The Travel Professor
Join me on a journey across the broad spectrum of interesting travel topics. We’ll discuss destinations domestic and abroad, some familiar and some off the beaten path. We take a look at suppliers like cruise lines, air carriers and tour operators and find their bargains and special offerings. Got questions? Email thetravelprofessor@gmail.com.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Airport versus MLB spring training baseball park food

I’m not sure which is priced worse the airport snack shacks or the minor league spring training ball parks. I expect to pay major league prices when attending a major league regular season game but come on now this is spring training so relax on the major league prices. The regulars play 4 or 5 innings then you get to see the talent that’s stockpiled down in the minor leagues. Some “super” stars don’t make the road trips some how the owners can justify $30.00 for a box seat in basically an exhibition game?

The costs don’t stop at the ticket office but actually start way before. Want tickets in advance then you’ll have to order them in advance online. The web ticket outlets will gladly sell you seats and then tack on a hefty convenience fee. For our Cleveland Indians ducats this fee amounted to about an additional 25% of the ticket cost. You’ll get clipped anywhere from $5.00-$7.00 for parking, $3.50 for a 6 page photo copied program. A couple of hot dogs and 16 ounce beers pretty much eat up a $20.00 bill.

Silly me they saw me coming all the way as I gleefully coughed up the cash! All kidding and complaining aside it is well worth the trip to catch the boys of summer. The ball parks are small and intimate not like cavernous Yankee Stadium or the Great American Ballpark. The players are relaxed and more than glad to sign autographs even chat with their fans. It’s an excellent way to enjoy the great American pastime and reconnect with family and friends.