How to catch a D-backs game on a budget this season

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — There are new, gourmet food options this season at Chase Field, and there is plenty of new Diamondbacks team gear for fans to sport in the team shop.

That means the cost can add up quickly for a day out at the ballpark, but it doesn’t have to.

First, let’s find food on a budget. Inside the stadium, look for a value logo. Nine Double-Header concession stands throughout the park have a value menu. Soda, corn dogs, hot dogs, and popcorn are each $2.99, and 12-ounce beers are $4.99.

If you want to spend even less, take your own food. You may not realize it, but the Diamondbacks allow fans to bring in food and water bottles. The food just has to be in a clear plastic bag, so pack all the PB&Js you want. Water bottles must be non-flavored, non-carbonated water in sealed plastic bottles. Fans are also allowed to bring in empty plastic water bottles to fill inside the stadium. Metal and glass containers are not permitted for food or water.

Save money on tickets

Families can also save money on tickets. Kids 15 and under can get into select games for free after joining the D-backs Kids Club. After children check into their first game, they’ll get a special code for Sunday games. If an adult purchases a ticket, the kid’s ticket is free.

Fans can buy tickets through MLB.com or Ticketmaster, and sometimes those two options can be the cheapest, but not always, as On Your Side found out.

We went online looking for the best deals available for Opening Day.

Paying face value through MLB.com, the cheapest seats were $42.

But on the resale site SeatGeek, tickets were listed as low as $30 apiece.

Vivid Seats, Viagogo and Stubhub all had tickets under $40 as well.

And keep in mind, seat prices vary greatly depending on who the Diamondbacks play.

For example, in the first month of this baseball season, the D-Backs have home against the New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers. These are all high-demand games, meaning seats will be more expensive.

A lower-level ticket to see the Cardinals on a Saturday is $72. That same seat for a weekday game against the Cincinnati Reds is just $40.

Free Snakes gear

The D-backs Kids Club also comes with free stuff. Every time a child checks into a game, he or she will get a new prize. For the first check-in, the prize is a magnetic puzzle.

Grown-ups can get some free gear, too. For the second game of the season, the first 20,000 fans through the gates will get a National League Champions T-shirt. Later in the season, there are chances for bobbleheads, hats, and jerseys.

Saving money getting to Chase Field

Next up, getting to Diamondbacks games.

If you drive, parking spots range from $15 to $60.

But On Your Side has a better option. For only $4, you can buy a light rail day pass. You can park at one of the Park and Ride locations and be dropped off right in front of the ballpark.

For young families, it’s important to know strollers are allowed in the ballpark. Just be careful that the stroller does not block any aisles. It may be searched when you arrive.

There are also accommodations for nursing moms. Just ask for assistance at the suite level.

So how cheap can you get?

On Wednesday, June 12, the D-Backs play the Los Angeles Angels. Right now, on Vivid Seats, you can get two tickets for just $13 apiece. Throw in two hot dogs, two drinks and use the light rail to get there, and you’re only out a total of $42 for the night.

If you’d rather watch at home, the team has finally announced the broadcast plans for the season.

The games will be available on DirecTV, Cox, Comcast Xfinity, and Spectrum, in addition to the $99 streaming option that was already announced.

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