How to Not Go Broke at the Ballpark This Summer

According to the MLB Fan Cost Index, the average family of four spent $253 last year on an outing to a professional baseball game, and due to an increase in inflation vendors are already warning this number is likely to increase this year. With the MLB season underway and summer just around the corner, here’s a few tips on how to save money at the ballpark so you can somewhat frugally enjoy America’s favorite pastime.

Opt for all-you-can-eat seats 

If you can’t eat well, you might as well eat a lot. One way to combat astronomical concession prices at the ballpark this summer is to seek out the all-you-can-eat seats. Teams like the Arizona Diamondbacks, Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, Minnesota Twins, and New York Mets all offer some form of an all-inclusive ticket to the ballpark, starting as low as $45. With the average cost of a hotdog/beer combo at an MLB currently sitting at $12.04 (per Team Marketing Report), an all-you-can-eat seat very well could be the best option. Just remember to punch an extra hole in your belt before leaving the house.

Go on promotional nights

Major league teams will give away more than just T-shirts and bobbleheads to get folks in the ballpark. Both the Philadelphia Phillies and the Houston Astros host the occasional Dollar Dog Night ($1 hot dogs). Just don’t hold your breath to see a similar promotion for alcohol; such evenings have been off the table ever since Cleveland’s infamous Ten Cent Beer Night back in 1974. 

Ask about a value menu or children’s menu

In 2022, the Seattle Mariners introduced a new value menu in which hot dogs, nachos, peanuts, popcorn, Red Vines, bottled water, and fountain sodas clock in at just $3. The Baltimore Orioles recently introduced a $4 domestic beer option, and the Arizona Diamondbacks offer a $2 value hot dog. Deals can be had, you just need to seek them out.

For fans supporting larger market teams that shy away from a value menu, don’t be afraid to seek out their children’s options. The New York Mets offer a $7 kid’s meal, which includes a hot dog, popcorn, juice box, and even a nondescript “prize.” If the ballpark is going to make you feel like a kid again, why not get the meal to go along?

Bring food from home

The best way to keep money in your wallet is to not take it out of your pocket. Twenty-six out of the thirty MLB stadiums allow bringing in outside food (my apologies to fans of the Miami Marlins, Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, and Detroit Tigers). Just be sure to check with the stadium’s posted guidelines, as many require any outside food be brought in a see-through, one-gallon bag.

Go to the minor leagues instead

Even with all that advice, if you go for the Big Leagues, you’re likely to pay big-league prices. So if you’re trying to save a few bucks, why not hit up a minor league baseball game instead? There are more than 100 minor league teams across America, with average concession prices well below their major league counterparts. The Lake County Captains recently offered a meal kit that serves a family of four for just $40. The Rochester Red Wings offer a $10 six-pack of beer. See the stars of tomorrow while paying the prices of…well, seeing the stars of tomorrow.