Durham Bulls Baseball Game & Ballpark Food

Mmmm yeah, I had a delicious hot dog at this ballgame, so you’re gonna want to check out this post just for the pictures…

On a hot and humid Sunday evening, Charlie and I headed out to a Durham Bulls baseball game despite the fact that I still hadn’t had my post-brunch recovery nap. This was a work event for him, with the tickets generously paid for by his colleague Tom at Patient Pay. After I was made to shower, we drove to Durham and arrived at a packed American Tobacco Historic District. We were able to park in the parking deck next door to the stadium for $5 [I’m trying to give you guys some logistics] and then [Charlie] stood in line at will call to pick up our tickets. Meanwhile, I waited around and took pictures of the fountain, the meandering folks, and the entrance to the stadium. And then I got sprayed with water from that kid playing in the fountain.

En route to our seats, we picked up some necessary hot dogs with all the toppings, even adding the taboo ketchup ourselves, and some draft beers of course. They have foot-long dogs too in case you’re feeling super hungry and American, but I imagined (correctly) that I’d want to try out some other ballpark snacks before the game was over. Side note: I do love an extra-long cheese Coney from Sonic though.

Of course we were the first people there (so I totally had time for that nap). We were surrounded by families, old people, solo folks, babies, fans, and kids with sno-cones, while we stuffed our faces with those delicious hot dogs and watched the Durham Bulls take on the Charlotte Knights.

Charlie’s co-workers as well as Tom and his family arrived shortly after I finished my dog, wiped the chili off my face, and began to contemplate funnel cakes. I took some photos of our group and even told Tom’s wife, Erin, about this blog. The Durham Bulls took the lead and I thought about how Charlotte is the worst. Soon, the game was tied up.

Tom generously bought us some tall boy Miller Lites from the seller walking through the stands (who only takes cash by the way).  He must have seen my eyes brighten up and my hand reach out to the guy as he walked up with his cooler, big can in hand for show. (Um, I can’t say no to somebody yelling “Ice cold beer!”)

Then, Charlie and I went for round two on the food. I got a funnel cake with chocolate syrup and powdered sugar (though there are other optional toppings too! ah! decisions!) and Charlie went for second dinner with a personal Papa John’s pizza. Did I mention that we are all about health?

There are so many other options though: hot dogs, hamburgers, sno cones, Chick Fil A (except on Sundays, sadly), Moe’s, loco pops, Italian Ice, and beers, obviously (from everyday domestic to Foothills Brewery and Carolina Brewery).  Hooray for the five dollars worth of  “Bull Bucks” that come with your ticket to the ballgame. We were able to use these like cash to pay for concessions (not beers though). What a solid idea!

We headed back to our seats to watch the Bulls make a comeback and the crowd get into it. On the field, they held a contest for little kids who raced across the field in giant eyeball suits, the poor blue eyeball falling down almost immediately and hilariously.

With a comfortable lead in the seventh inning, we headed out… you know, it was a worknight. I hadn’t been to a Bulls game since law school, and before that only one I’ve been to was in undergrad, but I think this should become a regular thing. There’s family-oriented fun for everyone, tons of food, plenty of beer, and the chance to watch some really American baseball. What’s not to like?

Back on the logistical front:  It’s cheap too, with tickets ranging from $5.99 (lawn) or $6.99 (outfield) to $29.99, and anywhere in between. Our tickets were $14.99 and came with $5 in Bull Bucks for concessions. The pricier your ticket, the more Bull Bucks you get with it.  On Thursday, the ballpark even does $1 concessions! Can you imagine how many hot dogs I could eat?

We may even need to make this a weekend event. It’d be cheaper than the bar and a lot more wholesome (and a whole lot fatter)!