Cowlitz Black Bears
Good
I grew up watching game and playing on David Story field in Longview. So I am a little biased. It is a small stadium, used by Lower Columbia Community College which means every seat is only a few feet from the field.
The addition of a party deck in left field is a great place to catch a game and hang out with friends. The Black Bears do an amazing job of having activities throughout the game to keep the fans involved and excited.
Bad
Even though every seat is close to the field those seats are old. This stadium is in desperate need of being updated and even enlarged. Even the AstroTurf on the field is starting to look like it is old and beat up.
For a baseball city like Longview an upgraded stadium would be amazing. Especially considering just how many regional and national baseball tournaments the city has hosted over the years and plans to continue hosting.
General Information
The closest parking lot is located outside of the left field fence and is free. It leads right to the ticket booth and the gate.
New nets have been added along the third base line to help protect fans in the bleachers. The stands are right on the field so this is a great piece of added safety for fans, especially younger fans.
Autograph Information
Fans are right on the fence line and so getting autographs is really easy. The only way a fan wouldn’t get an autograph is if they try in the middle of the game or if a player just tells them no, which I’ve never seen happen without good reason (game has started, player is trying to warm up, or the fan is being obnoxious).
Tacoma Rainiers
Good
The recently renovated Cheney Stadium is one of my favorite stadiums. There are a lot of great food options, the Rainiers keep the crowd excited the entire game and the fans are diehard fans of both the Rainiers and their parent organization the Mariners.
For a minor league stadium it is a beautiful complex with a great surrounding view. Make sure you get tickets before you head to a game because this stadium has been known to sellout on weekends and special events.
Bad
Getting to the stadium can be a real pain. Traffic can really slow you down so be prepared for that. It can also be a little tricky getting to the stadium so make sure your GPS is working.
General Information
When planning to attend a game here make sure you check on what events are going on at the stadium and buy your tickets a head of time. I tried to go to a game a few years ago that was completely sold out because of a huge kid’s weekend event.
Autograph Information
Getting autographs can be a little hard as this stadium. It is not very fan friendly in this way but the players still sign autographs so that helps to make up for it. For the visiting team you can sometimes get guys to sign along the fence line in right field.
Seattle Mariners
Good
Safeco Field is a beautiful stadium and is easily my favorite stadium that I have ever been too. The food options are amazing and even if the team stinks (which they have for a decade) it is still one of the most amazing places to watch a baseball game.
They have an amazing play area for kids in center field. Make sure you get your kids signed up for a time slot because they do fill up.
There are two parking garages that you can park it, for a price. Both are right next to the stadium and have easy access to the stadium.
Bad
This is a major league stadium so I could complain how expensive food, tickets and merchandise is, but let’s be honest, if you are going to a major league baseball game you know what the prices are going to be ahead of time.
I could also complain about bad seats in the 300 level, but they aren’t that bad and once again if you get tickets in the 300 level then don’t complain.
General Information
The Mariners now have the 2nd largest video board in all of sports. I haven’t seen it yet but I have heard from others that it is amazing.
Autograph Information
Like any major league stadium getting autographs is hit and miss. Sometimes you get lucky and other times you don’t. The best I can say is be patient and find a spot near the dugouts if you can.