What you need to know before attending a baseball game

Seeing a baseball game in person is a moment few people ever forget. Immersing yourself in the movements of the players and cheering with the crowd is incredibly exhilarating, but that doesn’t mean you can just show up to a game and expect to have the time of your life. If you really want to maximise your enjoyment on game day, here are some tips you should take on board:

Book your tickets in advance

It’s always better to book your tickets well ahead of any baseball game you plan to attend to make sure you get seats. The easiest way to do this is by buying tickets online on a website like hellotickets.co.uk. Here you can find a huge range of MLB tickets, allowing you to see just about any team you like in America. Once you have your tickets, getting into the game will be much smoother and you can show up with complete confidence.

If you’re buying e-tickets, you’ll need to make sure your smartphone is fully charged and ready to go on the big day. Alternatively, you may want to print your tickets yourself to make sure you definitely have a copy should something happen to your phone. It can be a good idea to nominate one person to keep all your physical tickets safe, but it’s an even better idea to make sure everyone has an electronic copy to cover all your bases.

Learn the terminology

If you’re a sports fan but are new to baseball, it’s important to brush up on key terminology to make sure you get as much as possible out of the game. You don’t need to delve too deep into the rules if you don’t want to, but it’s good to learn phrases like ‘strike out’, ‘hit a home run’, and ‘touch base’. It could also be good to watch a few games on TV before attending a real one so you know what to expect.

Arrive early

It’s always good to arrive in good time before the game starts so that you have the chance to see the stadium and drink in the atmosphere. It also makes it easier to find your seats and get settled with any food you might want. Almost every baseball stadium has some unique features, so make sure you enjoy the one you’re in and compare it to any pitches you see in the future. Don’t forget to check out the souvenir shop and stop by the Hall of Fame too.

Join in with the celebrations

Regardless of whether you support the team you’ve decided to see, make sure you join in with the celebration of the fans. This will help you feel like one of the gang and will make your baseball experience a little bit more fun. You don’t need to know when you start clapping and whooping, simply follow the crowd and try to pick up on any chants. Of course, if cheering and shouting isn’t really your scene, it’s perfectly acceptable to sit and enjoy the game in your own way as well.

Take lots of pictures

It’s easy to get so immersed in watching a baseball game that you forget to take a single photograph. Taking selfies and recording the cheers of the crowd will help you to relive this amazing memory at a later date. Try not to record the whole game or take so many pictures that you miss the action, but there’s really no harm in pulling out your smartphone and getting ready to update your Instagram story as the game unfolds.

Dress the part

While there’s no dress code for baseball games, it’s always best to wear something comfortable. While you’re welcome to pull out your best jeans and a nice shirt, make sure you’re happy sitting in them all day. To really get into the spirit of things, wear some converse trainers, a jersey, and a baseball cap. It’s good to be prepared for all kinds of weather conditions, so even if it’s warm, bring a jacket or extra layer of clothing.

Decide when you want to leave

It’s always nice to see a baseball game from start to finish, but some games are longer or less exciting than others. It can be a good idea to agree ahead of time at what point you all want to head off and try and get ahead of the traffic. Hopefully, your next baseball game will be so exhilarating you don’t want to miss a thing!

Head to a sports bar afterward

Can’t get enough of the baseball atmosphere? If your team won or you’re looking for even more excitement, head on over to the closest sports bar you can find and join all the baseball fans in celebrating. You might meet a new group of like-minded friends who will go and see more games with you.