Comerica Park

Comerica Park

Detroit, MI

Summer 2010

http://www.tigers.mlb.com/

Game Day Atmosphere: Not much happening until you are very close to the ballpark. Once you are close though, there are many local bars/grills/pubs, etc. that are humming with live bands and plenty of excitement.

Stay: This is a tough one...Detroit is not exactly smelling of roses. I would suggest staying in a hotel very close to the stadium.

View: Great view of the downtown beyond the outfield. Also, take a walk around the stadium on the outside. Some very cool architecture around the stadium walls.

Arrive: Take "the people mover" to the game. This elevated rail system makes a small loop in downtown Detroit and has many stops/places to load/unload.

Concessions: Lots of options. They had many different hot dog options along with many roasted nuts. There is a cool courtyard similar to a foodcourt with many choices near the Tiger Carousel that the kids can ride while you eat.

Not advertised: Detroit is very rich in baseball tradition and history. They are one of the oldest teams in the league. In fact, Ty Cobb has his name retired on the Tiger outfield wall with many others, but his name does not include a jersey # since The Georgia Peach played before numbers were worn by players.

Not in the box score: We had the best seats ever for an MLB game. We sat in the On-Deck Circle seats to see one of our son's favorite players, Joe Mauer for the Twins. Seeing a 99 MPH fast ball from Justin Verlander coming right at you and seeing how in-shape these players were up close gave us a new appreciation for the players.

Final Box: Detroit Tigers 7 Minnesota Twins 3

Attendance: 42,549 Time 3:13

Miller Park

Milwaukee, WI

Miller Park

Summer 2010

http://www.brewers.mlb.com/

Game Day Atmosphere: Holy Cow, do these Cheeseheads know how to tailgate! I've been to college football games, pro football games, and many pro and college baseball games. I've never seen tailgating like this ever! There are designated lots for tailgating and the parking attendants leave space in the rows of cars for grills, tables, washer chunkin', etc. You name it, we saw it walking thru the tailgaters. We felt like we should be tailgating!

Stay: Downtown close to the river. There are many restaurants you can walk to, including a locally brewery, where we ate.

Arrive: Drive, park (for only $8) and enjoy the tailgaters!

Concessions: Very abundant with lots of choices. I suggest going with the bratwurst and load it up with sauerkraut. Miller Park also boasts a "secret stadium sauce." Get it! Don't know what's in it, but it is good!

Not advertised: Bernie the Brewer will slide down his slide from Bernie's Dugout after the 1st 1/2 inning and then again after any Brewer Home Run. Apparently, he used to slide into a pool of beer, but it's still cool nonetheless. The sausage race is a must see, unique to Miller Park.

Not in the box score: The Giants' Tim Lincecum had the Brew Crew off balance all night. The Giants also belted 18 hits and scored 15 runs in only 3 different innings. It amazed me how many Brewer fans would rather go back to tailgating, than watch their team get smoked! Lots of them headed for the exits early.

Final Box: San Francisco Giants 15, Milwaukee Brewers 2

Attendance: 29,387 Time 3:16

US Cellular Field

Chicago, Ill

US Cellular Field

Summer 2010

http://www.whitesox.mlb.com/

Game Day Atmosphere: Nothing fancy, but you are on the south side. One of the main differences is there is no Wrigleyville in the streets beyond the stadium. So, the fans tailgate and provide the excitement.

Stay: In one of the many downtown Chicago hotels. US Cellular is about 4-5 miles south of the center of Chicago.

View: Lots to look at. This park has all the bells and whistles with technology from the jumbo tron to fireworks on homeruns, etc.

Arrive: We took the "L" train again. We enjoyed the trip thru Chinatown and it is a short walk to the stadium once you stop at 35th/Sox. You could also drive as there are many parking places in contrast to the North side Cubs.

Concessions: Again, get a Chicago style hot dog. Italian ices are very good. Everything else was very typical ballpark foods. Nothing fancy, but not bad overall.

Not advertised: The Sox are rich with baseball history. From the black sox scandal in 1919 to now, the southsiders really do love their baseball and stay behind their team. Old Comiskey Park was also the 1st concrete/steel MLB stadium.

Not in the box score: The center field section tried for about 3 straight innings to get the "wave" going around the stadium...it always fizzled when it got halfway around.

Final Box: Chicago White Sox 9, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 2

Attendance: 38,092 Time: 2:49

Wrigley Field

Chicago, Ill
Wrigley Field
Summer 2010
http://www.cubs.mlb.com/
Game Day Atmosphere: As one of my Cub-fan friends says, "you are close to heaven." It doesn't get much better than Wrigley. Plan to get there early and soak in Wrigleyville on Sheffield and Waveland Avenue. Some great places to eat and get souvenirs.
Stay: In one of the many downtown Chicago hotels. You are only about 3 miles from Wrigley Field if you stay in the heart of downtown.
View: Nothing beats seeing the ivy and rooftops.
Arrive: Come on the elevated ("L") train. The excitement on the train builds as you near the Addison stop for Wrigley. There will be many fans taking the L so be prepared to wait on your return trip. Do not drive and think you will be able to park...there is nothing really available.
Concessions: You have to get a Chicago style hot dog. The Hebrew nationals are great here. There are also the basic ballpark concessions. Nothing fancy here, but neither is Wrigley, it's a step back in time with both baseball and the food.
Not advertised: The Anno Catuli (or year of the Cub, and refer to picture of #'s on rooftop) 0164101 stands for something really unique. 01=Years since Cubs won the division, 64=Years since Cubs won the pennant, and 101=Years since Cubs won the World Series.
Not in the box score: Cubs pitcher, Randy Wells, took a no-hitter into the 7th inning and the Cubs left a near NL record 17 runners on base. And, stick around if the Cubs win to sing "Go, Cubs, Go" at the end of the game...plus see the "W" victory flag raised in center field.
Final Box: Chicago Cubs 3, Cincinnati Reds, 1
Attendance: 40.677 Time: 2:55