For 24 years, I failed at being a sports fan.
My entire life, the only Major League Baseball Stadium I'd ever seen a game at was Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Not a bad ballpark to see if you can only see one, but I knew I was missing out.
So with some time off work, I caught three games at three different stadiums (two different time zones) in one week.
Here are my reviews of Nationals Park in Washington, Miller Park in Milwaukee and Wrigley Field in Chicago.
Nationals Park:
I used plans to visit a friend and fellow Terp as a chance to see the new ballpark. I was pretty disappointed.
The stadium came across as the exact opposite of Camden Yards. I never got that historic baseball feeling walking around the concourse. It almost felt like I was at a shopping mall, and there happened to be a baseball game going on.
We sat in right field and the view was pretty good. (Shown to the right) There were a few blind spots in the outfield, but we were lucky enough to be near two home runs (Although, sadly, we were getting beers during Soriano's blast.).
The place was overrun by Cubs fans (including this guy below with his head painted.)
But also next time, I'm not going to bother with the Metro. It took us nearly two hours to get to the game from Adams Morgan, and we had to ride with faces full of sweaty armpits in the packed cars. Next time, I'll pay the extra few bucks for a cab and get there on time.
Miller Park:
After flying to Milwaukee (Algonquin for "The Good Land" according to Wayne's World), drinking a lot of beer at the Fat Abbey and going on the Miller Brewery Tour, we saw the Braves beat the Brewers.The stadium is great. The roof makes you feel like you're in the year 2112, but it's still a great place to see a game.
Since it is in Milwaukee, there was beer everywhere, which made us happy.
Word of advice: Don't eat the Chicago Dog.
Wrigley Field:
Now this was the whole purpose of the trip. Since I'm a disgruntled Cubs fan, I've been wanting to see this baseball mecca for years. (See the standard, tourist photo of Wrigley at the right.)
It's quite a shocker to see Miller Park then Wrigley. The hundred or so years difference is quite apparent.
The views from the seat were awful (See below). The bathrooms were gross. But it was an experience like no other.
The excitement started early with some great plays and scoring in the first two innings. This was much-needed after a night out in Milwaukee and an 8 a.m. train ride. And, the Cubs took first place over the weekend.
But the atmosphere in Chicago was insane. It was like the Ravens/Colts playoff game a few years back. I can't imagine what it's like in October (and subsequently when they take an early exit from the playoffs). After the game we got beers at Harry Caray's, which played a fill of 80s music (including this gem from Eddie Murphy). And, no one ridiculed my Ripken O's jersey.
All in all a great trip.
Now, which ballpark should be next?
I know this is homerish, but Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia?
If you go West Coast, there's a slew of em, but like Chicago, I bet Dodger's Stadium is a must.
Go see Fenway. Sit on the monster