TOUR: Rating stadiums on 'Whirlwind Tour'
any weather conditions to be in complete comfort. (Photo by John Krueger)
(Editor's Note: Shelby County Sports Online Editor John Krueger is in the midst of the 'Krueger Whirlwind Tour', traveling throughout the Eastern and Midwestern United States visiting various sports venues during an 11-day trip. During this trip he will be reflecting upon his various stops and the sights he observes.)
ST. LOUIS, Missouri -- As I wind down my first-ever 'Whirlwind Tour' I must say that I've thoroughly enjoyed each and every step of this vacation. From the sights on the road, to the elegance and uniqueness of each stop, it has been a trip that I have thoroughly enjoyed.
I've had the opportunity to see and read about the legends of both professional and college football, visiting one of the most storied collegiate campuses once again and watched three great baseball games at three fantastic pro baseball venues.
I thought today I would rate the three Major League Baseball stadiums that I visited, citing what I thought was the best and worst of Wrigley Field in Chicago, Miller Park in Milwaukee and Busch Stadium in St. Louis. I've never been a huge fan of sitting in front of the television and watching baseball, but always thoroughly enjoy going to catch a ballgame when the opportunity arises.
I've thought back to the stadiums I've visited on this trip and each has its 'selling' points that would make me want to come back again, and those that weren't so desirable. Here are a few observations:
Weather - Obviously a city can't control its weather - or then again, can it? On this trip in particular I have to give the nod to Chicago.
As Jonathan Coffin (my riding mate) and I approached the 'Windy City' we passed through an approaching 'cold front'. Now I know that readers in Texas don't know what this is during the summer months, but let me tell you there is such a thing in the northern states.
When we arrived at the stadium it was very breezy and 73 degrees. And although the city 'lucked out' on that aspect, having traveled to Chicago many times before it was easy to assess that Chicago has a nice breeze most of the time because of its proximity to Lake Michigan. Add that to the front that passed through and the game being played in late June and you have a perfect evening for a ballgame.
In fact, believe it or not there was a slight 'chill' in the air by the game's end. As we left Wrigley Field, it was in the upper 60s, which made it a nice night. The overnight low, believe it or not, got down to 56.
But if you want to control the weather, Miller Park would be the best venue. Because of its retractable roof, you can attend games on a rainy day or an extreme hot or cold evening; you can sit in the climate-controlled stadium and enjoy a great game.
St. Louis ran a close second in the weather rating on this particular trip. The contest between the Cardinals and Arizona Diamondbacks was played at 1:15 p.m. The temperature was 82 degrees at first pitch and the stadium faces the East, which meant by the third inning we were in the shade, enjoying a great contest.
Location of Stadium/Parking - Although it was located downtown, Busch Stadium in St. Louis had the best parking (although definitely not the cheapest) nearby. There were several parking garages within three blocks of the stadium, making it a short walk. And since we parked in a building, my truck stayed cool.
Miller Park's parking wasn't bad. You had to walk about a quarter-mile, but it was not a bad walk. There was a benefit to the parking in Milwaukee, because you could get there early (as we did) and tailgate. As we sat there before the game we were able to not only get a great parking spot, but enjoy the pregame atmosphere of the game and talk to some of the other fans.
Wrigley Field's parking was, by far, the worst as you had to struggle to find a place to leave your vehicle in downtown Chicago or ride a shuttle from a lot farther out.
Seating - I must say, of the three stadiums we went to, Miller Park had the best seating as far as 'leg room'. That is, if someone wanted to leave their seat and pass by you, you didn't have to get up each time. The seating was also pretty comfortable as far as stadium seating goes.
Despite sitting in one of the upper decks at Busch Stadium, the view was spectacular. Not only did you get a good look at the ballgame, but you also had a fantastic view of the Gateway Arch and the city in the background.
Wrigley Field also had a great view from the upper deck, but the seats in the stadium built in 1914 were very cramped and uncomfortable.
Atmosphere - Hands down, Wrigley Field swept past the other two stadiums as far as atmosphere. Despite coming into the game while sitting in fourth place in the National League Central, and playing Pittsburgh, which is in last place in the division, a near sell-out crowd was on hand to watch this game on a Monday night.
If there was fan parking in a large lot next to the stadium, I'm sure it would be the place to be before ballgames. But despite this opportunity missed, going to a Cubs game was like an attraction all its own, even without the game.
Throughout the game fans were milling around, and other fans from Chicago that sat near us conversed with us, telling us about their lives and their baseball experiences in the 'windy city'.
St. Louis and Milwaukee were both close seconds in this category, although I would say that, for a first-place team, the Cardinal fans didn't get into the game near as much as 'Cubby' fans.
Food - We didn't partake a lot with food. A Coke in Chicago was $4.75, and one in St. Louis was $6.00. Of course, if you're a collector, when you got one at Busch Stadium, you could get a collector's cup.
Jonathan did get hungry enough at Miller Park to get a 'dog', which cost him $4.75. But it wasn't anything spectacular by any means. We joked that it cost almost a dollar a bite.
View - Being the newest stadium of the three, Busch Stadium had the best view. Even sitting in the upper deck, home plate was not that far away. And there weren’t any obstructions from just about anywhere.
A drawback to Miller Park could be that if you enjoy watching the pop-ups, your line of sight could be hindered somewhat depending on where you sat because there were overhangs on each section.
Wrigley was the worse. Because it is an old stadium, there were many support beams that blocked the view.
Overall - If I was going to attend another game I would probably go back to Busch Stadium. With the proximity of parking, the ease of entering and exiting the stadium, the great view from just about any seat in the stadium made it the favorite of the three.
The weather the day of the game didn't hurt my opinion of my experience in St. Louis, and there were many accessible restrooms and vendors throughout the park, even on the upper deck.
It was a great experience, one which I would do again if I had the chance. As we told our story of our journey to some of those who sat around us at each stadium, we were, no doubt, the envy of other fans.
But now it's time to return home. Each site was a great experience, and a memory we're not likely to forget.