The HH and I went with some friends to watch the Mariners play the Tigers last night. Because I am not a big fan of concession stands, I typically bring my own snacks while the HH gets a ballpark weenie and beer. I try not to worry about the $9 hot dog and $8 dollar beer, because for the HH it’s a guilty pleasure. Still, at the end of the night, if you aren’t careful, a night out at the ol’ ball field will leave you…well, broke.
If you plan on taking the family out to a game this season, here’s a couple of ways to enjoy yourself without taking out a second mortgage:
- Bring your own treats/snacks. Check the field policy before you try to smuggle anything in. Safeco field allows outside food, so long as it is wrapped properly. And while you can’t bring in beverages, you can bring in an empty water bottle and fill it in the water fountain.
- See if all-you-can-eat seats are available. It adds money to the ticket price, but in the end, if you are planning on more than a hotdog and drink, it will pay for itself. More nachos? Yes, please.
- Eat before you go. Other than the tickets, food will be your highest cost. Eat right before you leave for the game so that you aren’t tempted by the roasted nuts and popcorn.
- Opt for middle of the week games. They are less expensive tickets…usually by a lot.
- If your state allows ticket re-sales, check out craigslist, etc., you might score on great tickets because someone else needs to unload them fast.
- Consider walking into the stadium from a pretty good distance. The closer you get to the stadium, the higher the cost of parking.
- Ask family/friends with season tickets if you can buy tickets for the games they can’t make off of them for a steal. Better yet, offer to water their lawn/garden, get their mail, etc. while they are gone in exchange for the tickents.
Are you a take me out to the ballgame kind of family? How do you keep costs low?
~Mavis
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Beks says
I’ve never heard of an all you can eat seat. I don’t really have tips, except plan and budget, and bring cash for a funnel cake. 😉
Em says
Good tips! And I had no idea there was such a thing as an all-you-can-eat seat!
Veronica says
Great tips! We do most of these, but I’m usually the one who has to have a veggie dog sometime around the 6th inning. We also use public transportation to make the commute from Tacoma. Saves a ton of money and it’s like it’s own little adventure!
Ellen in Clackamas says
How timely! My friend and I are going to see them this Sunday!!!! We follow most of these tips except for the parking. We both have bad hips/backs so with her handicapped card we usually can get fairly close to the parking lot elevator. We know we are going to pay extra to park close though and include it in our budget. There used to be a vender on the street that sold kettle corn but not there now so we bring our own snacks and empty water bottles. But always save room for garlic fries!!! Yum.
Like Beks and Em I also had not heard of the all you can- eat -seats. Think I would rather pay less for a ticket and then just get my own food. Our seats are right by an Ivar’s concession stand.
Jillbert says
I’m in St Louis and we are lucky that we are able to bring food and beverages into the stadium — as long as the soft cooler fits under the seat, it’s good! I pack a picnic or we get hot dogs & soft pretzels from a vendor just outside the park and carry them in — the are a fraction of the cost of them inside. We usually bring a few sodas or gatorades for the kids (only plastic bottles allowed) and water for us. For evening games, we get there early and find a free street parking spot or park at a meter and pay the remaining hour or so until it goes off. We’ll pour a beer into a plastic cup to enjoy on the walk to the stadium but we skip the overpriced beer inside.
Cindi says
We do these things too, especially bringing our own food. And public transportation is usually cheaper than paying for parking near the stadium. If you have Kroger stores in your area, they offer discount tickets with a grocery purchase that have saved us a lot of money over the years.