Two people. Two cities. Two venues. Two games.
This past Saturday Heather and I traveled by train to New Jersey for a unique doubleheader. We left Long Island by way of the LIRR in Baldwin (I kept stats for Verizon Fios high school lacrosse telecast) around 1:30. The train arrived a few minutes early and with some fast walking and sprinting down the steps we were able to catch a NJ Transit train to Newark and avoided waiting around Penn Station for 45 minutes.
Once we arrived in Newark we had a few options to choose in order to get across the Passaic River and into Harrison. We decided to take the free shuttle bus (since this was the way we wanted to leave the game and get to the Bears game). The woman in the information booth sent us out the wrong door.Eventually we found the location by asking around. There were no signs anywhere. Not sure how they expect fans to find the shuttle for the first time.
The ride over was a bit slow but we still arrived with plenty of time before the first kick. Red Bull Arena is a very modern looking facility that is surrounded by nothing but vacant lots and some abandoned industrial buildings. There were some banners up on the fences describing some of the developments planned for the area. Despite the lack of facilities outside the building there was still a festive atmosphere with music and a fanfest.
Once inside Heather and I took a lap around the building's only concourse and snapped several pictures. The stadium interior is a complete contrast to the gray exterior. Inside the seating bowl it is very bright with the green grass, blue seats, some red and yellow ones to to form the Red Bull logo, and the translucent roof.
The first half was kind of slow, the second half saw three goals including one scored on a penalty kick at our end of the field. The Red Bulls won the game 2-1 and sent the large contingent of Philadelphia fans home unhappy. We happened to be sitting right near The Sons of Ben as they are known and heard their entire catologue of songs and chants.
When the final whistle sounded we headed back to the shuttle and got on the route for Broad Street Station. Once again there were no signs and very little orginaztion to this system. If they don't fix this system soon no one is going to us it. There is not much parking around the stadium. So without the shuttle bus the only other options are the PATH and to walk.
We arrived at the Newark Broad Street station that is right across the street from Bears and eagles Riverfront Stadium. The second half or our doubleheader was an Atlantic League game between the Bears and the Camden Riversharks. The place was a ghost town. The listed attendance was just over 1000 people. Maybe 500 were actually there. The bears have had trouble drawing a crowd and on cool, overcast night in April not many people showed up.
If the Bears were smart they would have been outside of red Bull Arena before and after the game to pass out free or discounted tickets, schedules, and any other information that might get some of the soccer fans to come over for the baseball game. especially since Camden is right across the river from Philadelphia. They could have potentially attracted fans from both sides.
Despite the small crowd and the minimal concessions choices we still enjoyed ourselves. The highlight of the night was meeting Mets manager Jerry Manuel. His son plays for the Bears and with the Mets winning an afternoon home game Jerry had the night free to come and watch his boy. Poor guy was surrounded by fans between every inning, but he still signed autographs and took pictures.
The Bears won the game 13-3 so we were good luck for both home teams. Not sure when and where the next adventure will be. So check back soon.
Brian
Patchogue, NY