Fan's Guide To Raley Field

Football may have its own night of the week, but baseball will always be America's national past time. Representing pristine summer days, languid hours and the nation's history, baseball is inarguably one of the world's greatest sports. It can be expensive to make it out to a major league game in California, but luckily, the state is also home to many exciting minor league teams, all fostering talented players who will someday make it through to the main stage. To see these players in one of the earlier chapters of their journey, before they become all stars idolized nationwide, head out to Raley Field, home of the Sacramento River Cats.

Raley Field
400 Ballpark Drive
W. Sacramento, CA, 95691
(916) 376-4700
www.milb.com

The River Cats are the AAA affiliate team of one of the most popular and best California teams, the San Francisco Giants. Their players are just on the brink of breaking into the major leagues and becoming real Giants, which means you are guaranteed to see lots of talent at any game. But more than that, a night at the ballpark offers fun with friends and family in an intimate, quirky atmosphere that can't be found at the big league parks. So head out to catch a game at Raley Field this summer.

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Seating

Fans can enjoy a view of the game anywhere from inside a premium suite to on top of a blanket in the outfield. Raley Field offers ubiquitous "Senate" mid-level seats throughout the stadium, priced at $23, which surround the field. To get a bit closer to the action, choose the "Governor's Club" on the first level surrounding the infield. Rather lounge out in the sun for the afternoon? Then you'll want to choose an inexpensive (just $10) space on the Toyota Home Run Hill. Maybe you'll even walk away with one of those home run balls. See a seating map of the field here.

Food And Drink

Fans cannot bring food or alcoholic beverages into the stadium. However, if you find yourself craving some good ballpark food and a drink -- and maybe some air conditioning -- Senate, Governor's Club and Suite ticket-holders can head to Tito's Salon Club on the first base side of the field. Tito's can give you a break from the heat without missing an inning of action with 14 TVs, and you can get high-end food and drink. For those looking for something a bit more basic, head to the Blue Moon party deck or the beer garden in left field.

Make The Most Of Your Trip 

When you head out for a day at the park, you are sure to have a good time. But a bit of planning and preparation can make the afternoon or evening one you will remember for a long time. Be sure to purchase reserve seats ahead of time, and check out the River Cats' schedule before deciding which day you want to go. They are offering numerous promotional nights throughout the 2016 season, including fireworks shows, superhero night and more. After you have your nights picked, head to the park a couple hours early to catch team batting practice. You and your group can even "shag" balls in the outfield as your favorite players knock them out. Spend some time strolling the stadium, and maybe visit the On Deck Shop near home plate for some team gear. When the game starts, make your way over to your seats with some food and drink, and prepare to watch a River Cats win.

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Written by Bianca Belli of Examiner.com for CBS Local. Bianca is a passionate writer and lover of her Connecticut home. When she is not working, she loves sitting in the shade with a glass of tea and a good read.