The family road trip to America’s MLB ballparks
The song Take Me Out to the Ballgame was first penned back in 1908. For many Midwesterners, our memories of this song are likely tied to Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Caray. For decades, Harry would belt out his Budweiser-infused rendition of the song during the seventh-inning stretch. He first started this tradition with the Chicago White Sox in 1976 and then with the Chicago Cubs from 1982 until his death in 1997.
Going to the ballpark is one of the great American traditions. But at today’s prices, that family road trip to see your favorite Major League Baseball (MLB) team is going to cost you.
According to data compiled from TicketCity and Bookies.com, the average cost for a family of four at one of the 30 Major League ballparks is $173.70. This includes the cost of four tickets, two 16 oz. beers, two 20 oz. sodas, four hot dogs and parking.
The price of the tickets was calculated by averaging the lowest ticket price available for each regular season home game. Obviously, where your seat is located is the primary factor in cost. Preferred seating can easily cost you $200-$300 for a single ticket and could quickly send the cost of your family outing to well over $1,000. If the game is sold out, buying your tickets on a secondary market like StubHub or via a ticket scalper can also increase the cost substantially.
For a family of four, the total cost varies extensively from one Major League ballpark to the next. The most expensive place to watch a game is Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, where your “cheap” tickets, food, drinks and parking will set your wallet back around $300.89. Rounding out the Top 5 most expensive ballparks are No. 2 Los Angeles Dodgers at $295.06 followed by the Chicago Cubs ($239.38), Houston Astros ($232.08) and Cleveland Guardians ($225.89).
Other Midwest teams include No. 15 St. Louis Cardinals ($169.78), No. 21 Milwaukee Brewers ($138.88) and No. 24 Chicago White Sox ($131). The five cheapest ballparks are No. 30 Miami Marlins ($90.74) followed by the Los Angeles Angels ($97.68), Minnesota Twins ($103.83), Kansas City Royals ($117.79) and Seattle Mariners ($119.66).
When it comes to parking your car, the average price for all 30 teams is $18.93. The most expensive is the Boston Red Sox at $45. Parking your car near Wrigley Field to see the Chicago Cubs will cost you around $35, the second highest.
The average price for two 16 oz. beers at a Major League ballpark is $15.06. The Boston Red Sox will charge you the most at $22.61. There are eight teams tied for the cheapest beer, including the St. Louis Cardinals, who will charge you just $12.50 for a couple of cold brews. For you Cubs fans, two beers will set you back $19.50 (fifth highest) while the southside White Sox offer a relative bargain at $15. The Milwaukee Brewers will charge you $17.
The League average is $9.90 for two 20 oz. sodas, big enough to keep even the calmest child hopped up on sugar and caffeine for hours. There are five teams tied for the highest price at $13, including the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cubs, White Sox and Brewers are all tied for second highest at $12. The cheapest price is $4, offered by the Minnesota Twins.
Finally, the League average for your four hot dogs is $21.37. The Washington Nationals charge the most ($29) while the Arizona Diamondbacks charge the least ($8). The cost for the local Midwest teams are Brewers ($27), Cubs ($25), Cardinals ($21) and White Sox ($20).
Going to any major league sporting event, not just baseball, is an expensive endeavor. Adding a quick stop at the stadium gift shop for some gameday souvenirs is just one of many additional costs that can be incurred. It pays to be flexible. Some games and days tend to be cheaper than others. But enjoy the fun and excitement. Just give your credit card a quick dust-off before you go.
Mark M. Grywacheski, Investment Advisor
Quad Cities Investment Group is a Registered Investment Adviser.
This material is solely for informational purposes. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Quad Cities Investment Group and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. No advice may be rendered by Quad Cities Investment Group unless a client service agreement is in place.
