Save Money at the Stadium: How to Maximize Your Dollar at a Pro Sports Event

So you've bought your ticket to the big game...get your wallet out, because the spending only starts with your ticket. Between the concessions, souvenirs, and parking, attending a professional sporting event can end up costing big bucks to the fan who isn't watching his or her wallet. Especially in these economic times, these can be luxuries that you can't afford. Here are some quick tips to help you spend less at the stadium.

Ways to Cut the Cost of Going to the Game #1- Bring Your Own Concessions

One of the biggest money pits inside a baseball stadium is the concession stand. Peanuts and Cracker Jack are increasing in price at an alarming rate, and you'll often have to pay as much as $5 just to get something to drink. Check out the team websites before you go to see if the individual ballpark will allow you to bring in any outside food or drinks. This information is available on the "A to Z Stadium Guide" or "Arena FAQ" that is usually posted on the team's website. You might be surprised about what you can bring in. For example, Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. will allow each fan to bring in a sealed bottle of water from home-a bargain considering that bottled water costs $4.50 at the stadium.

Ways to Cut the Cost of Going to the Game #2- Eat Before you Go

Another way to save on the rising cost of concessions is to find a restaurant or fast food place to eat at before you arrive at the game. Many stadiums located in urban areas will have food available around the stadium-Fenway Park in Boston is surrounded by such options as restaurants and food vendors. This food is often cheaper than what is available in the stadium, and usually is better quality as well. If all else fails, buy a hot dog from a street vendor instead of inside the stadium to save a great deal of money on food and drink.

Ways to Cut the Cost of Going to the Game #3- Gear Up Before the Game

Team stores are often filled with the newest merchandise emblazoned with your team's logo. However, try to resist the urge to get a new shirt or hat-these prices are much more expensive than you'll find at any other store. Try checking out an area sporting goods store before you go to the game, or the clearance section of the league's online webstore to find the best deals. If all else fails, support the street vendors that sell merchandise outside of many major stadiums. While the goods may be of dubious quality, they'll get you through the game and save you a bunch of cash.

Ways to Cut the Cost of Going to the Game #4- Take Public Transportation to the Stadium

While parking costs continue to skyrocket, taking a form of public transportation to the game can save you a bunch of money, not to mention the headache of waiting in a seemingly never-ending line of cars to exit the stadium. Even teams located in cities without an established public transportation system sometimes offer Park & Ride programs at a reduced rate. Carefully read the Directions section of the team's website to see if there are any transportation options you may not have considered or known about.

Ways to Cut the Cost of Going to the Game #5-Skip the Beer

Purchasing beer or other alcoholic beverages at a sporting event is probably one of the easiest ways to blow your budget. With single beers often costing as much as $7 or $8, skipping out on a two-beer night could save you $16-probably a significant percentage of your ticket price. Stick to soda or water, and if you think the temptation will be too overwhelming, buy a ticket in an alcohol-free area to take away the possibility of imbibing.

Using these tips can save a bunch of money per person next time you go to a professional sporting event. Less money spent in the stadium means more to buy other things, so watch where your spending goes when you're inside the stadium, and eliminate the unnecessary spending that can get you in trouble. You'll always leave a winner!