1st: Phils 2, Rays 0. It Ain't Ugly. It's Just the Trop!

Welcome to the World Series, Tropicana Field. They've brightened up this place, refurbished a bit and it isn't nearly as hideous as the Metrodome or even the soon-to-be-wrecked Shea Stadium. Actually bright. Very loud, but not over the top into nausea. Lots of really charming innocent enthusiasm here. Old cab drived in a two-foot pigtail said, "The town is just going nuts over this." And well they should.

After my early vague memories of the Trop, I'm almost amazed that this place is so pleasant. Of course, I hate domes. And the turf looks like it's 1,000 years old. Oh, and the "B" ring catwalk could decide the World Series.

But other than that, it's a lot better than it looks on TV. It'll do.

And with that Chase Utley hits a two-run homer in the top of the first and we make our first discovery of the Series -- Phils fans have invaded the Trop. They're getting the boos and the cowbells. But you can hear 'em. Must make the Phils, who really need a win behind their ace Cole Hamels, feel almost at home.