SoSG reader and Alaska resident Dusto Magnifico is making his first trip to Dodger Stadium! (The first one he'll remember, anyway, having visited as a infant. Presumably not by himself):
I'm coming down for a game this Sunday! Just woke up from a deep winter hibernation and I finally get to witness my first Dodger experience. I can't wait. Does anyone have any tips, pointers, or any kind of heads up for Sunday?
Unfortunately we can't be there to greet him...but we can gather everyone's most helpful Dodger Stadium tips. So far we have:
Nic j said...
note to dusto, dont sit in the pavillion
Steve Sax said...
Dusto, I have a lot of comments...the most important of which is, get there early so you can soak it in (and visit all decks in the stadium). Take in your first Dodger dog of the day. Then go have another one. And I definitely would save time to peruse the one of the team stores in the outfield.
Gibby's Limp said...
Dusto - Not sure if you will be in town either Friday 6/5 or Monday 6/8, but I would suggest taking the stadium tour if you get a chance. For the price, you get to see a lot of history, go places in the stadium you might not otherwise get an opportunity to get to, and perhaps learn some info you may not have already known.When my father and I went to Dodger Stadium last summer for the first time, we were probably the first ones there for both games, and we closed the team store in the outfield both games. Take it all in!
rbnlaw said...
Dusto,
Get to the top deck either before, or right after the game. There's a team store up there as well and the view is the best to take in the entire stadium, the surrounding ravine, and the LA skyline right behind you.
What else should Dusto know? Chime in!
10 comments:
Dodger dogs are definitely a must. But I'd say go for the Grilled Dodger Dogs as opposed to the steamed ones. Gordon Biersch, Commachos, and the Grilled Dodger Dog consession stands have them. Otherwise ask an usher and they'll let you know where to find some. And save room for a chocolate malt.
Oh yeah, and dress warmly, Dusto. It gets really cold at night in Chavez Ravine, which you're probably not used to at all. Especially during those 5pm games. Brrrr!
BYOB. Beers are $12.
Most of the important things have already been mentioned. One of the best things you can do is a stadium tour, and you should be able to do one the day of the game, or at least the day before. Getting to walk onto the field and in the dugout and see all of the sights within the stadium is well worth the $15. Getting there early is great: parking and food lines are better. Getting there early to watch batting practice is a lot of fun, and they open up the center field wall so that fans can walk onto the warning track to catch batting practice balls, and possible meet a player or two. On the walk to the center field wall, they often have a famous ex-Dodger sitting nearby to sign autographs for free. Those are some enjoyable novelties. The outfield stores are great to visit.
I would advise against Bringing Your Own Beer, as Brandon has suggested. Getting caught with it will get you kicked out of the park, and that's not worth the risk coming from Alaska. Avoid the Pavilions for many reasons (the raucous behavior, horrible food lines, and being so far removed from the action), and avoid the boiled Dodger Dogs. Only get a grilled dog, unless you're in the Top Deck; I think you have no choice there.
Sandy
Excellent!
Thanks for all help. It should really enhance the experience! Perhaps I will chronicle our short weekend trip for you all.
We will be flying into Vegas Saturday night, driving to LA Sunday morning and possibly visiting the beach before heading over to the stadium by 3pm when the gates open up. I doubt we will get to watch as much of the game as we would like, as we will certainly try and carrouse the stadium if we can't get a tour before hand.
Again, thanks for the help!
Whenever Loney Fan and I take in a game, we're always sure to pack a cooler full of adult beverages and my Smokey Joe barbecue and chill in Elysian Park for a couple hours before the game (time permitting). If its a day game, you can just leave your car in the park and walk in the North entrance off Academy. Its a great way to avoid $15 parking charges. Be sure to use plastic cups, as the fuzz in the park is cool, but they'll make you dump your cans.
Dusto - I mentioned taking a Stadium Tour either Friday 6/5 or Monday 6/8 because those are the two closest days that they are offered to the Sunday 6/7 game you are going to.
Thanks for all the help ya'll. I was hoping to be able to stay long enough for a stadium tour, but alas, it seems unlikely. We return to the great frozen north Monday morning, back to the usual doldrums of a typical 8-5 work week... I'm already regretting having to return home.
HLACK,
That's a nice hike to the gates.
Sandy, I was just taking an opportunity to knock on McCourt. I would never advise bringing beer into the stadium. I guess it didn't come off as a joke.
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