We spent the weekend in Long Island for a family function and the weekend started with setting a personal record for longest car ride. It takes 1:50 with absolutely no traffic and a typical ride is 2:15. On Saturday, try 3 hrs and 40 minutes. And there were no accidents, just congestion as we spent an aggravating hour and a half going two miles to get to the GW bridge. I still can’t get used to city traffic and I loathe approaching that bridge and crossing the Cross Bronx Expressway.

Anyway, Sunday was spent taking in a Mets game at Citi Field. The weather was as perfect as it could get on a mid Summer afternoon: Cloudy with temps in the low 80s. Rain held off as any stationary showers didn’t venture into our area. The majority of the time it is just my wife and I at a stadium, but on this day we ran into a bunch of people. We briefly hooked up with my brother-in-law’s family and some out of town cousins as we found out they would be there the day before. Then I also enjoyed meeting up with Gary Herman and the King, who run the blog: Royalty Tours USA (http://royaltytours.blogspot.com). These guys who live in NYC are probably the pioneers of attending sporting events as they attend around 350 games a year and have been to every pro facility as well as a ton of other stadiums. We chatted for an inning or so and I got to hear the King’s signature strikeout call.

As for my thoughts on the ballpark (click here for the full review)…this is why I like waiting a year or two (or more) to go to a brand new stadium. In the first year, of Citi Field complaints were widespread about how the Mets did not do enough to celebrate their own history. To address those issues, a terrific Hall of Fame & Museum was added, they’ve added more pictures and Mets touches and they moved the old Shea Apple from a hidden corner to in front of the ballpark. However, I can certainly see how Mets fans do not like how a lot of this ballpark pays homage to a team not their’s: the Brooklyn Dodgers. The outside is designed almost exactly like Ebbets Field and the entrance brings you to the Jackie Robinson Rotunda, dedicated to an unbelievably terrific man, but he’s not a Met. On a personal standpoint, ignoring what it represents for a second, I think the exterior is absolutely stunning and the rotunda is fantastic, especially with the addition of the Mets Hall of Fame.

Inside, I’m mixed. I’ll get the bad out of the way: There’s nothing too new with the design (and why couldn’t they make those seats Mets blue instead of green). And while I like the Pepsi porch and the intimacy of the new park…I just can’t stand all of those luxury seating areas. I know this is too be expected with a new stadium in the biggest city in the world, but this should be the most affordable sport. There are six club seating areas and you can’t get anywhere near home plate on field level because of some of these clubs. In addition, pricing is crazy with 38 different pricing tiers. 21 of those are for non-club seats and of those 21, there were 10 priced over $70 on this day. My other biggest complaint is too many seats with overhangs that obstruct your view. This is a game where you need to see what’s going on in the air and I know a lot of new ballparks have these, but it seemed a lot here. Maybe it’s just because I moved around more than I usually do.

Now there were certainly some aspects I really liked. For instance, the Pepsi Porch seems like a great section and I was very happy to see that the Outfield is built up, so you don’t have to look out and see those junkyard eyesores. It’s too bad though that you couldn’t see the bay more. Though I’m glad those big scoreboards are there, I actually like the old scoreboard at Shea better. The outfield concourse area is a great aspect of the park. Not as good as Ashburn Alley in Philly (especially because the view of the field is blocked here)…but still very well done. There’s a huge area to congregate and so many different food options with the “Taste of the City” and “World’s Market Fair”, the types of food seemed endless. I sucked up waiting 30min in line before the game to have one of those “Shake Shack” burgers and I will say that is one awesome burger. The nearby beer selection at Big City Brews is tremendous. If you go outside this area for food though it seems like every other stand is for Nathan’s Hot Dogs, Burgers or Fries. The other great aspect in the outfield is Shea Bridge, which is designed to look like and represent NYC’s many bridges that connect the boroughs.
So, overall despite some of it’s flaws, I do like this park, especially the beautiful exterior and the rotunda. I’m glad management listened to complaints last year and made it more Mets-like…but I can certainly still understand how Mets fans are not pleased with the overall concept.

As for the game…the Mets took a big fat dump in the middle of the field. 14-1, against the worse team in the league, on a day when they inducted four people into the team hall of fame. This loss gave the Mets a 1-5 record against Arizona  in the last two weeks as they get ready to embark on a road trip to division front-runners Atlanta and Philadelphia. Adam LaRoche blew the game open with a pair of 3-run homers in the fourth and fifth. The pre-game ceremony was very nice and well done as Frank Cashen, Davey Johnson and stars (but troubled stars) Dwight Gooden and Darryl Strawberry were inducted to the team hall of fame.

Technically, the name of this post should be “Back from Providence”, since that’s where I spent most of my time the last few days, but playing with the B’s sounds better. I was in Providence for a trade show at work and I thought the section of downtown I was in was nice. A revitalization took place there in the 90s and the area known as “downcity” contained Providence Place, a Riverwalk, a night-time event called WaterFire and nearby is the State Capitol. Attached to our hotel and the convention center was the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, home of the AHL Providence Bruins and college basketball’s Providence Friars. Doors were locked (of course) as I tried to get a peak inside.

Friday Night, I drove 40 minutes Northeast into the small city of Brockton, Massachusetts to see the Rox play New Jersey in a Can-Am baseball game. Brockton won 9-3 as a pair of two-run home runs in the fifth inning pushed them into the lead. All of the details on the stadium experience can be seen here. A couple of the highlights/lowlights: Not happy with the whole parking situation as the Rox webpage gives you no details and there were no signs or direction when approaching the park. Instead, I just parked at the closest lot; a suburban shopping complex and then crossed a busy road to get to the ballpark. It wasn’t until I was at the front of the stadium did I see the abundant parking at the high school. Campanelli is one of the nicest parks in the Can-Am League. I thought that Brockton does a wonderful job paying homage to their boxing background with murals of boxers around and the two “retired” numbers being Marvin Hagler and Rocky Marciano. The design of the park featured a lot of metal and aluminum which was surprisingly disappointing when taking quick glances as you wouldn’t expect that. Turnout wasn’t bad (2544), but the numbers for the team have dropped significantly over the last five years. Full details on the trip can be read by clicking #87 Campanelli Stadium on the right.

It takes a lot to pry me away from the NCAA Basketball tournament, as the sport I love and follow so much culminates in Mid-March. However, a new stadium will be able to take me away. So after being couped up for three days and enjoying one of the best and most competitive tournaments seen in a long time, it was off to Philadelphia. The timing was great as I really lucked out with Syracuse getting the 12:10 PM second round game. After watching them win in convincing fashion we left and spent some time outside in the perfect 75 degree weather. I really enjoy Philly’s Old City and Center City areas as we parked in the easily accessible Independence Visitor’s Center Garage and then walked into Center City, passing Chinatown. After checking out the impressive Reading Terminal Market, we brought our dinner we bought there into a square across City Hall. I love the architecture on that building, especially the huge statue of William Penn at the top. We also saw Love Park (where the LOVE sign is), before heading back.

It was off to South Philadelphia’s Sports Complex for the Wachovia Center (for a full review, you can click here). The last time here, we took the subway in to the Phillies game. This time we drove and as expected it is very easy to get in as it is just off I-95 with plentiful and easy parking. As easy as it was to get in, getting out sucks if your not from the area. The facility should have some detail on which lanes go where, because I got into the wrong lanes for I-95 (Southbound) and had to pull a jerky move to get over. Then, without even telling you, one of the lanes to get to I-95 N, brings you back into the Complex, which I was stuck in and had to wait forever to have someone let me get over. So beware of this if you head down to a game. As for the buildiing, it is rather bland with an exterior design that did not really win me over. The inside seating bowl, is just a basic two level set-up with suites/clubs/restaurants in between and at the top. The design does look to promote noise which is good. A couple of pluses include their numerous and good-looking banners and the fact that the guys running the beautiful video scoreboard know how to use it: just for game video, replays and occasional fan shots (side note: when they put the Kiss Cam on to Atlanta players, they actually acknowledged it and one of the guys gave a fake smooch to the helmet to a rousing ovation from Flyer Fans…first time I’ve seen that!). One boo goes to the horrible “Welcome to Comcast Country” sign at the top of the sides. What exactly is Comcast Country, your customers?

The concourse here was excellent as there is so much to look at and do. Between bars to hang out in and displays like the “Flyers Experience” and the hats from all Flyers home hat tricks, they did a terrific job. Once again, Philly dominates in the food section. There is a so much variety here and everything looks great! Just some of the things I saw include hoagies, cheesesteaks, water ice, different types of barbeque, smoked sausage and tastycakes. Probably the most popular item were crab fries, which are a staple at the famous South Philadelphia sports bar: Chickie and Pete’s.

The atmosphere at a Flyers game is terrific as every single fan’s attention is on the game. There aren’t many distractions (no mascot, no t-shirt toss) and the focus is hockey, which is a great change of pace. I almost felt out of place not wearing orange or black as it seemed nearly every fan had some sort of Flyers gear on. The place is loud, especially as the Flyers cut the lead to one and I can see how this building could rock come playoff time. Fans are extremely knowledgeable and of course have the reputation of being “bad”. Yes the boobirds were out at times and there were some obscenity-filled comments, but I never saw any obnoxious jerks there  (now the opponent was the nobody cares about you Atlanta Thrashers). Nearly all of the ire was to Flyers Goalie Brian Boucher, who to be frank, sucked. He let in two soft goals and he saved the worse one for last when Philadelphia cut the lead to 2-1 and was putting on all sorts of pressure. Boucher let in a soft wrister with three minutes left and almost immediately about half of the angry and frustrated fans got up in unison and left. Atlanta’s victory now has me on a two game home new stadium losing streak. And what used to be a stellar 13-2 record for the hockey home guys, has now dropped to 13-4 since the last two. That was my 80th stadium and it was a great night at the venue. Next up is Texas as we have a couple of games planned just a few short weeks away: the University of Texas’s Disch Falk Field and the AT&T Center, home of the San Antonio Spurs.

On a cold Saturday Afternoon, I made the two-hour trip to Philadelphia to see #78 on the list, newly renovated Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse, now known as Michael J. Hagan ’85 Arena. Saint Joseph’s University was the team and I’ve always enjoyed watching them play on TV in their little bandbox gym. Not only watching their stellar 2003-2004 team led by Jameer Nelson and Delonte West, but even back to 2001 when Marvin O’Connor was lighting it up for them. I never realized that they were right near the edge of Philadelphia, I always thought they were in the middle like Penn or Temple. But the campus is right on the border of Montgomery Co. and Lower Merion Twp, on US-1 or City Ave. City Ave kind of had a busy suburbanish feel, but there were a few upscale shopping plazas.

After walking around Hawk Hill and campus for a few minutes, it was game-time. I bought my ticket at the last minute and of course they screwed it up at Will Call. This was my first ever will call error, so I guess that’s not too bad. They couldn’t find my ticket and then sent me to another ticket booth where I got a random ticket that wasn’t even mine. I didn’t care, as long as I got in, though I prefer aisle seats and my original had Seat 3. Over the past year, they completely re-did the facility and added about 1,000 more seats. I must say they did a terrific job. The surrounding concourses are well done with trophy displays and huge murals of players and teams on the walls. Meanwhile, they still kept the seating layout, but just added the seats at the ends of the arena. It is an old-school, tight set up with all of the seating areas flat and facing straight forward. The important thing is that they didn’t seem to lose that loud and intimidating atmosphere. For more review details, check out the review on the right.

It was cool to be able to see the famous Hawk in person and it’s true he/she (this year, I think its a she) does not stop flapping its wings. There were signs all over saying “The Hawk Will Never Die” and though I never heard any great chants except “Let’s Go St Joe’s”, the students were still on winter break. The Hawks really struggled against Fordham and for there standards have had a terrible year as the win brought them to 5-9. Offensively, they just couldn’t get into a rhythm and they let the Rams hit too many threes. Still, they gradually pulled away late in the game.  Everything went well with the visit as I enjoyed a nice time on Hawk Hill and was glad to get to a college basketball barn I have seen over the years. Great job with the renovations and it was an arena I liked. The only other game note was seeing the terrific basketball writer/observer/traveler Kyle Whelliston (Mid-Majority) and Bally there at the game in press row. After the game, right across the street is Larry’s Steaks. I’ve yet to have a Philly Cheesesteak and was glad I stopped their for one. It was an awesome cheesesteak!!!! Skip Pat’s and Geno’s as so many of the online reviews I’ve read describe them as tourist traps (and who would want cheese wiz anyway?) and head to Larry’s.

The trip to West Long Branch to see Monmouth University’s new arena went very well. The Hawks hung in the game for the first ten minutes, but Seton Hall gradually pushed it out of reach. I was rooting for the Hawks not only because most times I side with the Sub Red-Liners. Plus the Hall comes across as arrogant along with their over-expressive coach Bobby Gonzalez. I know being Syracuse fan, I should ‘root’ for my conference, but I can’t stand most of the Big East teams (Conncocketicut, Pitt…etc).

Anyway, the building is beautiful and seems to be much better than old Boylan Gym. They made the arena intimate with seats extremely close to the court and you could tell it certainly could get loud. It’s just too bad Monmouth fans didn’t feel that energized to keep loud and TRY to rattle Seton Hall. The layout is a bit awkward, but it is great that they put the indoor track on the top level and not near the playing court. That way it feels like a true arena. The scoreboard was beautiful too and they never used the video in a distracting way. I think they were still working out some of the opening night kinks as it took me forever to find where the programs were sold (hidden behind the stairwell when you first walk in). Also, the ticket procedure was a little strange. I also hope they get some banners up in that place! That better not be an oversight, because they should proudly be hanging there conference championships.

All-in-all, the MAC is a decent, new arena. I enjoyed my game there and the building has some very good features. It certainly is light-years ahead of its NEC counterparts and likely will help Monmouth basketball with recruiting.

We’re back from a full day at the Jersey Shore. Before heading off to FirstEnergy Park and seeing the BlueClaws, we took off to see some of the shore at Point Pleasant Beach. The beach and area were pretty nice and there were definitely some cool stuff. There is a long boardwalk and in the middle is where a lot of attractions are. We spent some time at the aquarium and playing some mini-golf. We ran out of time to grab dinner because there are some big pains into heading here. A hot Saturday in mid-July = crappy traffic. The Garden State Parkway was packed and we lost about 45 min in traffic. Once your out of the traffic, you then have to find a place to park, which is no problem if you want to pay $18 freakin dollars! No thanks, we’ll walk from metered spots on the street. Oh yeah, you want to lay on our beach, that will be $8. I think we’ll pass on day trips here, however I’ve never seen true “beach houses” before and those we’re pretty awesome. It would be a sweet summer to rent that with friends and have a house that sits right on the boardwalk and beach.

We then headed about 20 minutes west to the other side of the parkway in Lakewood. Once again, I really enjoyed this park. We’ve been on a nice string of stadia lately (except for NH). I love how this park uses all of the space it has, by filling it with lawn areas or picnic spots. It is also enclosed, which is great when there is no view. I’ve only seen the minor league 360 degree concourse in Allentown and they had one here too, another great touch. Food prices were high (almost the same as Philly), but that was really my only complaint. Great atmosphere in a very well done ballpark. Kudos Lakewood! To check out a more detailed review, it is on the right of the page and I’m hoping to have it up later today. Otherwise, it will be up on Wednesday as I’m off to a brief work retreat, a little further down the shore in Atlantic City.

With Memorial Day coming up and the it worked out where I don’t have to work the weekend or the holiday, it’s the perfect time for a trip! We’ll head on up to Portland, ME on Saturday morning. Hadlock Field is on tap for Sunday Afternoon game between the Sea Dogs and Connecticut. Then on Monday, we’ll head to one of the worse-named ballparks in the country Merchantsauto.com Stadium in Manchester, NH to see the Fisher Cats play Trenton. I’m excited as this is the first stadium in a couple months, with Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City being the last visit. That one was clutch that it worked out as there is only a few days where it hosts a sporting event (the A-10 basketball championship).

I was really hoping the AHL Pirates would still be in the playoffs, not only so I could see the Cumberland County Civic Center, but seeing the Sabres prospects would be great (still heartbroken they are no longer with my hometown Amerks). I’ll still try to check out the facility while I’m up there though.

The last summer holiday trip to Pittsburgh-Altoona (PNC Park and Blair County Ballpark) worked out perfectly with the weather and it’s looking like we should be able to squeeze out a couple mostly dry days here too.

Looking forward to a couple new ballparks and visiting a beautiful city and section of the country. I’ll have more posts with details on the trip next week, otherwise expect to see more updates to the site!