Oakland A’s / July 4th

[Anonymous]

We moved to CA/Napa Valley two years ago and are finally going to an A’s game this July 4th. There will be 5 of us in one car (including a 4-year-old); it seems like our best bet would be parking at the stadium for $30.

1. Any downsides to stadium parking? It is close in cost to parking and taking BART, without the added hassle. We will leave nothing visible in the car except the car seat.
2. Has anyone been to the stadium on July 4th? If so, is it a busy day? (I would expect so, but you never know.) How much extra time would you allow for holiday traffic?
3. DH wants to be seated not long before the national anthem. It's a 1:10 game. If we aim to be entering the parking lot around 12:35, can we reasonably achieve this? Note aforementioned 4-year-old, plus two 70-year-old in-laws (one of whom walks slowly).
4. Any good playgrounds in Berekley where we could park and run around post-game / pre-drive home?

Thanks in advance! (My in-laws bought the tickets, so I'm slightly anxious as this will be a long day plus will be DC's first baseball game--could be great, or could have tears and want to bail in the fourth inning--and who knows how DC will feel. )

[Anonymous]

Park at the stadium...for 5 people it’s not worth the cost or hassle of BART. The traffic is unpredictable...I’d aim to get there closer to 12:15 if you want to be there for the National Anthem. There is also a kids’ Fun Zone prior to entering the stadium. Adventure Playground in Berkeley is right off the freeway.

[Anonymous]

Did you have fun?

[Anonymous]

Thanks all! We had a great outing. We parked at the stadium and had an easy entry/exit. We managed to stay to the end by metering out food experiences. Cotton candy was a highlight. The stadium employees were wonderful—a nice unexpected bonus (telling us where we could get a certificate for first baseball game, etc.).

Adventure Playground remains on our list for a future Berkeley outing!