Now that it’s baseball playoff season, America’s favorite pastime is on everyone’s mind. No matter which team you are rooting for (or against) in the playoffs, it’s hard not to get caught up in the excitement. If you’re fortunate enough to have scored tickets to a playoff game, you’re probably planning to pile into an RV and having an amazing tailgating party, regardless of whether you’re headed to NY, LA, or Philly.
While any playoff game is guaranteed to be an amazing experience, tailgating offers lots of pre-game fun. Let’s tackle the National League stadiums first!
For those of you heading to Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, general parking costs $15 per car and $35 per bus, limo, or RV. Visitors can access all major area freeways from every parking lot, so arrival and departure is relatively convenient in spite of the large crowds. Visitors should be aware that tailgating and alcohol consumption are strictly prohibited in stadium parking lots. Don’t worry, though – while you may not be able to tailgate in the parking lots, you can still arrive up to 2 hours before game time and unwind by visiting one of several designated “party areas” in the stadium, including the Loge Terrace sports bar and the ampm All-You-Can-Eat Pavilion, which has adjacent picnic tables.
Fans who are looking to be a part of the Dodger experience are invited to enjoy pre-game batting practice from Field Level, regardless of where they are seated during the game. Batting practice ends 50 minutes prior to game time, at which time fans must return to their designated seating areas. Alternatively, visitors can pick up a souvenir or two at one of several teams stores and booths located throughout the stadium.
Unlike Dodger Stadium, the Philadelphia Phillies’ stadium, Citizens Bank Park, does offer designated tailgating sections (Lots A-H, J,K,L,M & N). Parking for Phillies games is $12 for cars and $24 for buses and for any vehicle that takes up more than one space, where an RV rental will most likely not fit in one space, so you might want to budget $24 for parking just to be on the safe side. Like Dodger Stadium, parking lots at Citizens Bank Park open two hours prior to game time, affording fans plenty of opportunity to cook up some burgers and brats in the parking lot before the game.
Of course, the stadium also offers plenty of concessions once play starts. They were even voted “Best Ballpark Eats” in 2007 by the Food Network, so visitors will probably want to sample some of that local Philly flavor! In addition to standard ballpark fare like hot dogs and crackerjacks, fans can find many well-known Philadelphia vendors like Chickie & Pete’s and Tony Luke’s, as well as tons of regional favorites, including Philadelphia water ice, hot pretzels, hoagies, and, of course, cheesesteaks. Enterprising tailgaters might try cooking up cheesesteaks in their motorhome rental, but to get the full Philly experience, you’ve got to try one made by the pros!
In addition to the many great food options at Citizens Bank Park, there are also lots of other activities for fans young and old alike. There are numerous playing areas for younger children, plus a store where kids can design and build their own Phillie Phanatic (the Phillies’ mascot), which is run by Build-a-Bear. For older children and adults, the stadium has many works of fine art scattered throughout, including statues of four Phillies Hall of Famers, Memory Lane (lined with an illustrated history of the Phillies), and Cooperstown Gallery, a collection of 32 oil paintings of Phillies Hall of Famers.
With the many concessions, activities, and places to visit at each stadium, you’ll be amazed at how quickly your pre-game partying time will fly by. Fortunately, both stadiums allow cameras, so you can take plenty of pictures to remember your playoff visit!
