Fastest Primate In The Bay
San Jose Giant’s mascot Gigante showing of his Usain Bolt pose.Summer is just around the corner and now is the time when dreams of expensive vacation activities are kept in check by empty wallets.
Instead of flocking to San Francisco, students may opt to find Giants entertainment in their own backyard.
The San Jose Giants are the Single-A minor league affiliate of the 2012 World Series Champions San Francisco Giants.
“San Jose Giants games are never dull,” said 27-year-old San Jose Giants’ fan James Electona.
“All the cool things they do in between innings on the field, along with other games they play throughout the game just make the entire atmosphere fun.”
Wallet Friendly
Tickets are affordable or free for most games.
On Orchard Supply Hardware merchant nights, you can get a free general admission ticket by shopping at participating stores. For an extra $10 you can upgrade your free ticket to a box seat.
There are regular promotions for fans such as giveaways and dress up nights.
“We try to add more promotions every year,” said Michael Butera, finance and human resource coordinator. “Nights like Hawaiian Night or Wild West Night give fans the opportunity to have some fun and dress up.”
Onsite parking is available for $10, easily half of what most major league parking costs.
Kids can test their pitching skills at the speed pitch or jump around in the inflatable bounce house and slide in the Family Fun Zone at the main entrance. Batting cages accommodate all skill levels, from t-ball to fast pitch.
While kids burn off energy, adults have their own games to keep them entertained, such as the “Beer Batter” challenge.
Prior to every game, a player from the opposing team is selected and posted on the “Beer Batter” sign at the entrance behind home plate. If the selected batter strikes out at any time before the seventh inning, beer is two for one. Watch how fast the lines fill up.
“Nothing beats cheap baseball games and the chance at two for one beers,” said 23-year-old fan Ben Lim. “Especially on a college budget, it’s the next best thing when you can’t go to every San Francisco Giants game.”
Between innings, the Giants supply ample entertainment and fan games on the field.
San Jose Giants mascot Gigante challenges kids to dance-offs and footraces around the bases.
Fans can also participate in games such as musical chairs or play Winchester Auto Parts’ “Smash for Cash,” where selected players try to smash out headlights on a delapitated truck to win cash.
Dinner and a Show
The smell of crisp, sugary churros waft across the stadium, making seat-side vendors hard to resist.
Located behind third base, Turkey Mike’s BBQ has developed a loyal following with ballpark fare such as polish hot dogs, ribs and pulled pork sandwiches.
This year, the San Jose Giants and Municipal Stadium are hosting their first California-Carolina League All Star Game on June 18. It’s an opportunity for baseball fans to see a showcase of top prospects from 18 major league affiliates.
Watch the future of the San Francisco Giants. For more information about ticket sales, promotions and how to get there, visit www.sjgiants.com.
