MLB Ballpark Roadtrips

[RaceBoarder]

Re: MLB Ballpark Roadtrips

Snagged a couple 400 level tickets for this Friday's game against the Pirates for 24.00 each. 6th row up the third base line, so it shouldn't be terrible.

Looking at driving to Midway and taking the Orange Line. Couple questions: Any chance the Park n' Ride fills up by 11-noonish CT? How's traffic in general around Chicago at that time of day? I seem to recall it's not horrible but that might be terribly off base. We plan on just buying a couple day passes for the El/CTA to get us from Orange line at Midway to Millenium (assume this is the downtown station) for the Red line Wrigleyville.

Traffic around lunch time should be fairly driveable... It may be heavy and slow you down at times, but you should be ok overall... The park and ride lot can fill up possibly, but people also come and go throughout the day... If for some reason that is full, there is another lot at the next stop (51st Street and Pulaski Road).... It has a large parking lot and only seems to get to 80% capacity... It's about a 5 minute drive from the Midway station and both lots are $5...

Once on the "L" you won't actually be going into the "Loop"... You transfer to the Red Line at the Roosevelt Station, which is the last one before entering the "Loop"... It's no cost to transfer to the trains on a different line... Just be sure to buy tickets for each way when you arrive for the day... Trying to use the vending machines at Wrigley after the game will be a pain in the ***... Also, don't be afraid to walk a few blocks north to the Sheridan station after the Cubs game... It will make getting out of Wrigleyville much easier since you get on the train ahead of everyone at the stadium...

 

[MountieBoyOz]

Re: MLB Ballpark Roadtrips

If you're looking to save some bucks, I found this site where you can find places to park and eat and such. I had him on the radio show I produce on the weekends.

http://www.ballparkeguides.com/

 

[Spartanforlife4]

Re: MLB Ballpark Roadtrips

If you're looking to save some bucks, I found this site where you can find places to park and eat and such. I had him on the radio show I produce on the weekends.

http://www.ballparkeguides.com/

Thanks! I'll definitely be taking advantage of it.

RaceBoarder, maybe you don't know how it works but I'll ask just in case. I see on the CTA site that it's $5 for a card, $10 for an all-day pass, and $3 for the single ride plus transfer. Are these separate or combined? Like is an all-day actually $15 because you have to pay the $5 for a new card plus the all-day fee, or is it separate? It seems like buying multiple single rides would be easier since it sounds like I would just need the one transfer, but then I would only be able to have one ride on the card at a time and would need to fight everyone for the vending machine to purchase the ride back at Wrigley.

I think unlimited might be the best way to go then just for times sake, because purchasing a card and then loading other rides onto it just ends up equaling ten anyway, which is what I would have to do to avoid the lines at Wrigley. I sound like such a n00b right now. I did it fine in LA, it's just a day pass there was only $5 so I didn't have to try to weigh cost with efficiency.

 

[RaceBoarder]

Re: MLB Ballpark Roadtrips

Thanks! I'll definitely be taking advantage of it.

RaceBoarder, maybe you don't know how it works but I'll ask just in case. I see on the CTA site that it's $5 for a card, $10 for an all-day pass, and $3 for the single ride plus transfer. Are these separate or combined? Like is an all-day actually $15 because you have to pay the $5 for a new card plus the all-day fee, or is it separate? It seems like buying multiple single rides would be easier since it sounds like I would just need the one transfer, but then I would only be able to have one ride on the card at a time and would need to fight everyone for the vending machine to purchase the ride back at Wrigley.

I think unlimited might be the best way to go then just for times sake, because purchasing a card and then loading other rides onto it just ends up equaling ten anyway, which is what I would have to do to avoid the lines at Wrigley. I sound like such a n00b right now. I did it fine in LA, it's just a day pass there was only $5 so I didn't have to try to weigh cost with efficiency.

Ah, I gotcha... Yea, I forgot that they offer the day pass if you get a VENTURE card... That's a solid option....

Also, just an FYI, expect the parking pay boxes to be out of paper and/or ink for your receipt at the CTA station... You pay for parking and then are supposed to put the receipt on your dash to show your payment... About half the time, the pay boxes won't give you a receipt though... Just be sure to get your car within 12 hours or so... I would hate to see you get a ticket, but that's the city of Chicago for ya...

 

[Spartanforlife4]

Re: MLB Ballpark Roadtrips

Yesterday was a success. The night before the forecast called for overcast skies and a chance of rain, but the morning of it wasn't supposed to rain at all and ended up being a perfectly sunny day. Started a little behind schedule so we got to Midway about 45 minutes later than I wanted but no big deal. After driving around the park and ride and realizing there were no regular spots left (just monthly and handicapped) we were looking up how to get to the next stop when some TSA workers got off their shift and left so a few spots opened up. Not sure why they didn't have monthly passes or a seperate employee parking lot, but whatever. Got our tickets, took the El to Addison and spent about an hour around Wrigleyville before going in the stadium.

The concourse feels like a basketball or hockey arena because it's closed off, much like Fenway. The 200 level seats were interesting because it almost had an indoor feel with the overhang of the upperdeck. So much so they have a scoreboard for the fans in the back.

You guys were right, it would be one heck of a walk up to the seats. The signs keep pointing the 400s up and at one point splits the sections off. I missed that one a couple times and had to make a U-turn because I went Pavlov's dog and just kept walking up without looking. I did think it was funny the luxury suites make people go on the cat walks above the 200 level fans to enter. Had a prohibition era back-alley speakeasy feel to it.

Concessions weren't busy, just took forever to walk back down. There was actually a hot dog stand right outside our section, but we wanted the souvenir cups so that took most of the time. I am now ready to declare the Wrigley Field Chicago Dog the greatest concession item I have ever eaten. Possibly a little pricey at 6.75 but an unlimited amount of quality toppings makes the deal worth it. I actually put some extra peppers in a napkin to bring with me as a side snack once I finished the dog.

Sorta funny story, I bit into the dog and the juice from the tomato and peppers exploded onto the older gentleman in front of me. I froze for a good five seconds hoping he wouldn't notice and turn around Luckily the wind had picked up and he had put a windbreaker on so I think that helped shield the spray.

Great game overall, Cubs won 6-3, three home runs, a couple reviews, one of which I'm still not sure what actually happened on the play. Runner was on third, Rizzo swung and missed on strike three and the ball got away. Pirates catcher decides to argue instead of get the ball, and runner on third scores. The Pirates then challenge, Rizzo is still called out but they made the runner go back to third. Also missed the tradition of the Bleacher Bums throwing the home run ball back while we were in line for hot dogs, but got to see Ernie Banks sing Take Me Out to the Ballgame, so I think that made up for it.

The extra peppers didn't seem like such a hot idea this morning, though.

 

[jen]

Re: MLB Ballpark Roadtrips

Thinking of going to Atlanta this year (I know, they have a new stadium next year). I know the stadium is do-able without a car, but what about seeing other stuff in the city? Would like to avoid Atlanta traffic when possible. Where are the nice seats at Turner Field? Has anyone been? Which side is in the sun for afternoon games?

edit: picture on Wiki looks like first base is shaded.

 

[JF_Gophers]

Thinking of going to Atlanta this year (I know, they have a new stadium next year). I know the stadium is do-able without a car, but what about seeing other stuff in the city? Would like to avoid Atlanta traffic when possible. Where are the nice seats at Turner Field? Has anyone been? Which side is in the sun for afternoon games?

edit: picture on Wiki looks like first base is shaded.

I've been to Turner a lot. Do not sit in the outfield during the summer. You will die. Tho they do have cool mist stations above the sections. First base is your best bet.

Turner field is downtown so you should be able to do stuff without a car. You just won't be able to go much further out. Their transit system isn't that great beyond the city core.

Check the MARTA Web site to get an idea of where you can go.

 

[jen]

Re: MLB Ballpark Roadtrips

I've been to Turner a lot. Do not sit in the outfield during the summer. You will die. Tho they do have cool mist stations above the sections. First base is your best bet.

Turner field is downtown so you should be able to do stuff without a car. You just won't be able to go much further out. Their transit system isn't that great beyond the city core.

Check the MARTA Web site to get an idea of where you can go.

Thanks - knew about the MARTA shuttle, so we will definitely do that. Not sure what else we are planning in Atlanta at this point.

Have you sat in the club infield/reserved section at all? It looks comparable to the club level at Miller Park (and there's an air-conditioned concourse, I think?). The weather's kind of a big concern for my mom - she can't really sit in the sun, so access to an air-conditioned concourse would be perfect. Not sure about ticket availability, though - it says they sell them as season tickets, and then whatever's left goes to individual tickets (I don't imagine the Brewers are a big draw).

 

[JF_Gophers]

Thanks - knew about the MARTA shuttle, so we will definitely do that. Not sure what else we are planning in Atlanta at this point.

Have you sat in the club infield/reserved section at all? It looks comparable to the club level at Miller Park (and there's an air-conditioned concourse, I think?). The weather's kind of a big concern for my mom - she can't really sit in the sun, so access to an air-conditioned concourse would be perfect. Not sure about ticket availability, though - it says they sell them as season tickets, and then whatever's left goes to individual tickets (I don't imagine the Brewers are a big draw).

You should be able to get lower deck seats far enough back to be under the upper deck and in the shade. The concourse behind first base around to third is enclosed. Not air-conditioned tho.

I've never sat in any more expensive seats than those.

If you do get a car, go to Chattanooga and catch a minor league game. Pretty fun and really close.

A bit farther but even more awesome is Asheville, NC.

 

[trixR4kids]

Re: MLB Ballpark Roadtrips

Only been to a few. Miller Park and Target Field of course. Old County Stadium. Also went to the O.Co for the playoffs in 2013.

 

[aparch]

Re: MLB Ballpark Roadtrips

Thinking of going to Atlanta this year (I know, they have a new stadium next year). I know the stadium is do-able without a car, but what about seeing other stuff in the city? Would like to avoid Atlanta traffic when possible. Where are the nice seats at Turner Field? Has anyone been? Which side is in the sun for afternoon games?

edit: picture on Wiki looks like first base is shaded.

I've been to Turner a lot. Do not sit in the outfield during the summer. You will die. Tho they do have cool mist stations above the sections. First base is your best bet.

Turner field is downtown so you should be able to do stuff without a car. You just won't be able to go much further out. Their transit system isn't that great beyond the city core.

Check the MARTA Web site to get an idea of where you can go.

Wife and I did Turner Field three years ago. Had seats in the outfield, but decided to hang out and get dinner from the Chop House restaurant in right-center for the first 1/3 of the game (until the sun set a little). More open air than Friday's Front Row Grill at Miller Park, but you're out of the sun and it was cooler (temperature wise).

Only areas I remember being air conditioned were the Sun Trust Club and the 755 Club (similar in location to the Gehl Club at Miller Park).

We were there a year before they opened a Waffle House inside the park.

As for transportation, I remember it being kinda like Miller Park, in an area that there really wasn't anything nearby. I don't know where the MARTA stop is, but I recall the parking lots being a bit of a drive from downtown. Traffic wasn't terrible, but it wasn't free flowing through the heart of the city either. We were there at the beginning of June 2012.


Definitely want to get back there one more time to see the park before they move.


As for park's I've been to:
Milwaukee County Stadium, Miller Park, Wrigley Field, US Cellular Park, Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodump err dome, Comerica Park, Turner Field.

I would LOVE to hit up all the MLB parks on a whirlwind summer tour, but finances smash that dream. Realistically, I want to see Target Field, Suntrust Park (when it opens in 2017) and Safeco Field.

 

[jen]

Re: MLB Ballpark Roadtrips

Parks left to visit - Atlanta, Arizona, Houston, Texas, Anaheim, Oakland and Miami.

Parks I'd repeat, after I'm finished - SF, LA, Detroit, Pittsburgh (although I guess I've already repeated Pittsburgh). Have not been to the new parks in NY (either) or DC, so maybe those. I loved Camden Yards, but I understand it has not aged very well, so I don't think it'd be the same for me going back.

I'd also like to go back to KC, because I didn't get a chance to visit the Negro League Museum. Don't really need to visit the stadium again.

 

[jen]

Re: MLB Ballpark Roadtrips

Still working on an Atlanta trip. Pretty much everything we want to do is downtown (MLK site, Coke bottling tour, maybe Aquarium and Margaret Mitchell House), so staying near a MARTA stop so we can get to the ballpark somewhat easily seems to be the plan. If it's too far for my mom to walk - I assume cabs are plentiful downtown. Single game tickets go on sale Friday - I was hoping for a cool promotion while we're there, but it's all lame stuff. Yoga Day? Really?

i think I blew my all awesome promotion karma with Ken Griffey Jr. Day in Seattle.

 

[JF_Gophers]

Re: MLB Ballpark Roadtrips

Anyone working on a Cincinnati ASG trip? I highly recommend going once!

I think San Diego and Miami are the next two after this.

 

[jen]

Re: MLB Ballpark Roadtrips

woohoo! got my Braves-Brewers tickets. First base side, club infield.

 

[jen]

Re: MLB Ballpark Roadtrips

Heading to Atlanta next week. Staying downtown and doing the CNN tour, Coke tour, MLK site and Civil Rights Museum, plus, of course, a couple games. Sounds like the food at Turner Field is pretty good, so I'm looking forward to trying a few things. Looking forward to the Braves Museum - I wish the MARTA shuttle started more than 90 minutes before first pitch, though. And I fully expect to be personally welcomed by Hank Aaron.

 

[JF_Gophers]

Re: MLB Ballpark Roadtrips

I'm road tripping across the bridge from work next week to see Twins@Pirates. Does that count?

 

[jen]

Re: MLB Ballpark Roadtrips

Back from Atlanta. Ballpark... nice, but nothing special. I'd rank it middle of the road of the parks I've visited. We couldn't really figure out why they needed a new one, though. Very efficient to get to on MARTA. Food was pretty good, but the Rathburn steak sandwich was outstanding. My mom had the H&F burger, and she said it was outstanding as well. Braves fans... meh. Not too interested in the game. Couldn't believe how many people would get up during at bats, even when the Braves had the bases loaded, to go get food, etc. It seemed like NO ONE got up between innings - always during play. If there were a couple people on base, they'd cheer, but otherwise didn't seem to be following the game much. Not sure where the real fans were, but we certainly didn't see any by us. The highlight of the ballpark may have been the Braves Museum - that was pretty cool. There were also a lot of historical murals, etc, on the Club level that were pretty cool.

 

[RaceBoarder]

Re: MLB Ballpark Roadtrips

When I visit Fenway for the Sox/Sawx game on July 27, I'm gonna be stuck taking the rental car.... Everything I read about traveling to Fenway says I'm an idiot for doing so... I'll be driving down from Maine early in the day that Monday... I'm already prepared to drop $30-40 on parking... I then need to head west towards Springfield, MA after the game... Can I find parking during the day so I can hang out around the park and take in the atmosphere, or am I limited to just an hour or two prior to 1st pitch? Would anyone have any suggestions on this front?

 

[unofan]

Re: MLB Ballpark Roadtrips

When I visit Fenway for the Sox/Sawx game on July 27, I'm gonna be stuck taking the rental car.... Everything I read about traveling to Fenway says I'm an idiot for doing so... I'll be driving down from Maine early in the day that Monday... I'm already prepared to drop $30-40 on parking... I then need to head west towards Springfield, MA after the game... Can I find parking during the day so I can hang out around the park and take in the atmosphere, or am I limited to just an hour or two prior to 1st pitch? Would anyone have any suggestions on this front?

When I was still at Dartmouth, I always parked at a park and ride in the burbs and took the T in to the actual stadium. Was never an issue, though I can't remember which stations I parked at.