Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA – Game No. 5

By Nolan Rice

LOS ANGELES — Once again, our day began with writing reviews. I don’t stare at a screen this much at work.

OK, it’s time for a negative review. Today we went to Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. The Dodgers beat the Colorado Rockies, but that’s beside the point.

Upon arriving at the park we were informed by security that there is no tailgating. What the hell? Whatever. Daren’s backpack was put in to “check” at the gate for him to retrieve after the game because it was too big, even though all he had in it was a clipboard and a whiteboard. My bag is almost as big, and full of stuff, and I made it through.

Five minutes after getting seated we were escorted to a security station again because we had cameras. Daren was forced to talk to security personnel on the phone about our project in order for us to be able to stay. Apparently no one has ever seen a camera in HOLLYWOOD.

After doing a lot of thinking about Beth and how much I miss her, I realized I had a project to complete. The dudes and I had previously discussed that I was to eat as much stadium food as possible today (in addition to my standard dog) and give an opinion. We had heard that Dodger Stadium has an “all you can eat” park buffet. We asked where it was and were informed that our tickets were in the wrong section for this and we would not be able to visit the buffet. What the hell? Whatever.

I decided to try several items from the concession area we were allowed to visit. The “Super Dodger Dog” does deserve a positive review. It will be No. 2, behind Seattle’s dog. The Super was longer than the bun. The bun wasn’t soggy. Condiments were still standard. No sauerkraut. Don’t people know about the benefit of sauerkraut?

MLB Park “Dogs”

1. Major League Mariner Dog (Safeco Field — Mariners)
2. Super Dodger Dog (Dodger Stadium — Dodgers)
3. Farmer John Super (Angel Stadium — Angels)
4. Miller All Beef Coliseum Dog (McAfee Coliseum — Athletics)
5. Giants Dog (AT&T Park — Giants)

Next was a park pretzel. This pissed me off. I paid $4.50 for the pretzel and when I received it I was informed I had to pay $1.50 extra for cheese. Who eats a pretzel without cheese? Next I dug into some nachos, which came with cheese and salsa included. Explain that logic.

Next were ballpark peanuts. I was full. The food was good, but the experience here sucked. I drank three beers, including one in my “flashing lights” Dodger beer glass, and thought about my girlfriend some more. If you haven’t noticed, you’re going to continue to hear about her.

I left the park disgusted. I can’t wait for the Celtics to put away the Lakers this week.

We returned to our host’s apartment. Bryan Mansell is a grade-school buddy of Troy’s, and has put us up for the past two nights. We owe him thanks. After the game he showed me his collection of Jordans. He had my favorite pair of Jordan 4’s. I know it’s wrong to hate Jordan, like his shoes and root for Larry Bird, but that’s what I did as a kid. Thanks again, Bryan.

Later…………………Nolan  (Key Grip)

(There’s more on this and our other adventures at BaseCrawl.com)