Budget Baseball: Enjoy Watching America's Past-Time with Less Money

You might not be an avid baseball fan, but most everyone enjoys a trip to the local stadium to watch a baseball game once and a while. Most of us just have a local league to watch on a regular basis, but it can be enjoyable to take a trip and go see a MLB game. Taking a trek out to see a major league game can be an expensive proposition. However, through a bit of planning and smart shopping, you can enjoy a major league game for a fraction of what most people do.

Parking - If you have the option of public transit, take it. Parking at a ball-park is very price and can be a big hassle. Usually you'll have to fight traffic and waste gas idling, so take a Taxi or a bus route if its available to you. If you do have to drive, park further away in a nearby neighborhood. You'll have to walk a bit, but you'll spend much less.

Cheap Tickets - Most major ballparks have a tiered pricing system. Games which are during the summer, on weekends, or against larger teams, will cost you much more. If you can go during a week in the fall or spring, you can get the tickets you want for much less. Be sure to check out for any discount days where students, children, senior adults, or military personnel get discounted tickets. If you can't find a good discount day to go on, consider getting some of the cheap seats. If the game's not well attended, you can always move to a better seat! Buy the tickets at the ballpark ahead of time to save on expensive ticket-master fees.

Souvenirs - Be sure to take a look at the field's promotional schedule. Quite often you can get a souvenir, such as a hat or figurine just by walking through the gate. If you're lucky enough to get an autograph, you'll have an unforgettable memento. Showing up early and staying late will give you the best odds of getting an autograph. If you want a souvenir cup, wait until the game's over. Someone is bound to leave one behind. If you have to get a jersey or other article of clothing, don't buy it from the ball-park. Usually you can get them much cheaper elsewhere!

Food - When you buy food at a ball-park, expect to pay movie theater prices and get McDonalds value. Fortunately most stadiums don't care if you bring your own food. Try to stick with some easy to eat non-perishable foods, such as sandwiches, vegetables, crackers, chips, and the like. Don't forget the drinks! Sometimes the designated driver will be given a free soda! And if you don't want to buy a cooler, you can eat before you leave for the game!

You don't have to follow all or even any of these tips. Going to a baseball game should be about having fun, not saving a ton of money. Just be aware that there are opportunities to save a lot of money when going to baseball games if you'd like to.