After a summer full of festivals, road trips and being stuck in construction, I can’t help but feel a little bit of summer fatigue.

It’s not that I don’t enjoy the nice weather, but with so few months of it, it seems at times that there is simply too much to do in Calgary.

That’s why, this past weekend, I was up for something a little quieter.  My criteria were simple. It had to involve lots of sitting, wouldn’t cost me too much money and hopefully wouldn’t have a lot of people.  Of course, I immediately thought of going to a Calgary Vipers game.

Yes, it’s true.  After six years of living in this city, I ventured to Foothills Stadium to check out Calgary’s professional baseball team. I’ll understand if most of you will now need a moment to process that Calgary has a professional baseball team.  

The crowds weren’t as small as I would have liked. Apparently some guy named Jose Canseco brings out this city’s baseball fans.  

It was still cheap, costing me only $12 for a solid four hours of entertainment and relaxation. But we got seats behind home plate, which my friends informed me was a good thing.  As a bonus, all the seats faced west, which makes for great tanning.

So who won the game?  I really couldn’t tell you. It’s not that the Vipers are boring, there seemed to be lots of people yelling things or living vicariously through the players. However, for me, sitting in sun, away from packed street festivals and all that comes with them, (dogs, strollers and people selling me the benefits of condo recycling) was a lot more important.

With their regular season now over, the Vipers have made it to something referred to as the playoffs, against Edmonton.  The series will be just like that other Battle of Alberta, except that more than 15 per cent of Calgarians will actually be able to afford to go see the Vipers.

If you’re finding yourself overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of a busy Calgary summer, then for the price of what it costs you to park at the Saddledome, you can seek  solitude at Foothills Stadium.

With shorter lines for the bathroom and cheaper food, it may be exactly what you’re looking for. And if your dad is like mine, he’ll be really proud that you even went in the first place.