of activity in the
centrefield plaza & an amazing selection of quality
food items make this a must-see destination.
Great fans who not only talk-the-talk, but
chop-the-chop too! Go early, soak it all in & enjoy
some famous southern hospitality.
Turner Field is easily accessible from I-95. Lots of
on-site parking. Cost: $10. Major traffic problems
leaving though. Either bail early or be prepared to
wait for the lots to empty.
Upper deck is high & steep. Outfield seats are a
great option.
Washington
Attended RFK Stadium a couple of years ago,
but have not visited the new stadium yet.
Hoping for a July or August 2008 trip there.
NY Mets
Games Attended: 1
Impressions: An older stadium definitely
showing it’s age. The concourse areas
were cramped and in desperate need
of a paint job. My sightline in the lower
level above 3rd base was fine, but all
things considered there’s really nothing
special about Shea Stadium other than it’s
fans. Speaking of Fans: They were insane!
I have never had more fun people-watching
at a ballgame than here. They are crazy about
the home team, and they were all over the
visiting Atlanta Braves. Some of the best
heckling I have ever heard. The food here was
average. Lots of on-site parking, plus the
subway has a stop right at the stadium.
Philadelphia
Games Attended: 2
Impressions: A soild ballpark experience, this
4-tiered open-concept stadium is built in an
excellent, easy to drive to (and park) area.
The food was excellent... especially the Cheesesteak!
"Bulls" BBQ behind centrefield has a huge variety of
items including ribs & turkey legs. Loss of points
though in the upper deck for running out of ketchup &
mustard in the 5th inning, and for the nacho guy with a
bad attitude. Sat both times in the upper deck. Friday
night just beyond first base was not too bad,
and the next day behind the plate was excellent.
I think where the stadium suffers is that alot of upper
deck tickets, especially in right field are too far away.
Reminds me a little of both Jacob's Field &
Comerica's upper decks. Perhaps I'm expecting too
much from the cheaper seats.... I'd go again, but
would want to sit in the 100-level.
What I do like is that there are plenty of tables and
counters to eat at, where you can still see the action.
The main scoreboard was ok, but again, a loss of
points due to it malfunctioning. There are auxiliary
scoreboards in other areas, but I find it confusing to
have to look in all different directions of the stadium
to find your info. For example, pitching stats,
hitting stats, pitch speed. They need to centralize!
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
NL CENTRAL – have visited 5 of the 6 ballparks.
St. Louis
Attended 1 game at the Old Busch Stadium in July
of 2002.
Chicago Cubs
Games attended: 1
Impressions: Wow! I am so envious of the people in
Wrigleyville. A beautiful neighbourhood ballpark with
an old-time feel. Just seeing the ivy and old wooden
scoreboard in centre gave me goosebumps. If I lived
there I would take out a 2nd mortgage to get season
tickets. You have to see this place in person to
appreciate it. TV doesn’t do it justice. If you like
baseball, you will love Wrigley Field. Guaranteed.
Best hotdog & pizza I’ve ever had at a ballpark.
Fans: As loyal as they come. I felt guilty about not
wearing a Cubs cap there.
Parking: Good luck! We parked several blocks away
in a church lot.
Milwaukee
Games attended: 1
Impressions: A big, clean, retractable roof multi-tiered
stadium that makes you feel as you are still outdoors.
Lots of windows in the outfield and upper deck to let in
the daylight. Great food, particularly what Milwaukee is
famous for - sausage.
Fans were very few…a perennial last place
team will do that to you. The huge parking lot
allows tailgating. First stadium in my travels
where I’ve seen that. Felt more like a football
crowd than a baseball one.
Of note: Don’t miss the sausage race on the
field as well as Bernie the Brewer going down
the outfield slide after a home run.
Cincinnati
Games attended: 2
Impressions: One of my favourite ballparks. GABP is just the right size, bright, and very modern as it should be for a new stadium.
Good sightlines and a nice view of the river from the Upper Deck. The only park I know of where you can hit a homer in one state,
and if the current is good, it will rest in another state. The restaurant down the first base line is top-notch.
Fans: not very loud, but attendance was pretty good for a struggling ball club.
Houston
Have not visited yet, but want to in a big way. I love it’s unique design, especially in the outfield.
Pittsburgh
Games attended: 4
Impressions: Amazing! Another of my favourite
ballparks. Excellent seating and concession areas.
The view from the upper deck of downtown
Pittsburgh and the river is spectacular. I like the
out-of-town scoreboards built into the rightfield wall.
An Outback Steakhouse in left field and a great
variety of food throughout the park. I had a bucket of
chicken wings at one of the games. Good, but
messy! Too bad the Pirates aren’t competitive
because this gem of a ballpark deserves more fans.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
NL WEST – have visited 4 of the 5 ballparks.
Los Angeles
Games attended: 1
Impressions: For a place built into the hills of Chavez
Ravine in the early 60’s, Dodger Stadium holds up
very well today. They’ve renovated most of the lower
seating areas, but I was sitting in the massive upper
deck. Loud, supportive fans and the nice California
weather makes this a cool place to spend an afternoon
or evening. I liked it when they played “I Love L.A.” after
the Dodger victory. And hearing Vin Scully’s broadcast
in the concession areas is a nice touch. My first taste of
garlic fries made the experience unforgettable.
Very large on-site parking lot takes awhile to clear out
after the game.
Arizona
Games attended: 1
Impressions: I wasn’t expecting much from this retractable roof stadium, but Chase Field was a pleasant surprise. The size of
the building and it’s poor acoustics makes it lack intimacy as a ballpark, but that’s my only complaint. Good use of stadium
scoreboards to keep you informed. The quality and variety of food was top notch. I liked how one stand served regional
specialties, representing all the cities in the National League. I had a Ben & Jerry’s waffle cone in the late innings. Yum! There’s
even a pool and hot-tub in right-centre for rent! The outdoor area surrounding the park was well designed. Made you feel like a
street party was going on. I talked baseball all night with several fans and friendly stadium workers. I would definitely come here
again. I'd even consider moving to Phoenix! Nice clean city with lots to do.
San Francisco
Games attended: 1
Impressions: They did it! They made the perfect ballpark right on San Francisco Bay. Another “you have to see it to believe it” kind
of place. I love having a view of the ocean and the Bay Bridge from the upper deck. But not forgetting the game… the sightline and
seating was excellent. The most friendly game staff I’ve ever seen. Excellent food… including the ever present California specialty
– garlic fries. My favourite park of all that I have been to.
Fans: Good supportive crowd… a young crowd of university students!
Of note: First time I’ve ever heard a female public address announcer at a sporting event. Her voice and delivery was smooth.
Dress warm! The wind coming off the bay is very chilly. You will need a sweatshirt and/or windbreaker no matter what time of
season.
San Diego
Games attended: 2
Impressions: Very unique downtown stadium with many quirks. I like the old renovated building they saved from demolition in the
left field corner and the family park in centrefield. The jaggedness of the rightfield fence is kind of cool too. My only complaint is
the upper deck seating is a long ways back from the action. On my 2nd visit to Petco Park again I sst in the lower level, 30 rows
above 3rd base. The view was much better there!. The food was good and the crowd was surprisingly rowdy. That was because
the Dodgers were in town and the rivalry with the Padres is pretty fierce. There were actually fights in the stands that night. And I
thought Californians were laid back people! Of note: the old building is now a souvenir store… fans can exit the store into a small
area and watch the game at field level through the chainlink fence at the warning track. The view is worth checking out, but it’s first
come, first served.
Colorado
Have not visited Coors Field in Denver yet. Looks great on tv though!
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Toronto
Games Attended: Hundreds!
Impressions: Realistically speaking Rogers Centre is NOT a ballpark. Although high-tech, this multi-purpose facility has a
concrete feel to it. Opened in 1989, but already many renovations have occurred. In 2005 the new videoboards were a great start,
as well as the new turf. Wider concourses and improved concession areas in 2006. Kudos to Rogers for their commitment to
improving the fan experience.
Fans: Not enough, and those that come are very quiet! A good low seat in the infield or right behind the plate is almost always
available except when the Yanks are in town. Avoid sitting too far down the field level baselines. Bad view. The 200 level is your
best bet.
Of note: Much better atmosphere when the roof is open. Try watching a game sometime from Windows Restaurant or the Hard
Rock Cafe - both are in the outfield. And we have the best 7th inning stretch in the Majors!
I love my ball, and my Jays, and you"ll find me there about 30 times a season.
Baltimore
Games Attended: 4
Impressions: A beautiful downtown park with excellent
sightlines & fan amenities. I tried one game sitting in
the centrefield bleachers. A good view despite being so
far away from home plate. Boog’s BBQ in rightfield is a
little pricey but well worth the visit. I had a rib platter that
comes with beans and a corn bread muffin.
The Mrs, had Crab cakes and loved them.
Fans: Very knowledgeable and enthusiastic.
Of Note: Visit the Inner Harbour before or after the game.
Excellent light-rail transit system can get you around the
city and to Camden Yards if you don’t want to drive.
Boston
Games Attended: 1
Impressions: If you love tradition, this is the place
to be. Take away the green monster, and you are
left with an old, cramped, bursting at the seams
park that is in need of replacing. Did not eat at
the game so I cannot review the food, although I
am told the Clam Chowder is a fan favourite.
The monster seats were added a couple of years
after my visit.
Fans: Great, loyal fans & friendly too. Among the
best in the entire league.
Of Note: Prepare to pay through the nose for
parking. Yawkey Way is a great outdoor
atmosphere to get you in the mood for the game.
NY Yankees
Games Attended: 1
Impressions: Great tradition, Monument Park is a must-see, but all
things considered, I was disappointed in Yankee Stadium. Dark, narrow
& dingy corridors, very steep upper deck, cramped seating,
below average food. Long lineups for everything. Souvenir areas
were nothing special.
Fans: Amazing! Rowdy, into the game. Very quick to jump on the home
team if losing. (Saw them lose to Detroit on a Sat. afternoon)
Of Note: Driving to and from the stadium was a nightmare! Just
getting out of the parking garage after the game is a problem! Despite
the history of this place, Yankee fans deserve a modern stadium
Tampa Bay
Games Attended: 2
Impressions: I came expecting the worst, but all in all I thought it
wasn't as bad as other reviewers have made it out to be.
Not the prettiest looking ballpark that's for sure, but I give the
D-Rays credit for trying very hard to make this a family place.
The field level concourse is like a big carnival... lots of
activities for children, and a HUGE food selection. The
Sting "Em Dog (chili & cheese dog) is a big hit.
The seating area is pretty basic, unless you are
prepared to shell out some big $$$ for the VIP sections.
The "Sandbar" down the left-field line looks intriguing.
Fans: hard to gauge: since the Red Sox were in town, their
fans literally took the place over!
Of Note: Free parking was the biggest plus, and the Rays
Tank, Ted Williams Museum and many bars inside were
not too shabby either!
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
AL CENTRAL – have visited all 5 ballparks.
Chicago White Sox
Games Attended: 1
Impressions: Not a bad ballpark, but nothing special about it
either. Good sightlines, steep upper deck seating.
Average ballpark food. Unfortunately I just missed their
renovations by 1 year. Worth a return trip to see what they have
changed.
Fans: average, plenty of tickets to be had.
Of note: I love the city of Chicago, but get out of the area the
ballpark is in after the game is over. I got the impression you
don’t want to hang around there at nighttime.
Minnesota
Games Attended: 3
Impressions: A classic example of why football teams &
baseball teams should not share facilities. The sightlines
aren't too bad, but the Metrodome lacks any intimacy
whatsoever. The rightfield baggy, & folded seats are plain
ugly. I can understand the Football Vikings needing to play in
the warmth, but sitting indoors during a beautiful Minny
summer just doesn't cut it. The acoustics for the P.A. are
terrible, but the Twins fans are nice and loud. Above
average food indoors, but you're best bet is the Famous
Dave's rib stand outside. A loss of points for extra long
stairs & extra wide rows. Adequate parking & public transit,
but the road configuration nearby is very confusing!
Of Note: Play the bingo-style "Twingo" game that is based
on scoring the game.
Detroit
Games attended: 3
Impressions: I miss the old-style feel of Tiger Stadium,but this roomy park brings Detroit to the modern ages. Good food and
family atmosphere. The have a old-style carousel and ferris wheel for the kiddies. The pulled pork sandwich was dee-lish. The
club seating featured deck chairs! I will have to try them out one day. I sat right behind the plate once, but was not impressed by
the view. The backstop partially obstructed my sightline. The slope of the lower level seating area is not steep enough, and
the seats are too far back from the field. I really hate paying $60.00 and having a big head blocking my view from the row in front
of me.
Of Note: If visiting from Canada, the Windsor Tunnel border traffic is brutal, especially after a weekend night game.
Cleveland
Games Attended: 3
Impressions: My first ever road trip to one of the newer “retro parks”
back in 1997. I like this place. The seating is good but avoid the
rightfield upperdeck like the plague. You are a long way from the
field of play. The food is good… best ballpark burger & nachos I
have ever had.
Fans: after a 90’s resurgence, the Tribe has fallen, and attendance
is poor. Plenty of good seats to be had.
Of note: Last trip was Labour Day Weekend in 2003 and as a bonus,
we got to see the air show!
Kansas City
Games Attended: 2
Impressions: Beautiful! One of my favourite ballparks. Very clean,
pristine condition. Sat both times in lower level behind plate with
an excellent view. Food was outstanding! Get the ribs. Fountains
in the outfield are a nice touch. Good parking available, very safe
area. Great Interstate access.
Fans: Few, but polite. Definitely a family atmosphere.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
AL WEST – have visited 1 of the 4 ballparks.
LA Angels of Anaheim
Games Attended: 1
Impressions: After a couple of renovations, Anaheim managed to build a more intimate ballpark. The main entrance behind the
plate is awesome, as well as the Food Court & souvenir area. I sat in the very last row of the Upper Deck, but could not complain
as the view was excellent. A rowdy, sellout crowd to watch divisional rival Oakland in a great game. A plus was the fireworks
display after the game, which happens quite often on Friday nights. More than ample parking and good freeway access, Anaheim
was worth the visit.
Fans: Very supportive of the home team! Watch for the Rally Monkey!
Seattle
Have not visited Safeco Field yet.
Texas
Have not visited yet. Will do Arlington & Houston on the same trip late June of '08.
Oakland
Have not visited yet. The A's were on a road trip during my visit to California.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
NL EAST – have visited all 5 ballparks.
Florida
I attended a football game here back in 1991. The seats were huge! I think they assume the average fan is 275 lbs… plenty of
leg room! Great highway access & more than enough parking. Overall, I was impressed with the facility but cannot give a proper
review until seeing it in the baseball setup.
Atlanta
Games Attended: 3
Impressions: A first class organization delivers a
first class ballpark.
A fan-friendly place, Turner Field offers it all! Great
seating areas, the best videoboard in the majors,
Tooner Field for the kids, a hub of activity in the
centrefield plaza & an amazing selection of quality
food items make this a must-see destination.
Great fans who not only talk-the-talk, but
chop-the-chop too! Go early, soak it all in & enjoy
some famous southern hospitality.
Turner Field is easily accessible from I-95. Lots of
on-site parking. Cost: $10. Major traffic problems
leaving though. Either bail early or be prepared to
wait for the lots to empty.
Upper deck is high & steep. Outfield seats are a
great option.
Washington
Attended RFK Stadium a couple of years ago,
but have not visited the new stadium yet.
Hoping for a July or August 2008 trip there.
NY Mets
Games Attended: 1
Impressions: An older stadium definitely
showing it’s age. The concourse areas
were cramped and in desperate need
of a paint job. My sightline in the lower
level above 3rd base was fine, but all
things considered there’s really nothing
special about Shea Stadium other than it’s
fans. Speaking of Fans: They were insane!
I have never had more fun people-watching
at a ballgame than here. They are crazy about
the home team, and they were all over the
visiting Atlanta Braves. Some of the best
heckling I have ever heard. The food here was
average. Lots of on-site parking, plus the
subway has a stop right at the stadium.
Philadelphia
Games Attended: 2
Impressions: A soild ballpark experience, this
4-tiered open-concept stadium is built in an
excellent, easy to drive to (and park) area.
The food was excellent... especially the Cheesesteak!
"Bulls" BBQ behind centrefield has a huge variety of
items including ribs & turkey legs. Loss of points
though in the upper deck for running out of ketchup &
mustard in the 5th inning, and for the nacho guy with a
bad attitude. Sat both times in the upper deck. Friday
night just beyond first base was not too bad,
and the next day behind the plate was excellent.
I think where the stadium suffers is that alot of upper
deck tickets, especially in right field are too far away.
Reminds me a little of both Jacob's Field &
Comerica's upper decks. Perhaps I'm expecting too
much from the cheaper seats.... I'd go again, but
would want to sit in the 100-level.
What I do like is that there are plenty of tables and
counters to eat at, where you can still see the action.
The main scoreboard was ok, but again, a loss of
points due to it malfunctioning. There are auxiliary
scoreboards in other areas, but I find it confusing to
have to look in all different directions of the stadium
to find your info. For example, pitching stats,
hitting stats, pitch speed. They need to centralize!
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
NL CENTRAL – have visited 5 of the 6 ballparks.
St. Louis
Attended 1 game at the Old Busch Stadium in July
of 2002.
Chicago Cubs
Games attended: 1
Impressions: Wow! I am so envious of the people in
Wrigleyville. A beautiful neighbourhood ballpark with
an old-time feel. Just seeing the ivy and old wooden
scoreboard in centre gave me goosebumps. If I lived
there I would take out a 2nd mortgage to get season
tickets. You have to see this place in person to
appreciate it. TV doesn’t do it justice. If you like
baseball, you will love Wrigley Field. Guaranteed.
Best hotdog & pizza I’ve ever had at a ballpark.
Fans: As loyal as they come. I felt guilty about not
wearing a Cubs cap there.
Parking: Good luck! We parked several blocks away
in a church lot.
Milwaukee
Games attended: 1
Impressions: A big, clean, retractable roof multi-tiered
stadium that makes you feel as you are still outdoors.
Lots of windows in the outfield and upper deck to let in
the daylight. Great food, particularly what Milwaukee is
famous for - sausage.
Fans were very few…a perennial last place
team will do that to you. The huge parking lot
allows tailgating. First stadium in my travels
where I’ve seen that. Felt more like a football
crowd than a baseball one.
Of note: Don’t miss the sausage race on the
field as well as Bernie the Brewer going down
the outfield slide after a home run.
Cincinnati
Games attended: 2
Impressions: One of my favourite ballparks. GABP is just the right size, bright, and very modern as it should be for a new stadium.
Good sightlines and a nice view of the river from the Upper Deck. The only park I know of where you can hit a homer in one state,
and if the current is good, it will rest in another state. The restaurant down the first base line is top-notch.
Fans: not very loud, but attendance was pretty good for a struggling ball club.
Houston
Have not visited yet, but want to in a big way. I love it’s unique design, especially in the outfield.
Pittsburgh
Games attended: 4
Impressions: Amazing! Another of my favourite
ballparks. Excellent seating and concession areas.
The view from the upper deck of downtown
Pittsburgh and the river is spectacular. I like the
out-of-town scoreboards built into the rightfield wall.
An Outback Steakhouse in left field and a great
variety of food throughout the park. I had a bucket of
chicken wings at one of the games. Good, but
messy! Too bad the Pirates aren’t competitive
because this gem of a ballpark deserves more fans.
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NL WEST – have visited 4 of the 5 ballparks.
Los Angeles
Games attended: 1
Impressions: For a place built into the hills of Chavez
Ravine in the early 60’s, Dodger Stadium holds up
very well today. They’ve renovated most of the lower
seating areas, but I was sitting in the massive upper
deck. Loud, supportive fans and the nice California
weather makes this a cool place to spend an afternoon
or evening. I liked it when they played “I Love L.A.” after
the Dodger victory. And hearing Vin Scully’s broadcast
in the concession areas is a nice touch. My first taste of
garlic fries made the experience unforgettable.
Very large on-site parking lot takes awhile to clear out
after the game.
Arizona
Games attended: 1
Impressions: I wasn’t expecting much from this retractable roof stadium, but Chase Field was a pleasant surprise. The size of
the building and it’s poor acoustics makes it lack intimacy as a ballpark, but that’s my only complaint. Good use of stadium
scoreboards to keep you informed. The quality and variety of food was top notch. I liked how one stand served regional
specialties, representing all the cities in the National League. I had a Ben & Jerry’s waffle cone in the late innings. Yum! There’s
even a pool and hot-tub in right-centre for rent! The outdoor area surrounding the park was well designed. Made you feel like a
street party was going on. I talked baseball all night with several fans and friendly stadium workers. I would definitely come here
again. I'd even consider moving to Phoenix! Nice clean city with lots to do.
San Francisco
Games attended: 1
Impressions: They did it! They made the perfect ballpark right on San Francisco Bay. Another “you have to see it to believe it” kind
of place. I love having a view of the ocean and the Bay Bridge from the upper deck. But not forgetting the game… the sightline and
seating was excellent. The most friendly game staff I’ve ever seen. Excellent food… including the ever present California specialty
– garlic fries. My favourite park of all that I have been to.
Fans: Good supportive crowd… a young crowd of university students!
Of note: First time I’ve ever heard a female public address announcer at a sporting event. Her voice and delivery was smooth.
Dress warm! The wind coming off the bay is very chilly. You will need a sweatshirt and/or windbreaker no matter what time of
season.
San Diego
Games attended: 2
Impressions: Very unique downtown stadium with many quirks. I like the old renovated building they saved from demolition in the
left field corner and the family park in centrefield. The jaggedness of the rightfield fence is kind of cool too. My only complaint is
the upper deck seating is a long ways back from the action. On my 2nd visit to Petco Park again I sst in the lower level, 30 rows
above 3rd base. The view was much better there!. The food was good and the crowd was surprisingly rowdy. That was because
the Dodgers were in town and the rivalry with the Padres is pretty fierce. There were actually fights in the stands that night. And I
thought Californians were laid back people! Of note: the old building is now a souvenir store… fans can exit the store into a small
area and watch the game at field level through the chainlink fence at the warning track. The view is worth checking out, but it’s first
come, first served.
Colorado
Have not visited Coors Field in Denver yet. Looks great on tv though!
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My top 5 so far:
1. San Francisco's AT & T Park
2. Chicago's Wrigley Field
3. Pittsburgh's PNC Park
4. Atlanta's Turner Field
5. Baltimore's Camden Yards
1. San Francisco's AT & T Park
2. Chicago's Wrigley Field
3. Pittsburgh's PNC Park
4. Atlanta's Turner Field
5. Baltimore's Camden Yards
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| * all ballpark pictures taken by me! |
Have also visited these "retired" stadiums
1. Tiger Stadium
2. Olympic Stadium
3. Exhibition Stadium
4. Fulton County Stadium
5. Original Busch Stadium
1. Tiger Stadium
2. Olympic Stadium
3. Exhibition Stadium
4. Fulton County Stadium
5. Original Busch Stadium