If you are like me, there is nothing more enjoyable than a night out, attending your favorite sporting event. Unfortunately for most of us, going to a game is a treat that can only happen every once and while because, lets face it, it’s too darn expensive. After tickets, driving, parking, food and beers you’re sure to have a pretty big hole straight through you wallet. With that being said, here are a few ways to save and still be able to enjoy the game.
1. Nosebleeds
It’s a common misconception that in order to enjoy a sporting event you have to be first row, on the glass, or court side. Don’t get me wrong, those seats are pretty fabulous, but being up high was its advantages too. First, you can see everything. While watching hockey for example, you can sometimes even see the play setting up before it actually happens. Another advantage is that its worry free. You don’t have to be concerned about getting pounded in the face by a foul ball or being sat on by a player chasing a basketball. The best part about being in the “nose-bleeds,�? is that they are significantly cheaper in price. That leaves you some extra cash to get that player shirt you’ve been wanting for months.
2. Go Tailgating
Tailgating is a GREAT way to save money when attending a sporting event. Rather than spending $5.00 a hot dog inside a stadium, you can buy three packages of hot dogs and fire up a mini grill. We all know the price of drinks inside an arena or stadium is much more than if you were to get a couple cases. So eat, drink and be marry for a couple hours in the parking lot with some buddies. It will save you from having to buy food inside, and you’ll probably only need a few more beers inside to keep the buzz rather than to gain it to begin with.
3. Car Pool
While it may be an obvious way to save money, it is something people often forget when talking about attending sporting events. Car pooling isn’t only economically savvy in the professional world, but it’s a great way to save in the professional sports world too. If a group is going to a game, pile up in one car. This way, you can not only split the money for gas, but you can also split the money when you have to pay a ridiculous amount to park. Everyone will save in the end and its more fun.
4. Go In A Group
Something a lot of people don’t know is that a lot of different ticket sites and sports teams offer group rates. Most people assume you have to take a good 25-30 people but occasionally you can muster up some pretty sweet multiple person packages at a discounted rate. Not only do you get the tickets discounted, but some teams even throw in promotions with group ticket sales and each person can get a free drink or something free to eat in the stadium or arena. Sounds like a money saving deal to me.
5. Be Spontaneous
Shout out to the lovely Melissa Fiore for reminding me about this little money saving tip. If you have the luxury of being close to an arena or stadium, don’t be afraid to be spontaneous. It might even save you some money in the long run. Often, teams will release tickets a few hours prior to the game and they will be released a a discounted price if the event was not originally sold out. In addition to these last minute releases, know that a lot of professional sports teams will have left over tickets from non sold out events and they will release them to specific people at a discount such as students or military personnel.
6. Support The Minors
Supporting minor league teams is always a great, fun and inexpensive way to enjoy sports. A lot of minor league teams have the same, if not better atmosphere than professionals but you get it at a lower price point. Minor league hockey tickets on the glass can range anywhere from $25-$60 depending on the team. You’ll be lucky to get a parking spot for $25-$60 at an NHL game. If you find yourself questioning why you would go to a minor league game and who cares, take a look at an article I wrote a few weeks back. Its focused mainly on hockey, but can apply to all minor league sports and might have you next in line to purchase tickets.
7. Make It A Party
After being spoiled the last year or so with being able to attend sporting events for work, I forgot how much fun it is to actually watch your team from the comfort of your own home. Not to mention, it is way cheaper. Call up some of your friends, have everyone bring a little something and make it a viewing party. There is a constant flow of food and beverages and you can avoid the long lines at the bathroom and long traffic lines when leaving. It may not be as awesome as actually being there, but anything can be fun when you combine your friends and you team.
