Ballpark etiquette

[Darren Wheeler]

In September I'm looking to spend an evening at the AT&T stadium watching the SF Giants v Col Rockies. Never been before and thought it might be an experience.

Does anyone have any tips on where to sit, the do's and don'ts etc?
Thanks

[Decker]

Unlike at football matches it is not considered good form to relieve yourself into the pocket of the person in front of you.

[Decker]

Unlike at football matches it is not considered good form to relieve yourself into the pocket of the person in front of you.

My experience of Fenway Park (boston) was that whereever you sit you are close enough to see the action. OK so it's almost the oldest and one of the smallest stadiums but don't worry too much.
As games are typically around 3 hours with gaps between innings feel free to move around to snack bars and drinks etc.
I personally like to sit behind the field of play - ie behing the foul lines - so that you can see out as the ball is hit. Also try and get a view of the close plays at first base side on to the action.

My experience of Fenway Park (boston) was that whereever you sit you are close enough to see the action. OK so it's almost the oldest and one of the smallest stadiums but don't worry too much.
As games are typically around 3 hours with gaps between innings feel free to move around to snack bars and drinks etc.
I personally like to sit behind the field of play - ie behing the foul lines - so that you can see out as the ball is hit. Also try and get a view of the close plays at first base side on to the action.

Baseball fields are a great example of 'you get what you pay for'. Try not to get the cheap bleacher seats. Mid section at either left or right field will probably give you the best value.

Do's: Have fun.
Dont's: When a batter come to the plate, do not ask if this is one of the players on steroids.
Definite Dont's: Don't sit there and make statements like 'Where we come from, we call this rounders and it is played by schoolgirls'.

Baseball fields are a great example of 'you get what you pay for'. Try not to get the cheap bleacher seats. Mid section at either left or right field will probably give you the best value.

Do's: Have fun.
Dont's: When a batter come to the plate, do not ask if this is one of the players on steroids.
Definite Dont's: Don't sit there and make statements like 'Where we come from, we call this rounders and it is played by schoolgirls'.

[Decker]

Same with Netball and Basketball - weird huh?

[Decker]

Same with Netball and Basketball - weird huh?

[honey lamb]

My experience of a ballgame at the AT&T stadium (when it was Pac-Bell) was that it was a feeding frenzy with a game going on in the background [:w]

[honey lamb]

My experience of a ballgame at the AT&T stadium (when it was Pac-Bell) was that it was a feeding frenzy with a game going on in the background [:w]

Originally posted by honey lamb
My experience of a ballgame at the AT&T stadium (when it was Pac-Bell) was that it was a feeding frenzy with a game going on in the background [:w]

I would agree that this is much like any sporting event in the USA. In general, sporting events tend to be more family orientated and the game almost seems second to the catering and other entertainment. It usually makes for a relaxing time out. Just be prepared to re-mortgage your house to buy a hotdog and beer!

The odd thing I have never got used to are the stadiums emptying early as everyone tries to beat the traffic. By early, this can be as much as 1/2 to 3/4 of the way through the game, so I have often moved seats multiple times in a game and finished up in great seats. Not all stadiums will allow it, but if you can, make the most of the oportunity.

Originally posted by honey lamb
My experience of a ballgame at the AT&T stadium (when it was Pac-Bell) was that it was a feeding frenzy with a game going on in the background [:w]

I would agree that this is much like any sporting event in the USA. In general, sporting events tend to be more family orientated and the game almost seems second to the catering and other entertainment. It usually makes for a relaxing time out. Just be prepared to re-mortgage your house to buy a hotdog and beer!

The odd thing I have never got used to are the stadiums emptying early as everyone tries to beat the traffic. By early, this can be as much as 1/2 to 3/4 of the way through the game, so I have often moved seats multiple times in a game and finished up in great seats. Not all stadiums will allow it, but if you can, make the most of the oportunity.

Actually, in the bleachers at Fenway or Yankee Stadium, pissing on folks is pretty normal. Folks still can get very drunk at those places. It could not be more different at AT&T park in SF.

The thing about the feeding frenzy is, you get a lot of variety of interesting food at AT&T. Try to get tickets on Craigslist for the Club Level. You can still hang around the level below, but the club level has its own interesting offerings. Best hot dogs are at the concourse level below, by the left field foul line.

Rule of thumb if you are into the game is that behind home plate is better than on the side. But if you are there on a one-off basis to 'take in the scene', won't be that big of a deal. Try not to end up right at the foul lines.

I've moved seats in SF, especially at the club level most seats are season ticket holders and lots don't end up reselling them even though they don't go to all games, so there are always a few empties. After a couple of innings, moving into an empty seat is doable. There are some caveats you should be aware of.

If you are driving, PM me closer to the time and I will tell you where to park for free, and walk to the ground in 15 minutes [;)]

Actually, this gig might end, but for now you can still do it in a couple of spots.

Actually, in the bleachers at Fenway or Yankee Stadium, pissing on folks is pretty normal. Folks still can get very drunk at those places. It could not be more different at AT&T park in SF.

The thing about the feeding frenzy is, you get a lot of variety of interesting food at AT&T. Try to get tickets on Craigslist for the Club Level. You can still hang around the level below, but the club level has its own interesting offerings. Best hot dogs are at the concourse level below, by the left field foul line.

Rule of thumb if you are into the game is that behind home plate is better than on the side. But if you are there on a one-off basis to 'take in the scene', won't be that big of a deal. Try not to end up right at the foul lines.

I've moved seats in SF, especially at the club level most seats are season ticket holders and lots don't end up reselling them even though they don't go to all games, so there are always a few empties. After a couple of innings, moving into an empty seat is doable. There are some caveats you should be aware of.

If you are driving, PM me closer to the time and I will tell you where to park for free, and walk to the ground in 15 minutes [;)]

Actually, this gig might end, but for now you can still do it in a couple of spots.

[Darren Wheeler]

Thanks MarkedMan

I'm staying at the Westin Market St so will probably walk down or even cycle. Looking at sitting Club In/Outfield as want a reasonable seat so I can actually see what's going on. looking forward a real footlong....

[Darren Wheeler]

Thanks MarkedMan

I'm staying at the Westin Market St so will probably walk down or even cycle. Looking at sitting Club In/Outfield as want a reasonable seat so I can actually see what's going on. looking forward a real footlong....

My dear FletcherWheeler,

The views of the water are beautiful....it's an amazing ballpark. Enjoy!

GJ

My dear FletcherWheeler,

The views of the water are beautiful....it's an amazing ballpark. Enjoy!

GJ

Originally posted by baldbrit
In general, sporting events tend to be more family orientated and the game almost seems second to the catering and other entertainment. It usually makes for a relaxing time out. Just be prepared to re-mortgage your house to buy a hotdog and beer!

And if you buy anything from the the vendors passing up and down the steps be prepared to have your neighbours first pass your money along the row and then pass the goods and the correct change back!

Paul

Originally posted by baldbrit
In general, sporting events tend to be more family orientated and the game almost seems second to the catering and other entertainment. It usually makes for a relaxing time out. Just be prepared to re-mortgage your house to buy a hotdog and beer!

And if you buy anything from the the vendors passing up and down the steps be prepared to have your neighbours first pass your money along the row and then pass the goods and the correct change back!

Paul

Originally posted by Darren Wheeler
Thanks MarkedMan

I'm staying at the Westin Market St so will probably walk down or even cycle. Looking at sitting Club In/Outfield as want a reasonable seat so I can actually see what's going on. looking forward a real footlong....

If you go outfield-ish, go for somewhere half way between the infield and the foul line in leftfield. In the days before steroids folks liked that 'cause Barry Bonds was there ... it actually faces straight out to the water and you get the nicest views. I like sections 224 to 228.

Originally posted by Darren Wheeler
Thanks MarkedMan

I'm staying at the Westin Market St so will probably walk down or even cycle. Looking at sitting Club In/Outfield as want a reasonable seat so I can actually see what's going on. looking forward a real footlong....

If you go outfield-ish, go for somewhere half way between the infield and the foul line in leftfield. In the days before steroids folks liked that 'cause Barry Bonds was there ... it actually faces straight out to the water and you get the nicest views. I like sections 224 to 228.

Originally posted by MarkedMan
Actually, in the bleachers at Fenway or Yankee Stadium, pissing on folks is pretty normal. Folks still can get very drunk at those places. It could not be more different at AT&T park in SF.

The last time I sat in the bleachers at Yankee stadium (3 years ago) they had banned alcohol. You couldn't even sneak out into other areas of the ballpark to get a beer. Its not surprising either when you consider what happened at the Mets earlier this season. Someone in the top of the bleachers got so drunk he fell a few rows down and broke a lady's neck. Horrible stuff.

Don't be put off by that story though as it's a one-off. You will have a great time.

Originally posted by MarkedMan
Actually, in the bleachers at Fenway or Yankee Stadium, pissing on folks is pretty normal. Folks still can get very drunk at those places. It could not be more different at AT&T park in SF.

The last time I sat in the bleachers at Yankee stadium (3 years ago) they had banned alcohol. You couldn't even sneak out into other areas of the ballpark to get a beer. Its not surprising either when you consider what happened at the Mets earlier this season. Someone in the top of the bleachers got so drunk he fell a few rows down and broke a lady's neck. Horrible stuff.

Don't be put off by that story though as it's a one-off. You will have a great time.