One game is a small sample size, but I have some thoughts about what I saw, heard and sampled (and expected to find). I grew up at Wrigley and worked there 40 years ago. I have strong emotional attachments to many physical aspects of the ballpark and many fond memories. However, I know things change-sometimes even for the better, but that doesn’t mean my opinions aren’t valid.

I’ve long accepted that attending ML baseball games isn’t affordable or even reasonable. The fans are a captive audience and things cost what they cost. That doesn’t mean that I won’t look for value when I can find it.

I confined my research to the lower concourse and didn’t venture upstairs or to any hidden dining/drinking options. I couldn’t find any specialty stands offering anything out of the ordinary. I was surprised that the size of peanut bags has shrunk and the price wasn’t worth the effort. Instead, I opted for the worst stadium nachos I’ve had at a ML ballpark. They were the cheapest (non-packaged) snack downstairs.

The new $20 draft beers appeared to be very popular among the masses. From what I hear, the glasses are made of a very hard plastic and will make great blackjacks if drunks are so inclined. I’m sure there are more upscale dining options on the terrace level-as well as gathering spaces. That’s great since Wrigley will never offer a continuous 360-degree viewing experience. These decks offer fans the opportunity to watch the game in a more relaxed setting. I know most fans don’t pay as close attention to the action as I do and that having a place to hang out and enjoy a few pops and one another’s company may be more in line with younger, hipper fans.

As far as the sights and sounds of the ballpark, I was disappointed to not hear any organ music before or during the game. I double checked the website to see if they eliminated the organist. In fact, they have two organists. The Cubs videoboard is state of the art and a great improvement. However, I don’t think they make very good use of it before the game. For the better part of four seasons, I had to deal with the board at the Vet in Philadelphia. While the technology was horrible, they at least made an effort with content.

The new pace of play is excellent for everyone but the vendors. Maybe Wrigley will join the other pioneers in extending beer sales through the 8th inning. That being said, I didn’t see or hear any non-beer vendors roaming the stands. I think the vendors are losing out to the stands selling those $20 glasses.

Had I used my noggin, I might have taken advantage of the early exit and enjoyed a happy hour for dinner. Instead, I grabbed a carryout salad much closer to home. I don’t expect any of the neighborhood joints to feature happy hours. To the contrary, I know they’re already cashing in on the diminished beer sales inside the park.

In future visits I’ll make a point of seeking the more interesting or exotic menu items. The $8 frosted malt is killing me.