taking a small stadium tour in June...

[TURBO]

...heading to a Toledo Mudhens, Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers, and Toronto Blue Jays game in the span of 5 days. Bummer is we won't see the Brewers playing any of those teams.

 

Couple of high school buddies and I have been talking about doing something like this for a long time, now is that time.

 

Anyone have any pointers for those stadiums? Anything would be great as I've never been to any of them in the past.

 

Thanks in advance.

[FVBrewerFan]

You need a passport to go to Toronto. I mention this because years ago a not so bright family member got tickets for a series, drove over there...only to find out they couldn't get into Canada.

[TURBO]

You need a passport to go to Toronto. I mention this because years ago a not so bright family member got tickets for a series, drove over there...only to find out they couldn't get into Canada.

 

lol

 

yes, I have a passport, but thanks for the head's up anyway...

[hawing]

In some ways I prefer to visit other stadiums when I'm neutral (or largely neutral) on both teams. That way I can focus more on what's different about each ballpark instead of solely on how unnecessarily dramatic the Brewers are making a game.

 

At Progressive Field, be sure to check out Heritage Park beyond center field, featuring the Indians Hall of Fame and other historical goodness. I'll add that when we visited Progressive in 2009, I wore a Brewers hat and Branyan shirsey (Russell was playing for the visiting Mariners that day) and multiple people, fans and employees, remarked favorably on my Brewers fandom. One employee thanked me for hosting that snowy series in 2007 or whenever that was. I didn't have anything to do with that, but saw no value in pointing that out.

 

Have fun!

[Bikeage77]

Comerica is great and the view of the skyline is pretty incredible from what I remember. I can't say much else, I went 15 years ago. We parked, walked in, went back to the car and drove home. Drove there, went to the game, drove home. We were trying to catch Clemens get his 300th win and it was a spur of the moment, "college-type" thing to do.

 

I was at the Rogers Centre last year and there wasn't much for attraction within the park. However, looking out onto the field was enjoyable. There's a lot of various spots for standing room. I'd suggest getting a cheap ticket, check out a few innings from the upper deck, then move down and watch from Robby Alomar's #12 patio, and from there move around to other standing areas where there is good views throughout. The peameal (pork) sandwich is really good too. All prices will be more than what they really are because of currency exchange. $11 US is roughly $15 Canadian.

 

When in Toronto, get a hot dog from a street vendor. Best hot dog I ever had. Steamwhistle Brewery is right across the street from the park. They make one beer, a Czech Pilsner. And they do it really really well. I brought home a 12 pack. There's another couple breweries close to the stadium worth checking out too. If you get a chance hit up Chinatown.

 

Rock N Roll Hall of Fame is a few blocks away from the Jake (or Progressive, I guess). Besides that, again, it was about 12-15 years ago when I went.

[JimH5]

I'm going to Target Field next week for my first visit.

 

Rockies vs. Twins Tuesday and Wednesday. Hardly a classic matchup, but both teams have interesting players, so it should be fun.

 

It's also my first time using Seat Geek for tickets.

 

The prices are much lower than the box office, so I thought I'd give it a try.

[TURBO]

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is on our list. It is a MUST as far as I am concerned. I was there the first year it opened, and I have heard that it is sooooo much better now as far as what they have on display.

[Bikeage77]

I'm going to Target Field next week for my first visit.

 

Rockies vs. Twins Tuesday and Wednesday. Hardly a classic matchup, but both teams have interesting players, so it should be fun.

 

It's also my first time using Seat Geek for tickets.

 

The prices are much lower than the box office, so I thought I'd give it a try.

 

 

Are they print off tickets or can you get em at Will Call? When going to a new stadium I like getting the hard copy, and not some print off to keep as a souvenir. I know some people don't care about that kinda thing, but I like to have it.

[GAME05]

Consider touring the big stadiums, too.

 

ha-cha-cha!

[JimH5]

It's a bar code that they scan off of my phone, not unlike an electronic boarding pass.

 

I also like to get a keepsake from the stadiums I visit, though it has to be useful. Ticket stubs just become clutter for me. So I'm hoping for a Minny & Paul t-shirt.

[adambr2]

You need a passport to go to Toronto. I mention this because years ago a not so bright family member got tickets for a series, drove over there...only to find out they couldn't get into Canada.

 

Used to be able to get in with just a birth certificate, not so much anymore. Heck I went to Mexico a few times in the 90s and I remember them pretty much just waving you in, I think the searches were just at random.

 

I'm amazed that anyone in this day and age thinks you can just flash a driver's license and head on in.

[JimH5]

Early observations on Target Field...

 

Traffic around the stadium is tight. It took around 40 minutes to go a little over 5 miles. Lots of people unconcerned with blocking the box, leading to lots of traffic light cycles when just one or two cars could advance. I used Google Navigate to get here, so maybe there are better routes that the locals use.

 

Parking was fast and cheap. $13 in a parking garage around 10 minutes of casual walking away.

 

The park is stunningly beautiful. I'm reminded what no roof looks like. Bright direct and indirect natural light throughout.

 

My Seat Geek ticket went without a hitch. Showed my e-ticket on my phone, and they printed a curly paper stub from their scanner.

 

Their PA announcer must have finished at the top of his class in FM radio DJ school. Very tacky.

 

There are a lot more rows in the field level seating bowl. I like that.

 

The Tony Oliva Cuban sandwich is good. A large paninni sandwich, bag of chips and bottle of soda is $16. Good stuff.

 

We'll see how the game goes...

[JimH5]

Target Field was terrific tonight. My only complaint is the pitch of the lower seat bowl. There was a tall dad and mom with their tall adult son in front of me, and the son's head pretty much obscured my view of the home plate circle. I was seated even with the first base bag, very close, and it was a chore to see, thanks to tall kid.

 

There are tons of different food options served from carts on the main concourse. The beer selection seemed not as varied as at Miller Park, and Budweiser is the main supplier.

 

Lots of bars and other gathering places on the upper levels. Fans were well behaved. Several gift shop options throughout the park, but I wasn't able to find my desired Minny & Paul t-shirt.

 

Still, a very beautiful building.

[rickh150]

I have been to the stadiums in Toronto (93), Cleveland (04), and Detroit (07). The Brewers were playing twice at Toronto (Molitor) and Detroit. That made the games themselves more enjoyable.

I was in awe at Skydome like we all were in the early 90's. I think I still would be today. The CNN Tower is an attraction right next to the ballpark you could take in. Toronto is/was a really clean town, seemed fairly safe to walk around.

Jacobs Field was my favorite out of the three. I stood in the left field corner (Homer Porch) for the majority of the game. I put my drink literally inside the foul pole. Check it out. There is a lot of standing room in that corner and you can stand directly above the fence. Actually, I was there for BP too (caught a ball). Pretty place.

Detroit's ballpark had a lot going on inside of it. I remember seeing amusement type of rides (carousel and a couple other kiddie rides). I took some swings in a batting cage, as well. The skyline is nice, but there is a parking garage in it which is fitting for Detroit. More than anything, i remember being glad that we were out of there because our walk to and from the ballpark didn't feel safe at all. In hindsight, I would have paid more to get a closer parking spot by the stadium.

I like that you are hitting up a minor league stadium too. That seems like a good way to start the trip. You gain perspective of major league stadiums that way. Cheaper tickets and food are pluses, as well.

Have a great time! I'd like to take a similar trip (Dayton,Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Chicago WS) in the future.

[rickh150]

I have been to the stadiums in Toronto (93), Cleveland (04), and Detroit (07). The Brewers were playing twice at Toronto (Molitor) and Detroit. That made the games themselves more enjoyable.

I was in awe at Skydome like we all were in the early 90's. I think I still would be today. The CNN Tower is an attraction right next to the ballpark you could take in. Toronto is/was a really clean town, seemed fairly safe to walk around.

Jacobs Field was my favorite out of the three. I stood in the left field corner (Homer Porch) for the majority of the game. I put my drink literally inside the foul pole. Check it out. There is a lot of standing room in that corner and you can stand directly above the fence. Actually, I was there for BP too (caught a ball). Pretty place.

Detroit's ballpark had a lot going on inside of it. I remember seeing amusement type of rides (carousel and a couple other kiddie rides). I took some swings in a batting cage, as well. The skyline is nice, but there is a parking garage in it which is fitting for Detroit. More than anything, i remember being glad that we were out of there because our walk to and from the ballpark didn't feel safe at all. In hindsight, I would have paid more to get a closer parking spot by the stadium.

I like that you are hitting up a minor league stadium too. That seems like a good way to start the trip. You gain perspective of major league stadiums that way. Cheaper tickets and food are pluses, as well.

Have a great time! I'd like to take a similar trip (Dayton,Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Chicago WS) in the future.

[pacopete4]

I have only been to Busch Stadium, the Metrodome, Miller Park and County Stadium. I actually went to County Stadium to see the Packers play the Eagles when I was pretty young with my parents.

[TURBO]

I have been to the stadiums in Toronto (93), Cleveland (04), and Detroit (07). The Brewers were playing twice at Toronto (Molitor) and Detroit. That made the games themselves more enjoyable.

I was in awe at Skydome like we all were in the early 90's. I think I still would be today. The CNN Tower is an attraction right next to the ballpark you could take in. Toronto is/was a really clean town, seemed fairly safe to walk around.

Jacobs Field was my favorite out of the three. I stood in the left field corner (Homer Porch) for the majority of the game. I put my drink literally inside the foul pole. Check it out. There is a lot of standing room in that corner and you can stand directly above the fence. Actually, I was there for BP too (caught a ball). Pretty place.

Detroit's ballpark had a lot going on inside of it. I remember seeing amusement type of rides (carousel and a couple other kiddie rides). I took some swings in a batting cage, as well. The skyline is nice, but there is a parking garage in it which is fitting for Detroit. More than anything, i remember being glad that we were out of there because our walk to and from the ballpark didn't feel safe at all. In hindsight, I would have paid more to get a closer parking spot by the stadium.

I like that you are hitting up a minor league stadium too. That seems like a good way to start the trip. You gain perspective of major league stadiums that way. Cheaper tickets and food are pluses, as well.

Have a great time! I'd like to take a similar trip (Dayton,Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Chicago WS) in the future.

 

Thanks for the reply, and getting this thread back on topic...

 

 

We are hitting the Mudhens game first, followed by the 3 MLB games. I have only been to T-Rats games as far as minor league games, so it will be nice to see how other minor league teams conduct business...

 

We plan to do KC, CIN, St. Louis and both Chicago stadiums next summer, with another minor league game thrown in if at all possible. Hopefully this will be a yearly event until all the MLB stadiums have been seen live in person.

[TURBO]

I have only been to Busch Stadium, the Metrodome, Miller Park and County Stadium. I actually went to County Stadium to see the Packers play the Eagles when I was pretty young with my parents.

 

I haven't been to a lot of MLB stadiums myself, which is why we plan to hit a bunch, if not all in the coming years. I've been to Miller Park, County Stadium, the new Yankee Stadium, Citi Field, Target Field, Anaheim in 1991, and the old Reds stadium when I was a kid (saw Pete Rose's 28th game of the hitting streak).

[rickh150]

I have been to the stadiums in Toronto (93), Cleveland (04), and Detroit (07). The Brewers were playing twice at Toronto (Molitor) and Detroit. That made the games themselves more enjoyable.

I was in awe at Skydome like we all were in the early 90's. I think I still would be today. The CNN Tower is an attraction right next to the ballpark you could take in. Toronto is/was a really clean town, seemed fairly safe to walk around.

Jacobs Field was my favorite out of the three. I stood in the left field corner (Homer Porch) for the majority of the game. I put my drink literally inside the foul pole. Check it out. There is a lot of standing room in that corner and you can stand directly above the fence. Actually, I was there for BP too (caught a ball). Pretty place.

Detroit's ballpark had a lot going on inside of it. I remember seeing amusement type of rides (carousel and a couple other kiddie rides). I took some swings in a batting cage, as well. The skyline is nice, but there is a parking garage in it which is fitting for Detroit. More than anything, i remember being glad that we were out of there because our walk to and from the ballpark didn't feel safe at all. In hindsight, I would have paid more to get a closer parking spot by the stadium.

I like that you are hitting up a minor league stadium too. That seems like a good way to start the trip. You gain perspective of major league stadiums that way. Cheaper tickets and food are pluses, as well.

Have a great time! I'd like to take a similar trip (Dayton,Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Chicago WS) in the future.

 

Thanks for the reply, and getting this thread back on topic...

 

 

We are hitting the Mudhens game first, followed by the 3 MLB games. I have only been to T-Rats games as far as minor league games, so it will be nice to see how other minor league teams conduct business...

 

We plan to do KC, CIN, St. Louis and both Chicago stadiums next summer, with another minor league game thrown in if at all possible. Hopefully this will be a yearly event until all the MLB stadiums have been seen live in person.

 

Speaking towards your next summer trip, the Quad Cities has/have a great park (A ball), with many unique features.

[rwa12]

If you want to sneak in an Independent League game, the Gateway Grizzlies play about 10 minutes from the Cardinals, on the IL side. Absolutely beautiful ballpark, great game experience.

[TracyThom]

I've been to 14 of the current 30 stadiums, including Toronto, Detroit, and Cleveland. It's my personal preference, but I like to use public transportation (trains or subway) when possible. You can usually find cheaper hotels a little farther away from the stadium, plus you can avoid driving in traffic in an unfamiliar city.

 

Are you doing the Lake Erie loop? Any other stops along the way? Niagara Falls is worth a visit, even with a bunch of guys. You can also do a Labatt Brewery tour in London, Ontario.

 

Comerica Park is nice, but downtown Detroit is awful. Simply the ugliest downtown I've seen. I was pestered every 20 feet by someone trying to sell me tix or fundraiser candy sold from a large black garbage bag. There was some graffiti on a garbage can inside the stadium and some dude was smoking weed inside the men's room.

 

Progressive Field was above average, but I don't remember too much about it. Cleveland is also rough, but not as bad as Detroit. If you have an extra couple hours and you are a fan, The Christmas Story house is worth a tour.

 

Toronto has become my favorite city in the world. It's a very fit and active city. People were out walking everywhere. My buddy and I were going to take the subway to Rogers, but ended up walking two miles to the stadium because the vibe in the city was so cool. Rogers is ok. It is missing a welcoming, grandiose front entrance. Had authentic Canadian poutine for the first time, and that. Ended up sitting next to a couple of female Blue Jay fans and struck up a random conversation. They were ultra impressed with my geography-nerd knowledge. (I named the capitals of all the provinces.) Went to a bar after the game and our new Canadian friends refused to let us pay for any drinks. I found that Canadians are ultra-friendly and care what Americans think of them.

[rickh150]

If in Toronto and since you have to go thru the hassle of passport, I'd go to Niagara Falls for a day.