I can't sleep due to sheer anticipation. Opening Day for a true Orioles fan like me is a national holiday. Sure thousands of self proclaimed fans come out with their one black and orange garment and proclaim themselves fans for a day. But let's face it, 95% of the people who attend Opening go for the social event. This year the stars have aligned and Opening Day falls on not just any Friday, but Good Friday. A good portion of the city won't be working to take part in what's sure to be one of the biggest opening days in quite some time. Trust me, no one can find a ticket.
To me Opening Day is more important than Christmas. In one way, Opening Day is similar to Christmas in that a World Series victory for the O's seems as believable as Santa Clause and a bunch of reindeer landing on my roof. But for the optimist, it's the dawn of a 24-hour hope that this year the O's will actually break .500. That's a sad statement for a franchise that once had a winning tradition. These days, even the average fan would like the franchise to break the 10+ year losing streak. I refuse to count the years because it just depresses me.
To get over that depression, I intend to rekindle the most Baltimore of traditions of drinking a few Boh's before O's. Natty Boh's, short for National Bohemian beer, is the local brew of choice if you like cheap beer and a hangover. An acquired taste, Natty Boh's are more than just a beer, its a cultural icon in Charm City. If you don't believe me, look towards Southeast Baltimore and look for Mister Boh logo winking at you in the skyline on any evening.
So where does one drink a Natty Boh on Opening day? If you are smart, nowhere near the Stadium. The crowds are ridiculous, especially at Sliders and Pickles located across the street from The Yard. Most bars jack up the prices for one day to take advantage of crowds that won't be matched the rest of the season unless the O's go to the playoffs. Insert Joke.
But if you feel the need to wallow in the sea of humanity, I'd recommend a stop in the Pratt Street Ale house. They have a live band and the crowds are not as bad. Camden Pub is another spot slightly off the beaten path that might not be as crowded although I heard the Baltimore Sports and Social Club, BSSC, will be ruining a perfectly good spot. Otherwise, I would go to Federal Hill and hit up the local watering holes before the game.
Most of the bars around the stadium, sans Frank and Nik's, don't have good food. So, if your hungry eat before hand or stop and one of the food stands surrounding the stadium. One little gem that I must mention is the little Asian lady that sells peanuts in front of Sliders. The peanuts are awesome and you can take snacks into the game. It will save you money in the long run and the peanuts are light years better than what they serve in the stadium.
Once in the game, open your wallet. Everything is expensive and that shouldn't be a surprise. Luckily the food and beverage selections have been upgraded over the past couple of years. The bar along the 3rd base line on the lower level has the best beer selection and there are food options galore. Honestly the food selection has changed so much that I don't know what they are serving anymore. Pollock Johnny's and Stuggy's, new for 2012, are on my list of places to check out. If you are in the club level, the bar behind home plate is a show. If you like to be surrounded by a bunch of tools who enjoy waiting for the worst bartenders to do their job then by all means, enjoy yourself. That said, the people watching at this bar is second to none.
I intend to plant myself somewhere along Eutaw Street in hopes of grabbing a spot above the right field scoreboard or on the center field perch. Go O's! A win and we are in first place!
No comments:
Post a Comment