Spring is the time when flowers start to bloom, love is in the air and baseball fans start saying, "This will be the year!"
The Iowa Cubs remain one of the top sporting tickets in town, and are coming off their first 80-win season since 2001. But let's face it: Even if they sucked, a cheap day in the sun at the ballpark is a treat. We picked a few of the best games to attend this year, and assembled some insider tips for I-Cubs fans. Play ball!
A superfan speaks
Jake Redden is originally from Des Moines, but spent a lot of time living in Seattle. The bigger city meant he had the option of seeing the Seattle Mariners take on big leaguers, but Redden preferred the minor league Tacoma Rainiers. "When you figure the cost of tickets and parking, I would rather spend $6 and hang out in a relaxed atmosphere."
Two years ago Redden, 30, moved back to Des Moines, and attends Iowa Cubs games on a weekly basis. He shared a few insider tips on how to see a game at Principal Park:
Get there early: If the I-Cubs are giving out bobbleheads or shirts, the number is usually limited to 2,000. You want to get through the gate as soon as possible to guarantee you get one. Redden usually gets there two hours early for promotion games, but there's more to do than wait in line. (There are usually tailgating games and a cart with $1 beers.) You can also use that time to eat dinner.
"If you eat first you can focus on the game and not get stuck waiting at the grill for dinner while something important happens."
Stake out a section: Redden and friends always buy tickets in section six. To get a regular spot, he suggests buying tickets at the ballpark, not online. The cashiers at the box office will usually flip the computer around so the group can hand-pick seats.
"We pick tickets based on how close we are to the aisle. That way it's easier to make a beer run."
Having a regular section means seeing familiar faces, including ushers and vendors. "When they know you, they take care of you really well."
Skip the box seats: They're behind the fly ball fence, so if you want a memento, your odds are cut way down. If you want a fly ball, Redden suggests sitting in rows six or closer on the left side of the field.
Anticipate extra innings: Beer sales stop after the seventh inning, so if the game goes into extra innings you could be in for a long dry spell. If Redden thinks extra innings are a possibility, he buys an unopened beer to stash in his bag. "You have to really watch the game. If it doesn't go into extra innings, you're going home with a $7 beer."
Promotions
Dollars Days: $1 general admission tickets, small popcorn, sodas and inflatable games on the concourse. Dates: April 23, May 4, June 8, July 20, Aug. 10
Dollar dogs: Scientists have proven the cheaper hot dogs are at a ballpark, the better the game is. You could eat a dozen and the only financial problem it will cause is the subsequent doctor bills. Dates: May 26, June 23, July 21, Aug. 25
Fireworks: Following the game. Dates: April 24, May 8, May 22, June 6, June 12, June 26, July 2-3, July 17, Aug. 7, Aug. 28, Sept. 4
Other games not to miss
Jersey shirt giveaway (Sunday, May 27, June 24, Sept. 5)
Bike to the Ballpark (June 7)
The Famous Chicken appearance (June 11, Aug. 11)
Fergie Jenkins appearance (June 24-26)
Bring Your Dog Night (Aug. 10)
