April showers bring May flowers. April is the start of spring. April means baseball. And baby, baseball is nearly back in the D! This weekend, Tiger baseball kicks off their 2016 season, with Opening Day this Friday.
This week, myself and another Wayne State University Odyssey writer, Jared Hoehing, will each be presenting our side to the biggest debate known to Opening Day attendees: Bar or stadium? It is my belief that there is no greater way to experience this holiday than to be at the stadium, and I am prepared to argue that side to the death.
I grew up in a household where missing school was not an option. But Opening Day was a national holiday, and come rain, snow, sunshine, or any other weather ailment, you can count on my family being at good ol Comerica Park! Opening Day has become a tradition and being in the stadium to see that first pitch is electrifying!
There’s something about seeing a sporting event live, at the stadium. The smell of hot dogs or roasted nuts. The cheering crowd and their attempts to start the wave over and over until the whole stadium is patiently waiting to raise their arms. Sports bring people together.
When you get to witness a baseball game from the stadium, you get so much more than just a game of baseball. Rather than being on a TV screen in a bar or on your couch, you get a way more interactive way of watching the game. Throughout all nine innings, there are fun things to watch, listen, or participate in. Some classics include the 7th inning stretch or the dance off between two fans.
Honestly, there is no bad seat in the stadium. Anywhere you sit you get a 360-degree view of the game, and if that isn’t enough there is a live action projected for you on the jumbotron. You’re also surrounded by good eats ~ some even brought right to your seat. Besides, is it really a baseball game if you don’t spend $6.50 on peanuts and throw the shells at your feet?!
My personal favorite part of being in the stadium is the opportunity to spend some time relaxing. Going to the game with people you love, gives you a great opportunity to not only enjoy a good ball game, but to also genuinely spend time together. Being at the stadium, there are fewer distractions than at home or the bar. At the stadium you can fully enjoy your time and your surroundings!
Another fun thing about going to the ball game is its an adventure! Going to a game entails way more than just sitting and watching baseball! It’s an all day activity! Before or after the game you can hit some local bars or get some good eats. Detroit and the area around Comerica Park is full of fun things to explore!
Some tips for hitting the stadium:
-Plan ahead! It is a process, give yourself enough time to park and find your seats before the game starts!
-Remember you can’t bring opened food or drinks into the stadium! Eat before you come or show up hungry for your ballpark favorites!
-WEAR SUNSCREEN! For some reason no matter where I sit in the stadium, I only get sunburned on half of my face. Here’s a photo circa Opening Day 2014.
-Have fun! Relax! Enjoy your day at the game ~ it’s a fun time!!
The buzz in the stadium. The fresh air. The feeling of thousands of people cheering and watching as one. The tickets stub you can stick in a scrapbook to prove you were there. There truly is nothing like being at a game.
