Ballpark Visited:
Comerica Park Submitted By: Ryan McNeil
Grade: A
Pros of the ballpark: I quite like the fact that the team's
identity is stamped all over this stadium . Every tiger, and there
are a LOT, is a great touch. I also like the fact that there is a
stretch of the outfield where people can look in on the action from
the street. The main gate with the giant tiger guarding it is
impressive, and a great place to meet up before heading into the
park. There is great variety when it comes to food, and at that it
is rather reasonably priced and tasty! While the playing field is
one of the biggest in the league, you'd never know it from the
intimate feel of the stands (Even 30 rows back i felt like I was
right on top of the play). The Saturday night fireworks are a hoot,
as is the fountain in centerfield that goes off anytime a Tigers run
scores. Surprisingly, the neighborhood around the stadium isn't the
slum many make it out to be (I was actually comfortable WALKING back
to my hotel after a night game), and there's lots of great bars and
restaurants right around the corner.
Cons of the ballpark: Detroit has a light-rail transit
system- why it stops nowhere near the stadium is beyond me. Another
thing that struck me as odd is that the front few buildings that
make up the backdrop over the centerfield fence seem to be vacant-
the skyline would look nicer if they could somehow get lit up. As
far as the game experience goes, some of the souvenir shops are
badly laid out and become crowded in a hurry. Finally, the game I
went to was the fourth highest crowd in Comerica history...maybe
that's the reason why the lineup at every food counter was long and
didn't seem to move.
Additional Comments:
A very pleasant surprise. While it has some small flaws, this
stadium was really well thought out, and is a treat for any fan of
the game. The Tigers have started off this season (2006) really
well, which may help get a few more people through the turnstiles.
Ballpark Visited:
Comerica Park Submitted By: John Edwards
Grade: D
Pros of the ballpark: Up until 2006, there were always good
seats available. The overall crappiness of the Tigers during most
of their Comerica tenure forced management to give away tickets, or
at least sell them at half-price, in a desperate effort to get
people inside. None of these seats are obstructed and the haunting
vista of downtown Detroit's decaying, decrepit skyline quite
compelling (stand in the right spot and look south to "The Corner"
and you can see the melancholy carcass of Tiger Stadium sadly,
slowly wasting away.) Concession stands everywhere and reasonably
accessible from most anywhere in the park. Reasonably generous size
of outfield eliminates cheap homers, and prodigious centerfield
distances offers endless opportunities for triples, inside-the-park
homers and outstanding defensive plays.
Cons of the ballpark: Design is kind of tacky exactly how
much tiger statutory, sculpture and plaque-work does one park need?
Not this much. All seats are too far from the action (compared to
old Tiger Stadium, where the players were virtually in your lap);
sit in the wrong seat and it's like your in a different town. Also,
compared to Tiger Stadium, the park is simply too expansive; the
distance from the left and right field upper decks give new meaning
to the phrase "The Great Divide." Silly "Ode to Kauffman Park"
fountains in centerfield. Pervasive stench of corporate elitism and
sponsorship.
Additional Comments:
It's silly to knock this park for not having the character and
ambiance of Tiger Stadium: Tiger Stadium wasn't born with it, it had
to earn it. So will Comerica (still, it'd difficult to gaze
southward without experiencing mournful pangs.) It could be worse:
it could be Miller or Minute Maid Parks with their detestable
retractable roofs. It is taking some getting used to, but it's not a
bad place to see a game. Of course, the Tigers' continued
improvement on field will probably help speed up the process.
Ballpark Visited:
Comerica Park Submitted By: Chris A.
Grade: A
Pros of the ballpark: There are many good things about
Comerica Park;
#1.- The Liquid fireworks after every Tiger home run hit.
#2. Parking is very easy to find and varies from $5 - $20 <-- in
front of park.
#3. many souvenir stands and very good service.
#4. Prices on tickets are very good, great view from almost any
seat, personally I like the $25.00 outfield box seats.
#5. Easy to get autograph's from both teams playing.
#6. Amazing view of downtown Detroit.
#7. Great promotions for the whole family.
#8. Great atmosphere.
I could keep going on and on this place is amazing.
Cons of the ballpark: There was really not a thing wrong with
the park, great work Detroit!.
Additional Comments:
I hate how people say how the buildings around it look run down
personally I think it adds to the greatness of this park., I just
went 2 weeks or so ago to see the Tigers Vs. White Sox the 13 inning
game it was awesome. I'm going back in August on a Tuesday to see
them play the Red sox. (GREAT PARK).
Ballpark Visited:
Comerica Park Submitted By: Jacob Israel
Grade: F
Pros of the ballpark: Nice of view of a decayed city skyline.
The statues in left field not center as another critic had
mentioned.
Cons of the ballpark: In the infield lower deck box seats you
cannot see over the person in front of you, especially 6' 4' Elvis
impersonators. Fly balls disappear into the upper deck so the only
way the play can be followed is to watch the movement of a fielder
to see which direction the ball was hit. Do not sit down the third
base line or the left field stands with a welding mask to protect
from the glare of the sun. If you have Fan Stands (aluminum
bleacher) seats for a day game bring a cushion or purchase a second
hotdog (the wrappers are to be used to sit on for protection from
1st degree burns. Arrive early if you have upper deck seats, it
takes a long time to get there.
Additional Comments:
The face of steps had to be painted dark green because the
infielders were loosing ground balls in the background. Pack a lunch
if you want to eat without having to leave your seat. There is only
one hotdog vendor (he sings out in an operatic style) so you are
willing to buy two at the inflated prices just to ram them down his
throat, that is if he gets to your section before the game ends.
Suggestion to Mr. Illitch: make a deal with the City of Detroit,
trade Joe Louis Arena for Tiger Stadium and some renovations to be
named later. Put a roof over Comerica Park and move the Red Wings
there and play baseball where it is meant to be played.
Ballpark Visited:
Comerica Park Submitted By: Brett Grade: B
Pros of the ballpark: great view from the upper deck behind
home plate, you can see the Detroit Skyline and the tickets were
only $10
-easy to get to from Windsor, they have buses that take you through
the tunnel underneath the Detroit River -there were lots of food
concessions and souvenir stores, even in the upper part of the
diamond -cool tiger statues around the outside of the park and
inside -watching a night game was great, with the sun setting behind
the skyscrapers, it was awesome -we got to see a 16 inning game,
which was great cause i love baseball and i got to see A-rod, and
Palmerio.
Cons of the ballpark: -the part of town it is in was
questionable
-the buildings and shops around the park looked run-down
-the concessions and souvenir stores don't know what the exchange
rate is for Canadian money, so if you are visiting from Windsor or
elsewhere, bring American money.
Additional Comments:
All those people who criticize new ballparks because they don't have
enough thing to do, like games on the scoreboard or batting cages
for fans seem to forget one thing, you are going to a baseball game
to watch baseball, not to play carnival games. If you wanted that
you would go to the circus. As long as you can see the action it is
a good park.
Ballpark Visited:
Comerica Park Submitted By: Eric Jacobs Grade: B
Pros of the ballpark: There is a nice view of the Detroit
skyline. The Tiger Statues on the scoreboard are nice and they light
up once a home run is hit. Tickets were cheaper than other of 24
ballparks I have been to. Fireworks are another pro they never had
them at Tiger Stadium. Comerica Park has one of the best exterior
views in the majors. The ushers are helpful and are friendly. The
seats are good but not by the parts where you can't see the game
because the person in front of you would block you. The ferris wheel
is cool you can see the skyline from there too. The park also has
nice food including Coney Dogs and Pizza.
Cons of the ballpark: In some seats, there are people
blocking you from watching the game. Some parts of Detroit are
rundown and a little unsafe especially uptown. There isn't so much
fan support because the Tigers always lose (They are improving now).
Additional Comments: None.
Ballpark Visited:
Comerica Park Submitted By: Josh McMahon Grade: A
Pros of the ballpark: I recently visited Comerica Park and
was totally impressed. The Lower deck is one of the best in
baseball with the seats close to the field. At the back of the
lower deck the wooden chairs are awesome. The view of central
Detroit is not bad.
Cons of the ballpark: The placement of the ballpark across
the street "two losers way" from Ford Field has got to be one of the
worst urban renewal concepts in America. The neighborhood is boring
and desolate and until something is done to bring the suburbanites
into Detroit for something other than casinos, American sports, and
the dead wings Detroit will still be terrible. In metro Detroit
about 75% of the people live in the suburbs and have about 95% of
the expendable income. The worst thing about Comerica is the total
lack of public transportation.
Additional Comments: People of Michigan should thank the Big
Three for leaving the state with the country's worst economy, lowest
rate of education, and dead downtowns. No one with any money lives
or works within 10 miles of Comerica, of course the neighborhood
looks worse than Baghdad.
Ballpark Visited:
Comerica Park Submitted By: Marc Grade: A
Pros of the ballpark: It may lack the soul of Tiger Stadium
(located a heartbreaking mile away), but it is truly a baseball
park. I went when Roger Clemens was going to win his 300th game
before the Yank's 'pen blew a 7-1 lead. Even standing in dead
center field with a standing room only ticket, the view was
tremendous!
Cons of the ballpark: It may cost twenty bucks and you may
have to get to the park 2 hours early, but trust me, parking in the
privately owned lots seems dodgy at best. Also, if you sit in the
left field upper deck (or stand) a third of the scoreboard is
blocked.
Additional Comments: First, if you go, walk to Tiger Stadium
and give it a hug - who knows how long it will stand. Second, in
fifty years this will join the ranks of classic ballparks. The
sculpted tigers on the outside, the statues of the Tiger HOF's (Cobb
- Kaline) on the left field concourse - great job Detroit!
Ballpark Visited:
Comerica Park Submitted By: Roger Righetti Grade: B
Pros of the ballpark: The exterior is beautiful. It doesn't
look too new, and when the city builds around it, it will never look
outdated. The concourse with its kiosks is a nice touch as they
encompass every era of Detroit and its baseball heritage. The
playing surface is challenging, even though the fence distances to
left are being shortened it will still be the same, but slightly
more fair.
Cons of the ballpark: Overkill. Though trying not to be
bland like a lot of new stadiums recently built (Jacobs Field,
Skydome, Miller Park) to name a few. Everything is nice, there is
just way too much of it. Nice tigers, too many. Nice pottery
tiles, too many. Nice concessions, too many. Nice losses, too
many.
Additional Comments: The brick walls beyond the outfield
fences were the first things I noticed at the inaugural game. They
are very attractive. Same goes for the skyline. One can get a feel
for what Detroit was, is, and will be. The fountain could have been
more attractive. And part of the scoreboard rests behind the left
field upper deck. A flaw which I think gives the ballpark a little
unplanned character.
Ballpark Visited:
Comerica Park Submitted By: Kevin Haynes Grade: A
Pros of the ballpark: It is possible to see the game from
almost every spot in the stadium. The outfield dimensions encourage
real baseball, not home run derbies. Parking is excellent if you
know a few secrets, and also cheap. Also, the view of the Detroit
skyline can be breathtaking. They definitely picked the most
aesthetically appealing part of this city to show off. The best
aspect of the park, however, is that the ushers never check tickets.
I buy the cheapest seats possible and sit in the first 10 rows
behind the plate at every game.
Cons of the ballpark: Having to see the Tigers lose almost
every game. I went to 21 games last year and the Boys of Summer only
won 3 of them. The fans could also be a bit more attentive when it
comes to the finer points of baseball.
Additional Comments: This field is not for everybody. Those
who are only casual fans of the game may not see its appeal.
However, hard core baseball fans will love Comerica Park.
Ballpark Visited:
Comerica Park Submitted By: Roger Grade: A
Pros of the ballpark: It's a beautiful park. It's big, and
lots of pitching duels can happen. Every seat is low to the field
without having to sacrifice slope, as in Pittsburgh. I love the
brick and plants in center field. It's a nice skyline view to look
at. The outfield was done very well. The ballpark is filled with
great amusements like the Ferris wheel and merry go round. The
tigers outside are also very nice. Structurally beautiful.
Cons of the ballpark: The scoreboard, while big, is not that
good, and is tough to see from the third base side. The upper part
of the first deck seems to have too much picnic area, that never
gets used. The park is in not the greatest area. The out of town
scoreboard is somewhat small.
Additional Comments: Comerica is a great park, very
underrated. Because it is big and doesn't get as many home runs,
many offense-lovers criticize it. True baseball fans should like
this park, even if it isn't old, decaying, loveable Tiger Stadium.
Ballpark Visited:
Comerica Park Submitted By: Tom Grade: A
Pros of the ballpark: This place is awesome!! The Tigers'
did a great job with there new stadium. Tiger Stadium was historic
and had a lot of memories; but, let's face it, it was a bad place to
watch a game. Comerica Park has plenty of restrooms, tons of
different food choices, and parking is really simple and not
expensive- the Grand Circus Garage right outside of gate B is only
$5!!! The best seats in the house, although none are bad, have to
be the Tiger Den. These seats are located in the last rows of the
lower bowl and are covered. You get an actually moveable chair with
padding and a drink table. There is a waiter that comes around to
take food orders throughout the game and you have access to two
private clubs- the Tiger Den Lounge and Tiger Club. The best value
seats in the park are the fan stands. For only $8 you get a
reserved field level bleacher seat and a free hot dog or pizza slice
and small pop! That has to be the best deal in all of Baseball!
The park does have the first carousel and ferris wheel- but they are
well hidden for those hardcore baseball only fans. The statues in
left field are a must see and a great place to stand in take in the
view. Comerica Park does have 102 suites, which if you are ever
lucky enough to see are awesome! You have your own bathroom,
covered seating, private lounge, and a waiter throughout the whole
game. The members' only Tiger Club has a cigar bar, baby grand
piano, views of the field, and an all you can eat buffet for only
$24.95 plus tax, tip, and drinks. It is expensive, but well worth
it. On the upper level behind home plate is the Upper Deck Lounge,
not really advertised, but it is heat and air conditioned and open
to the public. They have a bar, seating, coffee, and restrooms-
great place to go when the weather isn't great. The last thing,
Gate A with the big Tigers is a must see. The Tigers are so cool
and you must have your picture taken with them. They are awesome,
as is the whole park.
Cons of the ballpark: None! The park is wonderful although
many people don't give it the credit it deserves. Downtown Detroit
is a great place to visit, the Foxtown neighborhood is in a
rebuilding phase and has lots of things to do and see. I suggest
eating at the Hockeytown Cafe or Johnny Rockets. In Greektown there
are tons of great places to eat and visit. There are museums not to
far down Woodward that are really worth a visit to. All in all the
park is great, the city is great, the Tigers, well let's hope the
Tram can make them great to.
Additional Comments: If you have never been, go!! Don't pass
up a chance to see Comerica Park. Also, when you go, don't compare
it to Tiger Stadium. It is really night and day. Tiger Stadium was
a great place; but, it is old and outdated. If you can afford to
sit in the Tiger Den, $60 to watch the Tigers is a lot of money;
but, you won't be disappointed with the services and extra perks
that come with these seats. If your on a budget, I would highly
recommend the fan stands. Get them early though because they do
sell out. I would recommend to get there early and just walk
around. The Big Cat Court behind section 119 has everything from
ice cream to elephant ears to catfish sandwiches. I would take a
trip up to the Upper Deck and take in the view of the skyline and
the largest scoreboard in MLB. One tip- don't tip the ushers, they
can't accept them and they could get fired for taking a tip.
