PNC Park

Pittsburgh, PA

PNC Park

Summer 2009

http://www.pirates.mlb.com/

Game Day Atmosphere: Very relaxed and friendly. It's been 30 years since the Pirates last won the World Series and many fans had retro Pirates gear.

Stay: We stayed with family in Irwin, PA but I would suggest local hotels across the river from the stadium.

View: Breathtaking! The view is one of the best in all of baseball with downtown and the Clemente Bridge just beyond the outfield seats.
Arrive: Park in a downtown garage and walk across the Roberto Clemente Bridge. Or, take a ride on the ferry.

Concessions: Not as expensive as the east coast. Our boys enjoyed the "slush puppy" drinks where you can mix your own slushes. Typical concessions everywhere else.

Not advertised: The Pirates players sign autographs for a long time before each game. Even the ushers were telling everyone to go get autographs as this is very typical at PNC. Also, the Pirates do a great job of entertaining the crowd between each inning.
Not in the box score: The Pirates hit a walk-off home run to win in the bottom of the 9th inning. It was the 1st walk-off home run we've seen on one of our trips.
Final Box: Pittsburgh Pirates 8, Milwaukee Brewers 7

Attendance 21,186 Time 3:01

Citizens Bank Park

Philadelphia, PA
Citizens Bank Park
Summer 2009
http://www.phillies.mlb.com/
Game Day Atmosphere: These guys are the reigning World Series Champions so people were actually very friendly here. Honestly, I was surprised after our experience in Washington DC, but then again everything is good when you're winning.
Stay: In Historical Downtown Philly near Independence Hall so you can go on a tour and see the Liberty Bell during your stay.
View: Nice view behind the outfield, especially of the Liberty Bell Tower that lights, sways, and rings on every Philly home run.

Arrive: Drive to the game. Traffic flow was good getting to the game and there are many parking spaces that were all the same price. Now, getting out of the stadium lot was another story. Be prepared to wait, and wait, and wait.
Concessions: You have to get a Cheesesteak sandwich since you are in Philly. Do not call it a "Philly" Cheesesteak, just cheesesteak will work, and be prepared to wait up to 45 minutes in line.
Not advertised: Just like the Eagles football games, these fans will turn on their own in a heartbeat. Philly is known as the only town to actually boo Santa.

Not in the box score: The outfield fans can be ruthless to the other teams' outfielders. The entire left field section razzed Alfonso Soriano from the Cubs for booting a ball and not hustling to another. Cue the "Sorry-ano" cheers.

Final Box: Philadelphia Phillies 10, Chicago Cubs 1
Attendance 45,268 Time 2:35

Nationals Park

Washington, DC

Nationals Park

Summer 2009

http://www.nationals.mlb.com/

Game Day Atmosphere: Welcome to the east coast and business atmosphere. Everyone is pretty much just concerned about themselves in DC. Go figure.

Stay: Near the National Mall so you can do all the typical DC sightseeing.

View: The field layout itself is cool, but the ballpark has a very industrial look and feel to it.

Arrive: Plan on a subway, taxi, or walking. Subway was very congested and hectic and with a family we chose to walk back after the game. It's very safe and nice weather in the summer for a walk. Plan on a 20-25 minute walk though.

Concessions: Disappointed in the food options here. Lots of pretzel options, but that was basically it. Workers were not friendly and food wasn't very good.

Not advertised: There were MANY more Cubs fans at this game than Nats fans. It was almost comical during the 7th inning stretch to hear "Root root root for the CUBBIES." Also, "The Presidents Race" is very cool featuring lifesize mascots of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and T. Roosevelt.

Not in the box score: We heard one of the best, if not the best, performances of the National Anthem. This young boy about 10 years old was absolutely amazing! It was also very cool to see images of the Capitol and the Nationals Monuments displayed on the jumbotron during the anthem.

Final Box: Chicago Cubs 6, Washington Nationals 5

Attendance 36,014 Time 3:15

Turner Field

Atlanta, GA
Turner Field
Summer 2009
http://www.braves.mlb.com/
Game Day Atmosphere: Cordial. All the workers/ushers/fans/and overall environment was friendly.
Stay: In one of the many hotels near Georgia Tech and commute to the game. It is only about 3-4 miles from the ballpark.
View: Fairly nice, but once you are in the ballpark there is not much else to see. The coolest thing is the enormous Braves bass drum in center field.
Arrive: Parking was super easy with every lot costing exactly $12 so park as close as you can. Easy, easy, easy in and out before and after the game. We were on/off the highway before I knew it. Excellent flow of traffic. Don't miss the Cartoon Network Kids area.
Concessions: Atlanta has the most choices of hot dogs I have seen. I chose the Georgia Dog (wanting to taste local food) and was not disappointed. It came loaded with coleslaw and vidalia onions. Lots of tables for families to sit and eat.
Not advertised: Braves know how to party before/after the game behind center field just as you enter/exit the center field gate. They had the Braves girls dancing and a band after the game. It was almost like a pep rally in Texas before a high school football game. Also, be sure to participate in the "tomahawk chops" with the locals.
Not in the box score: Braves fans were very cordial in greeting Jeff Franceour, who used to play for the Braves and had been traded to the New York Mets just days before this game, with a nice ovation. Franceour ackowledged the applause and his fan base with a big grin and tip of the cap.
Final Box: Atlanta Braves 5, New York Mets 3
Attendance 32,736 Time 2:57