East coast baseball trip suggestions

by cubfan1982 on Feb 24, 2008 11:49 PM CST

Hey everyone-

Al, I've been a fan of this site for a few years, and I'm finally making my first post. Thanks for giving all of us diehards something to read every day.

Since we have fans from all over the country on here, I was hoping to get some suggestions from everyone. I'm taking a baseball trip this fall and it will be my first time visiting many parks, and I was wondering if anyone had suggestions for baseball-themed bars/places to check out. Also, are there specific seats I want to sit in/avoid? These are the parks I'm visiting:

-Shea Stadium
-Fenway Park
-Camden Yards
-Yankee Stadium
-PNC Park

I appreciate any suggestions you all have. Thanks!

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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I don't...

have any suggestions regarding bars or seats, I just wish I was going with you. I've never seen a game in any of those parks and after this year, I won't be able to see a game at Shea or Yankee Stadium. I'm jealous as hell.

by nmrudge on Feb 25, 2008 7:41 AM CST reply actions

my suggestion

when I did a road trip last year I talked to the fans of the specific team sites. While the guys here will be able to give you some good ideas, the locals will be able to tell you some cool stuff. (thanks Twinkie Town) All of the MLB teams are covered and you will find that if you are polite you will have no problem with the fans on the other sites on SB Nation.

AC 00 00 00 - BELIEVE

by mike @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Feb 25, 2008 8:12 AM CST reply actions

Seconded.

I know several of the SBN baseball bloggers personally and their sites will always be willing to help you out -- just be nice.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Feb 25, 2008 8:30 AM CST up reply actions

I have been to Camden and Fenway

and love them both. At Fenway you get that atmosphere somewhat like what you would get at Wrigley. Camden I feel is VERY underrated as a park goes. The whole area around the park is just awesome.

If you goto Camden I would go early to the outfield area (forgot what it's called) and get some food. It is just a fun place to be. I did go back in the 90's though so I can't promise you buzz around the team will be the same...

But have a blast you'll enjoy it, baseball anywhere is fun...

by dus22 on Feb 25, 2008 9:02 AM CST reply actions

I've been to Fenway a few times

and there really isn't a BAD seat on the terrace level, although you will get beams (like Wrigley.) Another one of my favorite parts of Fenway is that they have a tour while the ballclub is on roadtrips similar to what Wrigley has. Like the Wrigley tour, it is only a few dollars, and you get to go into the scoreboard, on the field, up onto the Green Monster, and other awesome behind-the-scenes spots. Definitely worth checking out because of all the history. There is info on the Red Sox website.

Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Feb 25, 2008 10:23 AM CST up reply actions

Fenway has tours...

all the time, even on game days. As long as you're there before Noon on night game days you get to go on the field and all. Well worth it.

I would avoid any grandstand seats--they're way too cramped and many face the wrong way or have obstructions. Either splurge for Box Seats, 2nd level seats (lots of different catagories) or Green Monster Seats. Or go cheap and sit in the LF bleachers.

For the rest:
Shea--skip it.
Yankee--Don't miss, but get there early enough to see the monuments.
Camden--A+ way to spend a day.
PNC--maybe this year?
Philly-very nice, but absolutely nothing else to do in the area.

by bison on Feb 26, 2008 12:39 AM CST up reply actions

I frequent Camden

since I live in the Baltimore area and Camden is a very nice park. As far as sitting, there really isn't a bad seat. I really enjoy the outfield seats and standing in the right field area. Definitely check that out because they have little signs up where homeruns have hit and the warehouse displays the one Griffey Jr hit during the Homerun Derby. If you're interested, ESPNzone and Hooters is within walking distance from the stadium.

by McRipper on Feb 25, 2008 9:25 AM CST reply actions

Been to PNC Park...

several times and is my favorite non-Wrigley ballpark that I've been to. Not a bad seat in the place, beautiful view of the city, cheaper & easier to get tickets.

Several bars right around the ballpark. If you're looking for bars or a 'bar district,' Station Square is a lot of fun.

There is a very nice Springhill Suites by Marriott directly across the street of the NE corner of the stadium. Affordable and very nice.

BELIEVE!

by cubbie08 on Feb 25, 2008 9:26 AM CST reply actions

I second that...

went there in '04 i think for a 2 game series, it was great. Theres a nice gyro place in the park i think near the LF line. the Managahela (s/p?) Incline is pretty cool.

1st Official Al-Wanna-Be! Feel free to become an Oficial Al-Wanna-Be Today!

by LilLPLancer23 on Feb 26, 2008 3:36 PM CST up reply actions

I went to Camden during the summer.

I've been to RFK, Petco Park(lived in SD), and been to PNC and Citizens Bank(goto school in PA), and I have to say that Camden is the nicest baseball park I've attended, save Wrigley. The atmosphere is pretty incredible for a baseball team that wasn't bolstering the best record last year. I have no real recommendations, except that merck and food are pretty expensive in the ballpark, and I would try to go more than once. I also thought it was really cool how it was adjacent to the Ravens stadium.

"We are going to light up the SB Nation server farm like a Christmas tree." - cwyers

by NittanyCub on Feb 25, 2008 10:33 AM CST reply actions

NY Stadiums

I have only made it to Yankee Stadium and Shea once each so far and sat in the upper decks at both places. At Yankee Stadium, you will not want to sit in the first few rows of the upper deck because there is a small walkway in front of you. I found that I needed to lean forward the entire game so that I could see the full field. Make sure you arrive extra early so that you can tour Monument Park (usually a long line and it is closed about 30 minutes before the first pitch). At Shea, I was about halfway up behind home plate. My friends and I loved the view from there.

As others have said, there are few bad seats at Fenway as long as you stay away from the poles. I have sat in the outfield previously with few gripes and will be checking out the Right Field Grandstand seats in June.

by Qixotl on Feb 25, 2008 11:14 AM CST reply actions

Yankee Stadium

I've been living in the Bronx for the past few years (by way of Iowa City), and I've been to Yankee Stadium a few times. I personally enjoy the bleachers, but that's because they have there own entrance (much quicker to get in), own restrooms, and own concessions. The views are pretty good no matter where you're at in the bleachers (as opposed to some of the upper deck seats as mentioned above). The crowd is also pretty fun in the bleachers. Oh yeah, and the ticket prices are great, too!

There are a few sports bars across the street from the stadium, and there is some decent food along 161st Street within a few blocks of the stadium. (Perhaps the best pizza I've had in the Bronx is in a little store on the north side of 161st, one block east) The neighborhood has been getting better for the past decade, and it's not nearly as scary as it once was.

by kranskie on Feb 25, 2008 12:40 PM CST up reply actions

Agreed on Yankee Stadium bleachers.

The people there were really cool when I went last year, and you can't beat the price -- $12.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Feb 25, 2008 2:21 PM CST up reply actions

no Nats Park?

it would be fun to go there for the opening season.

by wojo on Feb 25, 2008 3:15 PM CST reply actions

Shea sucks

I suppose if you spend $100 bucks you get an OK seat
but all seats on the lower level have metal piping around the
sections of every 4 seats. There is NO atmosphere .

I 2nd that PNC is the nicest non Wrigley Park at least in the
National League ( I like Fenway) Great park and very nice people.

"It's the Cubbies. There's always a vibe. It's the greatest vibe in baseball." Greg Maddux on Cub fan's optimism even after the 06 debacle.

by jessica on Feb 25, 2008 3:25 PM CST reply actions

I for one...

think metal piping can add plenty of atmosphere

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 25, 2008 3:40 PM CST up reply actions

Alas the piping was too low

Even for Anna Benson to make use of ( you may now post
gratuitous photo of Anna).

"It's the Cubbies. There's always a vibe. It's the greatest vibe in baseball." Greg Maddux on Cub fan's optimism even after the 06 debacle.

by jessica on Feb 25, 2008 4:02 PM CST up reply actions

Here's one...

... more G-rated than most:

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Feb 25, 2008 5:10 PM CST up reply actions

Regular Benson...

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Feb 25, 2008 5:13 PM CST up reply actions

PNC tips

I asked a similar question on this site (and asked my Pittsburgh friends) about PNC, and here's what I learned (what, you're not going to stop by the new Nationals Park??...if you do, take metro):

PNC TIPS

If you're looking for a good sandwich, I suggest Primanti Brothers. The french fries are actually part of the sandwich, between the slices of bread. Lotsa calories, but very good.
There is an outlet at PNC, but fresher sandwiches and better selection are available at 10-12 other places around town. Google it and you can check their Web page.

If you're looking to drink, I do believe there is an outlet of Hi-Tops (like the one in Wrigleyville) directly across the street.

Marriott Springhill Suites hotel is right across the street from the park. Nice, clean, reasonably priced hotel and you can't beat the location.

Stay away from Iron City beer (ughhh). Yuengling beer is great. Both are local to the area.

Stay in Station Square. One of the cool things about staying at this hotel is that you can take the Gateway Clipper ship from the Hotel to the ballpark. You'll want to go to Primanti's and you'll want to make sure that you don't go to the ballpark Primanti's... it's not nearly as good.

As far as stadium food goes, though, the buffalo wings at Quaker Steak (there are a couple of them throughout the ballpark) are excellent. Decent gyros at the food court-area too (lower deck, pretty much behind home plate)...

I second the ferry ride to the ballpark from Station Square. Primanti Bros. sandwiches are great, but get them early 'cuz the lines can be long. Be sure to check out the statues and exhibit in the lower level near right field honoring Paige, Gibson and other famous Negro Leagues stars from the Grays and Crawfords. Hopefully you'll catch a fireworks show as well.

PNC is beautiful. Yuengling is a fine beer. Despite the temptation presented by the pirogi race, DO NOT GET THE PIROGIS.

I'm from Pittsburgh...I attend all of the games when the Cubs are in town. I'll be going to all three and am fine with just getting the $9 dollar bleacher seats. The only problem with those is that it gets really hot during the day because you are right in the sun.

They just opened a new Marriott Courtyard and Suites right next to the park. If they would like something with a little more tradition and atmosphere, I say the William Penn which is just across the bridge but still within walking distance. As far as food, most people eat in the ballpark...there are many good choices right there. If they want some more high end...there is Hyde Park Steakhouse next to PNC Park. (very good).

by MolineCubsFan on Feb 25, 2008 4:07 PM CST reply actions

Iron City....

might be the worst beer ever. Good thing you can't get it outside of PA (or surrounding area). On the flipside, Yuengling may be one of the best beers I've had.

Primanti Brothers sandwiches are good to try once, really just to say you've had them. The sandwiches really aren't that good (in my opinion). In the ballpark (or in the area--they have 2 locations at PNC and several restaurants in the area) go to Quaker Stake & Lube for the wings---very good!

BELIEVE!

by cubbie08 on Feb 25, 2008 5:04 PM CST up reply actions

Might want to try to fit in the Nats Stadium

it looks like it is going to be fantastic and is only about an hour south of Baltimore.

by DC Cubbie on Feb 25, 2008 7:06 PM CST reply actions

I was thinking about...

... doing the Cub series in DC this year. But it's in April... when you still have the chance of crappy weather, even there.

Guess the new Nats park will have to wait till '09 for me.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Feb 25, 2008 8:20 PM CST up reply actions

Let me know when you do make out

it would great to meet up...April could be bad, but we are generally pretty blessed when it comes to the weather here, only had about 2 or 3 inches of snow all winter. The Cubs fans really turnout at the games here, usually outnumber the Nats fans, though that might change with the new stadium.

by DC Cubbie on Feb 25, 2008 8:56 PM CST up reply actions

meant 'make it out' not 'make out'

I don't need to know about that

by DC Cubbie on Feb 25, 2008 9:00 PM CST up reply actions

LOL

n/t

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Feb 26, 2008 10:52 AM CST up reply actions

Or maybe you should go...

and then I will go! :)

I'm on the East coast, and I kind of want to go see a Cubs game over here and I kind of want to go see stadiums but I don't know how to do anything. I can wait on some of them and go other years, but Yankee Stadium will be gone so I need to make a decision.

"I don't talk. I just let what I do talk for myself." -Johan Santana

by sparkles721 on Feb 26, 2008 10:04 AM CST up reply actions

You could go to Shea in September...

... you can easily take a train into NYC and then get on the subway which takes you directly to Shea.

Same thing if you want to see a game at Yankee Stadium this year, except, of course, the Cubs wouldn't be involved.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Feb 26, 2008 10:53 AM CST up reply actions

PNC PNC PNC

I second all the discussion about PNC. Tickets are dirt cheap, so splurge. Their dugout boxes are the same price as the regular-game Wrigley bleachers. And the bar at the Marriott across the street is a nice place for a drink. Also, don't forget to go say hi to Manny Sanguillen, who presides over the official "a former player has to own a BBQ concession" joint in CF, complete with big easy chair for relaxing while signing autographs.

I'm looking forward to going to the Nats stadium, as my clients have been moved the Navy Yard complex to help the redevelopment process. But either go on a weekend and stay in Crystal City, or plan on taking the train from a park and ride either at Springfield or Greenbelt and staying out of town that night - DC hotel prices during the week are insane.

It's a simple question, Doctor: would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs??

by Invalid User on Feb 25, 2008 7:45 PM CST reply actions