My baseball odyssey continues
http://frankscoblete.com/baseball/
And, as a Pittsburgh native (now in NE PA), I agree with you on Primanti's. Try it once as local color, then move on.
I also read the old ones. Impressed that you are shockingly honest about Wrigley, most people usually suck up to that place. The field itself is nice, and I got a surreal feeling while watching the game, but the concourses/bathrooms are really terrible. FYI, you also called the White Sox park "new"; I think that's a stretch, it's the 9th oldest in the league (3rd oldest of the major rebuilding of MLB stadiums beginning w/Toronto in 1989). But US Cellular does definitely have good food and beer (~20 different craft beers) at the cheapest prices I've seen lately, so I much rather go there than Wrigley.
Quote: MoscaFrank, great report! You should join Roadfood. Had you done so, you would have learned that one of the best breakfasts in the US is in Pittsburgh, at Pamela's in the Shadyside section.
And, as a Pittsburgh native (now in NE PA), I agree with you on Primanti's. Try it once as local color, then move on.
I currently can see one of Pamelas locations out of my bedroom window and I have only been there maybe 4 times in 10 years. Its weird how you can take some things for granted. If I moved away I would probably miss it.
Quote: tringlomaneGood read.
I also read the old ones. Impressed that you are shockingly honest about Wrigley, most people usually suck up to that place. The field itself is nice, and I got a surreal feeling while watching the game, but the concourses/bathrooms are really terrible. FYI, you also called the White Sox park "new"; I think that's a stretch, it's the 9th oldest in the league (3rd oldest of the major rebuilding of MLB stadiums beginning w/Toronto in 1989). But US Cellular does definitely have good food and beer (~20 different craft beers) at the cheapest prices I've seen lately, so I much rather go there than Wrigley.
We saw a Pirates vs Cubs game last year. I bought seats 7 rows behind the dug out. I was so unimpressed with the stadium. The underneath concourse to get to the lower seats was just dreadful. The bathrooms were downright disgusting. I would give that stadium a solid D-.
Quote: IbeatyouracesI had to LOL about the Detroit visit. Nothing could be further from the truth then that report with exception to the blight in the neighborhoods and a bit downtown. During games though, the whole downtown area is bustling, trust me, I'm there every damn day. Crowds usually hang out at the Westin looking for autographs, as that is usually where the visiting team stays. I'm surprised you guys didn't stay at Greektown. The hotel is rather inexpensive and a lot closer to the ballpark. Should've asked me for any info that could help (just ask in the forum and I'll open PM's). I do agree about the bum situation though. Most of them don't bother you but some will ask for change. I just ignore them and keep walking. All in all though, as bad as the city seems or looks from the outside or what's portrayed on TV, it's pretty damn safe downtown. I've never once had a problem, even while carrying a load of cash from casino to casino. And yes, I WALK or DDOT bus between them, not drive! Frank, you just got unlucky, that's all.
When I was there earlier this month I took in the Sunday afternoon game with a buddy who has season tickets. I was amazed at how many people flooded the downtown area for that game. Hell we walked from some lot out near the building with ZOMBIELAND written up top ( area new hockey arena is going up at? ) and not one person bothered us.
Some amazing old buildings down in that area...that church just north of the ballpark St Johns?
http://housesofworship.wordpress.com/2011/11/01/st-johns-episcopal-church-detroit-michigan/
The ballpark itself was okay...but I still miss THE OLD BALLPARK on the corner of Michigan and Trumbell
Quote: FrankScobleteMaybe I didn't give Detroit a chance...maybe. But those buildings that were abandoned; few people (except bums) on the street, place looked like a dead city. I was only a half mile from the stadium, I stayed across the street from Westin, and when we walked to the park there was only that one woman on the street.
I haven't spent much time in Detroit outside downtown, which I wouldn't quantify as "full of life" but it was just all right. Nothing special. It's kind of dirty, the transport modes are outdated, and the highways are an autobahn. The sports fans? Freaking awesome. I went to a game at the old Tiger Stadium, which was basically a sweatbox, and a game at Joe Louis Arena much later, and the fans were incredible, nothing like the dullards here in Columbus who can't get excited about anything other than Ohio State football.
When I went up there for the Census, they put us up at Renaissance Center, which was beautiful, but the best view in the house? Windsor. And I forgot my passport.
