We were initially upset that the Clippers were moving to Huntington Park. Now that seems like an odd statement. Read on.
Getting autographs at Clippers games at "old" Copper Stadium, especially from the visiting team, was great! The far stands along the left field line meant you were mere feet away from the visiting team as they went from their locker room to the field and dugout on the 3rd base side. My kids were skeptical. But within the first 7 minutes of hanging out there for a Louisville Bats visit to the stadium, we had a handful of autographs. Ultimately, that day, my son got every single player except one plus two coaches. Wow.
Then we found out the Clippers were moving downtown. We were excited for the location and the new stadium. We however knew that it was unlikely things could be so good in the "ease of collecting autographs" department. Our first few experiences with the stadium were not so good and only reinforced our missing the Coop.
After the first year, however, things have improved. We routinely get a few autographs at Huntington Park. My oldest son got two Clippers' autographs at a recent day game (he had a ball, was in good position, and was wearing an Indians t-shirt). Although the dugouts and the locker rooms are connected (and the players do not need to walk right by you), it has turned out to be a decent place for autographs. And I tell everyone who has not been there that it is one of my favorite ballparks. And I have been to 35 major league stadiums and about 15-20 minor league stadiums. Thank you Clippers for the new stadium! We will keep coming!
