Take Me Out to the Ball Game! A Trip to Safeco Field

Last Saturday I had the opportunity to go to a Mariners Game, due to my friend Marsha's friend backing out on her at the last minute.  I have only been to one Mariners' Game in the past, and that was about the time when Safeco Field first opened in 1999.  I remember being really impressed by the architecture of the building, from an aesthetic sense.  I have been wanting to go back, to see it - but just never have.

The weather was perfect.  The field was a beautiful green, and it felt nice just to be outdoors and sitting down.  Sounders games you don't sit down during the game.  I guess Seahawk games, you don't either.

The most memorable thing about the building from the last time I visited, was the chandelier, made with a collection of glass bats.  I really wanted a chance to see that again.  I also wanted to find what I remember as a chicken-chili hot dog.  I could have sworn they sold them back then.  I did not have one the first time I went, and I kind of regret not having one.  I looked around several vendors, but could not find what I was looking for.  I eventually settled for some garlic fries, which stayed with me well into the next morning.  They were good, though.

I knew before going to the game that our team has not been doing to well this season, so they really did not disappoint me.  We actually scored 1 point!  Which is better than nothing.  One of the more exciting things that happened on the field during the 3rd inning was a bat shattering as Kendry Morales hit the baseball.  A big chunk was just lying there on the ground!  I have never seen that before, so that was pretty awesome.

We played against the Los Angeles Angels, and they had some pretty exciting plays.  I heard they got a home run, which I think happened before we arrived (we were a little late). Something in the seventh inning looked like it was going to be a home run - then did not turn out to be so - I am not really sure what happened there.  Another player jumped and caught a ball side-ways, in mid-air.  That was really cool, too.

Seeing some of the fans on the big screen was probably the most entertaining.  There was this one little kid, I think he may have been 6 or 7?  Dancing up a storm for the camera.  He was such a ham!  There was also a lady there, celebrating her 102nd birthday!  She was not dancing, but she looked happy, and great for her age!

Overall, it was a pleasant evening.  We left a little early, because we knew by the 8th inning, we were not going to win, let alone score.  All the workers, volunteer or otherwise were very friendly before, during and after the game, which added enjoyment to the evening.  I would certainly go back, just for fun - whether we win or lose.  Go Mariners!

The Sounders Beat Fire

This Saturday, I went to my first official soccer game at Qwest Field.  It was the Seattle Sounders vs. the Chicago Fire.  Two cities I love, which you can tell, if you read my blogs. 

It was one time, when the line to the men’s restroom, was longer than the line to the women’s.  That alone, makes it a worthwhile outing. 

I know only the basics of soccer, but already, I have decided it is my favorite sport to watch.  There is tons of action, and games are only 90 minutes long.  The crowd does these bizarre chants, and other rituals (such as holding up their Sounders scarves, jumping up and down, holding up their hands, and clapping to a certain beat) so it is entertaining, to say the least.

The game itself was very exciting.  Lots of players wound up on the ground, mainly ones from Chicago, after which the Sounder fans would boo, because most of the time it seemed like the injured were just faking (not that the fans cared, anyway).  They would then go into this bizarre chant of “Let him die!  Let him die!…”  Wow.  Soccer fans are brutal, aren’t they?

Half-time came very quickly.   I got hungry, so I decided to buy myself some nachos.  The food is pricey, but the chicken nachos are quite tasty.    I think I should have nixed the jalapeños though.  Next time, I want to try a stadium hot dog. 

The score wound up 2 to 1.  There was almost one final goal made at the very last second by the Sounders, but unfortunately, it went out of bounds by just by a little bit.  Still, it was a very exciting game, indeed.

Just as we were leaving the stadium, a lady was somehow thrown into me, swiping my left side!  I did not see what happened, but I could tell you, it did not feel good.  My friends behind me told me a fight broke out in front of me, and the woman somehow got in the way.  Luckily, as she was shoved practically through me, my friends were able to catch her and help her to the floor (she must have had the wind knocked out of her or something).  It sounds like the two guys fighting took off immediately.  I surely hope the woman is okay.  I am really glad I was able to buffer her from getting hurt maybe worse, and I am also glad I did not get thrown or hit by those guys myself.   My arm is still hurting, a little.  I can only imagine how the other lady feels.

After that craziness, we went over to the souvenir shop.  I knew the jerseys would be pricey, but the Sounders scarves were reasonably priced.  I wound up buying and bringing home a pretty dark grey and bright green striped scarf, with the Sounders logo on it. Perhaps, at the next game I go to, I will hold that scarf up, and participate in some of those bizarre rituals, and become a true Sounders fan.  Just need to get some of those songs down now.