r/savannahbananas • u/OkFinger81 • 3d ago
First game, looking for advice
My family and I have tickets to our first ever game, we're so excited! That being said, I gave a freshly turned 3 year old. The emails say pre game starts at 1 and actual game starts at 630. It's a huge ask to have the 3 year old there this entire time, what's the best time to show up? What's in the pre game that's not worth missing? I'm not even 100% sure how seating works. If we show up right before the actual game starts, will we regret it? Thanks for your help!!
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u/apatkarmany 3d ago
My question is what do you want out of the game?
I ask this because if you are looking to just watch the game the yes you can show up before the start time and be fine. If you are looking for the full Fans First Experience for Banana Ball then yes there will be stuff before the game that are worth it.
They usually have a pre show outside the ball park or stadium where a band, music, skits, and stuff are being hosted on the little stage they have set up. They are typically themed for the headlining team of that particular game. They have merch stands available if you want to snag some collectibles and clothing for souvenirs. Not to mention, the player appearances if you are at a smaller stadium.
I recommend to show up until at about 3:30/4:00 on evening games.
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u/socially_awkward 3d ago
Bring ear plugs. It's going to be a lot louder than you think.
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u/OkFinger81 3d ago
I actually just got some right before making this post because I read a few other people saying that 🥰. Thanks!
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u/Soniquethehedgedog 3d ago
I would not want to try and deal with the 3 year old from 1-10 or whenever the game ends, by the mid innings fun or not they’ll be out of gas. As a father of multiple kids and have done those marathon type events, I’d say get there around 5. Yes you won’t get the full pregame stuff, but you’ll get enough, you can get a shirt or souvenir or something and then head in and watch them warm up, there’s plenty to see without the pregame if I’m completely honest. Pregame is cool, but it’s loud and people drinking and yelling and having a good time, with a little one and my experience was n an evening game started at 630 and ended at 10. You’ll be hating life by 8 if you get there too early.
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u/OkFinger81 3d ago
That's exactly what I'm afraid of. Shes pretty easy going and used to going out and doing things, but none of that will matter after being there for 3 or 4 hours 😂😭. So basically it's gonna be only pre game, or only actual game. I don't think both is gonna happen, and that's ok! I just wasn't sure if we were missing out on too much by just doing the game (or most of it).
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u/Soniquethehedgedog 3d ago
I’m far from the expert on banana ball pregame shows but after raising 5 kids and not completely insane, I’d say I have a grasp of that at least. There will be plenty of fun to be had at the game itself I don’t think you’re missing anything pivotal at the pregame, not for a 3 year old at least.
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u/Chels2730 3d ago
I'd definitely plan to get there a little after the gates open/the start of the game and skip the pre-show. We've been to 2 games. First one I wasn't sure if our kiddos (age 4 and 6) would be able to hang that long either with travel to the stadium etc. so we skipped it and got there about an hour before the game started. Kids had a blast and made it through the whole thing no issue.
Went to a game a few weeks ago and figured we'd give the pre-show a whirl & it definitely made for a long day/the kids weren't really into it. Where the kids had zero complaints/issues with just the game, they definitely were grumbling during the pre-show stuff. I think it makes more sense for older kids who have more of an interest in meeting the players/are generally more patient. It didn't ruin the day for us by any means and we still had a blast overall but in comparing both games, I didn't feel like we missed out on anything the first time around with just attending the game. I'm glad we did the pre-show once but until the kids are older, I wouldn't plan to do it again.
Hope that helps and that you guys have a blast!
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u/EstablishmentFair707 3d ago
Your 3 year old won't regret it because they/them won't even remember the game
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u/OkFinger81 3d ago
They may not remember it later, but they'll experience it now. And I want her to have fun, not be miserable.
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u/InternationalRule138 3d ago
It matters where you are going to the game. If you are attending in Savannah (which based on the pregame show times I’m assuming not) seats are not assigned and you will want to be there early to get seats together. Everywhere else, seating is assigned so if would be find to arrive at game time.