Where should I sit at GABP?

by bbjones on May 26, 2010 2:02 AM EDT

I'll be in Cincinnati this summer for the first time since GABP opened. In return for attending Miami Reunions, my wife has agreed that we can all go to a game. We'll be there for the June 17th day game against the hated Dodgers.

So, I checked out the Visitors Guide to figure out where to sit. While it was very helpful at outlining the pros and cons of various smoking policies, neither my two little kids nor their two little cousins smoke, so that's not really a driver.

What I really want to know is: Where should we sit? We'll have 8 of us, so I'd like to keep the ticket price under control. Family friendly, near some decent food, with an overall good park experience given that we won't be back for a while.

Do the bleachers get too rowdy for little kids (4 kids under 8 years old)? Are we going to get baked by the sun in a day game?

Common, guys, make me look like a genious for picking great seats when we get to the park.

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The bleachers are like a frying pan when it gets hot

No one ever gets Wrigley Field rowdy though. I prefer right field.

Then it comes to be that the soothing light at the end of your tunnel
is just a freight train coming your way.

by btcoop71 on May 26, 2010 8:29 AM EDT reply actions

yeah the bleachers can be super ht

but the company up there isn’t too bad. I like the RF sun/moon deck. The tickets are around 22 bucks, I think, but given the size of your group you might be able to negotiate that down a bit (not sure about that). Those seats have a great view of the action and Jay Bruce’s back lol. It’s also pretty well located for concesions. Just outside (behind) the seats is a nice view of the river.

Hope you guys have a good time!

by Red_Poodle on May 26, 2010 9:02 AM EDT up reply actions

I'm a cheapskate, so I've never bought tickets for seats that aren't in the upper deck or the bleachers.

I’ve moved down to lower level seats (which is astoundingly easy, compared to how impossible it used to be at Riverfront, by the way) but I’ve never purchased tickets down there. Personally, I hate the bleachers. Not comfortable at all, you can’t see the big screen, and you’re either fried by the sun or blinded by it, depending on the time of day. Plus, you’re farther away from home plate and most of the action than parts of the upper deck. PLUS, the food options out there are incredibly limited.

I much prefer the upper deck (view level or view level box) right behind home plate. Sections 520 or 521. Tons of food stands right outside your section, several restrooms, a small gift shop, and easy access to the exits after the game. But, most importantly, you can see the entire field.

by the finest muffins on May 26, 2010 9:18 AM EDT up reply actions

For the price, I think the lower part of the upper deck behind home is a great deal

The view is pretty great, especially if you’re on the 3B side of home. You’re not right on top of the field, though. If you want to be close to the action, I would suggest the RF stands. Also if you have 8 or more I’m pretty sure you can call the ticket office ahead of time and cut a deal.

"The Asian language is very different than ares." -- Justin007000

by jch24 on May 26, 2010 9:22 AM EDT reply actions

I should have read muffin's comment

"The Asian language is very different than ares." -- Justin007000

by jch24 on May 26, 2010 9:23 AM EDT up reply actions

This is always good advice. :)

A follow-up comment, though: If you’re thinking of buying tickets in the lower part of the upper deck (view level box) first check on the availability of the lowest rows in the regular view level. It’s an $8 dollar price difference, but not much view difference.

by the finest muffins on May 26, 2010 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions

Sorry for the lack of info in the guide, BTW

My problem is I typically only buy tickets to one game a year, so I don’t know a whole lot about the value aspect.

"The Asian language is very different than ares." -- Justin007000

by jch24 on May 26, 2010 9:32 AM EDT reply actions

But plenty about smoking policies.

Let me write out a formal proof for you.

by Gray on May 26, 2010 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions

important thread is important

Made from 100% Recycled Awesome,

by 'tHan on May 26, 2010 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions

That would make sense, considering I smoke

"The Asian language is very different than ares." -- Justin007000

by jch24 on May 26, 2010 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Really?

Don’t you know that it’s bad for you?

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by 'tHan on May 26, 2010 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Shirley you must be joking?

"The Asian language is very different than ares." -- Justin007000

by jch24 on May 26, 2010 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions

He's not joking.

But you keep right on calling him Shirley.

"Red Reporter - An elitist clique full of like-minded douchebags." - BK

by ZJiff30 on May 27, 2010 8:48 AM EDT up reply actions

I don't go to a ton of games, so when I do it is a big deal to me.

I don’t mind spending a little bit on tickets, since we usually sneak in or own liquor, and so I’ve sat in many diferent locations.

As a general rule of thumb, it’s been my experience that you really can trust the price of the ticket to tell you how good of a seat you’re getting. My advice would be to call a ticketing rep and see what prices your group is eligible for. Then talk to your buddies and see if you guys can get a slightly more expensive seat. It’s usually worth it.

No amount of prosperity is sufficient to eliminate all misfortune, and sloth is impervious to opportunity.

by kazahani2 on May 26, 2010 2:12 PM EDT reply actions

Just my $0.02

You mentioned going to a day game. Pretty much after April you get fried at day games. If you like that then I recommend the Sun Deck highly. If you are like me and you love being at the game but want some possibility of shade, I recommend someplace in right field. I like the View Level Box or View Level myself. Great views of the game (as with the rest of the seats of course), the scoreboard looks like a huge HDTV right in front of you, nice view of the river between innings and the concession stands are many and aren’t mobbed. Being in right field also gives you the opportunity for shade at some point during the game too.

Again, your mileage may vary, but that’s how I like to do it. Have a great time!

by BigBengal9 on May 26, 2010 5:05 PM EDT reply actions

Can't go wrong with...

Buying the $5 seats and moving down. It’s astoundingly easy. They don’t check tickets at all. There’s usually tons of empty seats in the lower section close to the foul poles on the 1st and 3rd baselines. Good view, plus you can heckle Manny like I did the last time the Dodgers came to town.

Alternatively, whoever suggested sections 520 or 521, the ones right behind home plate in the upper deck, is absolutely correct. If I sit up high, that’s where I like to be. Great view of the whole field.

by DerekFetters on May 26, 2010 5:53 PM EDT reply actions

Wow, thanks for all the help!

Do you get shade in 520/521? Or do you need to go farther out towards 3rd base?

I’d like to get seats so good my pictures look like BubbaFan’s, but I don’t think that’s gonna happen. :)

"The USA despite its flaws and corruption and overall messiness is still a great and powerful instrument of freedom and hope for the entire world." - Madville

by bbjones on May 26, 2010 11:44 PM EDT reply actions