“The Chicago Dogs” 2019

Highly Recommended****It is September ( or at least it will be  later this week-end) and seeing as baseball is almost over, we thought it would be great to take a trip to our family friendly Impact Field in Rosemont. This is the home of the Chicago Dogs. Last year, we went to see what the fuss was all about. This year, it seems that they are even better organized than before and as the years go by, I am sure they will get even better!

First of all, if you have never gone as a family to a minor league baseball game, you are truly missing out on a very fun experience that is truly creating a memory for your family. Minor league baseball is more than a game. Between innings there are contests and races and all kinds of activities on the field that keep the attention of even the non-baseball fan, who came along  for the food. By the way, the food is wonderful ( not gourmet) but tasty and filling and above all else affordable.  We had a hot dog, a cheeseburger, nachos, pretzels and some great chicken tenders as well as fries and beverages , all for around $ 70.00. You are not getting that at either of our major league parks.

The seats we sat in were the “field Seats” in the 100 section behind home plate- padded and very comfy. These are $25 ( a little more than a movie ticket today) and for this you get a live baseball game from some young men who play as if this is their true career. Many of these young talented men will end up joining companies that are far from baseball in the years to come, but right now they are living their dream- “The American Dream” of playing in the Major Leagues. Who knows, maybe one of them will have their dream come true, and we will be able to say, we saw them play with the Dogs!

Tonight, August 30th, 2019 was truly a special night. Jane and I came to the park with our kids and their daughters. Their son who was supposed to join us as well is now in high school, and tonight was also Friday night “football” and his very first game as a “high-schooler”, so just the girls, Sarah and Rebecca. Tonight the had the honor of being “mini-manager” and saying “Play Ball” to start the game!

NOTE: they had previously done this at a Cubs game and in each case, the years they did, the Cubs were in the playoffs ( in Sarah’s case, they won the World series). I am not so sure they were the reason, but if so, The Dogs should have a great year next year with this duet of “Play Ball”!

The beauty of Impact Park is not just the comfort, the beauty and the ease of getting into and out of, but in fact, the entire experience. They are sharp marketeers and know how to do the right thing for families. Everyone will find something to make them feel good about the experience and as the years go by, I am sure the park’s seats will be taken by even greater numbers of families of fans. From the ease of getting to the park, and the  attached parking garage for a mere $3.00 to the family friendly ticket prices and the affordable goodies as well as the other stuff to do around the park, going to a Chicago Dogs game is more than a game, but a memory that will bring a smile to your face.

By the way, if you sit in the lower rows behind home, there is waitress service with a decent selection of menu items to choose from. This is new for the “ballpark experience” and they are still working on this program working smoothly. You can even get a cocktail ( some pretty special stuff, which I will try next time). After this week-end, the 2019 season will end, but I for one am looking forward to 2020 and what the Dogs will bring to Rosement. I hope Butch Hobson returns as manager, because my granddaughter truly thought he was “cool”! By the way, their mascot Squeeze is a delight, loved by fans old and young!

The owners of Impact and all of those who are involved with this team want to bring baseball back to the people! Not just the high-rollers, but the families that want to be entertained as a family! They want us to have fun and have a full schedule of events each year so that this does occur. Birthday parties are a must! Company outings and family reunions are a ball!

To make sure you get on their mailing list for next season, visit http://www.TheChicagoDogs.com

You may have missed this season, but if you plan for next year you will have a great time, and a great family experience.