Opening Day 2010: San Diego Padres 3 vs. Arizona Diamondbacks 6

Yesterday we went to Opening Day at the Dbacks. It will probably be the only game the three of us go to together this season, although Dad and Mik are definitely going to the August 7 game this season to get the Gonzo bobblehead.

After 32 relatively smooth experiences last year just getting into the ballpark was a pain in the butt this time. First off, the tickets were mailed to the wrong address and ended up back at the Dbacks, so we had to pick them up at will call, which is not something you want to have to do on Opening Day or any other sellout day. There is a specific window for Accessible ticket sales, etc. We had to wait a while to get to the front despite only having one group in front of us. They were buying a 10 ticket plan deal, so it understandably took a while. However, it then took 30 minutes for us to get our tickets because they had filed them based on the very wrong spelling of our last name. Thus an hour after getting to the ballpark we finally got inside.

By then the Team Shop was ridiculous, so we could not browse, especially with Mik in his wheelchair. We quickly aborted that and later sent Dad to the Team Shop on the Club Level, which was not that crowded.

We sat in the All-You-Can-Eat section, which I think is new this season or is at least rather recent. The wheelchair seating is located in the area with the food and drinks, which is basically some suites converted for the food service purpose. The section was never specifically meant for wheelchairs, so it is kind of awkward with no numbering for the spots and Dad ending up sitting in a folding chair right above the steps that lead to the one row of seats in front of the wheelchair seating. At least the ushers are helpful, though.

The game was overall not as exciting as Mik and I would have liked, as we like to see better pitching and less hits. However, one of the most exciting things we have ever seen in person did happen, as we saw Drew hit an in the park home run for the Diamondbacks. Of course, Mik was also happy to see the Dbacks win and then also rub it in that the out of town scoreboard showed my Nats lost 11 to 1.