Light Crowd

It was raining when we left for work yesterday and was still raining in Surprise when we arrived at the stadium at 9:45 AM. The weather forecast was for more rain, but there were no indications that the game would be called. So, we did our normal setup and made preparations for a game that didn't seem possible to play. Then, suddenly, it stopped raining at 12 PM for the 1 PM game, and the sun started peaking through the clouds. It stayed dry until the 8th inning when it again started to rain and they rolled out the canvas again to cover the infield. It rained for the rest of the night, off and on, and the second game - another collegiate game, was postponed. As a result of all the rain and the much cooler temperatures - a high of 67 yesterday - the crowd was very light and was nowhere close to the anticipated 4000 fans. Today it is still cool, but dry so far.

Our final day for the first work week is today and we are very tired at the end of each day. The physical demands aren't that great, but the standing all day, with no mats to stand on this year, is taking its toll on our backs. There is no plan to replace the mats we used last year, and management could care less about the complaints. By the way, we discovered yesterday that Aramark had lost 4 of its contracted locations to provide services. They lost the stadium in Tempe (Diablo Stadium), Jobing Arena (a big one that included all the hockey games), and two other stadiums. We have noticed the difference in organization - or lack of organization - at our stadium this year. Add increased prices - $7 for a hot dog, $10 for a "Bomber" beer - and it appears that Aramark is not looking at a bright future at this stadium.

We stopped at the Red Robin in Surprise for dinner last night following the game. We don't feel much like cooking a meal at 6 PM when we arrive home after a game so it is a welcome change. Of course, it won't happen after every game, but we haven't been out that much this year. We will see how far that luxury goes...