Welcome to Manchester, NH!

This post is for Sea Dogs fans who are coming down from Portland, to see their team play the New Hampshire Fisher Cats this weekend (and next, BTW).  Some of you probably have been to Manchester before, but for others, this may be your first visit.  So, to make things as easy as possible for you, here is a basic guide to what you need to know to have a great weekend in Manchester.

Directions – Rather than type them all out, I refer you to this page from the Fisher Cats’ website.

Parking – Once again, this page has most of the info that you need to know.  When they say GET HERE EARLY, they are not kidding, especially for weeknight games, or when there’s something going on at the Verizon Wireless Arena.  It would be a very good idea to click on that link BEFORE you leave home, so you can see if there is anything going on there, so you can plan accordingly.

The best and least expensive parking option is to park on North Commercial Street, away from the ballpark.  This is good for weekend games only, more on this in a bit.  The spaces on South Commercial street that are closer to the ballpark fill up early, mostly with the cars of ballpark staff.  It may seem a bit of a hike, but the good news is that the Fisher Cats, along with Auto City, offer a free shuttle bus from the parking out on North Commercial Street.

Granite Street (where the traffic lights are) is the dividing line between North and South Commercial Streets.

Another important thing you need to know, if you opt to park on the street, is that the City of Manchester is now charging for event parking, even on weekends, when parking on the street used to be free.

Here is some information about municipal (including street parking) for events such as Fisher Cats games.  As you can see, street parking is metered hourly until 8PM, which could be a problem for going to a Friday night game.  For weeknight games, I suggest seeking alternate parking in a lot or a garage, even if it costs more.  Remember, being towed is ALWAYS much more expensive!  For weeknight games, we just go for one of the several $10 lots on South Commercial Street, that are an easy walk to the ballpark.  But space is limited, so remember…GET THERE EARLY!

Metered parking on weekends is different.  This used to be free, but now the City of Manchester is charging $1.00 to park on North Commercial Street and surrounding side streets during Fisher Cats games and events at the Verizon Wireless Arena.  Not bad, but you should know ahead of time that these meters take only coins, or credit/debit cards.  No dollar bills.  I think it’s stupid to put a buck on a credit/debit card, so I make sure to always carry some quarters when I’m planning to park in that area.

For this weekend event parking, you put your money in the meter and it spits out a receipt.  You place the receipt under your front windshield, where it can easily be seen by passing cop cars.  Failure to do this will result in your being towed.

At the Ballpark – Now that we have parking out of the way…MerchantsAuto.com Stadium opens their seating area one hour before game time.  HOWEVER, if you took the advice and GOT THERE EARLY, you can get into the Sam Adams Bar & Grill up to two hours before game time.  This is a great place to have a beer and watch some batting practice, as it offers a great view of the field.  If your are hungry, you can take advantage of their All-You-Can-Eat buffets, there’s a different one each day of the week.  Tickets to the buffet can be purchased in advance, or you can buy a bracelet that entitles you to pig out right there at the restaurant.

Don’t want the buffet?  There are also ala carte menu items at the Sam Adams Bar & Grill, such as burgers, hot dogs, New England clam chowder, and more.

Click the Sam Adams Bar & Grill link for more info about the buffet and other menu items.  NOTE:  You must have a game ticket to be admitted into the restaurant.  All tickets are welcome, even the cheap seats!

Lodgings in Manchester – If you are coming for this whole upcoming weekend series, you probably have a hotel or motel room by now.  The only place in town where I have ever stayed is the Hilton Garden Inn that is right next to the ballpark, but I’d bet the rent that it is fully booked by this time.  You might luck out of someone cancels at the last minute, though.  I can recommend this place not only because it is close to the ballpark, but it’s also a very nice hotel for a reasonble price.

If you’re late to the game and are still looking for lodgings, your best bet is to check out TripAdvisor.com.  You can see what hotels are available, check for any special deals, and book right from there.  Most importantly, you can also read reviews from real people about these places, so you can avoid the ones that suck.

Dining – You will no doubt do most of your eating at the ballpark, be it in your seats of at the Sam Adams Bar & Grill.  But I can suggest a few places in town to go, perhaps for a pre or post-game meal.  NOTE:  This list is limited to places in which I have personally eaten.

• The Wild Rover Pub – A traditional Irish pub type place, and the menu reflects that.  Pub grub includes fish & chips and bangers & mash.  That’s what we had the last time we were in there…I had fish & chips, Mike had the bangers & mash.  Both are excellent, as are the other menu items we’ve tried.  Also, lotsa great beers on tap!  We absolutely love this place.  All ages welcome, but if you are bringing the kiddies, sit on the dining room side.  There has been known to be much swearing and cussing over on the bar side (where we like to hang out).  Visit the Wild Rover Pub’s website for location and more info.  On the weekends, you can park free in the big garage across the street from the place.
• JD’s Tavern -  This is in the Radisson Hotel.  Good food, large portions, although sometimes the service is a bit slow.  Check out the Manchester Radisson’s web page for location and more info.  Easy walk if you are parked on North Commercial Street and got back to your car on the shuttle.  If you are in any of the lots, sorry, you have to move.  But you can then park on the street nearby and walk, once the game is over.
• The Patio – This is the restaurant in the aforementioned Hilton Garden Inn, that faces the ballpark.  You do not have to be a hotel guest to eat there.  They feature an outdoor bar with several good beers on tap.  The food is pretty good, too.  Visit their website for more info.
• Margarita’s – Mexican restaurant on Elm Street, not too far from the ballpark.  It’s good and it’s cheap.  Parking is on-street only, but on weekends you can park in the garage across the street from the Wild Rover, and walk from there.  Visit their website and click on LOCATIONS tofind the address, and for more info.

Other stuff to do while you’re here for the weekend – You mean there is life in Manchester beyond the Fisher Cats?  LOL!  Anyhoo, if you are looking for stuff to do in town when baseball is not being played, the City of Manchester is happy to help.

I hope you enjoy your visit to *ManchVegas*, and have fun at the Fisher Cats’ beautiful ballpark!  If you have any questions, please leave a comment and I will answer it here.

BTW, the Fisher Cats will be visiting Portland in a few weeks to play the Sea Dogs at their ballpark, Hadlock Field.  So check back then for a similar guide to Portland!