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School’s out, the temperature is rising, and spring is cha-cha sliding its way into summer. The sun is up a little longer, the fresh cut grass smells a little fresher, and it’s time to get your game face on. Hoppy ales and full-bodied reds are making way for Moscow mules and citrus-infused lagers. Patio drinking season is ramping its way up, but there’s another season you should set your sights on ASAP.
All across the country, blue collar towns and bedroom communities are hosting young families, functioning alcoholics, and regular ol’ folks for affordable, light-hearted fun at their neighborhood Minor League ballpark. Each night, fans pack these miniature stadiums to watch 19-year-olds duke it out for a chance to play America’s pastime at the highest level.
A night at the ballpark is stone cold, pure entertainment. Minor League games blur the line between carnival and sport. When teams like the Montgomery Biscuits, Hartford Yard Goats, and Richmond Flying Squirrels are taking the field, can you really say that it’s anything but a “Fans First” experience? Themed games like Star Wars Night and I Love the 80’s Night keep fans of all generations and demographics returning to the ballpark night after night.
Surely this level of high quality entertainment must come at a steep price, right? Au contraire, mon frère. Last year, the average price for a family of four to attend a Minor League game was $64. Good luck spending less than that on one ticket for a decent seat at a Major League game. When the average ticket and beer costs about $8 and $5 respectively, you can catch a nice buzz for a couple Tubmans. Some ballparks even offer regular weeknight incentives. What better way to amp up a Thursday than to get after it on $2 Hot Dogs and Beer Night? Where else can you snack on a $2 bag of peanuts and watch the third base coach do the Chicken Dance between innings?
As the ultimate crowd pleaser, you can go to a game with friends, coworkers, or that special somebody. A few summers ago, I took a Tinder date to see a game on a Wednesday evening. By the third inning, the home team was down eight runs. Panic set in; was this date going to be a dud? Luckily for me, the stadium had a Ferris wheel (because of course). By the 7th inning, we were making out 100 feet up into the air, as 1500 strangers serenaded us to “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” Minor League games are where the magic happens.
I encourage you to go to Minor League game with little worry for the conventional. After a long day at the office, meander over to the ballpark, step out of your shell, and put yourself out there. Get a mustard stain on your shirt and heckle the umpire. Do the wave with 600 other people. Walk away with an awesome bobblehead or a coupon for a free Little Caesar’s pizza. You might even see a former MLB legend; last season, the AAA Iowa Cubs brought back 12x MLB All-star Manny Ramirez as a player-coach. That man was made for the Minor League environment.
This summer, feel free to support your favorite MLB team in person like a good American should. But if you’re looking for something a little different, or you just want to save a little money, give the local Minor League squad a chance. As far as a great bang for your buck, it’s sure to be a grand slam. Who knows? You might even get to first base..
Image via Kevin M. McCarthy / Shutterstock.com
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@BOATSnJOES
“For a couple of Tubmans”. Gold.
Or you could live in Atlanta and pay big league prices to watch the double A talent on the Braves.
You used an image of BB&T park but failed to mention that Chick Fil A is a vendor inside the stadium. Another huge reason to attend.
Charlotte Knights. $2 Tall Boys and Fireworks on a Friday night. Perfect affordable date night.
Nothing better than a Charlotte Checkers game. #gochecks
I’ve yet to check out a Checkers game. If the beer is cheap and cold, I’ll give it a go.
The coldest outside of the Rockies. Bet you see 3 mullets too which always makes for an awesome night.
My local team is having a Seinfeld night with a Soup Nazi appearance.
Can’t say I’ve been there before, but it looks like it just made its way onto my must-see list.
Got real excited it was my local park. Now sad it was just the stock photo. I can vouch for a great beer selection in Charlotte and the best skyline view ever. Was in Nashville last weekend and passed by the Sounds park, and they are building a mini-golf course! Love that.
Also the wide selections of good local beers on tap are always a plus. Charlotte Knights win though I may be biased as I am lucky enough to live within stumbling distance of the stadium which is useful after consuming vast quantities of said delicious brews.
Stumbling to and from stadiums in CLT are a rite of passage
Sup.
I live a couple miles from our minor league team’s stadium and I fucking love going to games during the summer. Games are a blast and there are ridiculous incentives like $1 lawn seats and $2 beers on the regular. Also caught my first ever foul ball the last time I went so I’ll always be partial to that team and stadium.
No mention of the Savannah Bananas?
I live within a few miles of the Durham Bulls. Games are amazing plus they are one of the most recognizable minor league teams which makes it a great place to entertain clients.
Lexington Legends host Thirsty Thursday on occasion. Dollar beers = more money in your pocket for the Uber home.
Can’t beat the dollar Kentucky Ales
I would drive from Nashville to a game for dollar Kentucky ales
Haven’t been this year but it used to be that way and I can’t imagine it changed
I couldn’t agree more with this. Especially if the team close to you is an actual MLB affiliate. Don’t get me wrong, a Frontier League game can be a blast. But it’s all the more fun watching someone that ends up a future star in the show.
Seinfeld Night at MCU Park in Brooklyn (home of the Mets affiliate Cyclones), one of my favorite sporting events of the year.
Big fan of the Saint Paul Saints, can’t beat the prices for beer or the atmosphere.
Plus, you might get to see Bill Murray
Gotta love those cheap tallboys. Couple of summers ago, a couple buds and I went out and sat on the Gulag and shared cigars with the oldtimers. Couldn’t believe they had been season ticket holders since the beginning.