Monday, 7 September 2015

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME

This morning we caught the subway way, way uptown, from 34th Street to 161th Street, emerging in the Bronx and Yankee Stadium.




 Outside the stadium were these police officers.  Now, what could be better than a photo with them?  When one asks, "Do you want to wear the hat?"  Way better!



We were both very impressed by how the Stadium runs.  Our bags WERE searched.  Not the ineffectual look the MCG does.  The security officer had a good rummage around.  Then inside there are staff like man, with signs and clothing which read, "How Can I Help You?"





 It was exciting to be there.  Lots of Yankees merchandise, but thanks to Jenna, Robert was already kitted out!  Heaps of food concessions so I tried another hot dog.  This was out first glimpse of the seating and playing area.



We realised the tickets we had purchased online before we left were in the sun.  Having passed a ticket outlet inside the stadium, Robert decided to check if we could upgrade to seats in the shade.  Very helpful young man.  Yes we could.  "$14.00".  Revert said, "So that will be $28.00?"  Nope.  Total of $14.00.  Best $14.00 we spent on the trip, sitting at the game in the shade and not in the 90 degree sun!

 The game is both an entertainment spectacle and a foodfest.  The audio system is most effective and the announcer keeps you up to date.  Lots of organ music, recorded music, games and giveaways on the big screen, plenty of crowd shots where the fans all wave and wiggle enthusiastically for the camera.



We stood for the US national anthem and a Navy officer seated near us saluted through the entire rendition.  After several innings, the crowd was asked to stand again and the big screen featured a returned serviceman, his pregnant wife and one child.  His details were displayed on the screen, America The Beautiful was broadcast, and the crowd clapped and cheered in appreciation of his service.

We were astounded by the amount of food and drink being consumed around us.  Various vendors, older men mainly, not teenagers like we have moved through the aisles spruiking their wares, usually alcoholic drinks but also the popular lemon ice.  Boy, were they diligent in demanding and checking IDs before selling to younger patrons.




 The only moving electronic advertising was high up along one balcony, not at ground level, and it only seemed active when play was not happening.

We saw several home runs hit.  It was so excited the first time, I was clapping until Robert reminded me it was a Baltimore Oriels player who had hit it.  At one time, the Yankees had three loaded bases and the batter hit a home run, so four runs were added in one play!

The final score was a 8:6 win to the Yankees!

This was the view from our seats, on the second level.  Fantastic view of all that was happening.




 We let the crowd disperse before we left Yankee Stadium.  I am sure this experience will be one of the highlights, particularly for Robert, of the trip.




2 comments:

  1. What a great day. Glad you both enjoyed it. It really is a great atmosphere at the baseball games and can just see you clapping madly (for the wrong side!) - the excitement of it all gets the better of you, I know. We saw the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Socks at Wrigley Field when we were in Chicago. Great to watch. See Robert there soaking it all in after the game. Super.

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  2. What a special day!! xx

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