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Jan 10: I was totally excited when saw a new sign on HWY 101: "Pacific Bell Park: Take 280" or something like that. I guess the thought of a new ballpark is still a little surreal to me, since the struggle to build on in SF was even older than I am. And I also went through their almost-move to Florida in 1992. I don't pass by 3^rd and King very often, so I there isn't anything that physically reminds me of the existence of our beautiful new ballpark. I have a feeling that's going to change really soon.

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Jan 18: I passed by PBP tonight while traveling along 280. The stadium lights we on for some reason, making the entire scene look... ethereal. Almost heavenly. (Reminded me of the last couple minutes of Field of Dreams.) A lit up ballpark in the middle of a city, with the darkened backdrop of tall office buildings. The famous San Francisco fog softening the beams of light, so the whole place looked as thought it were glowing. I half expected a phantom crowd cheering in the seats and ghost players on the field. Well, either that, or Jon Miller's voice coming from the sky urging me to "buy seasons tickets now to the sweetest little ballpark..."

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Feb. 22 : What a mess. I tried to buy tickets today, the first day that "special" fans were allowed to buy single game tickets. I ended up spending $60 just for a pair (and I'm not even sure if the view is obstructed or not; anyone know about row 40 seats on the right field line in the lower deck?) and another $30 on a pair of upper reserved seats. Neither of the games were the ones that I had planned to see, and the seats weren't in the right area either. (I wanted 3^rd baseline, upper reserved) You snooze, you lose, I suppose. At least I get to see a game in April, even if it's against the Montreal Expos.

I almost miss Candlestick, where I could get the seats I want an hour before the game.

Actually, I do miss Candlestick. I never really understood why fans complained about Candlestick so much. Granted, I wasn't a season ticket holder (not on my sad allowance and part-time job), but I still managed to make it to 10-15 games or so the last couple of seasons, 1/2 of them night games. Yes, it was cold. Yes, it was uncomfortable. But I guess I always thought of going to the stadium to watch a game and my favorite group of guys as a treat, so the other stuff didn't bother me as much. I mean, where else could you be wearing a scarf, mittens, and 3 layers of clothing, clutching a cup of hot chocolate to keep your fingers from getting frostbitten, and snuggling next to your sweetie (so he can block the arctic-like wind)-- in the middle of August? And even though many of the games last season give me heartburn and heartbreak, the guys we have on the team right now are just wonderful-- hard workers, community-conscious, and all-around nice guys. Whenever I hear about the antics the Ricky Hendersons and John Rockers in the league, I'm even more grateful that we have such good guys on our team. And it's enough for me to go out just to watch them play. It doesn't matter if I'm at freezing Candlestick or comfy Pac Bell.

But now that tickets are rarer and more expensive, it looks like I'll be watching the games at home or listening to them on the radio instead. I'm not complaining, mind you. I'm really happy the Giants are staying for sure for a good long while and that they'll generate enough revenue to become more competitive.

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