Save Money at the Park, Vol. 3: Food and Drink

Food and Drink

Background:  When I was a kid, we never ate anywhere we went.  Never.  We brought food with us or we waited until we got home.  Now, I over-compensate by eating EVERYWHERE I go.  I’ve got to cut back…it’s expensive and I’m getting fat.

This is the big one, right?  It’s the number one profit center for the organization (or maybe number two after advertising).  It’s why food and drink are at the top of the “prohibited” list above “explosives” and “firearms.”

I spend untold amounts of money each year on food and drink at the games.  I’ve resolved not to, but it’s difficult.  If you go to one or four games per year, by all means, go Hog Wild!  But if you go to 70, well, perhaps you’ll want to try some of these ideas:

1. Eat beforehand.  It’s obvious, and I’ve tried to do better over the years.  If I have the day off, I’ve got plenty of time to get some dinner on the table before 6PM, leave by 6:30 and we can listen to the pregame in the car on the way and still make it to our seats by the National Anthem if traffic isn’t too bad.  This is not always possible with the kids’ activities and Mrs. Kram and I both work (and she doesn’t so much cook).
2. Eat on the way.  We usually shun the regular fast food, but stopping for chicken nuggets at McD’s has been done.  The kiddos love the Subway and the Arby’s, so a quick stop there (especially back when we used to get the Arby’s coupons) on the way can save some.  Yes, they still cost money, but it’s less and the kids actually enjoy it more than the regular ballpark food.  We usually just eat in the car to save time, but we’ve been known to loiter (it’s not really tailgating by my take) in the parking lot to finish up if we have time.
3. Ahh, the tailgating.  It’s about as close as I get to camping.  I don’t like that I can’t use charcoal or drink beer, but it’s a great way to relax before the game.  On a perfect summer evening it’s hard to beat sitting around listening to the pre-game on the radio and grilling up some fresh grub before making our way to our seats.  I’m a big fan of the post-game tailgate, as well.  It beats sitting in traffic (really not that bad for IronPigs usually) and provides an opportunity to reflect on the game and listen to the post-game on the radio. 
4. Alcohol.  If you want to save money, just don’t buy it.  But, for myself, I consider it an integral part of the baseball experience.  I can’t stop at the bar on the way to the game (kids and all) but I hear that Pitchers across the street has some nice specials.  Another strategy is to grab an $8.50 32-oz on the way in (at field level).  If I’m driving, that’s plenty for the evening.  Here’s another idea:  purchase two cups of beer at the regular concession for $5 each—if you purchase the bottles for $5.50 at the bar (club, trough, tiki) and tip $1 each time you’re up to $13 compared with $10 for two beers.  That $3 will pay for your parking.
5. Other beverages: There are drinking fountains available, and I suppose you could re-fill your water bottle there.  I’ve heard of other re-fill-able cups available at field level during certain promotions as well.
6. A good snack is the re-fill-able popcorn.  Share it amongst the fam and go back for more.  Buy it early in the evening for maximum effect.  Caution: the salt may cause you to purchase more beverages.
7. Philly Pretzels.  There were $1 coupons around last year, which could be re-used (thanks, Bert).  This came in handy as my kids bought Philly Pretzels almost every game.  They never got around to the whole “sell them in the club level and make a dollar” idea as they kept eating the product.  Also, if you stay until the end, pretzels are sometimes available on the way out for, what, $1?  Great if you’re hungry on the way home!
8. Although I’ve never done it, the Picnic Patio may be a way to save on food as well.  It’s built in to the ticket price, but if you’re in the mood to eat a lot of the ballpark food and drink a ton of soda, and you can fill a table, it may be worth it.