1st Trip to LA
by OB12 on Jan 26, 2012 7:20 AM PST
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PrintHey everyone! I am making my first trip out to LA July 14-20 and I am planning on attending at least a couple of games. Looks like San Diego and Philly will be playing so I may see one of each, maybe even another if the budget permits. Being that this will be my first time and the possibility of making it out again in the near future seems small, I want to make the most of it. So I would definitely appreciate any feedback or advice from those of you who know. Some questions:
What is the best way to get tickets? Dodgers.com? StubHub?
What seats would be good for a family? I have a 2 year old boy and a teenage daughter?
What are good seats if I am by myself? I'll probably only attend one game with the family.
How early can I get to the park?
Where should we park? My sister-in-law lives in LA, so I am going to assume she knows how to get there but parking sounds like it may be difficult.
Should I eat prior to the game? Where? I'll probably partake in a Dodger Dog, but I don't want to break the bank eating food.
Any other tips or tricks that may be helpful?
Thanks again for any help, I sure do appreciate it.
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If you see D. Young, throw a peanut at him. He really enjoys it.
by kinbote on Jan 26, 2012 8:40 AM PST reply actions 2 recs
I always enter the stadium through the Academy entrance. It’s easiest to get in and out of.
I believe parking opens 3 hours before gametime, gates 2.5 hours beforehand. Highly recommend getting there as early as you can and just enjoy the empty stadium while the other team takes BP.
Eat beforehand, bring unopened water bottles and peanuts/snacks from home/7-11, but definitely get a GRILLED dodger dog.
I would say tickets in the reserve section near home plate are good for a family, but the loge section is excellent as well. Try to avoid sitting too far down the lines as you’ll miss a lot of the action. The pavilion is a great way to sit close to the field for less, but you may get unlucky and sit next to someone who thought getting wasted before coming into the park was a good idea. I really enjoy Reserve sections 13-14 (it’s about 1st base to 3rd base in the reserve section). By yourself, you really can’t go wrong with seat selection and you should have every opportunity to move to another seat in that section.
You should also take your kids to Hollywood and check out the tourist spots like Hollywood and Vine, the Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood walk of fame, etc.
"We'll see" said the Zen Master
Eat beforehand, bring unopened water bottles and peanuts/snacks from home/7-11, but definitely get a GRILLED dodger dog.
Agreed
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2012 9:21 AM PST up reply actions
Quick thoughts
What is the best way to get tickets? Dodgers.com? StubHub? My guess now is to see if the Ddgers start doing additional discounts like they did last year. Whichever is the case, you don’t have to worry about buying tickets right now.
What seats would be good for a family? I have a 2 year old boy and a teenage daughter? I would say outer Field or Loge levels, good selection of food. Stay away from bleachers and Top Deck IMO.
What are good seats if I am by myself? I’ll probably only attend one game with the family. One, I am sure if you like, a few of us could join you for a game. However, the best seat solo is Loge right behind home plate.
How early can I get to the park? I believe it is an 2 hours.
Where should we park? My sister-in-law lives in LA, so I am going to assume she knows how to get there but parking sounds like it may be difficult. For most sections of the Stadium, I use the Sunset entrance.
Should I eat prior to the game? Where? I’ll probably partake in a Dodger Dog, but I don’t want to break the bank eating food. There’s a section in Jon Weisman’s 100 Things You Should Know about The Dodgers that answers this but seriously, with a family, I might eat Chinese food at Empress in nearby Chinatown or some Japanese food in Little Tokyo in Downtown. If you meet a few of us for a game, there a lot of beer and burger places to go to after the game. Food for a family is probably 12-15 apiece not counting beer.
Any other tips or tricks that may be helpful? Monday-Thursday games are less crowded, Mondays are the lightest traffic days. There are stores outside and on the Loge level. There is a store on the top deck too. You can also bring food in and sodas and water (20oz) in sealed bottle.
Thanks again for any help, I sure do appreciate it.
by bhsportsguy on Jan 26, 2012 8:58 AM PST reply actions 2 recs
This kinda stuff really helps, thanks! I’d definitely be up for meeting some of you fine folks if you guys are going to be at some of these games. That’d be a blast!
The reason I said outer field or loge
For the family is that I am just guessing here that you will be doing stuff like getting food, going to the restrooms and more than likely maybe not staying for the whole game.
My advice:
1) Bring books, stickers, crayons, and other toys to the game. I don’t know about your two-year-old but my four-year-old and one-year-old do not watch the game for more than a few minutes. Every now and then I can start the four-year-old on what’s happening, but mostly they do their own thing.
2) Spawn’s ability to pay attention has increased with age and seat location. We used to sit at the far end of the loge, near the bullpens. Gary is right that you miss a lot of the action that way. Last year, I sat in the loge near third base. It was a MUCH better view and Spawn paid more attention. Of course, it was also more expensive.
3) If you are going to a day game, sit in the Loge on the third base side in the shade.
4) Delias Man has a neat trick about ice cream and the stadium club – I think he takes his kid there at about the sixth inning or so, and the ice cream is good for a couple of innings while you watch the game.
5) If you are going to a night game (and if your kid is like my kid), don’t forget to bring the kid’s night diaper, pajamas, etc. Stay at the game until the kid is a screaming wreck.
6) For the game you attend with the two-year-old, pay the $15 and park in the stadium. It’s true that there are good options outside the stadium but with a small child I would say it’s worth the expense. (Then again, I’ve had a parking pass for the past several years, so I’ve forgotten the difference in distance between Echo Park and the outer reaches of the stadium lot – maybe it’s small enough that parking outside would be OK. Hmm.)
Still chasing the dream of mediocrity
by Humma Kavula on Jan 27, 2012 3:03 PM PST up reply actions
Philippe’s (the home of the French dip) is always a fun place to eat before the game. It is usually quite crowded though so give yourself some time.
They have turkey and lamb sandwiches too, as well as other stuff on the menu. But well worth going to if you have never been IMO. If you like spicy mustard they have a horseradish mustard that is excellent, that you can purchase by the bottle.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2012 9:22 AM PST up reply actions
If you want Chinese Food
There are a ton of places nearby as well. My brother and I had a great pregame experience at Yang Chow (in Chinatown) before a game last year.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2012 9:24 AM PST up reply actions
Phillipe’s is #1 on my list of places that cannot backup the hype. It was good, but it wasn’t like OMGPHILLIPESIHAVETOGOBACK
"We'll see" said the Zen Master
dodger dog, garlic fried, and a coke…. and peanuts, and maybe nachos, and beer if you like beer. Everything you need to survive, all in one place.
buy the peanuts at a convenience store for $2 instead of 6 bucks at the game.
Agree though, grilled dog, garlic fries and a coke.
Is it April yet?
"We'll see" said the Zen Master
or seeds, you can bring seeds, that works… thinking about it, how come they dont sell seeds?? Im going to guess because the cleanup is a bitch??
There is definitely a lot of hype to it, but I did like it. Though I give them extra points for the mustard. :)
by Eric Stephen on Jan 26, 2012 9:28 AM PST up reply actions
I’m a big fan. It is what it is because of the reasonable prices, but it’s not legendary for its food. They invented the French dip, and it’s a very good French dip that costs around five bucks. The coffee is crazy cheap, as is the tasty lemonade. It’s fun and cheap. If you think the hype is WORLD’S GREATEST SANDWICH, you will be disappointed, but it ranks up there with Pink’s and Tito’s in terms of nice local eateries.
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great."
It’s a good place to meet, but the green-sauced taquitos at Celito Lindo (very first stall of Olveira St.—on left) are rightfully legendary. Get only them and an orange soda and fight off the homeless people and pigeons while you eat them on a bench.
they are now gouging for the coffee though
raising prices from .09 to .45 this upcoming Tuesday
by Hollywood Joe on Jan 26, 2012 11:36 AM PST up reply actions
Here is the A-Z Dodger Stadium Guide per dodgers.com
http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/la/ballpark/information/index.jsp?content=guide
Third base side Field & Loge Level and Left Pavilion gates open 2 hours prior to the start of the game. All other gates open 1 1/2 hours prior to the first pitch. All parking gates open 2 hours prior to the start of each game. Gate times may vary for special events such as Opening Day and the Postseason.
"We'll see" said the Zen Master
Take BH’s word for everything, though I disagree about the seat choice and entrance gate, you can’t go wrong either way.
"We'll see" said the Zen Master
Sounding like Loge is the way to go for the family game. My wife saw something about a tour of the stadium that you can purchase and thought about getting it for me. Anybody ever do that? If so, was it worth it?
OB12, Id like to add that if you do end up going to a friday night game, they have friday night fireworks, and IMO I like to sit field level for those games because they let you on the field, and that way you can get a good spot… Also you exit through the Dodgers bullpen which I think is kinda cool anyways. Ive been on the field a few times now, so now I like watching fireworks in parking lot, just seems better, and louder to me, but just letting you know if you want to go on the field….. Its pretty cool seeing Dodger Stadium from a CF view I think.
I
Like the Academy exit but it is not the easiest to find if you are bout used to the area. I like infield reserve too but not knowing what food choices will be open for games this year, I picked outer Field and Loge because I think when he brings his family, it will be more about those things and watching the game will be secondary.
This is true about being more difficult to find, but they’ve added attendants on the streets to direct you, which helps. I hadn’t considered anything beyond game viewing, so you’re right about ticket selection.
Best part about Dodger Stadium: not a bad seat in the house.
"We'll see" said the Zen Master
Santa Monica pier is also a tourist spot, though it’s really more just something to say “i’ve been there” when you see it in commercials than something to actually visit.
Where do you live?
"We'll see" said the Zen Master
I live in Ohio, but my sister-in-law actually lives in Santa Monica. The reason for the trip is to visit her.
If you’re coming from santa monica, leave really early. If you can’t or don’t want to leave really early, take santa monica boulevard, not the 10 freeway. It takes about an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes on surface streets during rush hour (3:45 to 7:45), versus anywhere from one to two and a half hours on the freeway. Bring peanuts and unopened water bottles. There are plenty of good places to eat around that part of LA but it would be a bit futile to list them; I usually just enjoy a couple of grilled Dodger Dogs and garlic fries with a beer. If you do want restaurant food though, people have already listed a few good choices and even more lurk in that area.
by lnickerson88 on Jan 26, 2012 2:55 PM PST via mobile reply actions
Seems like a good time for the second TBLA Dodger outing in 2012.
If knowledge can create problems, it is not through ignorance that we can solve them.
It’s funny, my dad is coming out to LA for the first time on almost those exact dates so we’ll probably be at at least one of the same games.
I really like the field level seats. You can almost always get them for $15-$20 a piece if they’re a little closer to the outfield. Great seats for a great price. I’ve never done left field pavilion, but those are even cheaper and you have the opportunity to snag a home run ball (I plan on trying those out this season). Go stubhub.
I’ve never once parked in the Dodger stadium lots. There are enough small side streets in Echo Park that are close enough to walk that will save you the $15 and the headache of exiting traffic. It may be a bit tough to scout out for an out-of-towner, but if you have enough time on your hands, give it a good look.
Obviously you gotta get the dodger dog, but the garlic fries are the real attraction for me. Bring your own snacks and sealed bottles of non-alc drinks. It’ll save you a lot of money with the fam.
Things to do in LA:
-Griffith Observatory: Educational, so it’s good for the family, but also an unbelievably sublime view of Los Angeles. Good thing to do at night. Cool to look through the telescope. And most importantly, 100% free. I take every out of town guest here.
-Santa Monica pier: Goes without saying, especially if you’re staying Santa Monica. I’m more of a Venice guy, though. It’s dirtier and sleazier, but has more “character” than pretty much any place I’ve ever been on earth.
-Museum of Jurassic Technology: Pretty hard to describe what this actually is. It’s kind of a fake museum of crazy oddities put together by a bunch of artists. I recommend it highly, though.
-I’m not much of a foodie, but Pink’s Hot Dogs is kind of a local landmark in West Hollywood. Others can give advice on the best burger and donut joints (LA foods).
I’ve never really been very good at finding fun things to do in Hollywood. I guess there are the walk of fame stars and the Hollywood sign, but everything to do there is really overpriced. I guess catching a movie at the Chinese Theater might be nice; the ticket prices aren’t that much crazier than a normal movie price (for LA (but finding parking around there will suck)).
i would have recommended catching a live production of wicked at pantages or a performance at the hollywood bowl if the 2 year old was say, 7.
what are some of the things your kids are interested in?
"We'll see" said the Zen Master
The boy likes dinosaurs and Mickey Mouse, the girl likes shopping. I doubt there will a problem satisfying their interests out there.
La Brea tar pits might be cool for the boy. No actual dinosaurs got trapped there, but they’ve got a museum with other big old ancient creatures.
As for shopping, I’m assuming that shops like the ones in Beverly Hills might not be the best place for you guys. My girlfriend goes wild for all the vintage/consignment shops in West Hollywood aroud the Melrose area between Fairfax and La Brea (American Vintage, Jet Rag, Crossroads, Buffalo Exchange). Great shopping on a decent dime.
I’d suggest some old and new by hitting the Farmers Market / Grove
I was unaware of the Museum of Jurassic Technology, might have to check it out.
I’d also suggest spending a day on the metro getting off at Noho, Universal City, Vine, Union Station, LA Live (Staples).
For the kids I’d think the
http://www.californiasciencecenter.org/
California Science Center would be cool, next to the Natural History Museum, and the infamous Coliseum .
If knowledge can create problems, it is not through ignorance that we can solve them.
MoJT is on Venice, near Robertson. You probably wouldn’t notice it was there unless you were looking for it.
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great."
Yeah, it’s really small. I’ve walked by it before but still haven’t gone there…need to do that at some point.
by lnickerson88 on Jan 27, 2012 3:58 PM PST up reply actions
I don’t think it is there yet, but it will be. I think they were awarded it but have to figure out the funding to transport and house it?
Follow @DavidYoungTBLA
- The commenter formerly known as El Lay Dave.
by David Young on Jan 29, 2012 12:48 PM PST up reply actions
The Natural History Museum (across the street from USC) has some cool dinosaur stuff — a giant T-rex skeleton fighting a triceratops skeleton, and a little exhibit — and it’s next to the California ScienCenter, which has fun stuff for kids too.
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great."
Natural History Museum, across from USC, is my personal recommendation. Not only is it amazing, and I loved it as a kid, but the beautiful main hall, built I think in the 1930s, is used in countless movies and TV shows.
by lnickerson88 on Jan 27, 2012 3:57 PM PST up reply actions
The El Capitan Theatre on Hollywood Blvd is owned/operated by Disney and always shows their current Disney family release, occasionally with film-related activities. There is also a Disney Soda Fountain right there. It is across the street from Hollywood&Highland, next to the Chinese theater.
"It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard... is what makes it great."
On this note.
Has anyone been to any games in Seattle? I’m going to be at the Dodgers/Mariners series in June and have never been to Seattle, so if anyone has been/is local and has tips, that would be very much appreciated.
"Computer being attacked by virus contracted from watching illegal japanese schoold girl porn. Bare with me." - Our Bovine Public
Captain of The Bus Feeders, Bloody Elbow Civil War, Season Two
I went to Safeco Field once, but that was in 2004. There are (or were, at least) a ton of restaurants, breweries, and bar/grill type places within walking distance of the stadium.
by Eric Stephen on Jan 30, 2012 8:47 AM PST up reply actions
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