A major league baseball season consists of 162 games, and of these, exactly half are home. Added to the fact that the Ballpark in Arlington is only an hour to an hour and a half away and that tickets can be purchased starting at as little as $10, chances are you might find yourself at a Ranger’s game this season. As an avid Rangers fan and a member of a family with half-season tickets, I’ve learned a few things that you might want to know before you take a trip to the Ballpark.
DON’T assume you’ll get there in plenty of time if you leave an hour in advance, even if Google Maps clocks the commute at 56 minutes. The Rangers are a popular team, and this April hosted a franchise record-breaking nine game sellout streak. As such, traffic can extend the drive to an hour and a half, possibly longer. Parking is an even bigger nightmare, especially if you’re late.
DO try and get to the park at least half an hour early. With extra time, you can scope out the better food options at center field, pick up whatever is free for the first 1,000 fans, and, if you’re lucky, spot rookie pitcher Robbie Ross in his hilarious rookie hazing getup.
DON’T sit on the 3rd base side, or especially out in left field if you don’t have to. While the lure of better food, less people, and the chance of home runs and foul balls may seem appealing, when the Texas summer sun shines directly down on you, with no walls to use as shade, you might regret it.
However, DO check out the center field area either before or during (if you’re bored) the game. They have a lot more food options than most other places in the Ballpark including hamburgers, tacos, and sandwiches. Check out the Captain Morgan Club if you’ve got the time; it’s available to everyone, has a lot more options for food then the average hot dog or sausage stand, and the game’s broadcasters are occasionally stationed there. And hey, as long as you’re there, snap a picture with the Nolan Ryan statue, as hundreds of fans do every game.
DON’T be afraid to cheer your team on fully. It’s more than likely that everyone around you is as much a fan as you are. So stand up, sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” as loud as you can, and high five the people sitting next to you when the Rangers offense blast a home run. You’re all cheering for the same team.
DO time your exit carefully. If you want to avoid traffic altogether, leave after the 7th inning, not the 8th or 9th, when people tend to start leaving. You’ll be one of the first to go, but be warned; multiple times this season I’ll be exiting the Ballpark as fireworks symbolizing a Rangers home run start to explode. If you’re willing to endure some traffic on your way home, stay. You might miss an exciting end!
