For as much of an opinion that I have had on most stadiums, the time we visited U.S. Cellular Field was nothing special, but nothing awful. Built 1991, it has an older feel but not too bad. It was clean and organized. The area outside of the field was a bit dicey of an area; however, most fans seemed that they were there for the love of the game.
We went to an early April game several years back, and although I know that we could have encountered snow, it was windy and chilly as most Chicagoans would expect. It was a good thing that the day’s give-a-way was a White Sox beanie hat.
My husband and I have created a tradition, and routine, when we visit each ballpark. We arrive to the park as early as we can. For many of these stadiums, we know that this is possibly our only time within those walls. We want to make the most of it. Regardless if we show up during batting practice or the first pitch, we explore the entire main level all the way around. After we explore and find our seats, we begin to enjoy the game.
After the third inning, we tend to venture off for the most popular food of the park. There are dozens upon dozens of places that give their two cents around baseball ballpark food. At the beginning of our journey, I picked one and it is the website that we refer to each and every game. Fox Sports issued an article in 2011 referencing every ballpark in the league. (click here for the website )
After the seventh inning, Dusty and I venture off again to find our pennant of choice (we buy one every game) and then decide if we are staying until the end or choosing to beat the traffic. Unlike Busch Stadium, most ballparks are not at maximum capacity each game, allowing for more of an easier departure from the stadium. This usually results in us staying until the last pitch is thrown.
The White Sox game was special for us compared to others that we have visited. It was our goddaughter’s first baseball game…about eight weeks prior to being fully cooked…I mean, born. Although we know that she will probably grow up to be a Chicagoan, and a Cubs fan sadly, I enjoy knowing that a Cubs game was not her first game and that Duston and I attempted to bring her into the love of baseball on a natural ground at a White Sox vs. Mariners game. I guess only time will tell.
How do you think team dedication is form? Do you think it is influenced more by the family, by the friends, or by the area one grows up in?
