Funny Parent Behavior at Sporting Events
If you're a father figure, there are few experiences more meaningful, more tradition-soaked, more man-emotionally resonant than attending a live sporting event. It's about being in the Arena of Competition, enjoying time with your family, and spending way too much on churros but not minding one bit because, come on, you're making memories (and also churros are delicious).
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That said, there are a few universal rules that can maximize your family's sport-absorbing experience, whether you're a hardcore Sports Dad taking his college-bound son to a ballgame with playoff implications at the end of September, or you're making a spot decision to grab some football tickets on any given Sunday. Here are just a few:
1. Does your team stink this year? Go see them anyway.
Without putting too fine a point on it, some teams are just… not very good. And that's okay! These teams want people in the stands too, and they'll do fun stuff to put them there, like drop prices. A lot. Sometimes a lot. You might just be able to get into the ballgame for peanuts. (I won't apologize for that. Dad jokes are a staple of any great day at the stadium.)
My two sons and I once attended a weekend game, which, in addition to hosting an exceedingly subpar ballclub, was a balmy 40 degrees that day. (I will keep the location and team name omitted to protect the innocent.) But due to the team's generous April pricing, we got three upper-deck tickets and an eat-em-if-we-got-em meal plan (all the hot dogs, snacks, drinks, and chili-covered objects you could put down) for around $90. There are ballparks where $90 won't even cover parking.
If you're a kid, live sports events are all a big chaotic blur of noise and fireworks and activity that you might not entirely understand. Mostly, it's a day out with Dad, so go ahead and make some judiciously-priced memories. (You do have to save for college too, sorry.)
🏆 MVP Tip
Speaking of spending money wisely, choose a card that will reward you with 4% cash back for said hot dogs, sodas, and chili-covered purchases. You will earn unlimited 4% cash back on dining and entertainment with the Capital One Savor card.
Even better, earn 8% cash back on tickets purchased at Vivid Seats, through May 2020. That's money in your pocket!
2. Get there early. Like, your mom-going-to-the-airport early.
Is there anywhere better to show up early than a ballpark? This is when all the fun stuff happens: sluggers teeing off during batting practice, ace pitchers throwing bullpen six feet in front of you, pitchers ambling around the outfield playing catch. (Catch with 92 mph fastballs, but still, catch.)
Remember: No one is required to sign a picture, throw your kid a ball, or even look in your direction. But if it's gonna happen, it's gonna happen hours before game time.
3. Don't rule out the minor leagues.
I cannot overstate this point: Make a point to check out the nearest minor league team as soon as tickets are available (and I guarantee you, they're available). They define Homespun Iconic 'Murican Entertainment, and it's like falling back in time to when baseball was just how it looked in archival footage.
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4. Never, under any circumstances, leave the game early.
Unless it's prohibitively hot. Or the kids are grumpy. Or it's a blowout and you really don't see the value in watching your home team get clobbered for another four innings. Or if you parked a half-mile away. Or if you parked close and you want to beat traffic. You know what, I actually haven't figured this one out yet, sorry.
5. Your children probably do not mind where you sit, so sit wherever.
Chances are good that your kids will be far more interested in proximity to the snacks and bathrooms than seats close enough to hear the star sweat. (That's not a typo. Top athletes play that hard.)
6. Whatever nonsense they offer, do it all.
Sports teams everywhere offer all manner of silly, gratuitous bonus activities for your kids that we didn't have growing up: run around the bases, do a quick shoot-around, pose with mascots on the 50-yard line. In many cases, these are silly, blink-and-you'll-miss-them moments that might cost a couple bucks but will definitely keep you in the stadium long after the final buzzer or pitch. And you should do every single one of them.
Some years back, we waited for an hour after a team loss for my 12-year-old son to take a spin around with the bases with the other kids. It was crowded, late in the day, and there were 400 other kids lined up. All of that fell away when he took off from first and ran around the field of my youth (and my dad's youth, and my grandpa's youth).
My son is not a big baseball guy, and I think he did it mostly because he knew I'd like to see it—and we made a little memory that transcended the game. That's why you take your kids to sports, or anything.
For tips on tackling airplanes with children, read this.
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Source: https://www.menshealth.com/health/a29021150/how-to-navigate-sporting-events-with-kids/
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