麻豆传媒映画

Some people dream of going to every ballpark on offer in Major League Baseball. But with 30 teams spanning 15 states and one province, that’s a big ask. However, a career in the Canadian Film and Television Industry has taught me to have smaller and more attainable dreams. 

As you may or may not know, the Northwest League has only six teams, scattered across two states and one province. It has long been my (very attainable) dream to see the C’s play a game in all of these stops. And I’m happy to report that I now only have four left on my list. 

Last Friday (April  21) I loaded up the car, hired a more than competent photographer, and headed down the I-5 to catch the Canadians take on the Aquasox at Funko Field.

Join me, as I share my musings and thoughts about my time taking in a ballgame in Everett, Washington, USA. Spoiler alert: I had a great time and loved every minute of it!

With a max capacity hovering around 3,700 (as opposed to 6,500 at Nat Bailey) Funko Field has a quaint, “neighbourhood ballpark” feel to it. But there are lots of opportunities for intimate and up-close-and-personal moments.  For example, I spent the war-m-up leaning over the fence up the right field line, mere feet away from the Canadians' on-field bullpen.

There’s also a small grass berm in the outfield sporting a large Funko Pop-inspired statue. It was sparsely populated on the cold spring evening I was there, but spread out and comfy on a picnic blanket is one of my favourite ways to watch baseball.

Behind the stadium and across from the concession area, is a football field, which had some blowup bouncy castle-type things on it for the kids to enjoy. Also, during the pregame the field was full of kids and adults throwing the ball around, which definitely made me regret not bringing my glove. And a ball. And a throwing partner. 

The concessions have all the standard ballpark junk food you need to get through nine innings, with a few unique items as well. For example, they do a different special hot dog for all the teams in the NWL. For the C’s it was a “Poutine Dog,” which was messy and delicious and exactly what you think it is. 

There were definitely more Minor League Shenanigans than we have at The Nat. And I don’t say this as a negative. I am a sucker for Minor League Baseball and love a good Minor League Shenanigan. We are only treated to a couple of shenanigans at the Nat: The Sushi Race (for which I have many notes, see my article taking down “Chef” Wasabi last year) and the Chicken Dance. 

At Funko, there’s almost always something to enjoy between innings, led by their venerable on-field emcee Steve Willits, who charms the spectators with giveaways, challenges, and fun times. 

In order to keep my journalistic integrity intact, I must offer at least one critique of the Funko Field Experience. And here it is: Their mascot, Webbly the Frog, is creepy and has a terrifying aura. This is not a knock against the mascot performer, who did a great job dancing and greeting with non stop energy. 

But the suit itself, which is supposed to represent a frog…looks decidedly more snake-like. And when I happened to catch his red eyes staring at me across the stadium, my fight-or-flight instincts would kick in. And it was always flight. 

All in all, it was a great time. And with Everett only a couple hours' drive away from Vancouver, it's a must-go for any baseball fans with time on their hands this summer. 

Have you been to Funko? Wanna tell me all about it? Come find me, as always, at the Nat!