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| - Half way through my tour of Cactus League stadiums and I find myself in familiar surroundings. They are no longer "friendly confines" as the Oakland A's have taken over Hohokam Stadium. I am a diehard Cubs fan, and have nothing against the A's. Other than a few quirks experienced here and back at Phoenix Muni a few years ago.
The usual basics... It was another gorgeous March day in Arizona. Parking on the east side of the stadium was only $5 and very close to the actual stadium. Besides the obvious change in color since the Cubs left Hohokam, the A's have obviously spent some money to spruce this place up. The best improvement is outside the gates. Ticket kiosks! The entire Cactus League needs to adopt these. No offense to the ticket window folks. But I just walked up and got my ticket in no time!
I walked the main concourse under the stadium and it still feels too narrow, but less crowded. Again, no offense to the A's, but you're in one of the larger stadiums and you just don't draw the crowds that the Cubs do. I saw more improvements such as "marketplace" type vendors and Ike's Love & Sandwiches. I should've gone with my instinct and eaten there. More to follow.
I made my way to the right field berm and became acquainted with my old friend, the fence. Right field sitting is useless, unless you park it right up against the fence or way behind the concourse path that bisects this seating. I chose the fence. Everything was cool until one guy started leaning on the fence. Then all his buddies joined him. I'm sorry, but offense taken when you block my view with your ass! I had staked out my territory, and I knew they wouldn't be allowed to be there during the game. They were told to sit down and did, but they made it back to the rail. So I went to left field.
I decided to try a cheeseburger and fries for $10, which seemed like a pretty good deal. Too bad the burger I was eating (30 mins prior to first pitch) tasted like it had been prepared an hour before and re-heated. Barely warm, over cooked, previously melted cheese and a crunchy bun with rubbery fries. Ugh! Eat at Ike's!
At least there is a gorgeous new scoreboard. The A's spent some money there. Also, I don't recall the additional shaded areas on the concourse down the 1st and 3rd base lines. And in the end, the game was exciting. The A's came from behind to beat the Reds on a wild pitch, scoring a run in the bottom of the 9th, 6-7.
Improvements and all, this is just an inferior ball park that Cubs fans like me tolerated. Still, I wish I could've had a Chicago dog!
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