While I was sitting in the Metrodome I started to put this idea together. Here's a quick run down of my stadium visits:
Montreal - Olympic Stadium (Multiple times)
Boston - Fenway Park (3 times)
Baltimore - Camden Yards (once)
Washington D.C. - RFK Stadium (once)
New York City - Old Yankee Stadium (once)
Milwaukee - Miller Park (Multiple times)
Chicago - Wrigley Field (once)
Cleveland - Progressive Field (once)
Minneapolis - Hubert H Humphrey Metrodome (once)
Ok, so with that out of the way let me give you my tips to enjoying a game in a fun an affordable way. Note: These are tips really more suited to first time visits to stadiums and parks. However most can be implemented at anytime.
* Plan your game - Pick a day that they are giving something away. It's always good to get a souvenir for free no matter what it is. However remember that awesome giveaways such as bobble-head days attract sellouts so get your tickets early. Also remember to pick a game that works for you. Try to see your favorite team, a superstar player, or a team you haven't seen before. Also maybe you can catch multiple games or even multiple teams while in a certain area. Worried about a crowd? Try an afternoon weekday game... rarely sold out.
* Tickets - Always make sure you're getting your tickets from a trusted source. Scalpers are usually reliable if they are in plain view of the stadium, but it's better to order your own online. The new trend of printing your tickets sucks. It's a piece of printer paper. Not the ticket/memento that you really want. Just pay the $3 and have them mailed to you or save altogether and pick them up at will call. In lesser attended cases you can show up on game day and simply get one from the window. Most tickets have a player on them or something now which is a nice display item... I personally have a huge ticket collection book.
* Always Drive In - Some places have buses, subways, or trains, but to get that full experience you should drive in the first time. In new cities it gives you a further chance to explore after the game. Their will be some costs for parking but you can usually find a lot for about $10 which isn't too bad. After you've "been there, done that" it's definitely better to save the dough and jump on a shuttle, or train.
* Take a lap - Get there early and experience the stadium. See what there is to see, or even get that picture you can't get from your seat. Some places have batting practice that you can see, others have memorials or museums. Take a walk around then get your grub and stuff and prepare for the game.
* The Stuff - So you've picked a day and you have your free giveaway item, but what now? You should always save money in your budget for one medium-ticket item. A t-shirt is my favorite, but anything like a hat or foam finger if you desire is cool too. At Yankee Stadium I went with a hat and in Cleveland I went T-shirt. Whatever you get, make sure you'll be happy to wear, or display it.
* Score it up! - I've gotten in to the habit of scoring the games. Especially if I go alone. Most places have scorecards right when you come in for sale. They aren't usually expensive and it's another memento of the game. Also it helps you to keep track of what's going on. It's tough to do in less modern stadiums with poor big screens and such but it's fun. Also you can inform those around you when debates come up. Never bring your own pencils. Most places will give you a pencil when you buy the scorecard. Some places actually make you pay but they are cheap, effective, and another memento. I always get two in case of lead breakage.
* The Grub - I've never been big on eating too much at the park. The prices are really high and usually the food is average at best. However there are always a few unique items to each stadium that should be tried. Baltimore has crab cakes, and Minnesota has mini-donuts? I always get a hot dog or brat at a new stadium. It's a simple item but it tells you a lot about the place. The effort made in this area shows the effort usually shown elsewhere. If it's so simple... do it right! I've found that a good hot dog or brat = a good stadium. Also I always order the large soda which means... souvenir soda cup! I have a good collection going and have even found that certain stadiums offer metal beer bottles with team logos. If you're going to drink anyway, might as well grab another memento right? Also some stadiums offer food in mini-helmets which is brilliant. My personal favorite is the waffle cheese fries at Miller Park in a Brewers helmet.
* Picture it up - Afraid of looking like a tourist? Guess what... you are! So freakin what? Go bananas. Get shots of anything and everything. Even some stuff you just might want to look at longer later. I try to get shots of scoreboards, crazy fans, or notable banners, but whatever floats your boat.
* Cheer for the home team - If your team isn't involved in the contest root for the home team. This is hard to do for some. I have gone in to hated teams parks such as Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park while donning their lid and clapping when their team scored. In some cases I'm not proud of it, but it's part of the experience. It makes the other fans feel at ease and leads to...
* Chat up the locals - There's nothing better than trading quips, or information with your seat mates. It adds to the atmosphere and helps blowouts stay interesting. This is another part where scoring is cool because you can drop facts like... "The A's have had the lead man on 7 out 9 innings tonight." Basically you get to be the color man for your area.
* Keep your head on a swivel - Not only do you have to watch the action on the field, but also off. Fan watching is awesome on many levels. Hotties, little kids enjoying the game, interesting people. There's something for everyone. I also take note of the vendors walking around. Are they happy to be there? What's that usher doing? Why does that guy have a Red Sox hat on at a Cubs-Braves game? There is lots to see, so see it. It also makes watching games from these stadiums more interesting in the future on TV.
* Just do it - If you can't get people to go with you, just go anyway. If you can, you should. Life is short so if you want to do something and can... really CAN, then you should. You owe it to yourself and your love of the game.
Well that's it. I'm pretty please with my guide. I hope it helps you the next time you get to a stadium. The same basic rules should apply to most sports and at any level. I'll continue to shape the guide if needed and will probably add this to my site in the future. Comments are welcomed if you feel I missed something.
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