First baseball game ever: LA Dodgers vs. SF Giants
My only knowledge of baseball is whatever I learned from playing Wii Sports, so it was exciting to finally watch a game in real life!
The preparations started the night before with me searching for a clear bag to bring. I didn’t want to hold on to all my things with just my hands, so it was very important that I bring a bag with me. I read through the instructions and FAQ many times to make sure everything I wanted to bring was allowed and can fit in my bag: a sealed plastic water bottle, hand sanitizer, extra masks, sunscreen, wallet, keys, tissue, cap, sunglasses, and a light jacket. Did I end up using everything in my bag? No.
Parking was next. I didn’t want to pay $25 to park at the stadium and get stuck in traffic, so I looked up parking at Union Station and how to get to the stadium with the Dodger Stadium Express. It was only $8 to park at Union Station and the shuttle was free, which was perfect! The only downside was the time it took to get to the stadium and being stuck on a bus with so many people.
This game was also handing out a Cody Bellinger bobblehead which I was looking forward to, even though I had no idea who that was! However, apparently they don’t hand it out at every entrance. The entrance I walked through did not have any, and when I walked up to another entrance to ask about it, they said they can’t give them out after you’ve passed the entrance gate. Luckily, someone else didn’t want theirs and gave it to me.
The stadium itself was huge. My seat was in the outfield, so the players looked very tiny. I was afraid the sun would be shining right at my eyes, but the sun was already setting by the time the game had started. The weather was actually quite nice with a gentle breeze! The seats were just benches, so if the person next to you kept moving over, you’ll have to keep scooting over too or else they’ll be all up in your space. Next time, I’d want a seat with my own chair.
The lines for everything were long at the stadium. I was in line for a Dodger Dog, but even after 5 minutes, the line didn’t seem to have moved. I realized that some friends were at the front of the line, so they just ordered an extra Dodger Dog for me instead! The Dodger Dog was super hyped up, but I thought it only tasted okay, especially for that price! At least I can now say that I’ve had one. Reception was also pretty bad inside the stadium, so it was amazing that we were able to message our friends at the front of the line!
For most of the game, I was pretty confused. There was so much going on outside of the game – people talking, vendors throwing churro sticks in the air, baseballs being thrown at the crowd, and the audience participation parts on the big screen – and while all that was happening, the game was still going on.
It was a close game, but the Dodgers won! I definitely want to arrive earlier to walk around the whole stadium and see what else there is to see the next time I go!
Notes for next time:
- Arrive early.
- Go through an entrance that has bobbleheads.
- Order food as a group (give someone your order!)
- Get seats with individual chairs.
- Don’t put anything on the floor – it’ll likely get wet.
- Wear your team gear!