If you're debating taking your kids to a game I have two words for you: DO IT! AT&T Park is much more baby friendly than I expected. After not making a game in the entire 2012 season I was determined to get there this year, and after a bit of debate and some research, decided to take baby along. I saw lots of children and a few other moms rocking babies in carriers! We had a blast even though the Giants lost :(
Plan Ahead
I assumed that a day game would be less full, but those actually sell out first in summer because companies do so many group trips during work hours. AND since my little one is more of an evening baby, it worked fine for us to do a 7:15 pm game. Whatever time you choose, don't wait to get your tickets. The Giants use a dynamic pricing system so prices change all the time. I actually saw a family leaving the box office with a couple of teary kids because the game was out of their price range by the time they arrived at the box office.
Getting to the game is really easy by car or public transit. The N-Judah line lets you out literally right in front of the stadium. If you drive (like we did) there are several lots in the surrounding blocks, and we even saved a bit of money buy paying in advance via Parking Panda.
Check out these sweet escalators on the Virgin America Club Level!
If you can swing it, I highly recommend Club Level seats, and other moms I've talked with agree. It's less crowded, your tickets give you access to your seats as well as the indoor spaces, and you can get service for food and drinks right at your seats if you don't want to head in to the concession stands (which are so gourmet "concession stand" seems totally inadequate to describe them).
Game Day
Once you're in the park, things are quite easy to navigate, and the staff really works to make sure everyone is comfortable, ESPECIALLY if you have kids with you. Here's what I learned.
Mother's Lounge: On the Virgin America Club Level behind the Guest Services desk are a few small areas set aside for nursing moms. I have to be honest—I was expecting a bit more than what amounts to a fitting room with two chairs. How about a flat screen so a mom can watch the game while baby has a bite to eat. Mom's like baseball too! Still, its GREAT to have a private space if you want to nurse away from the crowd. And you don't have to be on the Club Level to use it--just ask the ushers to direct you there and you can take advantage.
Stroller Parking: The Guest Services desk on the Promenade Level at section 119 is a gold mine of baby goodness. They have free stroller parking! The nice woman at the desk said it rarely gets full except on Sunday games. If you have an umbrella stroller she recommends bringing that so more will fit, and she gave me another tip: if you have two seats together most umbrella strollers will fit right underneath, so you can skip the desk altogether if you prefer. You might have to deal with some spilled liquids though, so take this advice at your own risk.
First game certificate: If you're like me and want to find a way to formally document every "first" your baby experiences, then you don't want to miss out on a free certificate marking your little one's first game. Just head to Guest Services at Section 119 and they will print one up for you super fast.
Fan Lot: Did you know that big Coca-Cola bottle has awesome slides inside (for kids 14 and under)? Or that there's a mini version of the diamond for kids to run around? I had no idea. The Fan Lot behind the bleacher section is a toddler mecca, and its even open when the team is out of town. As of publication the hours/times are
- September through May: Saturday & Sunday - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
- June, July, August: Daily - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Make sure to confirm before you head over!
Now that we have a game under our belts we will definitely be back and really encourage other parents to take the kiddies and enjoy the game.