The good news is that you don't have to pay this all today. You pay 25% of it, in 4 increments between now and March. If the Reds continue on to the World Series, as I have predicted, this plan makes a lot of sense. First of all, those late season tickets will become hot items that you can sell for profit, or go enjoy the pennant chase.

Here is the breakdown of price per game for 2011, and then the price per game with the 25 games included: (I rounded off to whole numbers)

Field Box - $30, $23
Mezzanine - $20, $15
View Level - $13, $10

On paper, the field box provides the best value. However, If I could make a recommendation I would say go for the Mezzanine. If you can get seats near the bottom of 417 or 418, these are on par with the view from the club seats down the first base line.

The main thing working against field box seats in my opinion are the awkward angle in which they sit. To me that can be a little uncomfortable, and feel a more closed in than seats that face straight ahead. I am fairly certain that all field box seats sit at this angle.

You can also get the awkward angle from the Mezzanine, which is why I say to stay around section 417 or 418 if you can. I don't know the exact section when it goes from straight to angled, but it happens somewhere past 3rd base.

Another fringe benefit, if you are thinking about this for the long haul is foul balls. While the field box sees its share of souvenirs, it also serves as a part-time hospital waiting room. Sitting near the field down the lines can be dangerous; especially if you don't pay attention. This is where you always see laser line drives take out a fan. The Mezzanine hangs close enough to be great foul ball territory, but doesn't usually get rocket shots like you see in the field box. In my opinion that is much more kid and wife friendly.

Finally, the Chasing Reds October promotion gives you priority for playoff tickets. That's right, the 2010 Reds are headed to the playoffs. Let's see if Jim Mora has a comment on that:

There you have it - Chasing Reds October Ticket Promotion. You can pay about $15 per seat for Mezzanine tickets that would normally cost $24 at the gate. If the Reds do go to the playoffs, this could be a nice investment for next year as well. If I could afford it, I'd do it.

The Twins have become a tough ticket with the new stadium, a good team, and less seating capacity. This has led to experimental standing room only tickets at Target Field. I took a pretty good look around, and here is all you need to know if you want to go SRO at Target Field.

There are several spots on the main level of the stadium where standing bars are available, and these are ideal for SRO tickets. This gives you the opportunity to lean on something while setting down your food and drink. For sold out games, these areas will fill up quickly so it is best to be early. The best spots are near the right field foul pole and just to the foul ball side of the left field foul pole. We stood near the left field pole, and here is video of what you can see:

As you can see, it is a fairly wide area and you have a really nice view of the field. The two areas I mention have an advantage because there is really no overhang in your sight. There are other standing room sections with the standing bar area, but you can't really track fly balls or see many scoreboards because of the second level overhead. Other sections with a standing bar nearby are 131, 121, dead center field, and 106.

The dead center field could be the worst in my opinion, because you have a brick wall that sits really high. You also have the sun right in your eyes at the beginning of the game. Here are some photos of these areas I have described. Click the images to enlarge.

I am also happy to say that I have now tried some of the great food at Target Field, and I am updating my Target Field guide to include my thoughts on the Vincent Burger.