Peanuts and Cracker Jacks apparently aren’t inexpensive anymore.
The typical expense for a party of four to attend a Major League Baseball contest in 2022 is nearly $257, according to Team Marketing Report. With the average ticket costing roughly $36, that means a foursome is shelling out over $100 on parking and concessions alone!
Fortunately, there’s another option for baseball fans. There are 120 minor league clubs scattered across the United States, with a few even located in the Dominican Republic and Canada.
That’s four times the number of teams in Major League Baseball — from Tacoma to Toledo, Albuquerque to Amarillo, Syracuse to San Jose and many cities in between. So not only do you have more chances to catch professional baseball, but you can attend a game for a fraction of the cost.
If you’re a baseball fan who hasn’t been to a minor league game, you’re missing out. Here’s what you can expect.
6 Reasons to Go to Minor League Baseball
1. Closer to the Action for a Lot Less
Ticket costs are far lower at minor league contests — understandably so. While you won’t see big-name stars like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts or Ronald Acuña Jr., you’ll watch the rising talents of tomorrow.
Seeing these driven minor leaguers up close for roughly the same price as the nosebleed seats at an MLB park is a memorable experience.
So how much less expensive is a minor league outing?
The latest Minor League Baseball Fan-Cost Survey reported the average cost for a family of four is just under $70. That average includes two adult admissions, two child tickets, four hot dogs, four beverages and parking.
Compare that with the current average cost of a Major League Baseball outing for a family of four ($257) and you’re saving $187. Put another way — you could attend nearly four minor league games for what one major league game costs!
2. Eat Like Royalty?
While the classic hot dogs and beers cost about the same at most parks, minor league venues are known for featuring some of the most imaginative food choices you’ll find.
Minor League Baseball even holds a food competition to highlight the culinary creations served at stadiums nationwide.
Some of the standout menu items include the Memphis Redbirds’ BBQ nachos, the Frisco RoughRiders’ loaded brisket baked potato, the Wilmington Blue Rocks’ doughnut dog (yes — a hot dog sandwiched in two glazed doughnuts), and the Aberdeen Ironbirds’ steamed crabs.
And then there’s the Hickory Crawdads’ CLAWlossal — a foot-long chili cheese dog, pub chips, a half-pound burger, a pulled pork sandwich, a corn dog, five onion rings, two jalapeño poppers and two pickle spears — all for the not-so-cheap $40, or $25 if you finish it in an inning or less. Your prize? A CLAWlossal T-shirt, your picture on the CLAWlossal Wall of Fame and a refund.
3. Experience the Distinctive Charm of Minor League Parks
One of the great things about minor league games is the variety of unique ballparks where they’re held.
Catch a skyline view of downtown Nashville with a giant guitar-shaped scoreboard in right field at First Horizon Park where the Nashville Sounds play. Take in vistas of Pensacola Bay at the Pensacola Blue Wahoos’ stadium, which was named “ballpark of the year” by the Southern League.
There’s Victory Field in Indianapolis — one of the premier parks in the minors and home to the Indianapolis Indians. And MGM Park in Biloxi, Mississippi — home of the Biloxi Shuckers — offers views of the Gulf of Mexico and sits a short stroll from the Beau Rivage casino overlooking the outfield.
4. Cash In on Fantastic Promotions
Like fireworks? Lots of clubs, such as the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp and the Chattanooga Lookouts, stage multiple fireworks nights during the season — some even host them weekly.
But minor league promotions go far beyond fireworks. There’s a whole lineup of inventive promotional nights each season.
In May 2022, the Frisco RoughRiders held an “It’s Gotta Be May Night,” featuring Chris Kirkpatrick from N’Sync and a celebration of 1990s pop culture (apparently JT had other plans).
In April, the St. Paul Saints welcomed Leslie David Baker (Stanley from The Office) for National Pretzel Day.
The Buffalo Bisons host an annual Star Wars Night where fans dress in Star Wars costumes and players wear Emperor Palpatine-themed jerseys that are auctioned off after the game.
And because the minors love food-focused promotions, many clubs temporarily rebrand with regional food names. Examples include the Fresno Tacos, the Augusta Pimento Cheese, the Akron JoJos (potato wedges), the Manchester Chicken Tenders and the Peoria Pork Tenderloins.
5. Easier Access to the Players
While autograph lines at MLB parks can be long and congested along the outfield line, they’re typically much shorter at a minor league affair. Plus, minor leaguers are often more willing to take a few moments to sign for fans.
If you arrive early for batting practice, many players shagging balls in the outfield are usually happy to toss a ball or two into the stands.
Because only a small portion of minor leaguers eventually reach the majors, you might not be watching a future Hall of Famer — but you never know.
Many minor league teams also arrange appearances by former notable players or celebrities.
One more tip: Sometimes Major League clubs send players to a minor league affiliate as they rehab an injury. Atlanta Braves’ young star Ronald Acuña Jr. played several games with the team’s AAA affiliate, the Gwinnett Stripers, while returning from a knee injury in early 2022.
If you follow baseball news, you might score tickets to a superstar’s rehab start in the minors.
6. Bring the Kids to the Old Ballgame
Even baseball-loving kids may struggle to sit through an entire game, especially during the slower moments between innings.
That’s why many minor league parks feature a kids’ area, where the youngest members of your family can take a break from the action without forcing you to abandon the game early.
Each kids’ zone is different, so check with your local team to see what attractions they offer for little ones.
Modern Woodmen Park in Davenport, Iowa, includes a Ferris wheel, bumper cars and a 300-foot zipline. Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas, boasts a lazy river in right field. Northwestern Medicine Field in Geneva, Illinois, offers a bounce house, skee-ball and slides. And First Horizon Park in Nashville, Tennessee, features a miniature golf course beyond right field.
Most minor league teams provide reduced-price tickets for kids, and some even allow children to enter free on select dates. Many also hold post-game activities for youngsters, like the chance to run the bases.
Robert Bruce is a senior writer for Savinly.
