Venado's game with Connie and Manny

Connie had called a few days ago to ask if Eric and I wanted to go to a Venado's baseball game with her and Manny on Friday night and we said...Sure! 

We arranged to meet Connie and Manny at their El Cid parking lot at 7pm on Friday night where we would both leave our vehicles.  Connie took me inside the clubhouse for a quick look while we waited for the pulmonia driver to show up.  Connie's friend Bev and her friend Athina (Athina Spa) have season's tickets and tonight they weren't using them so we all got to go.  Bonus!

Waiting for Bev's personal pulmonia driver George.

Loading up and ready to go.  George told Connie he'd only had this pulmonia for 4 months so it was shiny and new.  Connie arranged to have George come and pick us up after the game as well.  How easy was all of this for us!

Heading down the malecon.  Eric and I are rarely ever out at night so this was a novel experience. 

We each had a season's ticket on a ribbon around our necks so it was easy to get in.

The newly renovated stadium....

The new baseball stadium for our nine-time-series-champion Venados is advertised to be the best in all of México, and for once those superlative claims appear true. The architecture is stunning, the remodel retains iconic elements of the historic stadium around which it is built (weird-shaped historic columns, for example) and it increases seating to 16,000. We will now have:

• 38 luxurious suites with indoor, air-conditioned seating as well as outdoor seating for 15 people.
• 550 palcosor box seats, and a private VIP entrance and bar for them and the suites.
• Two restaurants—El Muchacho Alegre and La Cantinetta.
• Several food concessions including Water’s Edge and Surf’s Up.
• Large bathrooms for both genders on each level!!
• A seating area where vendors will speak English, to make this incredible cultural experience easier and more enjoyable for tourists and “polar bears” (“snow birds” as translated from Spanish).
• A retro-sounding Venados Booster Club from which you can buy tickets in English.
• Much improved locker rooms/clubhouse, umpire and training rooms and physical therapy facilities.
• A media facility up top.
• Pacífico beer is still a huge sponsor of the Venados, so Estadio Teodoro Mariscalcontinues the tradition as a Pacífico-only venue.

The stadium will glisten as an anchor to the remodeled Parque Central. It is envisioned to host not only the baseball season but other cultural and musical events, including, of course, our traditional and world class Carnavál coronations. The views from the stadium, both inside—of the field, and outwards—of the city, are fantastic! The only glaring problem is that they still have not solved the parking. Click on any photo to enlarge it or view a slideshow.

I had been to a game in the old stadium many years ago so I was surprised to see how grandiose the new stadium was. 

When we came in there was a guy posing with the Venado's cheerleaders and Manny thought he should have a picture taken as well.  Isn't he cute!

325 ft. on left and right field and 400 ft from home plate to the wall in centre field. 

Buddies!

Connie always looks pained when she has her picture taken.  It's unfortunate because she is such a pretty woman.  Over the ten years that I've know her I've only managed to get one or two good pictures of her and that's only when she doesn't notice me taking a picture! 

I'm dressed in red and white just like all the Venado's fans except.....my sweatshirt says Canada on it.  Oh well...at least it's the right colour!

This night the Venado's (the deer) were playing the Jalisco Charro's ( Jalisco Horsemen.)

Batter up!

We were sitting right behind the Venado's bench so the cheerleaders were there too.

Time for a little cheerleader dance for the crowd.  The crowd was very enthusiastic and the Venado's led all the way through the game.

Eric and I watch a lot of baseball on TV but I don't think it's Manny's game as he prefers football.

The Mascots entertained the crowd.

The score was three to two for the Venado's through most of the game and although they had the bases loaded a few times they couldn't seem to score anymore runs.  This is triple A ball which is one below the major leagues. 

Throughout the night the Jumbotron was pumping out the music, ads and the scores.  Very, very loud!  The concession guys were selling soft drinks, snack food and any souvenir you might want.  I might also add that the beer was flowing as well!  We'd had happy hour and supper at home so we didn't need anything. 

A few times the lights dimmed and the cell phones with lights were waved in the air.

By 11pm when the game ended we were all pooped as none of us are ever up this late.  Manny wanted to leave early but Connie was having none of that and he had to stay till the end!  Top of the ninth and the home team Venado's were up 3 to 2 so the game was over.  Connie made a quick call to George and he was nearby so by the time we walked out the front gate he was waiting for us.  All just like clock work.  Wish my maid was so prompt with time! 

We were all a bit chilled by this point as the wind was blowing and by the time we got home at 11:30 we were happy to crawl into bed under the down comforter.  Thanks Connie and Manny for a great evening it was lots of fun!