kids at the game

xlyte · 05-24-2006, 01:38 PM

i have an issue this week in that both me and my wife will be at the game but we can't find a baby sitter. Personally i would prefer to leave them with a baby sitter as i kno they won't be entertained the whole game by themselves, and i know i hate being distracted during games.... especially when i am in the stadium. Which is just gonna make the wife mad.

I know a few people bring their kids to the games, any ideas on how to keep them entertained?

And if you guys in the front row don't mind i'll be coming to visit for the game so they stand a chance of being able to see the game.

I_Believe_In_Kreis · 05-24-2006, 01:44 PM

How old?

the Bardguy · 05-24-2006, 01:48 PM

I gotta tell ya that it didn't work out very well for us. I brought my wife and kids to one of the July games and it was just too much for the kids. We even have front row seats, and the wife, the 3 year old and the 18 month year old were just too much. They haven't wanted to come back since.

The 7 year old...well now that's a different story. One of the greatest moments in my life as a dad was when I saw my boy lean over the bars on the front row and yell to the visiting team warming up, "YOU SUCK!!!!"

Awesome.

Good luck bringing your kids.

Dadof3 · 05-24-2006, 01:52 PM

I've found that if you bring along one of their friends, it helps. They may be playing with each other rather than watching the game, but at least they would not be bugging you.

xlyte · 05-24-2006, 01:57 PM

sorry forgot to add it they're 2 and 4 thats why i don't think they'll be entertained just watching the game

edit - had planned to have a baby sitter but plans fell through

Jose Luis Luviano · 05-24-2006, 02:11 PM

When my 4-year-old saw the Loyalist Drummers, she said that she wanted a drum, too. Of course, you will want to hide the drum before you arrive at the stadium & then again after you leave.

My daughter also played with some other girls in and near the Loyalists' section.

I noticed that some parents brought crayons and coloring books and the progam has a Leonardo the Lion that they can color.

But this weekend, we are going to be in California, so our kids can't play together.

Bring lots of sunscreen. If you have a 2-year-old; you should be able to bring in a diaper bag with extra juice and bottled water.....and streamers.....

I_Believe_In_Kreis · 05-24-2006, 02:29 PM

I don't know 4 year olds......but my 2 year old is pretty good at games. We sit in the red seats where the row is blocked at one end - that way he has a little room to run without being able to escape. We bring a backpack with snacks, water, juice, toys, diapers, etc. and security always lets us in no problem. Make sure you bring toys he can't (won't) throw, and make sure they're toys he can (will) play with by himself. Most importantly, manage your expectations - you won't get to see every minute of the game.

We prefer to leave mini-IBIK at home so we can see the whole match and stand with the RCB/Loyalists, but every now and then it's not so bad. In fact, he's coming with this weekend.

xlyte · 05-24-2006, 02:39 PM

oh i also forgot to ask anyone know how much kids tickets are?

Aerick · 05-24-2006, 02:53 PM

I'll be bringing my 12-month old, 7 year old and 9 year old. I understand that there will also be several others bringing kids, and lots of parents there (with and without) kids - at least in E32. My kids can get bored, but they hang out with some of the other kids and play and climb the bleachers, etc.

IBIK hit it on the head, though. Make sure you understand that you won't be watching the whole game. In fact, it seems to me that my family gets more needy during the games than at any other time. Weird.

Merrill · 05-24-2006, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aerick

IBIK hit it on the head, though. Make sure you understand that you won't be watching the whole game.

But that's okay...it's your chance to make Loyalists of them. You have to start when they're young. If you ignore them or get mad at them when they bug you at the game, then they'll hate you forever, and hate soccer forever too.

In the end, which is more important, an RSL game or your kids?

I've brought my kids to four or five games so far, and while the games have been good, or bad, it's always been a good experience to spend time with my son or daughter. Last game I came to, my son brought his toy drum that we got him for his birthday, and spent the whole time trying to drum along with Glenn. He can't keep a beat at all yet, but he really enjoyed himself. In three or four years, he'll be at every game with me beating a real drum instead of a toy drum.

But let me second a lot of the things others have said: bringing a friend really helps. Be prepared to go up to the concourse during the game for cotton candy or popcorn or a drink. Be prepared to have to look away from the game often just to keep track of the kids. Be prepared to play with your kids for a moment or two if you need to. Prepare your wife for the fact that she will be responsible to chase them, and keep them occupied, etc. Good luck.

I'll have my 6 and 4 year old there with me, so I'll be doing all of those things, without the help of my wife. I AM the babysitter this Saturday. At least the 2 year old won't be with me.

By the way, there is no Kid price ticket. 4 and under are free... I think.