Opening Day 2012

[JaneDoe]

Ok, Opening Day is Friday April 6, 2012 at 6:05 p.m. vs the Colorado Rockies.

I will be happy to put together a group outing for OD, and would love to see everyone (especially the out-of-towners) for the last OD in the National League. I have gotten complaints about being in the sun for the past couple of years, so I got options on both sides.  There are NO club level seats available on the non-sun (3B side). 

Please look at the seating chart found here: http://houston.astros.mlb.com/hou/ticketing/seating_pricing.jsp

Options in the sun or partial sun:
Sections 151-156 (would be under the overhang) $27.00
Sections 234-236 Club Level $35.00 each, with a $15.00 food and beverage voucher (these would be in the sun)

Options out of sun (Third Base side)
Terrace Section 313  $23.00  (this is the bottom section of the top level)
Field Box Sections 105 - 109 $41.00
View Deck 1 and 2 Sections 413 - 421  $16.00 or $13.00  The View Decks are on the top level, we could get behind home plate, but would not be close at all.


We could do mezzanine 252-258, like last year, but again, I got lots of complaints about the sun.

SO-----

Let me know if you are "in" AND your preferred section in this thread.  To get the best options on seats, I would like to have this finished before January is over, but if it cannot be finalized, I will not be responsible if we get shitty seats.
We have a minimum of 20 tickets to purchase to get our seats together. 

[JaneDoe]

Oh, and if anyone wants to take this over, you wouldn't step on my toes.  I would just like to see everyone at another Opening Day before the switch to the AL causes some of us to lose interest in the Astros.

[JimR]

club level is great, sun or no sun. under the overhang is terrible, imo. i imagine both Raups are in.

thanks for doing this, JD.

field boxes are great, too.

[HudsonHawk]

I'm in!!

I'd prefer the non-sun Field Boxes.

[Ebby Calvin]

You mean there are still tickets available?!?

I'm in, thanks for putting this together.

My preferences are the exact same as Coach's.

[Ron Brand]

I'm in and prefer Club or Field Boxes and I'm happy with anything but View Deck would be my least preferable.

Thanks, Jane!

[MusicMan]

"What is the last time the Astros will be .500 in the NL?", Alex?

[Bench]

The morning of April 8th.  I'm an optimist. 

[NeilT]

Thanks Jane.  I usually don't attend games where there's no DH, but this year I'll make an exception.  Two please, and I've got no preference for where.

[EasTexAstro]

Mrs. ETA and I will take at least 2 tickets, but I will let you know soon on a few more.

I'm good anywhere, but I may be the only one to say I love the view deck behind home plate. Great view of the whole field and usually a very nice breeze.

[drew corleone]

In x 2. Club or Field Boxes would be Aces. ABW Sputnik at the concession stand and a decent product on the field would be better, but I'll settle for the tickets.

Thanks for organizing again, JD... I know it's a bitch.

[Waldo]

Opening Day on Good Friday = badass.  Don't have to take a day off work.

I'll try to bring the pregnant missus with me, so put me down for two.  I've never sat in club level before so that would be cool.

Anybody know the Astros policy regarding small kids (3 years old)?  Would I have to purchase a full ticket if we wanted to bring our son?

[JaneDoe]

Ok, I have narrowed it down to two, based on the input so far: 


Option 1 in the sun or partial sun:

Sections 234-236 Club Level $35.00 each, with a $15.00 food and beverage voucher (these would be in the sun)

Option 2 out of sun (Third Base side)

Field Box Sections 105 - 109 $41.00

The seating chart can be found here: http://houston.astros.mlb.com/hou/ticketing/seating_pricing.jsp  If you haven't put in your $ 0.02 in, now is the time.

[Limey]

Anybody know the Astros policy regarding small kids (3 years old)?  Would I have to purchase a full ticket if we wanted to bring our son?

I believe the rule is that under 2's are free.  If you can convince them of that, you're golden.

[EasTexAstro]

I believe the rule is that under 2's are free.  If you can convince them of that, you're golden.

Waldo doesn't lie. Ever.

[OregonStrosFan]

Waldo doesn't lie. Ever.

Dude, there are like a gazillion attorneys on this board.  Let them do the talking for him...

[Andyzipp]

Yes.  This child has reached his second year of age.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

I'm in for two again.  I vote Club Level, because I'd do horrible things for the sake of garlic fries.

[MRaup]

I'm in for two again.  I vote Club Level, because I'd do horrible things after eating garlic fries.

FIFY.

I'm in as well.

[strosrays]

Waldo is a married.  To a woman (presumably).

Waldo has one kid, and another on the way.

Waldo never lies.


Hmmm...

[austro]

Waldo is a married.  To a woman (presumably).

Waldo has one kid, and another on the way.

Waldo never lies.


Hmmm...

All of which is mildly disorienting to those of us who remember Waldo as a young whippersnapper in college.

[EasTexAstro]

The ETA family will take 4 tickets.

[JaneDoe]

So far, the list is looking great!

JimR - 1
MRaup - 1
HH - 1
Ebby - 1
Ron Brand - 1
NeilT - 2
drew corleone - 2
Waldo - 2
GBB - 2
ETA - 4

That is 17 tickets so far. C'mon you guys! This is the last Astros Opening Day in the NL!  It is a FRIDAY, not a MONDAY. Would love to see some of you out of towners!

[HudsonHawk]

So far, the list is looking great!

JimR - 1
MRaup - 1
HH - 1
Ebby - 1
Ron Brand - 1
NeilT - 2
drew corleone - 2
Waldo - 2
GBB - 2
ETA - 4

That is 17 tickets so far. C'mon you guys! This is the last Astros Opening Day in the NL!  It is a FRIDAY, not a MONDAY. Would love to see some of you out of towners!

I'll buy Dark Star/strosrays a ticket if he'll join us.

[Mr. Happy]

So far, the list is looking great!

JimR - 1
MRaup - 1
HH - 1
Ebby - 1
Ron Brand - 1
NeilT - 2
drew corleone - 2
Waldo - 2
GBB - 2
ETA - 4

That is 17 tickets so far. C'mon you guys! This is the last Astros Opening Day in the NL!  It is a FRIDAY, not a MONDAY. Would love to see some of you out of towners!

I'd love to come but probably can't.

[Ron Brand]

I'd love to come but probably can't.

Hell, if HH is springing for Dark Star's, I'll pick up Mr. Happy's...

[chuck]

I don't know, fuck it. Put me down for one. And don't fucking expect me to cheer.

[HudsonHawk]

I don't know, fuck it. Put me down for one. And don't fucking expect me to cheer.

We never do. 

[Ron Brand]

I don't know, fuck it. Put me down for one. And don't fucking expect me to cheer.

But we should be happy if you do? Or cast a giggle your way when you aren't looking?

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Put me down for 1 ticket.

[Mr. Happy]

Hell, if HH is springing for Dark Star's, I'll pick up Mr. Happy's...

You're a good man, RB.

[Andyzipp]

Put me down for 1.  Don't care about where we sit.

[Ty in Tampa]

Please put me down for 1. If I can't make it, which is more likely than not at this point, I'll offer it up here to whoever needs one last-minute.

[headhunter]

yes I'd love to meet you guys. put me down for headhunter +1. I am seat agnostic.

[JimR]

I'll buy Dark Star/strosrays a ticket if he'll join us.

and i've got his beer.

[DVauthrin]

If I can still get in on this, put me down for one ticket.  I always enjoy this experience.

[JaneDoe]

Last call.
Field box $41.

Last NL Opening Day

[Noe]

Last call.
Field box $41.

Last NL Opening Day

I was on the fence and unfortunately, this will be the first time I will be unable to make it. My youngest son wants to go on a Mission trip that week and has invited me along. Sorry.

[NeilT]

I was on the fence and unfortunately, this will be the first time I will be unable to make it. My youngest son wants to go on a Mission trip that week and has invited me along. Sorry.

Dang Noe, where are your priorities?

[Waldo]

No club level?  Dang.

[Ron Brand]

No club level?  Dang.

No garlic fries for you.

[Andyzipp]

I have a feeling the crowd will be such that you'll probably be able to get to the Club level if you really want to.

[Bench]

I have a feeling the crowd will be such that you'll probably be able to get to the Club level if you really want to.

Give the locals some credit.  It will be one sellout of the year in which the Rangers aren't playing.

[Navin R Johnson]

No garlic fries for you.

You can buy garlic fries at Larry's Big Bamboo on the field box level.

[drew corleone]

How do they compare to AT&T Park?

[Limey]

Give the locals some credit.  It will be one sellout of the year in which the Rangers aren't playing.

"Sellout" being the operative word.

[Andyzipp]

I would be happy to place a wager with anyone who believes that this game will be sold out.  We can even use the MLB definition of sold out (tickets sold).

[Ty in Tampa]

We can even use the MLB definition of sold out (tickets sold).

I thought the MLB definition of sold out was 70,000,000.

[Ebby Calvin]

I thought the MLB definition of sold out was 70,000,000.

Very nice.

[Navin R Johnson]

How do they compare to AT&T Park?

Not quite as good but I solid none the less.  My wife gets them fairly regularly, sometimes they are fantastic others time pretty meh, so consistency is the big issue.

[Noe]

Because of schedules and all, my wife decided she would go on my son's first mission trip with him. I am still not sure I'll be there, but for now, I am tentative (if that's okay). One ducket marked "kinda, sorta, maybe" until next week when I can decide yes or no.

[Waldo]

Are we doing Spanish Flowers for lunch again?

[HudsonHawk]

Are we doing Spanish Flowers for lunch again?

I can't imagine we won't.  You can't fuck with tradition....err...wait a minute.

[NeilT]

I can't imagine we won't.  You can't fuck with tradition....err...wait a minute.

I went there for lunch yesterday.  they're changing the name to Japanese Flowers, and serving sushi and teriyaki.  No beer, saki.

[Noe]

One more tradition not happening this time around: I won't be able to make it (after all these years). Enjoy everyone!

[Andyzipp]

Who's eating the cabrito this year?  As I recall we have to order ahead...

[EasTexAstro]

Who's eating the cabrito this year?  As I recall we have to order ahead...

A head of cabrito?

[Andyzipp]

A head of cabrito?

Like many animals, the cheeks are the best part.

[Ty in Tampa]

A head of cabrito?

Cabesita.

[Andyzipp]

It's entirely possible I missed this, but should we be getting money to someone to make the whole ticket purchase?

[JaneDoe]

It's entirely possible I missed this, but should we be getting money to someone to make the whole ticket purchase?

Yeah, I paid for them several weeks ago, but still haven't received them.  I have contacted group sales.  They are trying to locate them.

[Andyzipp]

Yeah, I paid for them several weeks ago, but still haven't received them.  I have contacted group sales.  They are trying to locate them.

Can I pay you with singles?

[JaneDoe]

Can I pay you with singles?

Moonlighting again? 

[Ty in Tampa]

Moonlighting again? 

Jane, if there is a taker for mine, please let them have it. If not, I will send you a check and you can give the ticket to a random street-person to spice up the proceedings.

[Andyzipp]

Jane, if there is a taker for mine, please let them have it. If not, I will send you a check and you can give the ticket to a random street-person to spice up the proceedings.

Let's invite Leslie.  I hear he's probably available.

[NeilT]

Jane, if there is a taker for mine, please let them have it. If not, I will send you a check and you can give the ticket to a random street-person to spice up the proceedings.

Now would we know?

[JaneDoe]

Ok, they have promised that the tickets have been reprinted and overnighted to me.  I should have them tomorrow.  If you want them to be mailed to you, please PM me your address ASAP and I will put them in the mail as soon as I get them, and on good faith trust that you will pay for them.  Otherwise, you can get them at Spanish Flowers or the Flying Saucer or wherever we meet before the game. 

This has been a rather frustrating round and round this year....

[Ron Brand]

Thanks for all your work, Jane. I'll just see you at SF, if that's ok.

[Andyzipp]

Ok, they have promised that the tickets have been reprinted and overnighted to me.  I should have them tomorrow.  If you want them to be mailed to you, please PM me your address ASAP and I will put them in the mail as soon as I get them, and on good faith trust that you will pay for them.  Otherwise, you can get them at Spanish Flowers or the Flying Saucer or wherever we meet before the game. 

This has been a rather frustrating round and round this year....

Thanks JD.

[JimR]

thanks, Jane! PM sent.

[drew corleone]

Thanks, Jane!

[JimR]

are we having lunch at the usual place? what time?

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

I'll catch up with everyone around 4pm (wherever the group is at that point), and then Mrs. GBB will meet us at the game.

[Ron Brand]

are we having lunch at the usual place? what time?

The pre-lunch gathering was enjoyable too. I'd like to do that again.

[Ron Brand]

Tall Texan at 11:30, Spanish Flowers at 1.

There. I said it.

[austro]

Tall Texan at 11:30, Spanish Flowers at 1.

There. I said it.

I'd like to join you reprobates, but my parole officer said that's a pretty bad idea.

[Ron Brand]

I'd like to join you reprobates, but my parole officer said that's a pretty bad idea.

Don't tell her.

[JimR]

Tall Texan at 11:30, Spanish Flowers at 1.

There. I said it.

ok, 1:00 pm is the official time?

[Ebby Calvin]

I can't make 1pm, but I'll meet up with you guys somewhere down the line.

[Ron Brand]

ok, 1:00 pm is the official time?

Sure. That's what it was last year.

[JimR]

Sure. That's what it was last year.

the Raups will see you there.

[JaneDoe]

Tall Texan at 11:30, Spanish Flowers at 1.

There. I said it.

Thanks!

[DVauthrin]

Ok, they have promised that the tickets have been reprinted and overnighted to me.  I should have them tomorrow.  If you want them to be mailed to you, please PM me your address ASAP and I will put them in the mail as soon as I get them, and on good faith trust that you will pay for them.  Otherwise, you can get them at Spanish Flowers or the Flying Saucer or wherever we meet before the game. 

This has been a rather frustrating round and round this year....

PM sent.  Thanks for all your hard work.

[DVauthrin]

Tall Texan at 11:30, Spanish Flowers at 1.

There. I said it.

Sounds good to me.   I should be able to make both as I have Friday's off.   

[JaneDoe]

I have mailed tickets to the 4 people who responded by PM.

I have not heard back from most of you, but hope that you still plan to attend, and will be paying at the game or Spanish Flowers. 

There are a couple of people who ordered tickets but now say they cannot go.  If you are wanting a ticket, PLEASE LET ME KNOW ASAP. 

[HudsonHawk]

Tall Texan at 11:30, Spanish Flowers at 1.

There. I said it.

I'm there for both.

[NeilT]

I have mailed tickets to the 4 people who responded by PM.

I have not heard back from most of you, but hope that you still plan to attend, and will be paying at the game or Spanish Flowers. 

There are a couple of people who ordered tickets but now say they cannot go.  If you are wanting a ticket, PLEASE LET ME KNOW ASAP. 

Jane, it looks like my son will be in town, so I'll buy one of the extra tickets.  I hope this is a child-friendly affair . . .

[Ron Brand]

Jane, it looks like my son will be in town, so I'll buy one of the extra tickets.  I hope this is a child-friendly affair . . .

No rules!

[NeilT]

No rules!

It gives me great hope that JimR is bringing his son.  It must be ok for youngsters.

[JaneDoe]

Jane, it looks like my son will be in town, so I'll buy one of the extra tickets.  I hope this is a child-friendly affair . . .

I already mailed your other tickets.  Would you like me to mail you another?

[Ty in Tampa]

Jane, it looks like my son will be in town, so I'll buy one of the extra tickets.

Take mine! Please!

[NeilT]

I already mailed your other tickets.  Would you like me to mail you another?

No, that's ok.  I'll get it at the Spanish Flowers.  I'll stick a check in the mail for 3 at $41 each.  Is that right?  I'm also checking with my daughter to see if she'll be in town Friday or Saturday, so I may still take one more.

[JaneDoe]

No, that's ok.  I'll get it at the Spanish Flowers.  I'll stick a check in the mail for 3 at $41 each.  Is that right?  I'm also checking with my daughter to see if she'll be in town Friday or Saturday, so I may still take one more.

You are correct sir.

[NeilT]

You are correct sir.

Ok, now my daughter's in as well, so I'll use two of the extra tickets, which I'll pick up at the Spanish Flowers, and I'll mail you a check for 4 tickets.  Thanks again for doing this!

[Ebby Calvin]

Jane, it looks like my son will be in town, so I'll buy one of the extra tickets.  I hope this is a child-friendly affair . . .

Only if your kids like to say "Motherfucker" a lot.

[NeilT]

Only if your kids like to say "Motherfucker" a lot.

He's only 20.  I'm certain he's never heard the phrase.

[VirtualBob]

It gives me great hope that JimR is bringing his son.  It must be ok for youngsters.

Damn.  There went another perfectly good sarc-o-meter into overload.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

My plan is to meet up at Spanish Flowers at 1:00pm.

[JimR]

got my tickets. thank you, Jane!

[NeilT]

got my tickets. thank you, Jane!

Me too.  Thanks.

[DVauthrin]

Me too.  Thanks.

Make it three of us that got their tickets.

[JaneDoe]

Please check the list below and let me know if you are still planning to attend (if you have not responded already):

Responded:
Raup x 2
Ebby x 1
Ron Brand x 1
NeilT x 4
EasTexAstro x 4
Drewcorleone x 2
chuck x 1
DVauthrin x 1
Sphinx x 1
HudsonHawk x 1
GreatBagwellsBeard x 2

No Confirmation as of yet:
Waldo x 2
Zipper x 1



THANKS!!

[Ron Brand]

Damn. It's like one of those old war veteran groups, gets smaller every year...

[JaneDoe]

Damn. It's like one of those old war veteran groups, gets smaller every year...

Yep.  Don't know if anyone will attend next year. 

[Ebby Calvin]

EasTexAstro x 4

This scares me more than just a little bit.

[EasTexAstro]

This scares me more than just a little bit.

I asked for an extra ticket, if available...

[Ron Brand]

Yep.  Don't know if anyone will attend next year. 

I will. Man, that Kool-Ade sure is tasty.

[Ty in Tampa]

Damn. It's like one of those old war veteran groups, gets smaller every year...

I really, really, really, really wish I was going.

[Mr. Happy]

I really, really, really, really wish I was going.

+1 You people need me. To drive.

[Ron Brand]

+1 You people need me. To drive.

So do it then. Road trip!

[Mr. Happy]

So do it then. Road trip!

Would love to, but da wife won't let me go. Otherwise, I'd be there in a heartbeat.

[BizidyDizidy]

Would love to, but da wife won't let me go. Otherwise, I'd be there in a heartbeat.

So you're Jim's friend...

[Andyzipp]

Please check the list below and let me know if you are still planning to attend (if you have not responded already):

Responded:
Raup x 2
Ebby x 1
Ron Brand x 1
NeilT x 4
EasTexAstro x 4
Drewcorleone x 2
chuck x 1
DVauthrin x 1
Sphinx x 1
HudsonHawk x 1
GreatBagwellsBeard x 2

No Confirmation as of yet:
Waldo x 2
Zipper x 1



THANKS!!

Sorry.  Yes I will be there. 

[JaneDoe]

It would be helpful for those paying on Opening Day to bring the exact amount, not sure I will be carrying singles for change.  Of course, you could always hit up AndyZipp.....

[Andyzipp]

It would be helpful for those paying on Opening Day to bring the exact amount, not sure I will be carrying singles for change.  Of course, you could always hit up AndyZipp.....

41 dollars worth of nickels.  Got it.

[Waldo]

No Confirmation as of yet:
Waldo x 2

We are confirmed.  Will pay for the tickets at Spanish Flowers.

[austro]

41 dollars worth of nickels.  Got it.

Somebody's gotta go back and get a shit-load of dimes!

[austro]

Crap, we won't even get the game on TV here in Austin tomorrow night, since the freaking Spurs are playing basketball.

[drew corleone]

I should be able to make SF by 1:30 or 1:45. If worst comes to worst, what is the "drop-dead" time when it wouldn't make any sense (i.e., I should just head directly to FS)?

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

I should be able to make SF by 1:30 or 1:45. If worst comes to worst, what is the "drop-dead" time when it wouldn't make any sense (i.e., I should just head directly to FS)?

Same here.

[remy]

Crap, we won't even get the game on TV here in Austin tomorrow night, since the freaking Spurs are playing basketball.

It's not even on the alt channel? 77 or whatever?

[Ron Brand]

I think we're gone by 2:30 or so but check back. I got a late start and I'm about 75 minutes away.

[EasTexAstro]

Mrs. ETA and I will be there in plenty of time, but we will have to head out at 2:30 or so to pick up the kids.

[EasTexAstro]

...and isn't nice to have the day off so the neighbors can drop their kids off at your house while they go to work? I'm still finding kids everywhere.

[Andyzipp]

Errands are running longer than expected.  I'll be at SF around 1. 

[Ron Brand]

Made it to the Tall Texan but the joke's on me, I'm the only one here.

[HudsonHawk]

Made it to the Tall Texan but the joke's on me, I'm the only one here.

On my way

[Ebby Calvin]

I'm going to have to meet you guys at FS, probably 4:30 or so. Somebody please post something if you're somewhere else.

[Waldo]

We just got to Spanish Flowers. Only ones here yet.

[HudsonHawk]

We just got to Spanish Flowers. Only ones here yet.

We're still at the Texan. Will be there soon.

[Andyzipp]

There are now 5 of us here...no one has moved to get a table.  So we're all just farting around with various mobile devices.

[OregonStrosFan]

There are now 5 of us here...no one has moved to get a table.  So we're all just farting around with various mobile devices.

Hats off I presume...

[OregonStrosFan]

I'm going to have to meet you guys at FS, probably 4:30 or so. Somebody please post something if you're somewhere else.

Portland, Oregon. Helpful?!?

[Limey]

Here's today's lineup.  Why is there a slot for "P" after the 9th hitter?

Eh?  Oh.

[Navin R Johnson]

Heading to the park, everyone be safe.  If this turns into RFTL thread I will take 71.

[GreatBagwellsBeard]

Leaving the office now. Everyone still at the Saucer?

[Ebby Calvin]

Heading to Saucer.

[Andyzipp]

We have beat you there.  The is no beer left.  Turn back.

[Ebby Calvin]

Not cool, man. Not cool.

[EasTexAstro]

Great time. Thanks again JD!

[Ebby Calvin]

Thanks JD. It was fun catching up with everybody. I blame Limey's absence for this loss. That or das snuck in.

NeilT - Remember the guy in the black shirt and glasses who waved and said hi to you?   Yeah, that was me.

[MRaup]

Thanks JD. It was fun catching up with everybody. I blame Limey's absence for this loss. That or das snuck in.

NeilT - Remember the guy in the black shirt and glasses who waved and said hi to you?   Yeah, that was me.

You were there? I don't remember that at all.

[chuck]

NeilT - Remember the guy in the black shirt and glasses who waved and said hi to you?   Yeah, that was me.

No, that was me.

[drew corleone]

Fun times, all... thanks again for organizing, Jane!

[NeilT]

Thanks JD. It was fun catching up with everybody. I blame Limey's absence for this loss. That or das snuck in.

NeilT - Remember the guy in the black shirt and glasses who waved and said hi to you?   Yeah, that was me.

yeah, I figured it out.  You looked entirely too reputable to be with us.  Sorry I looked so baffled.

[DVauthrin]

Another awesome SNS Opening Day in the books.  It was a blast.  Jane, thanks for putting up with all of us and setting this up again.   The seats were awesome too.  Maybe one of these years the Astros will win on Opening Day.   

[Ebby Calvin]

No worries, I thought it was hilarious. Especially when Mark sees the exchange and says, "dude he has no idea who you are."

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

I had a great time at the opening day gathering. Thanks Jane.

[JimR]

bad form, Limey to not come to SF. boycott the Astros if you want, but please don't boycott us.

[Mr. Happy]

bad form, Limey to not come to SF. boycott the Astros if you want, but please don't boycott us.

+1

[das]

Thanks JD. It was fun catching up with everybody. I blame Limey's absence for this loss. That or das snuck in.

Can't pin that crime on me, buster.  I was watching from afar in glorious retina 2048-by-1536 resolution.

That said, start planning for your home Opening Day loss for next year now.  I'll be in Houston the 2nd week in April next year for a conference and now just need the Astros schedule makers to do their part. 

[Limey]

bad form, Limey to not come to SF. boycott the Astros if you want, but please don't boycott us.

Was intending to catch up with you freaks at some point, but work and wedding planning torpedoed all such intentions.

Sorry to have missed everyone.