In our last post, we talked about pre-gaming at the stadiums of each of the National League playoff contenders, the Philadelphia Phillies and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Today, we’ll talk about visiting the stadiums for the American League playoff teams – the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Angels. While the playoffs are winding down, the tailgating rules and stadium attractions will still be in effect for the World Series and, of course, for fans visiting next season, so be sure to bookmark this page if you’re planning to attend a game at either stadium in 2010 (or if you are one of the lucky few who will be attending a World Series game!).
A visit to either stadium for a playoff game pretty much requires a big group of people and plenty of time for tailgating. Fortunately, parking lots at both stadiums allow for tailgating, and the stadiums themselves offer plenty for fans to see and do both before and after the games.
Visitors to the Los Angeles Angels’ stadium, in Anaheim, California, can expect to pay just $8 for parking (oversize vehicles are $16). While tailgating is permitted in the general parking area, alcohol and charcoal grills are prohibited. Angel Stadium parking lots open 2 1/2 hours before the game starts, leaving plenty of time to tailgate and even some time to tour the stadium before first pitch.
Fans visiting Angel Stadium for the first time, particularly those with kids in tow, will want to check out the Outfield Extravaganza, a display area that mirrors the California coastline. While it’s cool to look at before the game, it’s during play that it really becomes fun. Whenever something special happens on the field, the Extravaganza celebrates with fireworks and a 90-foot high geyser!
Visitors can also watch batting practice prior to the game, or visit the team store to pick up a souvenir. If you’re really lucky, you might even be able to get an autograph with your favorite player! Fans who arrive early are allowed in sections 101-103 and 133-135 during batting practice, and Angels players might come over to for autographs.
If you’re planning to head up to Yankee Stadium in New York City (specifically, in the Bronx), you’ll have to park in private parking lots near the stadium. The stadium’s website advocates taking mass transit into the Bronx, and there are subway stops right outside the stadium. However, we think it’s much more fun to rent a 15-passenger van and drive up to NY instead. Not only will you then be able to tailgate (which is half the fun of going to a sporting event, anyway), but it’ll actually be cheaper than taking mass transit, and you won’t have to deal with waiting for trains or pushing for a spot on the crowded subway. Just make sure you leave a couple hours early, because traffic can get quite backed-up even on a regular season game day!
Once you are in the Bronx, there are several parking lots nearby that offer special game-day rates (for the 2009 post-season, they are $30-$40 for cars), and some offer the option of reserving a space prior to the game, which is probably a good idea. The last thing you want to deal with is a van rental filled with cranky passengers as you try to find a parking spot before the game! Parking lots open 3 hours before the game, and tailgating is permitted in most lots although open flames are not allowed, so plan on eating subs, not burgers.
Prior to the game, fans visiting Yankee Stadium should definitely check out Monument Park, an outdoor museum honoring many players with plaques and a select few with monuments (Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, and manager Miller Huggins). Fans can also visit the Museum, located within the stadium, which features memorabilia from each era of Yankees baseball. Some of the featured items include autographed jerseys and baseball bats from such great players as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Yogi Berra, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Reggie Jackson, and many others. The museum also has all six of the Yankees’ World Series trophies (although they’ve won 26 World Series, trophies were not distributed until 1967) on display, as well as autographed balls from hundreds of players.
Of course, all the pre-game fun pales in comparison to watching your team compete for a chance at the Pennant. Regardless of which teams wins, the excitement and energy at the ballpark will linger in your memory for years to come!
