Re: MLB Ballpark Roadtrips
Back from a trip to ballparks 28 (Phoenix) and 29 (Anaheim).
Chase Field reminded me a lot of Miller Park. They had the roof open on Saturday night, but it didn't feel too bad (about 100 degrees at game time). Roof closed on Sunday afternoon, of course. I'm not sure I saw an usher the whole time I was there. They have all that crazy food (churro dog, chicken funnel cake sandwich, etc). Didn't get any of that, but I did see someone get a two foot long enchilada dog. The brisket was very good, as well as the blackberry margarita. Beer selection was subpar - couldn't find anything I'd identify as local. Dbacks fans... they seem kind of like puppies. They get very excited and loud, but they're not really sure why. It was the mascot's birthday on Sunday, and <a href="http://www.scottsdalecc.edu/about-scottsdale/history">Artie the Artichoke</a> was there, so that was a highlight.
Angel Stadium... I can't believe general parking was only $10. And it wasn't THAT far away. Of course, a local beer cost me $14.50, so I guess it evened out. Food was just OK. Nothing inspiring. It wouldn't be fair to offer an opinion on atmosphere or Angel fans, since they played the Yankees, so every clueless idiot that goes to one game a year was there. People, if everyone sits back in their seat, everyone can see. If one person leans forward, no one can see, except that person. This is not complicated, and should especially be followed IF YOU ARE NOT EVEN WATCHING THE **** GAME. I actually "upgraded" my seat after the third inning, so I could see home plate (and yes, I did politely ask them not to lean forward). After Chase Field, the field here seemed tiny. I think it was 365 down the alleys? Sheesh. But it was an exciting (but long) game, and Aaron Judge hit a home run to give the Yankees the lead, so there's that. I thought the scoreboards - for having two large ones - didn't offer a lot of information and were poorly laid out.
Anyway, had a good time at both ballparks. Just found out a friend of mine is planning a trip to Miami this summer, which is the only one I have left. Woohoo!