Planning our 1st Pre-Season Game

[tc3]

Although I've been a lifelong Sox fan, I've never attended a pre-season game. I'm headed to the March 28th game at City of Palms Park against the Twins. I've got some questions and I'm hoping some of you more experienced fans wouldn't mind sharing your thoughts.

 

My main focus is on setting reasonable expectations for my 10 year old daughter, who is now hopelessly hooked on the Sox. So...

 

* What are the odds of being able to meet (even very briefly) some of the players, and snagging an autograph? Is there anything a guy could do to increase those odds (show up early, go to a particular location in the park, etc)?

 

Even though I bought the tickets moments after they went on sale, I was only able to get "standing room / general admission" tickets...

 

* What should we expect for a view? Should we be optimistic, or not really get our hopes up too high?

 

* Is it likely that as the game progresses that some seats might become unoccupied? Or should we expect a full, long-lasting crowd?

 

And in general...

 

* Any hints, tips, tricks, or advice you could share with a Dad who just wants his wife and 2 young girls to have as good of a time as possible at their 1st Sox Pre-Season game?

 

Thanks in advance. I appreciate anything you're willing to share.

[Papelbon58]

Um, I'm not an expert on how to answer those questions for you, but, uh, calling them by their real name might help.

 

Baseball teams play spring training games or exhibition games, not preseason games.

[Cocos Disciples]

-You will definitely be able to get autographs and probably exchange a couple words; the players are a lot more relaxed and willing to chat than in the regular season. Show up early and hang out near the tarp or wherever the players are. Having cute kids won't hurt.

 

-There will be some empty seats so you will probably be able to get a decent view.

[CrespoBlows]

Ask Dustin Pedroia about Jerry Remy.

[tc3]

Coco's: Thanks for the info. I appreciate it.

 

Papelbon58: I can see how critical that distinction is. Glad you set me straight. :-)

[MANNYHOF24]

Although I've been a lifelong Sox fan, I've never attended a pre-season game. I'm headed to the March 28th game at City of Palms Park against the Twins. I've got some questions and I'm hoping some of you more experienced fans wouldn't mind sharing your thoughts.

 

My main focus is on setting reasonable expectations for my 10 year old daughter, who is now hopelessly hooked on the Sox. So...

 

* What are the odds of being able to meet (even very briefly) some of the players, and snagging an autograph? Is there anything a guy could do to increase those odds (show up early, go to a particular location in the park, etc)?

 

Even though I bought the tickets moments after they went on sale, I was only able to get "standing room / general admission" tickets...

 

* What should we expect for a view? Should we be optimistic, or not really get our hopes up too high?

 

* Is it likely that as the game progresses that some seats might become unoccupied? Or should we expect a full, long-lasting crowd?

 

And in general...

 

* Any hints, tips, tricks, or advice you could share with a Dad who just wants his wife and 2 young girls to have as good of a time as possible at their 1st Sox Pre-Season game?

 

Thanks in advance. I appreciate anything you're willing to share.

 

I went to a game last year at City of Palms park with STO tickets, and the view was better than alot of the actual seats. After about the 3rd inning it was wicked easy to find an empty seat for the tired legs. The view its a nice ballpark to watch a baseball game in I thought.

[berryjooks]

tc3,

 

My Dad lived in Fort Myers and worked at City of Palms from the time it opened until he passed away last year at 84, so I've spent a fair amount of time there. I'm down here now and the weather is beautiful, 80+ today, although tomorrow is supposed to be 65 and rainy. I'll take that over 20 and snowy any day...

 

The park is a much more relaxed venue than Fenway, and during a typical Spring Training game you will be able to move down to the good seats by the third or fourth inning. If you get there really early, head to the end of the stands on the left field line. There are batting cages below and you can toss balls or hats down to any of the players there.

 

As game time approaches, move down to the front row on the third base side, as the Sox use that dugout down here. You can get plenty of great closeups, and most of them will come over and give KIDS autographs.

 

When the game starts, you can head on over towards right, where there's grass seating. Pretty cool.

 

The chow stands down on the main concourse are run by different civic orgs, who get a cut of the proceeds, so you won't feel too ripped off.

 

Check out the "New Englanders Guide to Spring Training" on my website's sports page for cheap eats and attractions in the area: www berryjooks dot com (sorry, I can't post a link cause I'm a newbie here). Try Manatee park for free entertainment for the family. Details are in the "Taste of Maine Seafood" writeup, as it's right across the street from it.

 

Enjoy, and don't forget the sunblock!

[JimEdHOF2009]

-You will definitely be able to get autographs and probably exchange a couple words; the players are a lot more relaxed and willing to chat than in the regular season. Show up early and hang out near the tarp or wherever the players are. Having cute kids won't hurt.

 

-There will be some empty seats so you will probably be able to get a decent view.

 

 

Bingo..Cute kids will get you pictures with the players. BTW, Mike Lowell would be a good one to hit up... my girls loved him..he will chat as well. Youks is not very personable..

Pedroia, very good with kids and adults alike.. Couldn't get close enough to Papi.

 

ST is funny.. You never know who will be doing laps or working in small groups on alternate fields.. Let them get their work in and hit them up as they are leaving. I am sure you will get someone to take some pics with the kids.