Road Trip 09 [Archive] - Baseball Fever

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ubinfl

04-05-2009, 06:56 PM

natsfan

04-05-2009, 07:52 PM

My brothers in law and I are taking a three day trip into the mid west this summer to catch games at Miller Park, Wrigley Field and US Cellular Field.

We have a decent idea as to what it is that we want to see at each of the three ballparks. However if anyone has any ideas as to what it is we might want to check out based on your own experiences, please feel free to share.

Thanks in advance,
Bill
Stuart, Florida

Ive been to all three and Wrigley is by far the worst. The place is a dump. The surrounding neighborhood is nice and sure theres history there, but its has absolutely no amenities. US Cellular has undergone several renevations in the last few years and is a great ballpark. Great atmosphere and quality food and drink options. Coming from a Chicago citizen it is definitely the better park IMO. Miller Park is a short drive away. Not much to do around the park, but tailgating is popular. The retractable roof takes some getting used to, but is a unique experience. The slide and sausage races are nice touches too.

Ranking IMO
1. US Cellular
2. Miller
3. Wrigley

DiggerODell

04-05-2009, 08:02 PM

Ive been to all three and Wrigley is by far the worst. The place is a dump. The surrounding neighborhood is nice and sure theres history there, but its has absolutely no amenities. US Cellular has undergone several renevations in the last few years and is a great ballpark. Great atmosphere and quality food and drink options. Coming from a Chicago citizen it is definitely the better park IMO. Miller Park is a short drive away. Not much to do around the park, but tailgating is popular. The retractable roof takes some getting used to, but is a unique experience. The slide and sausage races are nice touches too.

Ranking IMO
1. US Cellular
2. Miller
3. Wrigley

Keep an open mind ubinfl. I have never been to any of the 3 either. Plan do visit them all in late May plus 3 others, Stl, KC, Minn. I'm reading through a few of the words of what natsfan says, but still . . . keep your focused on open, look for what appeals to you, and your friends (you aren't all Mets fans are ya? I simply couldn't do it .. ha!).

If you feel like ubinfl does when it's all said and done, write about it here in an honest manner. I will.

Digger

ubinfl

04-05-2009, 08:19 PM

Keep an open mind ubinfl. I have never been to any of the 3 either. Plan do visit them all in late May plus 3 others, Stl, KC, Minn. I'm reading through a few of the words of what natsfan says, but still . . . keep your focused on open, look for what appeals to you, and your friends (you aren't all Mets fans are ya? I simply couldn't do it .. ha!).

If you feel like ubinfl does when it's all said and done, write about it here in an honest manner. I will.

Digger

Actually we are a combination of Mets and Yankee fans however we are first and foremost baseball fans. We've always talked of a much larger and longer road trip to see as many parks as we could. Times being what they are these days for this trip, we narrowed the choices down to include the older ballpark such as Wrigley and at a later date on another trip we'll get back to Fenway Park.

I will certainly write about my experiences after the trip. We'll be there in Early June.

For now, I'll be back north next weekend for the home opener at Citi-Field Next week and Im really looking forward to that.

Bill

natsfan

04-05-2009, 08:27 PM

Actually we are a combination of Mets and Yankee fans however we are first and foremost baseball fans. We've always talked of a much larger and longer road trip to see as many parks as we could. Times being what they are these days for this trip, we narrowed the choices down to include the older ballpark such as Wrigley and at a later date on another trip we'll get back to Fenway Park.

I will certainly write about my experiences after the trip. We'll be there in Early June.

For now, I'll be back north next weekend for the home opener at Citi-Field Next week and Im really looking forward to that.

Bill

Thats wierd ill be going to both new new york stadiums in june while ull be going to both Chicago stadiums

DiggerODell

04-05-2009, 08:29 PM

Thats wierd ill be going to both new new york stadiums in june while ull be going to both Chicago stadiums

And I wish I was goin' to all 4 of them! Oh I hate the limitations on where we can be in a givin' moment . . .

majorleads

04-05-2009, 11:47 PM

Ive been to all three and Wrigley is by far the worst. The place is a dump. The surrounding neighborhood is nice and sure theres history there, but its has absolutely no amenities. US Cellular has undergone several renevations in the last few years and is a great ballpark. Great atmosphere and quality food and drink options. Coming from a Chicago citizen it is definitely the better park IMO. Miller Park is a short drive away. Not much to do around the park, but tailgating is popular. The retractable roof takes some getting used to, but is a unique experience. The slide and sausage races are nice touches too.

Ranking IMO
1. US Cellular
2. Miller
3. Wrigley

Obviously you are a White Sox fan who hates the Cubs. As for amenities, who gives a sh*t?? If you're a dedicated fan who loves BASEBALL and willing to take a road trip, I'm sure you would be more than satisfied if all they served at the park was water.

I'm originally from NY, grew up a Mets fan but always caught the Cubs on WGN when I was growing up. Always wanted to check out Wrigley. Finally got an opportunity to go back in 1991 with my dad and it did not disappoint. Sitting in the stands smoking cigars with my dad during BP on a clear sunny day in August while staring at the green grass, ivy colored walls and the fans in the rooftop bleachers, are memories that last a lifetime for a baseball fan. The last thing I care to remember is whether or not Wrigley served overpriced beer and dirty water dogs like they do at US Cellular.

skobabe8

04-06-2009, 10:23 AM

Obviously you are a White Sox fan who hates the Cubs. As for amenities, who gives a sh*t?? If you're a dedicated fan who loves BASEBALL and willing to take a road trip, I'm sure you would be more than satisfied if all they served at the park was water.

I'm originally from NY, grew up a Mets fan but always caught the Cubs on WGN when I was growing up. Always wanted to check out Wrigley. Finally got an opportunity to go back in 1991 with my dad and it did not disappoint. Sitting in the stands smoking cigars with my dad during BP on a clear sunny day in August while staring at the green grass, ivy colored walls and the fans in the rooftop bleachers, are memories that last a lifetime for a baseball fan. The last thing I care to remember is whether or not Wrigley served overpriced beer and dirty water dogs like they do at US Cellular.

LOL. Dirty water dogs? What does that even mean?

Believe it or not, some people are of the opinion that USCF is better than Wrigley. I like Wrigley for a game once every couple of years, but I prefer USCF for 30-40 games per year because it's alot more comfortable and fan friendly. I have been to the 2 Chicago parks, Miller Park, Minute Maid, AT&T, Chase, Coors, Kaufman, PETCO, Progressive, Comerica, and Busch, and by far the worst seats I have ever had were at Wrigley.

natsfan

04-06-2009, 04:25 PM

Obviously you are a White Sox fan who hates the Cubs. As for amenities, who gives a sh*t?? If you're a dedicated fan who loves BASEBALL and willing to take a road trip, I'm sure you would be more than satisfied if all they served at the park was water.

I'm originally from NY, grew up a Mets fan but always caught the Cubs on WGN when I was growing up. Always wanted to check out Wrigley. Finally got an opportunity to go back in 1991 with my dad and it did not disappoint. Sitting in the stands smoking cigars with my dad during BP on a clear sunny day in August while staring at the green grass, ivy colored walls and the fans in the rooftop bleachers, are memories that last a lifetime for a baseball fan. The last thing I care to remember is whether or not Wrigley served overpriced beer and dirty water dogs like they do at US Cellular.

For the record i am a fan of both Chicago teams. I agree that it wouldnt be a good place to go for 50 games a year but it definitely is a unique park. Hopefully the Cubs win a WS there before it comes down.

ubinfl

04-06-2009, 04:26 PM

LOL. Dirty water dogs? What does that even mean?

Believe it or not, some people are of the opinion that USCF is better than Wrigley. I like Wrigley for a game once every couple of years, but I prefer USCF for 30-40 games per year because it's alot more comfortable and fan friendly. I have been to the 2 Chicago parks, Miller Park, Minute Maid, AT&T, Chase, Coors, Kaufman, PETCO, Progressive, Comerica, and Busch, and by far the worst seats I have ever had were at Wrigley.

Dirty water dogs? Thats a NY thing. Most cities have them...they just dont know it...lol....our little secret;)

Thanks for the replies. I think the beauty of any ballpark (old or new) includes its brilliance and its flaws/quirks. I only wish we had done this sooner so as to catch games at the old Comisky Park and County Stadiums.

I also read your PM and will certainly contact you before June.
Thanks
Bill

Yankees12

04-06-2009, 04:57 PM

I did the Wrigley-Miller-the Cell road trip one year. Very fun time. Wrigley is absolutely gorgeous and baseball at its purest. The Cell was in the middle of its improvements at the time - it was 2005 - and I believe it still had the old blue seats, but the upper deck had been reduced to its current size and the batter's eye had the restaurant put in it. Miller isn't one of my favorites, but it's quite an engineering marvel. Not a fan of the roof or the glass beyond the OF though.

May rankings would definitely be Wrigley, then the Cell, then Miller.

majorleads

04-06-2009, 08:16 PM

LOL. Dirty water dogs? What does that even mean?

Believe it or not, some people are of the opinion that USCF is better than Wrigley. I like Wrigley for a game once every couple of years, but I prefer USCF for 30-40 games per year because it's alot more comfortable and fan friendly. I have been to the 2 Chicago parks, Miller Park, Minute Maid, AT&T, Chase, Coors, Kaufman, PETCO, Progressive, Comerica, and Busch, and by far the worst seats I have ever had were at Wrigley.

Yeah...dirty water dogs. You know, the rubberized dogs that sit in the nasty steam filled polluted water tanks in those pushcarts you see all over Chicago and NY. In other words, not grilled! ewwwwwww

As for USCF compared to Wrigley, I'm sure there a lot of people who prefer USCF over Wrigley for many reasons, just like I preferred Shea over that landfill in the Bronx. :D

skobabe8

04-06-2009, 09:05 PM

Yeah...dirty water dogs. You know, the rubberized dogs that sit in the nasty steam filled polluted water tanks in those pushcarts you see all over Chicago and NY. In other words, not grilled! ewwwwwww

As for USCF compared to Wrigley, I'm sure there a lot of people who prefer USCF over Wrigley for many reasons, just like I preferred Shea over that landfill in the Bronx. :D

haha...have you ever been to Chicago?? Doesn't sound like it.

mackenzie

04-11-2009, 09:54 PM

I preferred Shea over that landfill in the Bronx. :D

I think you have that backwards :). I remember reading in 1974 or 1975 while the Yanks played at Shea that the stadium had settled nearly a foot by then since it's opening in 1964.

Actually, ubinfl and I were at Shea today. There's still a pile of rubble with a large bent I-beam draped across the top. We'll be at the opener on Monday, also. And we will visit all four NY and Chicago ballparks in 2009.

Regards,
Mark

kimthemetschick

04-13-2009, 09:16 AM

I think you have that backwards :). I remember reading in 1974 or 1975 while the Yanks played at Shea that the stadium had settled nearly a foot by then since it's opening in 1964.

Actually, ubinfl and I were at Shea today. There's still a pile of rubble with a large bent I-beam draped across the top. We'll be at the opener on Monday, also. And we will visit all four NY and Chicago ballparks in 2009.

Regards,
Mark

It's a preference, it's his opinion.

I'll be visiting Wrigley in August (vs. Mets), and have been following the Wrigley/Cell debates here. It sounds like we are comparing apples and oranges. IMO, comparing Shea vs. Citi. I can't believe the huge differences in opinions here. As far as "fan-friendly" and amenities, my take is, you're there to watch the game. Sure it's cool, but I think the coolness wears off. After visiting two "new" parks (Citi is my third, which I will 'visit' many more times), my priorities lie in the bathrooms and cupholders. Maybe it's a girl thing. Other givens include a decent view and resonably priced food. Sure, Camden had some awesome foods (as does Citi), but I seriously cannot afford to splurge on a "meal" each time I go to a game.

mackenzie

04-14-2009, 12:13 PM

Hi Kim,

I was referring to the landfill aspect of his comment (which I did take to be a joke). Shea/CitiField are actually located on filled land. So are parts of LGA and JFK aiports and much of downtown Manhattan including the building from which I am writing this! No preference involved.

If ladies' rooms are a priority with you, you'll love the right field upper deck in CitiField. Lot's of ladies' rooms with no lines at the opener last night.

Regards,
Mark

natron20

04-14-2009, 07:08 PM

For the record i am a fan of both Chicago teams.

Is that even legal?

mackenzie

04-26-2009, 12:05 PM

To our midwestern friends:

Do you guys have any restaurant suggestions for Chicago and Milwaukee? Could be either in the downtown areas or near the three ballparks.

Thanks,
Mark

natsfan

04-26-2009, 12:43 PM

To our midwestern friends:

Do you guys have any restaurant suggestions for Chicago and Milwaukee? Could be either in the downtown areas or near the three ballparks.

Thanks,
Mark

Around wrigley, there are numerous options. Murphys Bleachers, Haray Caray's and Sluggers are all popular bars/restaurants within a block of Wrigley. Miller is pretty much in the middle of a parking lot so not many food options. The Cell doesnt have that many options, but you can take the Redline downtown to eat. The station is only a block from the stadium. The Grandstand is also a great place only 3 blocks from the Cell for Sox and MLB memorabila and apparel

Goober

04-26-2009, 01:42 PM

Here's my take, as someone who's been going to Wrigley since the early '80's as a season ticket holder, and in later seasons, as a fan from afar; and someone who's been to USCF, but doesn't think it's the worst place on the planet (like some Cubs fans do - in fact, I've been to most of the newer ballparks in MLB, and some of them are pretty darn nice).

First off, USCF: Understand a couple things. It's a lot better now than it was when it was first built. Yes, it cost a lot of money to get it that way, but it's not at the bottem of the list as far as the new parks (but it's no AT&T, either).

Other than that, my biggest complaint is that the park feels really big/tall. I think that's because of the large stack of suites between the main level and upper deck. Combined with the notorious steep angle up there, and what I'll mention below, and the UD is a bad deal, IMHO.

My advice would be to make sure that you have lower deck tickets, especially if you want to look around the ballpark - since if you have upper-deck tix, you aren't allowed to walk around anywhere besides the upper deck concourse.

Second, Wrigley, to be cliché, is what it is. If you go there expecting it to be AT&T (can you tell that I think the park in SanFran is the nicest new one in MLB?), with a slide inside a Coke bottle, garlic fries, etc., then you're gonna be disapointed. However, if you go and expect to sit and watch a ballgame just like you could at the Polo Grounds, or Shibe, or at Ebbets, then you'll enjoy it. I still do, because it's what I grew up with. Yes, the parking could be better, but I'm not buying seats behind home-plate at $200+ (or club or luxuary suites), so I'm not too concerned with upgrades (although I'm sure the front office is thinking about it).

The biggest advice about Wrigley is to get there early. Plan to spend time outside the ballpark (gates open two hours early, but give yourself time to eat in the neighborhood, and to walk and shop and then go in and watch PB).

Also, my advice relates to the upperdeck. Views there are awfully close to the action, but the bad news is that there is only one concession stand up there (behind the plate under the press box), so you'll have to either wait for a beer/hotdog guy, or walk down the ramps to get food... Finally, plan to be patient after the game. As the park is old, one issue with the main concourse is tht it is small. 40,000 people all have to leave throuh the main concourse, and if you're patient, you'll be a lot happier.

Just keep the upper deck stuff in mind when buying tickets. Wish I could help with Miller, but it's one of the few parks I haven't yet been to (after this summer, I'll have been to 22 current and 25 total MLB ballparks).

Anyway, enjoy your trip! I've got one in late July out east to see the two new NY parks, and DC, plus Philly (plus revisiting several parks I've already been to).

Moose

edit - sorry, that was a lot longer than I planned on it being. Hope it helpes though!

VekterNYM

04-27-2009, 02:48 AM

I did US Cellular > Miller Park > Wrigley run last August. Very enjoyable, my thoughts are as follows:

Stayed In Printer's Row/South Loop Area - not bad actually, but a decent walk to the Loop, a L ride away from both Wrigley & US Cellular.

Ate lunch at Gino's East, I needed a Chicago style pizza fix, it was good up until the crust. It was inedible. In retrospect it was just a disappointment - good up until the end, much like 06, 07, and 08 for the Mets. Definitely, try to take in some Chicago eats (Italian Beef, Chicago Dogs, Deep Dish Pizza, etc).

US Cellular Field was one of the most pleasant surprises. I really enjoyed this ballpark, it feels modern without begin too retro. My only gripes are:

- If you have Upper Deck seats, you can go to Field Level and walk around.
- Upper Deck is dimly lit, it was dark up there.
- Upper Deck is probably one of the worst I've sat in, when you walk out from the portal, you find yourself at the lower most part of the level, so you have to climb up.

My friend and I took a bus from Chicago to Milwaukee, it took around 1h30m. Getting there was fine, coming back - the bus was 2 hours late, PLUS the bus driver had to ask passengers how to get back to Chicago. Terrible.

Either way, in Milwaukee I checked out the Miller Brewery before the game, good times. They have tours that last an hour, plus you can hang around the beer garden for a bit prior to the game. Miller Park is minutes away if you drive, you can walk there which will take 20-30 minutes. I didn't do much out there besides walk to Lake Michigan.

Miller Park was very nice, it was my 2nd retractable roof stadium, the first being Chase. Miller feels more like a ballpark then Chase Field, in my opinion. I of course had to get a brat at the game, so I was set - it is a just a must to do.

Taxis line up outside the ballpark by the former spot of County Stadium, we got back to Downtown Milwaukee with enough time to wait for a bus that was 2 hours late.

Wrigley was the best. Being from NY where Shea and Yankee Stadium were falling apart - the fact that Wrigley was too didn't bother me. The atmosphere was great, it felt like baseball in the most purest form. Blue Cloudless Skies, no blaring music, "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" sung by ALL, no distracting scoreboards - it was amazing.

I really want to go back to Wrigley, dump or not - it was how baseball was back when.
You should definitely enjoy your time there. Chicago-Milwaukee was probably the easiest ballpark trip I've done, probably the 2nd easiest in the country. (BOS > NYY/NYM > PHI > BAL > DC) probably being the easiest.

mdseverin

04-27-2009, 08:43 AM

I've been to all three several times.

Miller Park is a very nice place if the roof is open. I've been to a game with it closed and it felt like a big gym. The food at the ballpark is the best. Get a brat with the special sauce. Tailgating is big there too. I would also do the Miller brewery tour before the game. The tour runs for about an hour and they give you three free beers at the end. It’s about 15 minutes away from the park.

Wrigley is a great place to see a game. One thing you should know is you can't walk around the entire park (the outfield bleachers are only accessible if you have a bleacher ticket). Make sure you are in your seats for the 7th inning stretch. Everyone sings it and is a great tradition. The food sucks at Wrigley so eat before or after the game. Before the game stop by Murphy's Bleachers on Sheffield and Waveland for a beer. After the game I recommend going to Sluggers on Clark St. It's a large bar, has a great atmosphere, and good food. They also have batting cages on the second level. You should order an Old Style beer. Old Style and the Cubs have the longest running corporate sponsorship in the US. I would skip the Cubby Bear, I think it's way overrated. Also, I would not drive to Wrigley because it’s hard to find a place to park. There are small lots in the area but it’ll cost you $40 for parking. If you are staying in the city you should take the red line to the Addison stop

Things have improved dramatically at The Cell. It's a pretty nice place to see a game. The upper deck is still steep, but it's not as bad as everyone says. I would walk around the park and in the outfield there are a few statues of former players. Outside the park, in parking lot B, is a marker where home plate was at old Comiskey. There is plenty of parking at the Cell, but it's expensive. Take the red line if you can and get off at the 35th street stop.

mackenzie

04-28-2009, 01:35 PM

Hey - Thanks for all the good tips provided by you guys. The Midway trip should be fun.

Regards,
Mark

kimthemetschick

05-02-2009, 02:19 PM

I was referring to the landfill aspect of his comment (which I did take to be a joke). Shea/CitiField are actually located on filled land. So are parts of LGA and JFK aiports and much of downtown Manhattan including the building from which I am writing this! No preference involved.

gotcha ;)

If ladies' rooms are a priority with you, you'll love the right field upper deck in CitiField. Lot's of ladies' rooms with no lines at the opener last night.

Very much enjoying the potties there. Every time I walk in, I am still expecting to see the old, nasty, crowded bathrooms with a line to wait for the 2 sinks :(. Now it's heated, the radio of the game is on, and everything is automatic!! A a woman and a nurse, it is pure heaven!!

kimthemetschick

05-02-2009, 02:20 PM

Is that even legal?

I would think it would be as illegal as being a fan of both NY teams.

kimthemetschick

05-02-2009, 02:24 PM

The biggest advice about Wrigley is to get there early. Plan to spend time outside the ballpark (gates open two hours early, but give yourself time to eat in the neighborhood, and to walk and shop and then go in and watch PB).

PB?? (And why do posts have to be at least 10 characters)?

Great One

07-03-2009, 03:39 PM

How did I miss this thread. Anyway, looking forward to doing the Midwest road trip in two weeks.

Also wondering where are the best places to eat around Chicago? I'm originally there for a lacrosse tournament, but there was no way in the world would I miss an opportunity to visit Wrigley/U.S. Cellular. I'm in Chicago for five days during the last weekend of July.

skobabe8

07-04-2009, 09:17 AM