Wasn’t “A Busload of Iowans” the original title of Helios Creed’s “NUGG: The Transport”?
It starts with beer endorsed bleacher seats and frat boys in the Captain Morgan Club imitating the mascot’s signature leg-up pose. Before you know it, Wrigley Field will be renamed TGI Fridays Field and the Harry Caray statue will be wearing a giant Arby’s hat.
Ok, so maybe I’m exaggerating a little. But creeping commercialism is a slippery slope. It is important to note, however, that there could be a silver lining to this advertising haze, and like everything, has its own set of pros and woes.
Pro- COMFORT. If you’ve ever been to a Sox game it’s hard to deny that watching baseball in U.S. Cellular Field is not only comfortable, but borderline enjoyable. The numerous screens and loudspeakers really enhance the game because it easier for fans to follow what is going on, which can be a particularly daunting task at Wrigley if you’re getting beer sloshed on your lap while squeezed between two loud, drunk strangers in the bleachers.
Advertisers in baseball stadiums seem to have a good way of making sure you’re relaxed and comfortable before they try shoving branded products down your throat. A comfortable baseball stadium is one example.
Woe- OVERCROWDING. The Cubs already get heat for attracting bandwagon fans and having overpriced, unattainable tickets. Just imagine what would happen if Wrigley Field added more advertisements, sponsored fireworks after every home run and 3D holograms of Ernie Banks in the bleachers. Even though some fans threaten to swear-off Wrigley if it sells out, you know they’ll still be there: right in line next to a busload of Iowans, fighting for a place in line at the Bud Light Bleachers section.
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1. BringBackTimTeufel Posted: June 12, 2009 at 09:54 AM (#3215847)Most things about Wrigley are pretty great. The big turnoff for me is the drunk fratboys and everything that comes with them.
Then again, the douche factor at the Cell is orders of magnitude lower than it is at Wrigley.
You don't like the concessions? I think they have some of the best ballpark food variety of any place out there.
Worst ballpark food selection: easily the upper deck in Cleveland. A whole slew of vending stands - and they all serve the exact same food. I've been told they're addressing that this year, but when I was there last year I couldn't believe how terribly they handled upper deck food.
This is a definite minus. When I lived in San Francisco, I used to love getting on the BART and riding out to see an A's game. Now that I'm in Chicago, not only is it more expensive to get tickets, I've got to plan ahead.
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