Bleacher Report - Articles by Collin Cooper

Green (LEED) Stadiums

Collin Cooper — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:43:48 -0400

There are a lot of environmental buzz words going on right now...sustainability, Green and Climate Change, etc. Sure you hear these words all the time (mostly by politicians) but did you know that there are stadiums that have taken being environmentally responsible to a whole other level?

Some of these stadiums have even been rated as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ) certified. Quite an accomplishment when you think about what goes on at a stadium; Parking, lights, concessions, construction materials... etc.

The stadiums listed have either accomplished there LEED certification or are on pace to meet the criteria.

Medlar Field at Lubrano Park (First LEED certified stadium, State College PA)
Nationals Ballpark (Fist professional sports stadium, Washington DC)
TCF Field (First Football stadium, University of Minnesota)
Target Field (Minneapolis MN, Opening 2010)*
Consol Center (Pittsburgh PA, Opening 2010)*
Marlins Ballpark (Miami FL, 2012)*

*Seeking LEED certification

Some of the aspects that make a stadium LEED certified are waterless urinals, grey water collection systems, recycling programs (construction materials + game day waste). To date 139 arenas have applied for LEED certification in the US from the Pro facilities to college campuses.

Even some of the more mature facilities have retrofitted green additions to their existing structures (reflective roofing materials). The Philadelphia Eagles (Voted 2009 Greenest NFL team) have long been ahead of the when it comes to the environment. Purchase a beer at Lincoln Financial Stadium and in 50 days that corn based plastic cup will biodegrade harmlessly back into the earth.

If you are worried that all this hippie hocus pocus is going to ruin your day at the park, fret not... The CHG has personally toured two LEED parks and felt that it only added to the game-day experience. It's all part of a growing trend for the major sports in our country to lead by example when it comes to being environmentally responsible.

For more stories and information on sports travel please check out our website The CHG

Cleveland Browns Stadium

Collin Cooper — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:43:10 -0400

Home of the Cleveland Browns

Opened in 1999 on the Cleveland Lake Shore
Construction cost ran $283 Million
Seating capacity is 73,200
Site on the site of the old Cleveland Municipal Stadium

Playing surface is Natural Grass
Large enough to host international soccer matches
City of Cleveland owns the Stadium (opted not to ink a naming rights deal)
10,644 seat Bleacher section behind the East End-zone is known as the Dog Pound

Nearby: Restaurants – Bars – Hotels
Map of Cleveland Browns Stadium
Official Cleveland Browns Official Site
Game day parking can run up to $20: Cleveland Public Transit

Cleveland Browns Stadium ranked No. 3 in Sports Illustrated 2007 survey of Fan Value
ESPN Ranked the Browns Fans as No. 3
SI ranked Cleveland Browns Stadium at No. 14 in their Stadium Rankings
CHG ranks Cleveland Browns Stadium as the No. 8 overall the in Total NFL experience

Revoluntionary Stadiums

Collin Cooper — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:26:20 -0400

Harvard Stadium

Harvard Stadium (Boston, MA)
The first concrete stadium in the world was constructed in 1903 for a cost of $310,000. Harvard Stadium accomplished permanence for the game of football. Since the stadium was made of immovable concrete the field dimensions were set to their modern proportions. Harvard Stadium may be old, but it still plays an important role every other year playing host to one of the nations longest standing rivalries (Harvard vs Yale). Harvard Stadium is also home to a professional women’s soccer club.

Yale Bowl

Yale Bowl (New Haven, CT)
The Yale bowl was built soon after Harvard stadium. While Harvard brought in the modern area of football, the opening in 1914 of the Yale Bowl became the template for the football world and can hold upwards of 64,000 people. Like Harvard Stadium, the Yale bowl is no longer in its prime. However its design was duplicated at Michigan Stadium, Notre Dame Stadium, the Rose Bowl, and LA Coliseum among others. All of these stadiums are still considered to be some of the best places to catch a game.

RFK Stadium

RFK Stadium (Washington, DC)
Opened in 1961 RFK might not have been designed to have been a revolutionary stadium, but it was. RFK brought in the cookie cutter stadium era, as stadiums that were built to handle both football and baseball, and currently holds 45,000 people.

Stadiums that followed the same model as RFK stadium include, Veterans Stadium, Shea Stadium, Three Rivers Stadium, Fulton Country Stadium and Busch Stadium. There have been other interpretations of this model that still exist, but for the most part, the past 15 years have been about replacing these dated facilities. RFK is also currently on the chopping block because in 2012 it will lose it’s only tenant.

Arrowhead Stadium

Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, MO)

Arrowhead stadium was years ahead of it’s time. When the other cities were busy duplicating the the cookie cutter style stadiums, Arrowhead was making the blue print for NFL stadiums that would be built in the late 90’s into the 2000’s. Arrowhead Stadium opened in 1972 at a cost of $43 million for the 79,000 seat stadium.

Is it any wonder that most of the NFL (and MLB) teams consulted with the Kansas City based stadium design firms when they were constructing their new facilities? Arrowhead Stadium is approaching 40 years old and is still looking fantastic.

Montreal Olympic Stadium

Olympic Stadium (Montreal, Quebec)
When first conceived this was going to be one of the great wonders of the world. This huge stadium would have a retractable roof and huge slanted tower and cost $770 million in 1976. What resulted was anything but for this 66,000 seat stadium. The designed proved to be too complex, the roof never worked, concrete chunks fell from above and the stadium has since fallen into disrepair. Currently there is no tenant for the Big O and no real plan for this reeling facility.

Rodgers Centre

Sky Dome (Toronto, Ontario)
Rodgers Centre formally called Skydome was one of the first stadium to offer a retractable roof, a hotel within the stadium and when built the largest video board in the world. It was built in 1989, and the construction costs ran to almost $570 million. It was the last stadium built that was designed for both baseball and football in North America.

While many of this stadiums concepts were duplicated (retractable roof), many felt that this stadium would bring usher in a new level of stadium design. Since then the nostalgia of the stadium wore off, things that once wowed the public now don’t seem so special. The Rodgers Center is however faring better than it’s other Canadian Counter part.

Camden Yards

Oriole Park at Camden Yards (Baltimore, MD)
Oriole Park at Camden Yards was built in 1992 at a cost of $110 million (a bargain). Camden Yards was the first modern ballpark to bring back the soul of a old school ballpark and mesh it with modern amenities, and seats 48,000 fans. It was here that America’s latest stadium revolution started. Countless baseball stadiums across the country modeled their ballparks after ideas and concepts that Camden Yards delivered 17 years ago. It brought in record numbers of fans and moved baseball stadiums back into city neighborhoods. Camden Yards is still regarded as one of the best places in the country to watch a ball game.

Beijing National Stadium

Beijing National Stadium (Beijing, China)
Commonly referred to as the Birds Nest, Beijing’s National Stadium is the worlds largest steel structure. This stadium combined beauty and functionality and wowed the world for 3 weeks last August. The price tag for this 80,000 seat facility was only $423 Million.

After the torch was blown out at the 2008 Olympics the Birds Nest has struggled to find a tenant and a purpose. Only a year ago this was the focus of the world, now future plans for this gem might even include converting it into a shopping mall.

New Yankee Stadium

Yankee Stadium (New York, NY)
The new version of Yankee Stadium is essentially a pimped out version of the old Yankee Stadium. This latest model has a huge HD center field video board, tons of Yankee memorabilia in the ‘Great Hall’ and 52,000 seats. Beautiful Indiana Limestone graces the stadiums facade as seemingly no expense was spared here at this 1.5 Billion dollar ballpark.

Yankee Stadium has been criticized for having many unused seats in the first few rows behind home plate and being a home run haven when the winds are blowing out. Yankee Stadium future will host Notre Dame vs Army and the possibility of being host to a college bowl game.

Cowboy's Stadium

Cowboy’s Stadium (Arlington TX)

Cowboy’s Stadium seems to have it all. A retractable roof, room for over 100,000 fans and video screens that span 60 yards. Opened in 2009 at a cost of $1.3 billion. This is the latest addition to revolutionary stadiums is not with out it’s issues. The $75 game day parking and the low hanging scoreboards. The stadium’s future is very bright as it will host the Final Four, the Super Bowl and be the new home of the Cotton Bowl.

Target Field

On the Horizon (New York & Minnesota)

The new Meadowlands Stadium opens next football season. It will be home to both the Giants and the Jets. Construction costs are estimated to be around $1.4 Billion. Features include a facade skin that changes color and 4 large video screens.

Target Field in Minneapolis will be the home of the Twins starting in 2010. This will be the second ballpark in the majors that will LEED certified. A concept that the Nationals ballpark revolutionized in 2008.

Revolutionary Stadiums

Collin Cooper — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:07:10 -0400

Every so often as fans we are treated to a new stadium that promises to changes the way we look at the sporting world. Last night the Cowboys ushered in their state of the art, ultra flashy new digs. But will Cowboys Stadium be the stadium in which all new NFL stadiums built from here on in will be compared against? Did we usher in a new era of stadiums? Some times the stadiums hit it out of the park and start a revolution. There seemly have been an equal number of times that a promising stadium ends up being a monument to failure. Here is a look at a few stadiums that promised to change the game and how they fared.

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Most Likely to Rupture Your Eardrum: 2009 College Football Stadium Superlatives

Collin Cooper — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:56:13 -0400

How great is college football? There is nothing better than making a road trip and traveling to a big-time college football game. Having traveled to a lot of these major stadiums, I decided just for fun to come up with a list for 2009 of College Football Stadium Superlatives.

Best Tailgating Scene

LSU's Tiger Stadium: The scene in Baton Rouge brings eating to another level. Most of the games here are held at night, giving you a longer tailgating time.

Runner-Up

Ole Miss' Vaught-Hemingway Stadium: The Grove is just a legendary tailgating area.

Best Pre-Game Scene

Tennessee's Neyland Stadium: You'll be humming Rocky Top for Days after your visit to Knoxville. You can arrive via boat, sip Tennessee whiskey, and enjoy great BBQ.

Runner-Up

Ohio State's Ohio Stadium: The Best Damn Band in the land dotting the i in the Script Ohio.

Best Big Game Stadium

Penn State's Beaver Stadium: "The greatest show in college football" is home to the best student section, largest stadium, and everyone wears white for the night games.

Runner-Up

Nebraska's Memorial Stadium: The Cornhuskers have some of the best fans both in intensity and in class. The sea of red just looks awesome.

For the History Buff

USC's LA Memorial Coliseum: USC has had seven national championships and seven Heisman Trophy winners whom have played at this fabled stadium. But holding the Olympics here twice makes this place extra special.

Runner-Up

Notre Dame Stadium: A close second place. Golden Dome, Touchdown Jesus, and Rudy—it's all here.

Small(er) Stadiums, Big Fun

Oregon's Autzen Stadium: This place only seats 54,000 but gets very, very loud. Nike has dumped a ton of coin into the facilities, and it shows.

Runner-Up

Army's Michie Stadium: The 40,000-seater is perhaps the most beautiful in all of college football.

Most Overrated

Michigan Stadium: The Big House just does not generate a lot of noise. Cramped seats and poor accessibility also factor into this rating. Things are changing as Michigan Stadium continues to undergo renovations.

Runner-Up

USC's LA Memorial Coliseum: It's historic...which means that it's really old. The Coliseum is just not on the same level as the other elite college football programs' stadiums.

Underrated

South Carolina's Williams-Brice Stadium: Seating over 80,000, this loud stadium is often forgotten when people talk about the great stadiums of the SEC.

Runner-Up

Oklahoma's Memorial Stadium: Oklahoma just straight dominates visitors at Owen Field, and recent renovations have really improved this stadium.

Most Improved

Minnesota's TCF Bank Stadium: When you go from the god-awful Metrodome to a beautiful outdoor facility, then you automatically win most improved.

Runner-Up

Texas Memorial Stadium: Now seats over 100,000 and features one of the largest video scoreboards in the country, "Godzillatron."

Best Home Field Advantage

Alabama's Bryant-Denny Stadium: Just try playing here in the heat. The scorching temperature does not seem to tame Alabama fans' enthusiasm, either.

Runner-Up

Wisconsin's Camp Randall Stadium: Think of 80,000 people who are really intoxicated and curse in unison.

Best Use of Psychological Warfare

Boise State's Bronco Stadium: That blue smurf turf...it's hard to watch on TV, and the color matches Boise State's uniforms.

Runner-Up

Iowa's Kinnick Stadium: The pink away locker room—there is just something completely wrong with that.

Loudest Stadium

Florida's Ben Hill Griffin Stadium: Noise just doesn't leave The Swamp. The upper decks are steep and seemingly on top of the field.

Runner-Up

Virgina Tech's Lane Stadium: The Hokies have a very passionate and rather young fanbase.

Please Do Better

Miami's Land Shark Stadium: A once elite program now plays their home games far away from their campus in another team's stadium—terrible. Land Shark Stadium just is not a good fit for the U.

Runner-Up

Pittsburgh's Heinz Field: Do people in Pittsburgh even realize that the Panthers play at Heinz Field?

I am sure there is going to be some disagreement, as there always is with these sorts of lists, but that is part of the fun. Let me know what I am missing out on or where I am misinformed.

If you enjoyed this article, please check out my sports travel site The Crosshair Guide.

LSU Tiger Stadium Guide

Collin Cooper — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:51:45 -0400

Tiger Stadium: Home of LSU Tigers

Tiger Stadium (alternatively known as Death Valley) for years has been a house of horrors for opposing teams. Like a vampire LSU loves to come out at night. This place is loud, actually registering a blip on a nearby seismograph during the “Earthquake Game” of 1988.

You are in the heart of football country as Louisiana has always been home to a disproportional number of athletes. You are also in one of the best tailgating scenes as Cajun grill masters seemly come out of the wood work… these guys can cook.

There isn’t experience in college football like a Saturday night in Tiger Stadium. “GEAUX TIGERS!”

“Baton Rouge happens to be the worst place in the world to be a visiting team.” – Bear Bryant

Built in 1924 (capacity of 12,000)
Current capacity of Tiger Stadium is 92,4000
LSU has been playing night game in Death Valley since 1931
4 games Tiger Stadium was the home of the Saints during the aftermath of Katrina
Most stadiums mark the field numbers ending in 0, Tiger Stadium marks those ending with 5
Goal posts remain white and H style (two posts)
East and West stands have chair-backs
2006 the West upper deck was rebuilt to mirror the newer East deck
CBS recorded 130 decibels in Tiger Stadium against Florida in 2007
70 sky-box suites line the East Upper Deck
The sixth-largest on-campus stadium in the nation
Since 1960 LSU has won 77.3% of their games at night in Tiger Stadium
Tiger Stadium has had 43 years of being ranked in the top 10 in College Football attendance

User Notes: Opposing team and fans are often greeted by LSU fans yelling “Tiger Bait”: Beer and Bourbon are the two local adult beverages of choice: Alcohol plays a role in the decibel level of the crowd the night games give fans a longer time to tailgate:

Restaurants – Bars - Hotels

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Have you been to Tiger Stadium? Tell us about your experience...

Awesome Experience? Good Times? Not Bad? Overrated? Complete Waste of Time?

Michigan Stadium Guide

Collin Cooper — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:41:42 -0400

Michigan Stadium: Home of the Michigan Wolverines

Nicknamed the Big House, Michigan Stadium is home to the winningest D-I college football program in the nation. The Wolverines have called this their home since 1927.

It is often perceived that Michigan is a sophisticated crowd, often criticized for not being overly loud. However, it is currently under going a series of new additions, all of which will place Michigan as the largest football stadium in the country once again by 2010. Backed by some of the richest college football tradition in the game, perhaps upon the completion of the new addition the Michigan Wolverines, will usher in a new era of college football to Ann Arbor. Hail! Hail! to Michigan.

Built in 1927 with an original capacity of 72,000
Modeled after the Yale Bowl
Holds the largest crowd in NCAA college football history (112,118)
Currently the second largest stadium in the country (Penn State)
1,300 seats were removed to provide better seating for disable fans
Currently undergoing a $225 Mmllion renovation (to be finished by 2010)
Renovation to include wider seats, new concourses, 80+ suites and new press box
New seating capacity will hit 108,000 plus
Legendary coach/athletic director Fielding Yost envisioned a 150,000 seat stadium
Will host a hockey game in 2010 (expected to break attenance records)
Currently, the playing surface is Field Turf
One seat is always reserved for the legendary coach Fielding Yost (location is not known)
Hosts rival Ohio State every third Saturday in November every other yearUser Info: Much of the stadium is located below street level; students stand the entire game and come up with crazy wave formations. Fans are advised to get to the game early. Walkways are narrow and steep. The stadium food gets poor reviews.

Restaurants – Bars – Hotels

Awesome Experience? Good Times? Not Bad? Overrated? Complete Waste of Time?

Guide to the Little League World Series

Collin Cooper — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:27:05 -0400

Little League World Series: South Williamsport PA

Every August the Little League world turns to the central Pennsylvania town of Williamsport. Parents and 12-year-olds from around the world engulf on this mountainous town with the hopes and dreams of becoming a Little League champion.

The Little League Finals are played at Howard J. Lamade Stadium in South Williamsport (across the Susquehanna River from Williamsport). Little League baseball first held their first world series here in 1947 and seems to become a bigger spectator sport every single year.

South Williamsport really does a great job of portraying a “Hometown USA” atmosphere. In a sporting world filled with million dollar contracts, the Little League World Series is as genuine of a competition as it gets. It’s this competition placed on a global scale that makes it special and worth a late August road trip.

Howard Lamade Stadium was built in 1959.
The capacity of the stadium is around 40,000 (most of which sit in the grass outfield).
Teams come from all over the world to compete.
First tournament night games occurred in 1992.
Volunteer Stadium (capacity 5,000) was built in 2001 to host the early round games.
In order to reduce the number of home runs the fences were pushed back in 2006.
Currently the US has 31 Championship and International squads have 31.
Taiwan has the second number of championships with 17.
Peter J. McGovern Little League Museum rounds out the complex.

User Tips: Admission is free for players and parents. Grandstands seats go by way of lottery in the late spring however the Terrace seats are free and are on a first come basis. Located on US 15 traffic can be a mess on this two lane road. Locals will sell you parking spots in their driveways for $5. Many of the restaurants and hotels are located across the bridge in downtown Williamsport (5 min drive). The field level is substantially lower than street level giving the stadium lots of grass seating in the outfield. Be on the lookout for the Crosshair Guides all time favorite gas station, Sheetz.

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Posted in Other Sports

Your Guide to the Oklahoma Sooners' Home Stadium

Collin Cooper — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:25:44 -0400

The Field at Oklahoma’s Memorial Stadium has been home to the Oklahoma Sooners since 1923. This was the beginning of what would become one of the most historically successful college football programs in the country.

The Sooners have rolled up a staggering seven national championships, the highest winning percentage (since 1936 when the AP poll came out) and five Heisman trophy winners. Oklahoma University is a school full of pride, from their fight song Boomer Sooner to the running of the Sooner Schooner (a Conestoga Wagon) before the game.

After a recent renovation, the stadium is now up to speed with the rest of the college football world (before the stadium was starting to really show it’s 75 years of service). So, dust off your cowboy boots and huge hat...it’s time to head down to Norman Oklahoma. Here are some fun facts about the stadium:

Oklahoma played on the field in 1923, but the stadium officially opened in 1925.
The stadium is commonly referred to as Owen Field
The full name of the stadium is Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium at Owen Field.
The original seating capacity was 16,000.
After numerous additions the current capacity is 82,112.
Natural grass is the playing surface.
The horseshoe shaped design is to memorialize those who fell in WWI.
It is the third biggest stadium in the Big 12.
1997 is when Oklahoma erected permanent lights.
In 2004, a new scoreboard and sound system were installed.
New features around the stadium include a beautiful clock-tower and a tree-lined plaza.

Here are some other user Tips:

—A new six-story parking garage was constructed on the west side of the stadium (parking costs $10).
—Free game day parking exists about a mile to the south.
—Tailgating is a Sooner tradition and start at 12:00 the day before the game.
—Expect lots of tents to combat the sun at the tailgates along with some really good BBQ ribs.

Notre Dame Stadium: Home of the Fighting Irish

Collin Cooper — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 10:55:34 -0400

What is it that makes Notre Dame so special? Is it the throngs of fans following the Fighting Irish across the country? Is it the rich tradition or the historic teams of years past? The second-to-none atmosphere?

Envision a beautiful fall afternoon with 80,000 fans in one of the most historic stadiums in all of sports. In the background, you will see the Golden Dome, the Basilica, and Touchdown Jesus all seemingly peering over the stadium to catch a glimpse of this year's squad.

Notre Dame unites and divides fans like no other college football program. It is commonly thought that you either love them or hate them. In many ways, this is as close to America’s team as college football has.

Notre Dame has the distinction of breathing life into places that traditionally are not college football hotbeds (i.e. New York City, Boston, etc.), as this is where a lot (but not all) of ND famous "subway alumni" hail from. A game day experience in South Bend, Indiana is a thrilling event that is on the top of many a sports fan's to-do list.

The Stadium, much like the uniforms that the Fighting Irish don—a simple, yet classic design—is what truly makes this gridiron one of the best in the business of college football. Here are some more facts about the Fighting Irish's home:

Notre Dame christened their new stadium in 1930 (original seating of 54,000).
It is largely modeled after Michigan’s Stadium.
It is called the “The House that Rockne Built.”
The current capacity is 80,795, after a huge addition in 1997.
The Stadium has no Jumbotron, only traditional scoreboards.
In 1997, permanent lights were added to the stadium (even though ND will not schedule a night game).
The Hesburgh Library’s large mural is commonly referred to as Touchdown Jesus.
The playing surface at Notre Dame is grass.
ND players walk down a set of stairs and past the famed “Play like a Champion” sign as they enter the field.
The new stadium capacity ranks it 15th in the NCAA.
There are 10,795 student tickets in the stadium.
Notre Dame stadium has been the home to seven Heisman Trophy winners and 11 National Championships.
Notre Dame has the oldest marching band in the country.

User Tips: Most of the close parking is permit only. Beer is the main choice of alcoholic beverage in the tailgating area and there is not much of a student section for tailgating. Notre Dame tickets are hard to come by, so plan accordingly.

Pressure Builds for the PGA Championship

Collin Cooper — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 13:42:21 -0400

Will someone be joining the pairing of Kenny Perry, Phil Michelson and Tom Watson? We won’t know until the last major of 2009 is over this Sunday evening.

Kenny, Phil and Tom all experienced excruciating collapses at this year’s three previous major championships. As the pros say "...a real “Trunk Slammer”. Tom Watson’s face was amazingly stoic during The Championship’s 4 hole playoff with Stuart Cink but you could tell he was experiencing an internal explosion.

It makes for great television but my heart goes out to the loser. Any golfer who has dared to compete at any level has experienced similar woes.

As the loser, you cast yourself into a world of self doubt and second guessing. Suddenly, that $2 dollar Nassau loss to your neighbor has you tied up in knots, not to mention enduring bragging rights until the next competition. Your mind’s eye incessantly replays that single crucial stroke that cost you the prize.

Each week on the PGA Tour all entrants (except the winner) go through that internal explosion.

On Thursday, 144 hopefuls tee it up; about half of the field is slamming trunks on Friday and the remainder (less one happy pro) at least makes it to a Sunday pay day before slamming their trunk.

Granted, finishing second, third, fourth or even tenth week after week on the PGA has it rewards. But, it happens every week of the season and that’s a tough mental grind for anybody. Tour grinders experience the feeling weekly.

If you want to compete in golf at any level, you need to prepare yourself for handling pressure situations and adversity. Pressure can occur at any time during a round of golf.

The first tee jitters; a 5 foot side hill putt that you need for par or to half the hole in match play. Adversity occurs to everybody during every round of golf. Even a well struck ball in the middle of the fairway can finish in an old divot.

But how do you prepare yourself? What can you do differently? Much has been written by many on this subject. I suppose we all find our own methods of dealing with the pressure and looming adversity.

Gary Player once said that there are many golfers who can shoot a round of par but very few who can do it in a pressure situation. He continued by saying that it took him decades of competitive golf to develop his mental toughness.

Another famous golfer (Ben Hogan, I think) once said that he tried to out-think, out-work and out-tough his opponent. I suppose the “out-tough your opponent” was his way of dealing with pressure and adversity.

Tom Watson handled the pressure and adversity like the seasoned professional that he is and it was television viewing for the ages. As he said after the playoff: “It would have been a great story.”

I say to Tom: It was a great story. I’ll be watching to see if another great story unfolds at Hazeltine.

The Open Championship: The Turnberry Resort, Scotland

Collin Cooper — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:26:37 -0400

The Open Championship, or The British Open as we call it here in the U.S., is teeing off June 16 at The Turnberry Resort in the southwestern part of Scotland. Here are some quick facts about the tournament.

The Open Championship was first played in 1860 at Prestwick Golf Club in Scotland.
The Open Championship takes place in one of the nine rotating Open Venues in Scotland or England.
Links Style Golf Course is the oldest style of golf course (seaside links): Characteristics most often include: located on the sea, uneven fairways, few trees, and windy conditions.
2009 prize money is £4.2 million ($8.3 million).
The Claret Jug has been presented to the winner of the Open Championship since 1873.
2009 Open Championship is being held at The Turnberry Resort (Ailsa Course), which was established in 1906.
Par at Turnberry is 70. Yardage is 7,204: Here is the official Guide for those attending the tournament.
The Turnberry Resort last hosted The Open Championship in 1994.
Turnberry’s Ailsa Course is very challenging: Competitors will have to negotiate very narrow fairways, plenty of bunkers, and a 200-yard carry over rocks.
Aerially, you can still see a runway that was used during WWII right in the middle of the Turnberry.
The Turnberry Resort is operated by Westin Hotels.
2010 Open Championship will return to the Old Course at St Andrews.

“There are only a handful of courses in the world that have the rugged beauty of the Ailsa course.”

—Nick Price

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Posted in Golf

Citizens Bank Park: Philadelphia PA

Collin Cooper — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:50:21 -0400

If there ever was a team that needed a new stadium it was the Philadelphia Phillies. The concrete wasteland that was known as the Vet was the biggest abomination in the history of American sports. Veterans Stadium was home to the worst turf in baseball, a court house in the basement, and more rats than all other stadiums combined. The wrecking ball finally came and the Phillies moved across the street to the baseball-only Citizens Bank Ballpark.

This is what Old Jeb from the Beverly Hillbillies must have felt like moving into his new digs. Talk about an upgrade! The Phillies went from having the stadium in the country to having one of the best.

Citizens Bank Ballpark has great sight-lines, lots of fan interaction and above all, one of the best food options in Baseball. To my knowledge there is no one on this earth who has enough will power to walk down the faux street “Ashburn Alley” and resist the smells of an Authentic Philadelphia Cheesesteak. Or how about some crab fries from Chickie and Pete’s? It contrast to Philadelphia food culture, this park also won an award for having the most Vegetarian options in MLB.

Citizens Bank also passes the test when it comes to beer they pour. The options are the best at Brewery town, where they specialize in local beers, imports and microbrews. It’s worth searching out one of these stands and getting your brew there.

Another thing that makes Citizens Bank so great is that fans can have different experiences depending upon where they sit. The lower seat area’s are reserved for the baseball purist types. The upper decks are mainly reserved for families and the outfield sections are great for the causal fan who is just looking for a place to hang out with their friends.

Most of the seats are pretty decent, but some of the upper deck seats (especially the outfield section) are pretty far from home Plate. This is made up for by the very large video board in left field. There is a great out of town score board on the right field wall. If you are looking to save some coin, there are plenty of standing room only spaces to watch and enjoy the game.

McFadden's is a bar located on the third base entrance. It’s a “Irish” bar that is open year round. It’s the substitution for the lack of nightlife activity in the immediate stadium area.

Most people drive to Citizens Bank. Interstates 76 and 95 intersect right there in South Philly by the ballpark. The Walt Witman Bridge from New Jersey practically casts a shadow on the park. Philadelphia’s under developed expressways are a complete mess, even during the best of times. During a game day, it’s brutal. Fortunately the Broad Street subway line runs from Center City right to the sports complex. This is by far the best option if you are coming from Center City.

Citizens Banks however, is not perfect. For one, the area surrounding the park is a virtual wasteland of parking lots, warehouses and sleepy urban neighborhoods. The only real option for a bar outside of the stadium is Chickie & Pete’s and even that is a bit of a drive. Tony Luke’s is a great place to snag a hoagie (The Roasted Pork come highly recommended).

Citizens Bank is one of the Crosshair Guides favorite ballparks. What it lacks in history it more than makes up for in charm and amenities. No wonder Phightin Phils put together this first championship in 25 years. They finally have a place that players want to be, a place where fans want to be, and place that the City of Philadelphia can be proud of and call home.

The Five Best MLB Ballparks To Get Drunk At

Collin Cooper — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:38:14 -0400

Ready to get Bombed? Is your idea of having fun getting drunk with your buddies and not caring what goes on in the field? We ranked all the ballparks for you to aid you in your quest. We rated each Major League ballpark in five categories: percent of people in the city who drink (no one likes to drink alone); ballpark consumable liquid offering (beer); friendliness of the people (everybody loves new drinking buddies); and post game options / public transportation (The CHG hates Drunk Drivers). Here are the best major league ballparks to get bombed…

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The Championships, Wimbledon

Collin Cooper — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:08:52 -0400

This year's oldest and most prestigious tennis grand slam, Wimbledon, take place June 22nd through July 5th. Here are some quick and dirty tips on the event.

Held at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Wimbledon, London Borough of Merton.
The Club was founded in 1868 and currently houses 19 Tournament courts.
This Grand Slam event has been held since 1877 and is played on grass.
Center Court was built in 1922 and is the fourth largest tennis stadium in the world with a capacity of 15,000. New for 2009 is a retractable roof.
Court 1 was built in 1997 seats 11,500 and Court 2 has 4,000.
Players must wear mostly white outfits, brand logos can not be too large.
Aorangi Park is a place for fans to gather and watch matches on a big screen TV.
Club is home to a new Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum.
Will be the center for tennis competition in the 2012 Olympics.
Winners prize money is £750,000.
Wimbledon Village home to shops and restaurants is a short distance from the championship courts.
Public transit is highly encouraged. Closest London Underground is Wimbledon stop on the District line.
New way for fans to get tickets to the event; Map of the Area.
Wimbledon web 2.0 iPhone app; Twitter; Facebook;

Posted in Other Sports

College World Series: Omaha, Nebraska

Collin Cooper — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:40:44 -0400

It is a event often overlooked when in comes to major sporting events here in America. But that doesn’t mean it can’t make for one hell of a road trip. Here is a quick run down of what to expect if you go to the College World Series.

Rosenblatt Stadium is located in Omaha, Nebraska.
Rosenblatt Stadium has hosted every College World Series since 1950. The Blatt was built in 1948 and is currently the largest baseball stadium in the U.S. not affiliated with a major league baseball team, capacity is 23,100.
This year’s event is being held June 13 – June 24; Current Tournament Bracket.
Notable College World Series Most Outstanding Players include Pat Burrell, Terry Francona and Dave Winfield.
There is an old time feel at the Blatt. Expect to hear pipe organ music over the public address, however, there has been a constant effort to improve the overall fan experience. New features have been recently added such as the addition in 2006 of a new video board constructed in the outfield.
Dimensions of the playing surface are 408ft to dead center field, 335ft down the lines and 375ft in power alley. The aluminum bats players use in college can make for some serious homerun fireworks.
Tickets will run you $20 -$33 depending on the game for reserved seats and $10 for general admission seats; The Blatt’s Seating Chart.
When it's not hosting the World Series, Rosenblatt Stadium is home to the Omaha Royals. It is slated to be replaced in 2011 by the new TD Ameritrade Park. The new 24,000 seat ballpark will take over the duties of hosting the College World Series, but will not be the home of the Omaha Royals.
Located next to the Henry Doorly Zoo.
List of Near by Restaurants, Bars, Hotels.

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Posted in Other Sports

2009 US Open: Editorial by Terry Cooper

Collin Cooper — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:05:56 -0400

In my lifetime, I have been fortunate enough to have played more than a dozen courses that have hosted PGA Tour events. Pebble Beach, Winged Foot and Doral are on my list of courses that I’ve played. I can state for a fact that I have birdied the eighth hole at Pebble, the ninth hole at Winged Foot, and made a par at Doral’s Blue Monster 18th hole.

When the tour plays those venues, I enjoy recounting my experience on those courses and I watch the tournaments with great interest. Pars and birdies are indeed possible on those PGA Tour’s courses that I’ve played but I don’t have that impression about Bethpage Black.

From many, many years of watching weekly professional golf tournaments, including the Seniors, Nationwide, Women’s and European tour events, I think Bethpage Black could be the most brutal and difficult of all courses.

Based on the TV coverage, Whistling Straits may give it a run for its money but I still think No. 1 is Bethpage Black. From the web site, Google Earth and the TV pictures, every hole at Bethpage gives the appearance of an epic struggle for par.

I get that impression from the seasoned commentators broadcasting the tournaments as well. Sure, you hear superlatives from the commentators every week but they don’t have the genuine reverence that you hear when they speak of Bethpage Black.

Yes, Oakmont’s greens are frightening; the winds can wreak havoc at Pebble Beach; Amen Corner at Augusta National can bring great competitors to their knee’s but none of those scare me from Hole One through 18 the way Bethpage Black does.

The entire course is visually intimidating and the fans add to that intimidating factor. I suspect it plays that way as well. It seems to demand extraordinary length, accuracy, course management, uncommon greenside play and extreme putting skills.

The New York audience, especially during a US Open week, add an atmosphere like no other. Several veteran pros were clearly intimidated by the audience during the last open. I suspect you’ll see the same this time around.

I don’t know if this year’s US Open can match the drama of last year, but the venue is certainly set for another great event. It should be a great struggle. The faces on the competitors will tell it all.

Happy watching

Terry Cooper

Contributor to the Crosshair Guide

Posted in Other Sports

Pro Football Hall of Fame : Canton OH

Collin Cooper — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:54:04 -0400

Last week we took the Crosshair Guide to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Here are some quick notes about the trip:

The best time to go to the HOF is during the new inductee enshrinement. This year's enshrinement will occur on Aug. 8, following up on the 9th with the Hall of Fame Game;
Access to the HOF costs $18 (10 percent discount for AAA), during the summer there are extended hours.
The best feature is the Hall of Fame Gallery, it’s where all the inductees have those famous bronze busts made of their faces. Also inside the Gallery there is an interactive touch screen display that shows highlights of your selected player. It’s a great way to understand the greatness that these men accomplished on the football field.
The Hall of Fame is worth about three hours of your time. It’s really a great place to go and learn about the history of the game.
Don’t miss out of the Super Bowl Ring Collection. The rings range from classy to outrageously gaudy.
The concession area at the HOF is rather sad-looking and surely needs an update. Their last section which is labeled as an interactive area is also lame as there is really only one game and a bunch of XBox 360s.
There is a very nice store at the end that has merchandise of all the teams. It’s the most complete NFL store we have seen.
A representative from the HOF says that there is a renovation that is pending. You can get updates by following the HOF on Twitter.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame is about 60 miles due south of Cleveland, and your best bet if you are looking to make a vacation out of it.
The Crosshair Guide saw fans supporting Green Bay, New York, Oakland, Chicago, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Buffalo and Washington. Oddly, no Browns jerseys were being sported on the premises.
Canton, Ohio, is not the most amazing town, as a matter of fact, no one would have probably ever have heard of it eif it wern’t for the HOF being there. While the surrounding area might not be all that inspiring, Canton is not a dump either, just think big box stores, strip malls and chain restaurants.
There are some places to eat and go out. Like Wings? We found a Quaker Steak and Lube along with a Buffalo Wild Wings north on I-77. There also were some local bars around the Belden Village Mall.

Posted in NFL

Top Sports Bachelor Parties

Collin Cooper — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:44:20 -0400

Your boy Jimmy popped the question to his girl and like it or not, he'll be marching down the aisle in very short order. Now you have one last chance to truly hang without his future wife having any real say in what goes down. You better do it up big and show Jimmy a good time because unlike the 150 weekends you guys spent at the local tavern, you will actually remember the time you spent at his bachelor party. No matter what your age, getting your friends together in one place is rare (or soon will be) and should be considered sacred. The location you choose is of the utmost importance and choosing to pair your trip along with a sporting event is never a bad idea. Lets face it, you aren't going to travel to Washington DC with your boys and check out the Smithsonian. There are only a few ingredients that make for a great bachelor party: Food, Drink, Activity (in this case, a sporting event) Nightlife, and Women (a combination of single ladies for your friends and potential strip clubs if your boy is down for that). The sporting event doesn't have to be the most amazing event of the year- you don't want it be the star of the weekend. Remember, the whole reason you are getting together in the first place is for Jimmy. We broke down each city down into the five categories that makes a bachelor party great. We then gave them ratings out of 10; Food, Drink, Sporting Event Quality, Nightlife and Women on the Prowl. We also added a cost factor into the equation, the more $s the more expensive the experience is. Here are the top 5 Sports-Themed Bachelor Party Destinations

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Sports Themed Bachelor Parties

Collin Cooper — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 10:22:05 -0400

Your boy Jimmy popped the question to his girl and like it or not, he’ll be marching down the aisle in very short order. Now you have one last chance to truly hang without his future wife having any real say in what goes down.

You better do it up big and show Jimmy a good time because unlike the 150 weekends you guys spent at the local tavern, you will actually remember the time you spent at his bachelor party.

No matter what your age, getting your friends together in one place is rare (or soon will be) and should be considered sacred. The location you choose is of the utmost importance and choosing to pair your trip along with a sporting event is never a bad idea.

Lets face it, you aren’t going to travel to Washington DC with your boys and check out the Smithsonian. There are only a few ingredients that make for a great bachelor party: Food, Drink, Activity (in this case, a sporting event) Nightlife, and Women (a combination of single ladies for your friends and potential strip clubs if your boy is down for that).

The sporting event doesn’t have to be the most amazing event of the year-you don’t want it be the star of the weekend. Remember, the whole reason you are getting together in the first place is for Jimmy.

We broke down each city down into the five categories that makes a bachelor party great. We then gave them ratings out of 10; Food, Drink, Sporting Event Quality, Nightlife and Women on the Prowl. We also added a cost factor into the equation, the more $s the more expensive the experience is.

Here are the top 5 Sports-Themed Bachelor Party Destinations

#5 Philadelphia/ Atlantic City: (36 points out of 50) $$

Most people would argue that New York is the top dog when it comes to bachelor parties in the Northeast. Philly beat New York out for two reasons.

One, it’s proximity to gambling. Two, a weekend on the town in Philadelphia is significantly more affordable to more people in your group than NYC.

Food (7): As any Philadelphian will tell you, this town is all about it’s beloved cheesesteaks. Philly also is home to roasted pork sandwiches, soft pretzels and water ice-all of which are excellent.

There are plenty of good Italian restaurants in town. And an hour away is Atlantic City which has managed to import loads of Vegas style buffets into it’s arsenal of food experiences.

Drink (8): Philadelphia has a lot of small beer pubs and locally brewed beers. If you are looking to save some coin, Philly is probably the best city in the country for the BYOB crowd. The bars close at 2:00 AM in the city but they are open all night in AC.

Sporting Event (8): Tailgating and going to a game at Lincoln Financial field can be a blast, as long as you can pretend to be an Eagles fans. During the spring and summer, Citizens Bank park offers an equally enjoyable sporting experience. Spend the day in Philly ending at the ballpark, and after the game is over, drive over the Walt Whitman Bridge (or roll high-class and rent a limo) and burn down the town in Atlantic City.

Nightlife (7): Philadelphia has a decent amount of nightlife, from bars along the Delaware River to the trendy bars of Old City. Atlantic City offers non-stop gambling with tons of casinos and bars open till the wee hours of the morning.

Women on the Prowl (6): Philadelphia is a true east coast town and it almost always seems that there are more men in the bars than there are women. Atlantic City attracts people from New York as well, but many of the women there are degenerates, bare this in mind. The strip clubs in Philadelphia can hold their own, while the clubs in AC have a BYOB policy.

#4 San Diego/Tijuana: (39 out of 50) $$

San Diego is simple during the day and crazy at night. The real danger in going to San Diego is that you’ll like it so much you and your crew won’t want to come back. Is that a bad thing?

Food (8): We would eat fish tacos from S.D. for breakfast lunch and dinner if we could. If you love serious Mexican food, San Diego is a great choice.

Drink (8): When you were able to legally drink on the beaches, San Diego was a in a class by itself. But things have changed a bit, perhaps the town is growing up.

The focus here now is the amazing beers that have been put out by San Diego breweries. If you like Tequila and all you can drink bars? Jump across the border to Mexico’s dangerous, ahem…anything goes border town of Tijuana.

Sporting Event (7): Two choices here depending on what you like. Like raucous unpredictable crowds? Get tickets for the annual Chargers vs. Raiders battle at Qualcomm.

For a more relaxing atmosphere (pretty much the opposite) hit up beautiful Petco Park for a Padres game. Hang out and enjoy the perfect weather.

Nightlight (8): The beach towns are great to up after a day of relaxing on the beach. Pacific Beach especially offers a great bar scene.

Keep your ears open and perhaps someone in your group will catch wind of a house party. These parties can lead to some serious fun. The Gas-lamp section of downtown SD offers a more cosmopolitan, more grown up scene.

Women on the Prowl (8): Generally speaking San Diego has a very relaxed and open attitude compared to the rest of the country. Since beach culture is so important to the life of Southern Californians, most of the women are tan, in shape, and easy to approach.

The strip club scene in SD is not remarkable but if you really want to get freaky TJ is only a short ride away. If you go, just be sure to stay together as a group and have someone be the responsible one.

Chicago (41 out of 50) $$$$

Chicago is a great sports town and it has basically everything you could possibly want to do in a city. The public transportation around the city helps cut down the cost by not having to rent a car, but make no mistake Chicago is not cheap. This is a great destination if you have friends flying in from all over the country as it is in the center of the states.

Food (10): It’s a man’s dream world when it comes to food offerings including some of the best steakhouses this country has to offer. Think of deep dish pizza, hot beef sandwiches and late night hot dogs.

Drink (7): Chicago is mainly a beer drinkers town, and people start early here, especially on Fridays. Drinking goes on till 4:00 in the morning.

Sporting Event (9): While there are five pro sports teams in Chicago, the choice for this is easy, a Cubs game. Get the whole crew together on Friday and start from there.

The nectar of the Gods for a Cubbies fan is Old Style Beer so try to fit in and have one or ten. After the game weave your way down N. Clark St until the sun goes down. Take the El back to the Hotel and grab a quick nap so you are ready for the night.

Nightlife (8): Dress in smart casual to classy when you go out. Expect to walk or cab it to your destination. Interesting options include blues bars but they aren’t the best place in the world for your single friends to pick up chicks.

Women on the Prowl (7): Chicago is the Mecca for all of the Midwest, that means when Allison from Wisconsin throws a bachelorette party her and all of her friends will make the trek to Chicago. It’s like a women magnet for a 250 mile radius. It’s also the epicenter for recent Big Ten grads.

Tampa: (41 out of 50) $

Tampa could have been number one as it did really well in three out of the five categories. Perhaps if the food was better or maybe Tampa will someday start pouring beers that are of a higher grade than Miller Lite. Regardless, Tampa is still a kick ass destination for a bachelor party.

Food (6): Tampa restaurant scene is mixed. Think one part Spanish, one part local seafood and one part large American chain. One thing that should not be overlooked is the paella, it’s excellent.

Drink (7); There are some local brews, but Florida is the capital of lawn mower beer. There is something to be said about having a beer in the Florida sun with your boys after a day at the beach as the night develops. One Bonus is that happy hour drink specials border on amazing.

Sporting Event (9): Spring training is one of the best places to go to with your buddies on a bachelor party, especially if you all cheer for one team. 12 Major League teams spring homes are within driving distance of Tampa.

Spring training is a great time of year to roll down to Florida, it’s a good way to reward yourself for enduring yet another cold winter. If spring training has come and gone, going to a Buccaneers game is a solid alternative. The location of Raymond James stadium is perfect for post game bachelor parties.

Nightlife (9): Ybor city is the center for nightlife in Tampa. Jumping bar to bar and enjoying cigars along the way is customary, as Tampa rolls the best in the US.

The bars shut their doors at 3:00 AM which is adequate for this type of party. The Hard Rock casino offers nearby gaming for those who wish to roll the dice.

Women of the Prowl (10): Tampa is home to beautiful beaches which always seems to breed better looking locals and Dale Mabry Highway is home to some of the best collection of strip clubs on the planet. Couple the laid back, carefree attitudes and potential spring breakers (assuming you are going to Spring training) and you have yourself a perfect storm for your crew.

Las Vegas (43 out of 50) : $$$

Even without a pro sports team we still couldn’t knock Vegas off as the top dog when it comes to bachelor parties. Lets face it, Vegas was built for this.

There is just so much to do, and the chance to see a non-traditional sporting event is always intriguing. Just remember to pace yourself so you don’t get burned out on the first day.

Food (8): You’ll probably hit the whole gambit of food options while your here. From a celebrity chef’s restaurant for the big meal, to the 24-hour diner that you’ll hit up at 4:23 in the morning. The selection here is constantly improving.

Drink (10): Las Vegas scores the highest in the drinking category. The reason… relaxed open container laws.

There isn’t much more in life more fun than walking down the strip with your buddies, beers in hand. It’s an experience that alone makes the trip worth it. And yeah, don’t forget the bars are always open in Sin City.

Sporting event (6): Las Vegas is sans a pro sports teams. But this slows down the excitement only slightly.

What is cooler than placing a bet on a Boxing match or an MMA fight, than actually seeing that fight live with your best friends? Catching big game sporting events at the casino’s sports books can also be awesome. There nothing better to cure a hang over than drinking comp’ed bloody Marys and watching every single NFL game.

Nightlife (10): It’s endless here. There is a bar for everyone’s tastes.

In between your bar hopping, try your luck playing craps (the ultimate bachelor party game). It’s top shelve and there are only a few places in the world that even come close to Vegas in the category. Did we mention open containers and 24-hour bars?

Women on the Prowl (9): Beautiful women flock from all over the world to work and play in Vegas. Strip clubs are almost as prevalent as the casinos and this has to be the official bachelorette party capital of the world.

It sure doesn’t hurt your crew’s odds that nearly every chick partying has a hotel room. The only downfall is it is no secret women love Vegas, so competition for their attention can be fierce.

Safeco Field: Plan Your Trip to Seattle's Baseball Paradise

Collin Cooper — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:39:15 -0400

Located just south of downtown Seattle as part of a new stadium complex, Safeco Field took over for the Kingdome in 1999.

Safeco Field cost $518 million to construct and has a capacity of 47,116 for baseball (other events are also held at the park).

The most unique feature of Safeco Field is its retractable steel roof.

The roof is essentially a huge 665-foot railroad, as it rides along railroad ties. It acts more like an umbrella than a climate controller as it does not fully enclose the stadium the way other retractable-roofed stadiums do (such as in Houston, Arizona, and Milwaukee).

Seattle’s weather is very finicky but Seattle has very hardy fans who appreciate being outside; the roof was a compromise between the two.

Major League baseball has very strict rules about the opening and closing of the roof. Once it's shut, it can not be re-opened during the course of the game.

Going to a game at Safeco Field is a real treat for anyone who is visiting the Pacific Northwest.

The Mariners attract decent-sized crowds, but getting tickets is not impossible. Good seats are available throughout the facility. The best seats in the house, according to Director of Public Relations for the Seattle Mariners, Rebecca Hale, are the Diamond Club seats behind home plate.

Here you are actually closer to home plate (56') than the pitcher (60'6"). If those seats are beyond your budget, opt for the 300-level reserved seats behind home plate to get a solid feel for the game and the building‘s architecture.

For a view of Qwest Field and Seattle's skyline, purchase tickets along the first-base side.

One of the best features of Safeco is that no matter how little you pay for your tickets ($7 is rock bottom), you can still roam around the entire ballpark. Safeco offers many standing room arenas and plenty of nooks and crannies that are worth exploring.

Seattle does not yet have a great public transit system that drops you off at the door of the stadium like some other cities, but you do have options.

There is a commuter rail line that runs from Tacoma and Everett. This summer should see the completion of a light rail line connecting downtown, the stadiums, and the airport.

Safeco is conveniently located at the I-90 and I-5 interchange. There is parking near the ballpark, but it can get pricey. Rebecca Hale noted the best option might be to park in downtown Seattle or near Pioneer Sq uare, where you can enjoy a nice and short walk to the game (After 6:00 pm metered spots are not enforced).

If you don’t mind catching the bus, there are also plenty of park and ride stations through the Seattle area.

Beer and food selection at Safeco is simply amazing, definitely come hungry and ready to eat.

For starters, there is a Seattle favorite, the Ivar Dog. It is a cod filet shaped like a hot dog coupled with cole slaw and tartar sauce.

Caesar Salads come recommended by Hale, as they are served up with a half pound of fresh salmon.

Local chain Kidd Valley brings a great hamburger to Safeco. The Ichi-dog rounds out the traditional ballpark fare.

Where Safeco goes above and beyond is in their effort to cater to their large contingent of Asian fans. They offer sushi (Ichiroll), sake (warm and cold), edamame (flavored soy beans) and Miso soup.

As home to the Mariners (a team that shares ownership with Nintendo), Safeco boasts one of the most technologically-advanced ballparks in the country. You can even order food via your cell phone.

The beer selection is as impressive as the food. Local brews like Pyramid (try the Curve Ball Ale), Red Hook, and Oregon-based Winder are present throughout the park. Other interesting beer offerings include Sapporo and Pabst Blue Ribbon.

According to Hale, the best place to enjoy your beer is at the Bull Pen Market, which is in the center field area of the park. This turns into a hot spot for local 20-somethings during the weekend games.

In between exchanging numbers, you can still sneak a peak at the game or walk over the terrance that overlooks the bullpen and heckle the opposing pitcher warming up.

If somehow all the food mentioned did not whet your appetite, the best food option may actually lay outside the stadium‘s turnstiles.

Skillet Street Food is a vintage winnebago-like street vendor that sets up before ball games. They offer amazing out-of-the-box takeaways like a grass-fed hamburger with bacon jam and hand cut fries…and yes, you can bring it into the game.

If you are looking to go out, Pioneer Square is probably your best bet for nightlife atfter the game. Before the game it’s nice to grab a beer at the Pyramid Brewpub across the street.

Safeco also does a nice job of catering to the younger crowds and families.

Thinking about going on a Wednesday night? The Mariners offer a family deal which includes four tickets, four sodas, and four hot dogs, all for half price.

Have hungry little ones? Try Moose’s munchies in the center field club house, it’s a concession stand designed for kids (think PB & J).

Safeco is a beautiful ballpark that really hits home runs when it comes to food and drink selection.

It has mastered catering to their multicultural fan base and the rewards are tremendous. The ballpark is very large and some of the seats are a ways away from the action on the field, but thats not what Safeco is all about

Nearby:

Restaurants: Il Terrazzo Carmine (Italian) 411 1st Ave S ; Harbor City BBQ (Asian) 707 S King St; Armando’ Salumi (Sandwich) 309 3rd Ave S

Bars: Joe’s 500 S. King St; Temple Billiards 126 S Jackson St; Triangle Pub 553 1st Ave S

Hotels: Hotel 1000 1000 1st Ave; Fairmont Olympic Hotel 411 University St; Hotel Monaco 1101 4th Ave; Green Tortoise 105 Pike St

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Cities with the Best Sports Facilities

Collin Cooper — Fri, 22 May 2009 15:10:59 -0400

We went through and ranked the best US cities based on the state of their Sports Facilities. Also included in the factoring is the overall fan atmosphere, game experience, and history of the Stadiums.

We chose cities that have at three different styles of pro sports stadiums (Football, Baseball & Hockey or Basketball). Notably missing from this list are cities from the west coast as none of the cities qualified. Amazing!

WORKS IN PROGRESS

15. Tampa: Raymond James – Tropicana Field – St. Pete Times Forum

Our Take: Raymond James and it’s faux pirate ship has been very serviceable football stadium. The Times Forum has done a decent job of getting Floridians excited about Hockey. Tropicana field holds down the area rankings. Will the Rays ever get a place they can be proud of?

14. Miami: Landshark Stadium - American Airlines Arena - Bank Atlantic Center

Our Take: American Airline Arena is as cool looking as Miami Beach. The newly named Landshark Stadium is good for football not for baseball. Miami is not known as a great sports town, but once the Marlins get their own place their stadiums will be first class.

13. Dallas: Texas Stadium – American Airlines Center – Ballpark @ Arlington

Our Take: The Ballpark @ Arlington is so-so for a new facility. American Airlines Center has amazing architecture but Texas Stadium’s age is starting to show it’s age. The completion of the The New Cowboys Stadium will significantly improve their overall sports infrastructure.

12. Pittsburgh: Heinz Field – PNC Park - Mellon Arena

Our Take: It’s hard to match the enthusiasm the city has for the Steelers and Pens, however the Pirates only get people to the games when there are fireworks. PNC Park and Heinz Field are world class and perhaps when the Igloo is replaced Pittsburgh will be ranked higher.

11. New York: Citi Field- Yankee Stadium- Meadowlands- Madison Square Garden

Our Take: The New Stadiums have received their fair share of criticism but New York will be king of the hill if once the Meadowlands gets replaced and MSG gets updated. The Meadowlands need to become more accessible to New Yorkers who love to ride the subway.

GREAT BUT NEED MORE MEMORIES

10. Denver: Coors Field - Invesco Field - Pepsi Center

Our Take: Denver has a really solid line up. Perhaps another championship would change our outlook. Coors field is a gem among ballparks. Invesco Field and the Pepsi Center are at least interesting.

9. Washington DC: Nationals Ballpark – FedEx Field – Verizon Center

Our Take: Washington DC loves to throw money at things. All the facilities are nice and are accessible by Metro Rail. No real great sports memories from these places though and fans only seem to care about the Redskins.

GREAT STADIUMS, OK FANS

8. Atlanta: Georgia Dome – Turner Field – Phillips Center

Our Take: Atlanta has three good facilities two of which were used in the 1996 Olympics. The Phillips Center gets good marks for an arena and Turner Field is one of the most fan friendly places you’ll find. If the fans woke up and had more passion for their teams then Atlanta would probably be ranked higher.

7. Phoenix: Chase Field – Jobing.com – US Airways Center- University of Phoenix

Our Take: The Phoenix area has two sports complex areas. All the arenas are relatively new and state of the art.

University of Phoenix has hosted two very memorable games already and Chase Field had a fantastic World Series. Four arenas for four teams – the money for stadiums is there… are the fans?

SPORTS STADIUM HOTBEDS

6. Boston: Gillette- Fenway- TD Garden

Our Take: While Boston might be the best sports town in America right now, Bostonians might get huffy when they find out they are not ranked number one. Fenway is a great place and keeps getting better.

The TD Garden is a good place to watch a game, but the outside area after 13 years still seems unfinished. Gillette is great, but too far away from the main population.

5. Chicago – Wrigley Field- US Cellular- Soldier Field- United Center

Our Take: Chicago has long been a mecca for sports. The city boast some of the most historic teams in all of the sports world. Wrigley Field is as about much fun as you can have during the day but should take notes from Fenway on how to update their amenities.

The United Center is huge but in the middle of nowhere. There are a lot of mixed reviews about the new Soldier Field but it has a great location. Developers missed the boat on US Cellular.

4. Cleveland: Browns Stadium- Progressive Field – Quicken Loans

Our Take: Cleveland is not the “Mistake by the Lake” anymore. Progressive Field has been one of the best places to see a game for a very long time now as fan support is rabid in Cleveland.

Quicken Loans Center is decent and the Browns Stadium finally gave the Brownies a place they can be proud of.

3. Detroit: Ford Field – Comerica Park – Joe Louis – Place at Auburn Hills

Our Take: Ford Field has done a nice job at hosting big events. The Joe is really one of the best throw back places to watch a hockey game.

Comerica is interesting because it’s a pitchers park but does seem to lack a certain charm. The Palace at Auburn Hills notoriously known for it’s debauchery.

2. Houston: Reliant Stadium – Minute Maid Park – Toyota Center

Our Take: In Houston, it’s either go big or go home. All the stadiums here are climate controlled, Phoenix is the only other city that has invested this much to provide their fans with a comfortable viewing experience.

Reliant had some quality questions surface after Hurricane Ike gave it a beating and Minute Maid was a little too Mickey Mousy for us to make it number one.

1. Philadelphia: Lincoln Financial Field- Citizens Park- Wachovia Center

Our Take: The most overly passionate fans have some of the best facilities in the country. Citizens Bank gets very high marks from the Crosshair Guide. The Linc is ominous and dark which is very fitting for the city and team it represents.

The Wachovia Center is a standard arena design but does the job well. There is plenty of parking and public transportation as all the stadiums are in one area. The only knock on Philly is the lack of amenities around the Sports Complex.

Posted in Cities

The Top Five Upcoming Stadiums in Pro Sports

Collin Cooper — Thu, 21 May 2009 16:56:56 -0400

These are the top 5 Stadiums that are currently being constructed. These facilities can consider themselves very lucky as they crept in right before the banking crisis. I have a feeling that we will not see many stadiums come online after these 5 open so enjoy them. Three of these stadiums kept their respected teams (Penguins, Marlins & Twins) in town. The other two stadiums are over the top in luxury amenities. While Luxurys are great, they don't alway equal a great new stadium.

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A Look at Progressive Field: Cleveland, Ohio

Collin Cooper — Wed, 20 May 2009 17:37:32 -0400

Opened as Jacobs Field in 1994, the Indians moved from the massive Cleveland Municipal stadium (you might remember it from such movies as Major League and Major League II).

After 13 years of being named Jacobs Field, the stadium officially changed its name to Progressive Field in 2008 (and yes, pretty much everyone hates it). It was an immediate success and until recently, as it held the major league record for sellouts at 455 (the listed capacity for the stadium is 43,345).

Cleveland is a great baseball town and like Camden Yards in Baltimore, Progressive Field was one of the first of the new generations of ballparks that helped change the landscape of the American baseball stadium.

Progressive Field is located right next to Quicken Loans arena and is part of the Gateway Sports and entertainment complex which flanks the southern part of downtown Cleveland.

Drew Carey talks about how "Cleveland Rocks"—this park is what got that ball rolling. There is a multitude of things to do in the neighborhood surrounding the ballpark, making Cleveland one of the best places for a sports road trip.

There is plenty of fan interaction. In 2004, Progressive field installed a new video board to complement their enormous left field score board (second largest in MLB behind the Nationals). Beyond the left field scoreboard is the Cleveland skyline.

In 2007, Progressive Field opened up Heritage Park, the new home of the Indians Hall of Fame. The ballpark also offers plenty of places to let kids runs wild. The best place to sample local fare in the ballpark is the center field Market Pavilion. Here you can grab a burrito, a beer, and listen to a pregame band as the first pitch approaches.

The ballpark also offers alternatives like sushi and salad. The Italian Cuban sandwich (oddly named) is delicious and everything goes well with Cleveland's own brown mustard.

The beer selection is decent, ranging from the standard American brews to Guinness at "ballpark reasonable" prices.

One aspect that many other stadiums "borrowed" from here is the concept of "hanging out" places for people to gather around and have a good time. This is perfect if you are meeting up with people that don't have seats in the same section as you.

The average ticket price for an Indians game will run you about $26. This stadium has three levels of luxury suites and quite a few private restaurants, which we will not delve into.

The upper deck, because of the three levels of suites, is very high and very steep. The left field bleacher seats are home to the Indians best fans. This is also home to the Wahoo Drum.

Getting to the game is hit or miss. Since it is near to the central business district, games often coincide with rush hour.

Progressive Field is right off of I-90. Parking bargains can be found near the park. Cleveland Rail Station drops you off only a short walk to the park (a bonus that you typically see in larger cities—nice!).

Jacobs Field/Progressive Field, after almost 15 years of existence, is still an excellent ballpark. Yes, it has some flaws, but that's what happens when you lead the way; people copy your good ideas and change the things that didn't necessarily work.

The most common complaint is the corporate feel that this park has taken on. This corporate concept is rooted in the beginning of this park's existence. It was constructed on the sole notion that Cleveland needed this park to compete with the Yankees and Red Sox of the world.

Did it work?

Tampa Bay may have proved that theory moot. Our thoughts here are don't let the corporate fat cats get you down, just enjoy the game.

Bars: The Boneyard Beer Farm & Mesquite Grill (746 Prospect Ave) ; Flannery's Pub (323 W Prospect Ave) ; Pat's in the Flats (2233 W 3rd St)

Restaurants: Lola (2058 E 4th St) ; Xo Prime Steaks (500 W Saint Clair Ave); Fat Fish Blue LLC (21 Prospect Ave E)

Hotels: Cleveland Marriott Downtown (127 Public Sq) ; Hilton Garden Cleveland Gateway (1100 Carnegie Ave) ; Residence Inn (527 Prospect Ave E)

NHL Arenas: The Final Four

Collin Cooper — Wed, 20 May 2009 15:13:13 -0400

With hockey down to its final four, we delve into the four arenas that are left. While all the teams left are worthy of reaching this far in the quest for Lord Stanley’s Cup, the places they call home are completely different animals. One is historical, one is the oldest, one huge, and one state of the art.

Mellon Arena

Opened 1961 at a cost of $22 million
Nickname: The Igloo
Hockey Capacity: 16,940
Size: 420,000 Square ft
Luxury Suites: 52
Average ‘08-‘09 Home attendance: 16,975 (102.6 percent)
Best place to go before the game: South Side (East Carson street)
Most Unique Concession: None. Tip: Eat a P rimanti Bros. sandwich before you go into the game!

Our Take: This arena featured the first ever retractable roof, making it…extremely old, the oldest in the NHL. Penguins fans have been as good as any in the NHL since the arrival of Sid. Thankfully, Mellon Arena will be replaced by the Consol Center across the street in 2010.

United Center

Opened 1994 at a cost of $175 million
Nicknames: The Madhouse on Madison II, The House that Jordan Built
Hockey Capacity: 20,500
Size: 960,000 Square ft
Luxury Suites: 160
Average ‘08-’09 Home Attendance: 22,247 (111.2 percent)
Best Place to go before the game: Not much in the immediate arena. If visiting Chicago, hit up the Loop or Mag Mile.
Most Unique Concession: Hot I talian Beef sandwich

Our Take: For such a great town, developers chose to plop this huge arena in a rather barren neighborhood. The United Center offers plenty of clubs and places to eat. A nice touch is their re-creation of the old Chicago Stadium organ.

Joe Louis Arena

Opened 1979 at a cost of $57 million
Nickname: The Joe
Hockey Capacity: 20,066
Luxury Suites: 86
Average ‘08-’09 Home Attendance: 19,865 (99.0 percent)
Best Place to go before the game: Hockey-town Cafe or Greektown
Most Unique Concession: The Red Winger Daiquiri

Our Take: The home of Hockeytown USA, the Joe is as tough as any place to win on the road. With the departure of many of the great NHL facilities, this is as historic as hockey arenas get. The JLA is starting to show its age a bit, one single concourse and busy bathrooms need updating.

RBC Center

Opened 1999 at a cost of $158 million
Nickname: None
Hockey Capacity: 18,680
Luxury Suites: 75
Average ‘08-’09 Home Attendance: 16,572 (88.5 percent)
Best Place to go before the game: College bars around NC State
Most Unique Concession: North Carolina BBQ Company

Our Take: The Hurricanes share this with NC State. For being relatively new to hockey, Carolina fans are pretty knowledgeable. The food selection is pretty good, which makes up for the lack of things to do around the arena. The RBC Center logo is one of the best in the business.

Posted in NHL

Final Four NBA Arenas

Collin Cooper — Tue, 19 May 2009 00:09:45 -0400

With the NBA narrowed down to four teams, we have decided to give you a snippet of what all four arenas have to offer. If you are planning on going to a playoff game you can use this as a quick guide to enhance your overall sporting event experience. If you have been to any of these arenas please help out other fans by leaving feedback about your personal experience be it good or bad. Insider tips are always appreciated!

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The Final Four: of Arena's

Collin Cooper — Mon, 18 May 2009 15:45:47 -0400

With the NBA narrowed down to four teams, we have decided to give you a snippet of what all four arenas have to offer.

Staples Center: Los Angeles, CA

Opened in 1999 at a cost of $375 Million
Nickname: None
Basketball Capacity: 18,997 160Luxury Suites
Average '08-'09 Home attendance: 18,997(100%)
Best place to go before the game: LA Live
Most Unique Concession: Eat and Drink on the Staples Center roof, City View Grill which over looks LA
Our Take: Just like the city that she resides in, the Staples Center is very flashy and star driven. Good luck getting tickets, but if you do, be sure to dress to impress and pay more attention to what is going on in the stands than the game on the floor.

Pepsi Center: Denver, CO

Opened 1999 at a cost of $180 Million
Nickname: The Can
Basketball Capacity: 19,309 95 Luxury Suites
Average '08-'09 Home attendance: 17,223(89.9%)
Best place to go before the game: LoDo district or Six Flags
Most Unique Concession: Blue Sky Grill offers Western cuisine in a Mountain lodge setting
Our Take: The Pepsi Center is nicely located near plenty of Denver attractions. It’s all about having a good time here.

Amway Arena: Orlando, FL

Opened 1989 at a cost of $98 Million
Nickname: O-rena Basketball
Capacity: 17,519 26 Luxury Suites
Average '08-'09 Home attendance: 17,043(97.6%)
Best place to go before the game: Downtown Orlando(Orange Ave, Wall & Church St)
Most Unique Concession: The Carvery serves up hand-carved sandwiches
Our Take: Needs to be replaced, they’ve already broke ground for the replacement, but still a good place to see a game. The transient residents of Orlando make this joint one of the best bargains in the NBA, tickets are reasonable and available.

Quicken Loans Arena: Cleveland, OH

Opened 1994 at a cost of $100 Million
Nickname: The Q
Basketball Capacity: 20,562 92 Luxury Suites
Average '08-'09 attendance: 20,010(97.3%)
Best place to go before the game: The Flats
Most Unique Concession: Quaker Steak & Lube(Wings)
Our Take: Blue Collar town with a surprisingly nice & cushy arena. One of the worst arena names in the business.

Banzai Pipeline: Ehukai Beach, Hawaii

Collin Cooper — Fri, 15 May 2009 19:59:55 -0400

This is a video of the much more milder waves during May. Despite being considered mild waves, they were still very intense and it was a pleasure to watch these surfers masterfully them carve up.

Banzai Pipeline is the most famous surf site in all of Hawaii and perhaps the world. The winter time is when massive tubular waves roll in. If you aren’t an expert, these waves are not for you and most likely you will be chased away by the local surfers.

Pipeline is unmarked part of Sunset Beach Park between Waimea Bay on Oahu’s North Shore. The North Shore is completely different from the crowded beaches of the Leeward Side of the Island.

The North Shore is what the locals refer to as the country and they intend to keep it that way. You will only find one resort here, plenty of open space on the beach and even sea turtles that beach themselves in the sand. It’s an amazing place, but do be respectful of this calmness if you visit.

We by no means pretend to be surfing gods, but we do know how to eat and drink. Here are some suggestions to fill up in you are in the area.

Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck

As laid back as the beaches of the north shore. Get them spicy, garlicky or with Lemon Butter and wash the buggers down with Passion Orange Guava or as the locals call it, POG.

Hang Ten Bar and Grill @ Turtle Bay

Here you can relax outside, watch surfers, drink a Mai Tai and get some parking validated in one swoop. After a drink here, you start dreaming about ditching your job and skipping that pesky return flight.

Shaved Ice at Matsumoto in Haleiwa

Shaved Ice is a Hawaiian treat which consists of shaved ice, flavored syrup and if you wish condensed milk.

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CHG Interview: Bryant Denny Stadium: Tuscaloosa AL

Collin Cooper — Mon, 11 May 2009 08:49:02 -0400

While planning some upcoming sports road trips for the Crosshair Guide I had the fortune to interview a Tuscoloosa Native and Alabama Alum, Brittany Cockrell, on what one can expect if you go to a ‘Bama game in the fall. Brittany was eager to help me out and I thought she had plenty of insightful tips.

For the record Brittany was adamant that Bryant Denny is the best place on earth.

CHG: Where is the best place to tailgate?

Brittany Cockrell: The Quad. The Quad is located in the center of campus and is an open field/park.

There is always many tailgates, concessions from local food vendors, memorabilia and t’shirt vendors, and when GameDay comes they locate on the Quad as well. Denny Chimes and Gorgas Library are located on the Quad. It is only about 1 block to the stadium.

CHG: What type of food will you find at tailgates?

Brittany Cockrell: Hot dogs, burgers, dip, chips, gumbo, wings, pasta salad, etc. Typical tailgate food.

CHG: Are there drinking games? What is the most popular?

Brittany Cockrell: Presidents & A**holes, 3 Man, Cornhole. The most popular really just depends on what tailgate or party you’re at.

CHG: What are the laws on having an open container? Is it enforced?

Brittany Cockrell: Yes, open container is strictly enforced near the bars and restaurants. You are fine if you are tailgating but don’t go near the stadium. Cops live for arresting people on game days for open containers.

CHG: Any sports museums near by? Statues?

Brittany Cockrell: Directly in front of Bryant Denny is “The Walk”. There are concrete stones for each national and sec championship.

Bear, Gene Stallings, Wallace Wade all have statues in this area. There is even a spot for the next statue.

CHG: What is the most unique feature at Bryant Denny?

Brittany Cockrell: Murals throughout the stadium depicting famous scenes in football. The front entrance to Bryant Denny is also very unique.

Great landscaping, statues, stones for all the championships, the A carved in the stone on the stadium. There are Alabama A’s on each seat in the stadium (excluding bleachers). Our jumbo trons are very nice also.

CHG: Nice Jumbotron’s, what makes them nice?

Brittany Cockrell Bryant Denny has two large jumbo trons, one at the south end zone and one located in the stadium close to the north end zone. There was one large jumbo tron at the north end zone until the latest addition. With the expansion of the south end zone, I’m sure that one will come down and be relocated like the other.

CHG: So for my first game at Bryant Denny, where should I get seats?

Brittany Cockrell: The lower deck, A-N because those seats tend to stay out of the sun

CHG: Are there any seats that I should avoid?

Brittany Cockrell: AA-NN tend to always be in the sun for day games and will be the hottest sections. However the student section and band are located in those sections which are the most fun in my opinion.

CHG: What is the food like inside the Bryant Denny?

Brittany Cockrell: Denny dogs are the best! The stadium went under a huge renovation and the concessions were completely redone.

They offer dogs, candy, sodas, nachos, chicken fingers, burgers, etc. Typical concession food but not bad.

CHG: Alright, the games over where is the best place to grab a bit to eat after the game?

Brittany Cockrell Within walking distance of the stadium is Buffalo Phils which is a great sports bar with decent food, outdoor seating. It’s typically a young crowd.

However there is an excellent Mexican Restaurant (El Rincon) on the same street as well as Qdoba, Bento (Japanese/Sushi), Subway. If you are willing to drive a little further out (2-3 miles), Wings is a really good restaurant decked out with all sorts of Alabama memorabilia, great bar area, and TVs. Tuts is a real small hole in the wall, but they have awesome cheese steaks, gyros and calzones.

CHG: What is the best bar to go to after the game?

Brittany Cockrell: Houndstooth (before the renovation) was the #1 Sports Bar in North America but was completely rebuilt and has lost a little of it’s luster and great vibe. The Legacy is close by and offers a wide selection of beers, pool tables, usually live entertainment on the weekends, and flat screen TVs.

CHG: Sounds greats, is their a local signature drink at either one of this places?

Brittany Cockrell: Alabama Slammer? Not really sure.

CHG: Are there Hotels nearby? Near airport?

Brittany Cockrell: Hotels in Tuscaloosa tend to be select service and located right off the interstate. The closest hotels to the stadium are The Capstone (formerly Four Points By Sheraton and the only full service hotel in the area) and the Hampton Inn University.

No major airport in Tuscaloosa. Birmingham International Airport (45 minutes to an hour away) is the closest.

CHG: What’s is the traffic situation like?

Brittany Cockrell: Traffic is bad on game weekends. Parking is limited. Arriving a few hours early is highly recommended.

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Nationals Ballpark: Washington DC

Collin Cooper — Fri, 08 May 2009 03:47:19 -0400

Surrounding area: Needs a lot of work, lots of construction going on on Half Street, which will be really nice when completed. But now there's nothing, really: no bars, no hotels, nothing to do.

Transportation in: Metro stop is just two blocks away—very short walk. Green line Metro

Cleanliness: Extremely well kept, janitorial workers were making rounds continuously— great attention paid to appearance

Lighting/Color: Lots of bright reds and blues, use of the logo was prevalent. Scoreboard was nice, no JumboTron, though

Concessions: Here there is an excellent variety: Ben's Chili Bowl plus typical stadium foods. Seat service had nice menu, as well. Diamond club was fantastic! Stayed open an hour past final out serving beer. Outfield restaurant, Presidents club, lots of F/B options.

Shopping: There are BOAT LOADS of apparel and team stores, probably counted 10 on the mezzanine level alone.

Seats: From the look of it, there doesn't appear to be a bad seat in the house. Upper decks and outfield seats look to have excellent views.

Ambiance: Definitely more visiting fans than Nats fans. St. Louis was in town, and the stadium was full of Cardinals fans. Fireworks display after the game: Not bad, although they do it from behind the first base line, so the sight line was pretty obscured by the upper decks.

Submitted by contributing writer Ryan Cimei

Want to be a contributor? Email us at gameday@thecrosshairguide.com

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Posted in MLB