We got Red Sox Tickets!

[randbmom]

I was so excited to realize that the Red Sox are in Tampa during our July vacation. We just got tickets for Firday July 27! How much time should we allow for the drive to Tropicana Field on a Friday night? Game time is 7:10 We're staying at Horizons by Marriott (right near Sea World).

 

[RedSox1974]

sorry, I dont have answers to your questions.

I just wanted to offer congrats on getting tix and hope you have a great time.

 

[ZekeKelso]

It's an easy drive and you could get there in a little under 2 hours. The problem with the drive is that it could also take you 3 hours. Traffic can pop up, and it can be bad.

I'd leave no latter than 4:00. If you get there early, the Trop is a nice park. There's a museum and a touch-tank (be sure to get passes as soon as you arive) to pass the time if you get there early. And if you do hit traffic, you don't have to stress.

Have a blast at the game - and be sure to wear your Sox paraphernalia. You won't be the only ones!

 

[randbmom]

There's a museum and a touch-tank (be sure to get passes as soon as you arive) to pass the time if you get there early

Thanks, ZekeKelso, but what is a "touch tank?" I'm intrigued.

 

[ZekeKelso]

The touch tank is an open-top aquarium full of devil-rays. Kids can come in and pet them (or at least try - they move fast.) The tank is actually in the outfield stands, so home run balls can splash into it (anytime one does, a donation is made to a local aquarium).

Only a limited number of people are allowed to be in the tank area at a time. If it's full, they give you a card with a time to come back. The do run out of cards, so be sure to go early if you are interested.

http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/tb/ballpark/rays_touch_tank.jsp

 

[randbmom]

That's so cool, thanks for the tip on the touch tank. I'm so excited to go to the Trop to see the Sox. My youngest has only been to PawSox AAA, so we've never been to an MLB game as a family. Fenway would be twice as $$$.

At least with the dome, we know there won't be rainout!!

 

[Barbi]

Hi,
We're planning to do the same in August, I'm just as excited!!! Have a great time, try to post after your trip to let us know how it went.

 

[Maxie86]

That's so cool, thanks for the tip on the touch tank. I'm so excited to go to the Trop to see the Sox. My youngest has only been to PawSox AAA, so we've never been to an MLB game as a family. Fenway would be twice as $$$.

At least with the dome, we know there won't be rainout!!

Um, I think you are greatly underestimating how much it costs to go to Fenway Park. Parking alone will cost $35 and up depending who they are playing. That is if you can even get tickets. I don't even try any more, it's just too hard. We bought an HD tv instead. It can actually be cheaper to fly to an out of town game. We are watching for dings for July or September to Tampa. Have fun at the game.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

I'd highly recommend that you depart at 3pm. At that time you'll arrive into the downtown Tampa area around 4:15pm and beat much (but definitely not all) of the rush hour traffic. If you left here at 4pm you'd hit Tampa gridlock and may miss the first inning. Heavy afternoon thunderstorms are also likely that time of the year which you'd have to drive slowly through.

Traffic is horrendous in Tampa every afternoon and Fridays are the worst. I-4 is under construction on the final few miles into downtown, then you've got to merge onto I-275 southbound which will be thick with traffic from downtown to the airport area. Then as long as there are no accidents on the bridge, you should start to move pretty good over the bridge and into downtown St. Petersburg where the stadium is located. The stadium is adjacent I-275 and use the exit for either I-175 or I-375 to get to stadium parking.

BobK/Orlando

 

[Disney Ron]

randbmom, 2 years ago we went to see the Sox at the Trop while we were at WDW and it almost felt like a home game with so many Sox fans there. I remember we went to a pub within walking distance that was inundated with Sox fans!!!

By the time you go in July the Sox will have the division clinched!

Have a great time.

 

[PolyHereWeCome]

Congrats! We're in the process of buying Red Sox tickets for a home game in June or July and YIKES buying on-line is $$$. But DH the Red Soxs and it is a special occasion.

 

[ptmmg]

congrats!!!!
I was lucky enough to see the RED SOX a couple of weeks ago at Yankee stadium when they won!!!! I was surprised at how many red Sox fans were in the Bronx we just got picked on a little by the Yankees lol a bunch of girls wearing thier RED SOX attire!
have fun!!

 

[pooch]

unfortunately our beloved Sox weren't there but we love going to different ballparks and the Trop is beautiful. We left around 3:30. It's longer than you think. Guest Relations said, "Just keep driving" and they were right. We finally stopped & asked & they said "Just keep driving". Parked in a small lot (parking lot of a business closed at night) for $10 and literally right across the street from our entrance! Mariners in town and the place was practically empty. Very comfortable, great food selections, easy in and easy out. I'd do it again in a heart beat. Have Fun and GOOOO SOX!!!!!

 

[randbmom]

Parked in a small lot (parking lot of a business closed at night) for $10 and literally right across the street from our entrance!

Like that would happen anywhere near Fenway

I think we'll plan to leave early, 3-3:15-ish and if we get there early, just walk around or take in batting practice.

Now if I could just arrange it so that Dice-K pitches that night, my kids would crown me the Planning Queen

Thanks to all for your travel advice and encouragement. We plan to make a sign to hold up that says "Red Sox Nation On Vacation" since the kids would love to get on TV.

 

[maiyasgram]

Another alternative to seeing the Sox in Fenway is catching a game at Camden Yards in Baltimore. Very affordable in comparison to what you would pay at Fenway.