Question for the locals
Greetings baseball fans -
Despite the Braves hat I'm wearing in my user pic, I do not post here to troll, instigate, and/or pick fights. As a baseball fan, I come to seek ideas, and pick the brains of the locals.
On my ongoing quest to tackle every Major League Ballpark in America, I am making the trip out to San Diego later this month (During the series against the Nationals) to see Petco Park. I can google San Diego, look around on craigslist, and seek out generic things to do from the internet, but I think that I can get some better ideas of things to do from like-minded baseball/sports aficionados.
So that being said, what's there to do in San Diego? Novelty/giant foods, cool places to see, best areas to see the Pacific, etc?
Any and all constructive suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I can't wait to see your beautiful park, and I sure as hope that Maddux is pitching when I go.
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Stay away from Vista.
We don’t go there anymore.
I dedicate the posts I'm submitting to the big gangsta CHARMIN and my main man, Bissel Air Freshener.
by overand on
May 11, 2008 1:56 PM PDT
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Duely noted
When I’m coming down I-5 from Anaheim, I will keep that in mind to just pass it en route to San Diego…
one more time ... for sting!! a sports blog written by two opinionated males
by royhobbs on
May 11, 2008 6:49 PM PDT
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Then at the very least, just pass during the daytime.
I dedicate the posts I'm submitting to the big gangsta CHARMIN and my main man, Bissel Air Freshener.
by overand on
May 11, 2008 8:21 PM PDT
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That bad, huh?
Good thing I’ll be crossing through during the late-morning time then.
one more time ... for sting!! a sports blog written by two opinionated males
by royhobbs on
May 12, 2008 7:35 AM PDT
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Dude IDK what the hell she is talking about
Me fail English? That's unpossible!
by sdsuaztec4 on
May 12, 2008 8:14 AM PDT
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I'm just kidding!
I wish I could be more helpful. North San Diego just isn’t very worthwhile. Encinitas might be pretty cool though.
I dedicate the posts I'm submitting to the big gangsta CHARMIN and my main man, Bissel Air Freshener.
by overand on
May 12, 2008 8:28 AM PDT
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Is Vista...
...really considered “North” San Diego? Or am I just totally reading things wrong?
Looking at maps, it looks like Vista might as well be on the moon, in distance relation to where actual San Diego (Petco Park/Airport vicinity) is actually listed.
one more time ... for sting!! a sports blog written by two opinionated males
by royhobbs on
May 12, 2008 8:39 AM PDT
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You are exactly right
Vista = Closer to Moon than where you want to go
by Winfield's Ghost on
May 12, 2008 8:40 AM PDT
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We are spread out.
Oceanside is the north-western tip, Fallbrook is the North Eastern. Julian dead east. The lines get fuzzy out near Valley Center because that’s where the Indian Reservations start.
These are what I perceive the borders to be, someone correct me if I’m talking outta my arse, here.
The right man in the wrong place can make all the difference in the world.
by Axion on
May 12, 2008 9:04 AM PDT
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I think you got it right.
I dedicate the posts I'm submitting to the big gangsta CHARMIN and my main man, Bissel Air Freshener.
by overand on
May 12, 2008 12:17 PM PDT
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That's the county of San Diego
The city is much much smaller. Northeast is Lake Hodges (Escondido border), Northwest is Carmel Valley (Del Mar border) far east is a few miles past the college (La Mesa border), and south is close to where the 5 and 15 meet (National City border).
I watched all 23 innings and all I got was this lousy signature.
by Wonko on
May 13, 2008 1:16 AM PDT
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keep your head down
oh, and don’t look anyone in the eye. Padres fans can be craaaaazy. Just kidding! We love hugs…lots of hugs.
Bring back Balboa Stadium.
by calipatrick on
May 11, 2008 5:09 PM PDT
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what kind of stuff are you into?
And how long will you be in town? I’ll put together the perfect set of places to hit.
by Dex on
May 11, 2008 5:32 PM PDT
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Just a short trip
A very short trip, to be exact. Coming into town Tuesday, after seeing Angel Stadium on Monday, and leaving Wednesday to head into the desert. I know the time constraints are limited, but I’m more or less looking for good restaurants (I love novelty foods), and maybe something interesting to kill a few hours in between arriving in San Diego, to when the night game starts, and perhaps a thing or two to consider Wednesday morning before I drive off.
one more time ... for sting!! a sports blog written by two opinionated males
by royhobbs on
May 11, 2008 6:52 PM PDT
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Another question....
I haven’t purchased my tickets for the Tuesday Nationals/Padres game. Does Petco sell out, or does it bode me well to pre-purchase my ticket online? Does Petco have a lot of scalpers / resellers available outside the park?
My general assumption, was that nobody cares about the Nationals, and that it would be an easy game to get into… y’all should see how well they’re received when they come to Atlanta…
one more time ... for sting!! a sports blog written by two opinionated males
by royhobbs on
May 11, 2008 6:54 PM PDT
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You're correct in your assumption
I can’t imagine a Tuesday night game ever selling out, much less for the Nationals.
by Dex on
May 11, 2008 7:24 PM PDT
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So do you folks have scalpers?
Especially for a game like against the Nationals, I’d hate to pay normal rates when I can haggle it out with a scalper for a better seat(s).
one more time ... for sting!! a sports blog written by two opinionated males
by royhobbs on
May 12, 2008 7:36 AM PDT
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Gaslamp
Can’t go wrong at the Gaslamp. Lots of clubs, bars, restaurants, although I’m failing to think of anything “novelty” at the moment, aside from the Kansas City BBQ (where the “Great Balls of Fire” scene was filmed in Top Gun). Also, other touristy-type stuff can be acquired at Seaport Village, along with good views of the bay. This stuff is all around walking distance in downtown SD.
Good view of the ocean? If you have time, take the 101 south starting from Carlsbad on through Del Mar. If you are the one driving, stop and get out, you will want to look for awhile. :)
You can get a little flavor of Vista near the Greyhound station in downtown SD by the 99c chinese food place, and on the other side of the ballpark near the shelter. Again, keep your doors locked and avoid eye contact.
The right man in the wrong place can make all the difference in the world.
by Axion on
May 11, 2008 8:27 PM PDT
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I love Cabrillo National Monument in Pt Loma for views
The Gaslamp doesn’t have a must-eat-at place, but there are tons of places to go for good food and good drinks. Although, I would say that pre-game Tin Fish is a good spot for seafood, some outdoorsy goodness and usually a live singer/guitarist serenading with Karoke classics. I’m not much into the after game scenes but that bar at the top of the Marriott next to the stadium looks like a sweet spot to down a few.
I watched all 23 innings and all I got was this lousy signature.
by Wonko on
May 11, 2008 8:38 PM PDT
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Balboa Park
It’s a beautiful park, and you don’t have to pay entrance to any of the museums if you don’t have much cash. Just walk around, and it’s close to Petco Park. It is the 2nd largest inner-city park in the US, second to Central Park in NYC.
Cabrillo National Monument is also amazing, but I agree with the other posters. Since you are only here a day or two, stick to Gaslamp.
But I think you oughta try a burrito from one of the hundreds of burrito shacks in town, like from a Roberto’s, Alberto’s, Adalberto’s Tacoberto’s, etc. Anyone with the -berto’s at the end will do. Try a California Burrito, a San Diego invention.
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=california+burrito
Or go to Rubio’s Fish Tacos and try a fish taco, another SoCal delicacy. Yummy!
And along the road from Anaheim to San Diego, look out for an In n Out Burgers sign from the freeway. Once you spot one, immediately exit, go to the drive-thru and taste the most delicious burger you will ever have. Their menu is small, but they have a secret menu not listed. Here is some secret menu items you can try to order:
http://www.badmouth.net/in-n-outs-secret-menu/
And try an Arrogant Bastard Ale, a local brew…
San Diegans are mostly friendly and approachable. It has to do with living in the sun. I’ve been stuck in Sweden now for 3 years, and you can tell how much weather affects people’s mood. I’m getting homesick just writing this post.
And I know we get a lot of heat for being fair-weather fans, but a lot of us know our baseball and stick by our Padres no matter what…
Fy fan! (That means damn in Swedish).
by Pad Fan in Sweden on
May 12, 2008 4:16 AM PDT
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Arrogant Bastard Ale...
...I must try this, just on the name alone. If it comes in bottles, I can give myself a cheesy homemade souvenir of bottle of Arrogant Bastard full of sand from the west coast, along with my souvenir baseball I pick up from every park I visit.
As for In-n-Outs, I’m quite aware of their deliciousness – there’s one in Las Vegas I go to whenever I’m out there, and it’s only a matter of time before I get the nerve and get my friends together to challenge something like a 25×25.
If you think you guys get lumped for being fair-weathered, you should see how Atlantans are treated. Because of the TBS nationally televised Braves games throughout the last few decades, it seems like there’s fake Braves fans everywhere… we have a park that seats 55,000, but can’t sell out, even when the Red Sox come to town.
one more time ... for sting!! a sports blog written by two opinionated males
by royhobbs on
May 12, 2008 7:47 AM PDT
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There's also Double Bastard
But, that’s for nap time.
The right man in the wrong place can make all the difference in the world.
by Axion on
May 12, 2008 8:27 AM PDT
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Eat a freaking mind-burrito;
you’ll have an incredible brain fart. In my experience, the seedier-looking the Mexican restaurant, the better it will taste. Now that’s something good about North County. Carne Asada burrito with cheese and guacamole, NO SALSA VERDE!
I dedicate the posts I'm submitting to the big gangsta CHARMIN and my main man, Bissel Air Freshener.
by overand on
May 12, 2008 8:31 AM PDT
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Don't you mean 'fresca'
And ‘pico’? I haven’t been to a place where you have to tell them not to put green sauce on a carne asada burrito! I would be outraged!
The right man in the wrong place can make all the difference in the world.
by Axion on
May 12, 2008 9:06 AM PDT
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Damnit!
Yes, fresca. I typed that in the midst of a sleep cycle (I woke up to check GLB) and made a dumb error. Green is great.
I dedicate the posts I'm submitting to the big gangsta CHARMIN and my main man, Bissel Air Freshener.
by overand on
May 12, 2008 12:18 PM PDT
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I hate how the name changes depending on where you go.
Sometimes it’s salsa fresca, sometimes it’s pico, sometimes it’s just salsa and I hate having to guess or tell them, “Look, just don’t put any of that ess on there.”
We need to standardize!
The right man in the wrong place can make all the difference in the world.
by Axion on
May 12, 2008 4:19 PM PDT
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Agreed!
I’ve only heard it called pico at Taco Bell. Salsa Fresca can ruin any burrito. That, and potted Machaca.
I dedicate the posts I'm submitting to the big gangsta CHARMIN and my main man, Bissel Air Freshener.
by overand on
May 12, 2008 5:05 PM PDT
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Coming down I-5
You mentioned wanting to see the Pacific and you’ll have ample opportunities to do so coming down the highway – but the Torrey Pines State Beach/Del Mar area is a really nice spot to get out and walk on the beach.
by Winfield's Ghost on
May 12, 2008 7:42 AM PDT
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Seconded for Torrey Pines
(take a burrito)
I dedicate the posts I'm submitting to the big gangsta CHARMIN and my main man, Bissel Air Freshener.
by overand on
May 12, 2008 8:32 AM PDT
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First impressions
You guys are awesome. I really appreciate the feedback y’all have provided for me.
I posted the exact same questions in Dodgers and Angels forums, since I am hitting up those two parks prior to Petco, and Dodgers fans have given me zero help, and the Angels blog won’t even let me post my question until tomorrow. On first impressions, I most certainly like Padres fans out of all the California teams. Only thing that would make it better is if I could see Maddux pitching when I go.
I’m getting an idea of things I’d like to do based on your suggestions – if anybody’s got more, keep ‘em coming! I really appreciate the help!
one more time ... for sting!! a sports blog written by two opinionated males
by royhobbs on
May 12, 2008 7:48 AM PDT
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If you want to make it a sports/baseball trip
I think you could exit the I-5 a little early and drive past the Del Mar racetrack where Seabiscuit had his famous head-to-head race with Ligaroti. That’s the one War Admiral chickened out on. From there, you could actually continue down and through to see the beach and past the Torrey Pines golf course.
You might also consider taking a quick trip east on the 8 to see San Diego State University, where Tony Gwynn played and now coaches and then jump off the freeway again and take some surface streets to visit Hoover High School, where Ted Williams, the Splendid Splinter, and Ted Giannoulas, the Famous Chicken, went to high school. Two of the more famous baseball Teds from San Diego.
While on that same street, you could stop at El Asadero for an authentic carne asada burrito, which is another San Diego favorite.
by Dex on
May 12, 2008 8:39 AM PDT
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dex has a good suggestion...
...but I’d rather recommend Balboa Park, then Seaport Village, then walk over to Petco from there, stopping by somewhere in the Gaslamp for a brew before and after the game. He just doesn’t have the time to venture out to SDSU or Del Mar, Cabrillo or Torrey Pines, or any of the beaches.
So that would be my suggestion, and then find a Rubio’s or a burrito place for a carne asada or California burrito. You really oughta stay an extra day or two in SD, so much to see and do. But this would be my quick suggestion for a day.
You can find an Arrogant Bastard or any of the Stone beers at most liquor stores or grocery stores nowadays. Strong stuff though. I tried to have my friend bring a six pack of Stone with him when he came to visit me here, but it didn’t clear customs…
Fy fan! (That means damn in Swedish).
by Pad Fan in Sweden on
May 12, 2008 9:16 AM PDT
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Since you're not in town long
I’d stick to the downtown area. Hit Rubios for your fish tacos at the Ballpark and get some other good Mexican food outside the ballpark. For beaches, just cross over the Coronado bridge that is visible from the ballpark. Coronado beach was voted the best beach in the US several years back by the Travel Channel. Check out the Hotel Del Coronado for a Historic Landmark.
Check out Balboa Park and it’s museums and the San Diego Hall of Champions. Inside Balboa Park is the World Famous San Diego Zoo.
All of that stuff is within 5 miles.
by jbox on
May 12, 2008 9:40 AM PDT
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What about Tijuana?
I’ve heard that the border’s only like 30 min from the city. Anything worth checking out prior to enjoying what your fair city has to offer?
one more time ... for sting!! a sports blog written by two opinionated males
by royhobbs on
May 12, 2008 9:42 AM PDT
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So, so much.
I’m just gonna close my eyes and reflect for a while. Just forget I’m here.
by Dalton on
May 12, 2008 9:54 AM PDT
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You enjoy
having to bribe police officers for trumped up violations, right?
by Dalton on
May 12, 2008 10:12 AM PDT
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I'm getting the impression
That this is a bad idea. Anyone else?
It’s not necessary, but I’m interested, because I’ve never been before…
one more time ... for sting!! a sports blog written by two opinionated males
by royhobbs on
May 12, 2008 10:25 AM PDT
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Don't settle for the Donkey Show
see the Zebra show where they paint the Donkey to look like a zebra… now that’s a show.
by jbox on
May 12, 2008 10:40 AM PDT
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Tijuana bans tinted windows.
Yeah, I steer clear of countries without a space program.
The right man in the wrong place can make all the difference in the world.
by Axion on
May 12, 2008 11:05 AM PDT
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Very soon, we'll all be able to appreciate Mexico properly
by Dex on
May 12, 2008 11:19 AM PDT
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Haha, I checked it before I posted it.
I’ve got to keep tabs on that Mexican Govt… they’re crafty. By the time they get it started, I’ll think of another excuse. :)
The right man in the wrong place can make all the difference in the world.
by Axion on
May 12, 2008 12:44 PM PDT
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How about
I’ll never visit a country that primarily relies on unleavened bread to compliment its meals?
by Dex on
May 12, 2008 12:49 PM PDT
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Israel?
Lulz.
I dedicate the posts I'm submitting to the big gangsta CHARMIN and my main man, Bissel Air Freshener.
by overand on
May 12, 2008 12:59 PM PDT
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Don't even get me started on the space program.
(Though, yeah, I have to admit, that is somewhat of a good litmus test for countries to visit.)
by Winfield's Ghost on
May 12, 2008 11:22 AM PDT
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Tijuana would be a trip in itself
Your time would be better spent actually hanging out at one of the beaches for an hour or two.
by Dex on
May 12, 2008 10:43 AM PDT
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Can you follow up with us after your trip
to let us know who had the best ideas. Just so we can gloat.
by jbox on
May 12, 2008 9:56 AM PDT
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Start gloating
See how helpful the Dodgers fans have been already… Don’t laugh at the verbatim words. I wrote to you guys first.
And I’m not “allowed” to post to the Angels’ site yet.
Cheers, San Diego.
one more time ... for sting!! a sports blog written by two opinionated males
by royhobbs on
May 12, 2008 10:05 AM PDT
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I love that
their first rule is:
Do not make Andruw Jones is fat jokes. Really, it’s already played out.
It’s not a joke, guys.
by Dalton on
May 12, 2008 10:11 AM PDT
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I hate to agree. I really do.
one more time ... for sting!! a sports blog written by two opinionated males
by royhobbs on
May 12, 2008 10:26 AM PDT
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Yeah, he’s fat, I know, but combining Andruw Jones and the buffet in new and inventive ways was funny for about three seconds.
Co-Author Of The Fourth Most Popular NL West Based Blog On SBN
by Andrew on
May 12, 2008 7:29 PM PDT
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We could give tips for LA also
For example… The french dip sandwich was invented in Los Angeles and is close to Dodger Stadium. Here’s a map
by Dex on
May 12, 2008 10:52 AM PDT
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Phillipe's
Here’s another link: http://www.philippes.com/
by Dex on
May 12, 2008 10:53 AM PDT
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TJ is not as scary as you might think
but I’m Mexican-American, so I know the language and my way around. TJ can be awesome if you do it right. But man…you just don’t have the time!
Fy fan! (That means damn in Swedish).
by Pad Fan in Sweden on
May 12, 2008 11:25 AM PDT
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You're right
Time is extremely sparse in my case, but I’m ambitious. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned from traveling, is that if you leave, thinking that there are things missed out on, it’s a successful trip. Because if you accomplish absolutely everything you wanted to do while in a place, you didn’t set the bar high enough.
one more time ... for sting!! a sports blog written by two opinionated males
by royhobbs on
May 12, 2008 11:31 AM PDT
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Get the fish tacos at Rubio's...
and definitely take the scenic route along the west side of point loma.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on
May 12, 2008 3:47 PM PDT
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I like you guys.
I find your group chatter amusing, and I appreciate all the help and suggestions you’ve given me. I definitely look forward to the San Diego leg of my park travels, and I’d say that I’d buy some of you an overpriced beer at Petco if you were there, but that would involve all sorts of complicated ways of trying to seek a person out. Just realize that I’d offer if I knew you in person.
So pretty much, I’m thinking the following, based on all your kind suggestions.
-Fish tacos from Rubios.
-No Tijuana
-Any, preferrably seedy, *-berto’s restaurant for a burrito (I heart burritos.)
-Arrogant Bastard Ale
-The Harbor and Balboa Park (I’m staying near the airport/harbor)
-The Gaslamp definitely sounds interesting.
-and NO VISTA.
-and of course, baseball. Go Greg Maddux.
Additional Questions:
1. Torrey Pines/Del Mar vs. Coronado Beach – I know my time is sparse, but there is no way I’m going to California and not spending some time at a beach. I’m leaning towards Torrey Pines, based on your suggestions, but I thought I’d ask which is better head-to-head?
2. Nobody seemed to answer this question – does Petco have a typical array of scalpers outside? I’d rather deal with them and get a cheap ticket in a better area than pay box office…
Just a suggestion, you folks have given me a lot of great information – I’m not trying to critique your blog, but perhaps consider making a link off the main site for visitors like myself? Perhaps this information could be useful to other travelers aside from just myself. We in Atlanta have done such, and despite the fact that Atlanta doesn’t have a third of the cool things San Diego seems to have, a couple of us came together and found some decent things about our own city to recommend to the visitors.
one more time ... for sting!! a sports blog written by two opinionated males
by royhobbs on
May 12, 2008 6:44 PM PDT
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Coronado vs. Torrey Pines
Coronado is much closer to downtown. Torrey Pines is about a half hour away. Parking is probably more difficult at TP. Torrey Pines / Del Mar has really nice hiking trails and cliff walls over the beach. TP probably makes for better pictures. Coronado has a very large sand beach. You can’t really go wrong.
I never see too many scalpers in front of Petco. You’ll see them from time to time, but not sure what savings you’re gonna get if any.
by jbox on
May 12, 2008 7:13 PM PDT
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Coming from the north though
Torrey Pines is more on the way from the north. You’ll overshoot Petco Park and head over the Coronado Bridge to get to Coronado, but that may even be worth it to steal a view of downtown from the bridge as you’re driving over.
by Dex on
May 12, 2008 7:55 PM PDT
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On Scalpers
I guess San Diego’s a classier place in comparison to Atlanta where scalpers are aplenty, outside the vicinity of Turner Field. Basically, what I like about scalpers is that I can negotiate with them, and play some mind games.
They stop me, ask if I want tickets, I say yes, they show me $45 face value tix, say they want $20, I say no thanks, I don’t like that section, I’ll just take my $14 upper deck, and they say hey wait hey wait, okay, give me $14 for this ticket, and I say sure, but I’ve only got $10 cash I was going to pay on my card, and then they say fine, give me the $10 spot. This is me being optimistic, because, it’s a Tuesday night game… against the Nationals… I’d imagine they’re plenty of good seats the box offices release to the scalpers.
one more time ... for sting!! a sports blog written by two opinionated males
by royhobbs on
May 12, 2008 9:04 PM PDT
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I'd throw in Missioin Beach or Pacific Beach as well
Can’t beat the people watching and there’s a nice boardwalk.
by Dex on
May 12, 2008 7:55 PM PDT
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Torrey Pines is stunning.
That is all.
I dedicate the posts I'm submitting to the big gangsta CHARMIN and my main man, Bissel Air Freshener.
by overand on
May 12, 2008 8:42 PM PDT
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Who says I can't do both?
If Torrey Pines is on the way down, from I-5, there’s no question that I’m going to stop on my way. I’ll try to remember to acquire said burrito prior to, though. I love hiking and cliff/shore viewing, so this will be a perfect place to burn through a memory card on my camera.
The day after, I’ve got no deadline to get to my next destination… just as long as it’s within the same day. So perhaps some morning Coronado might be in order. How bad’s the traffic in San Diego? I know LA is perennially ranked worst in the world, but the last I remember, Atlanta was ranked #2 … so I’ve got a high threshold for pain.
one more time ... for sting!! a sports blog written by two opinionated males
by royhobbs on
May 12, 2008 9:10 PM PDT
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I wish I could be more helpful
Getting out of the Gaslamp after Saturday night’s game was hell by car. I should have just hung out for a while, medium style.
I dedicate the posts I'm submitting to the big gan

