Ways To Make Attending A 2009 MLB Game Affordable

The economic climate in America has everyone worried. In times like this, entertainment is the first thing that families will cut in order to save money. So what kind of attendance can Major League Baseball expect in the 2009 Major League Baseball season?

MLB is confronted with two major issues as we approach the 2009 MLB season. A bad economy and the "steroids in baseball" issue raising its ugly head again. But realistically, regardless of the steroids issue, families are just not going to come out to the ballpark like they have in previous years.

If you do plan on attending a major league baseball game in 2009, here are a few tips for doing it cheaply:

1. Check out your teams web page and search for discount ticket days. Most teams run some type of family day, half price ticket day, reduced hot dog day, anything. Search the promotion section and plan your day at the park around one of these days. The first way to save money is by taking advantage of lower tickets.

2. Bring your own snacks because food at ballparks can be very expensive. If you can eliminate the cost of food, your overall cost can be reduced by a large percentage. Check your team's website to see what the rules are for bringing in food to the stadium. You may want to bring some sandwiches and eat them in the parking lot before the game - make it a tailgating episode.
3. Parking is another large cost. For most ballparks there is parking very near the stadium, but you will pay for it. If you have young kids, it might be worth paying the price, but if your kids are older find an alternative. The further away you go from the stadium the cheaper. One option is to park in a parking garage away from the stadium and hop a bus. Or take public transportation from your home, eliminating parking cost altogether.

4. Limit the number of souvenirs you purchase. If your kids want a jersey, buy that prior to the game. Convince them this way they can wear it to the game. Also, if you know months in advance you are going to the game, have your kids earn money by doing chores. This money then can be used for any purchases they may want. This will limit the amount spent and make them feel proud of their purchase and accomplishment.

5. Limit the number of alcoholic beverages. At $7 - $10, beer is probably the bigger cost at the game.

6. One of the best ways to make a major league game affordable is to see the minor league affiliates. Prices for tickets can be had for as little as $10 for a really good seat. And the minor league baseball parks cater to the family. They will stage events that entertain the kids and the mascots are always interacting with the crowd. If you go early enough, the players are more than happy to sign autographs for the kids. And there is always a minor league ball club close to home.

So even though it is a tough year economically, you can still enjoy the national past time. To make it even more fun for you and the kids keep score at the baseball game - the memories of that day will be priceless.

source: ehow.com, howtoscorebaseball.info, bestbaseballebooks.com