Budget Monday

I feel as if my second post is probably the one with the most pressure.  So whilst mowing the lawn I thought of a great topic.  As I previously mentioned, I love the Detroit Tigers.  There is only one thing that I love more, and that is baseball itself (a cheap one at that).

A little known secret of major league baseball is that soft sided coolers can be brought into the stadium.  With the cost of stadium food these days, a huge savings can be made here.  Now most of my familiarity to this issue is with the Cincinnati Reds.  Recently my husband and I went to a Redlegs game and packed the following items: 1 2L bottle of Mountian Dew, ice, cups and homemade puppy chow and chex mix. 

Now there are probably a couple of teams I should cover for family friendly based off whom I think would be reading this: The Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, Toledo Mud Hens, and Indianapolis Indians.  For those that are upset I did not list a specific team, well there are a couple things 1) it’s called Google, use it and 2) use a phone, call that specific team’s customer service and just ask.

Continuing on.  Please keep in mind that the individual stadiums retain the right to inspect all items entering the stadium and are able to reject entrance.  Alcohol is not allowed to be brought into any of the stadiums being reviewed.

Cincinnati Reds: You are allowed to bring a 16”x16”x8” SOFT sided cooler into the ball park.  Inside of that you can bring no larger than a 2 liter UNOPENED bottle of juice, pop or water.  Cans and glass are not permitted, and the container must be clear plastic.  Individual portions of food can be brought in as well.

Detroit Tigers: Per the Detroit Tigers’ website - Guests are permitted to bring individual portions of food and factory sealed clear bottles of unflavored water in to Comerica Park. For kids in the group, or medical purposes, juice boxes are also allowed. Outside food and beverage is not permitted in the suites.

**Obviously the biggest difference is no pop can be brought into Comerica Park.  The size of the soft sided cooler remains the same (16”x16”x8”).

Toledo Mud Hens: Probably the worst about this would be the Detroit Tigers’ AAA affiliate.  It is clearly stated on the Mud Hens website that NO food, beverages or containers can be brought into FifthThird Field.  It is very clear cut with no loop holes on this one.

Indianapolis Indians: Per the Indian’s website - Coolers and other carry-in containers are permitted in the lawn area only and must be less than 20" in length. Coolers larger than 20" will NOT be permitted and must be returned to the owner's vehicle. Fans with coolers must enter through the designated Cooler Check Gates in center field or right-center field. Alcoholic beverages and glass containers of any kind are not permitted.

Fans wishing to leave the lawn area may check their coolers with personnel stationed at the left - and right - field corners as you exit the lawn towards the concourse. No coolers, beverage containers or food shall be permitted into the seating bowl, with the exception of those used for infant feeding or medical purposes.

To finish my baseball stadium food savings I would also like to add that the Cincinnati Reds have a pair concession stands that everything is $1 (peanuts, popcorn, pop, and “kids” size hot dogs) and Monday games for the Indianapolis Indians have $1 concession menu items (Hot dogs, peanuts, Cracker Jacks, chips and popcorn).

I hope those that enjoy a good baseball game, or just “cheaper” family event find this useful. 

Here’s to hoping for a Reds/Tigers World Series!