San Francisco Giants

Baseball, the favorite American pasttime, spells summer! I loved going to games with my dad as a kid. Growing up in San Diego, I'll always be a Padre fan at heart, but it wasn't until I caught a spontaneous game one night while visiting San Francisco that I truly saw the beauty of the city. AT&T Park is quite the sight! Just jump on the train and it's a quick and easy way to access the game. Like every city, Giant fans love their team - decked out in orange and black, nicknames for their favorite players, and a true sense of SF pride and comradery. The red brick on the Stadium gives it that authentic San Fran feel as well. The best thing about AT&T Park is that there is something for everyone. From the great bars, hotdog stands and children's playground out in left field to the kayakers waiting in the bay to catch the occasional home run, the excitement is never ending. And if/when the Giants win, those fans 21+ can enjoy amazing bars located right outside the stadium with great brews and late night eats to keep the celebration going!

Where else would you go to catch a baseball game in the Bay Area? AT&T Park is home to the San Francisco Giants, winners of 2 of the last 3 World Series (2010, 2012). People in panda hats, giraffe hats and everything orange, it's definitely amazing to see all of the passionate fans and culture that resides in the city of San Francisco. On most game days and nights there are plenty of giveaways and themed nights. For instance, there are the always-popular bobblehead nights, but Star Wars Night, Wine Fest and even a Singles Night? Seems like there's something for everyone at the ballpark. The baseball on the field is nothing short of spectacular, but the entire experience is even better. From seeing the brick wall of the park located at 24 Willie Mays Plaza, to tasting the wonderful and diverse eateries inside the park, you won't be disappointed with the aesthetics of the facilities. WIth the choices ranging from sushi to the famous garlic fries, I'm sure you'll be coming back to your seat with your hands full of food. The weather can be a bit tricky though. On day games, you should be fine, however, at night the cold winds from the San Francisco Bay can blow through the park. So be sure to grab a jacket on the way out for those cooler summer nights by the bay.

The San Francisco Giants have what seem believe to be the best ball park in all of major league baseball. The atmosphere when you enter the park is electric from start to finish. Their catchy names for players like the "kung fu pand" and "the freak", nicknames for all star third baseman Pablo Sandoval and two time Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum display the type of comraderie and fun the coincide with every home game. And as many of you know, the Giants have won two of last three world series and have done so under the radar as most of the attention is focused on the east coast teams like the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and even some west coast teams like the Angels and Texas Rangers. However, when visitors come to see San Francisco, going to a giants game is on the to do list. Some of the games I've been to have brought such celebrities as Sean Astin (Sam from Lord of the Rings) and many famous politicians and wealthy bankers. As of right now, the Giants are in first place in the N.L. West and are in prime shape to make yet another playoff run and have the whole city lit up in Orange and wearing Panda hats.

San Francisco boasts one of the best baseball cultures in all of America. The beloved Giants have called the city of San Francisco home for over 55 years, but have only been playing at AT&T Park since it opened on April 11, 2000. With its classic ballpark feel and modern amenities, it’s the perfect mix of new and old and a must-see when visiting “The City.” The regular season goes from the beginning of April to the beginning of October. In these six months the Giants play 81 games at AT&T Park. Typically, they play at night, but during the vacation months of June, July and August more day games are scheduled. Because the Giants have won two of the last three World Series, tickets are slightly more difficult to come by. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the box office, but if you didn’t plan ahead, scalpers are always lurking around the stadium with inflated ticket prices. Never settle with their original asking price, they need to get rid of their tickets just as badly as you want them. Like any Major League ballpark concessions are extremely overpriced. Save money by pre-gaming at one of the zillion bars and restaurants around the vicinity. Finding AT&T Park is easy. It’s located in the “Soma” (South of Market) neighborhood of San Francisco at 24 Willie Mays Plaza, at the corner of Third and King. Take any streetcar from Embarcadero Station and get off at Second Street/Ballpark Station. Muni buses 10, 30, 45 and 47 also stop within walking distance. If all else fails use the Bay Bridge as your visual reference, it’s hard to miss and right down the street from the park.

WE ARE IN THE WORLD SERIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This could not be bigger news, I am so proud of my hometown team and last night Pablo Sandoval hit THREE home runs, joining the ranks of the few others who have done so in a post-season game that include Babe Ruth! They weren't even doing so well at first and then suddenly tore through to the pennant and took down the Cardinals. We WON the World Series only two years ago and we'll do it again. I bleed black and orange.