A first-timer's guide to going to an MLB game — buying tickets, choosing seats, arriving early, ballpark food, keeping score, and simple etiquette to enjoy the day.
Buy tickets in advance for the best selection, and think about seats: infield seats behind the plate give the classic view, outfield and bleacher seats are livelier and often cheaper, and shade matters at day games in warm cities. Check the stadium guide for gate times, transit, and parking — most parks open a couple of hours before first pitch, in time for batting practice.
Ballpark food is part of the day, from regional specialties to the classics, so come hungry. Learn a few rhythms: the seventh-inning stretch and 'Take Me Out to the Ball Game,' cheering with the crowd, and keeping an eye on foul balls. If you want to go deeper, keeping score by hand is a fun way to follow the game.
Simple courtesy makes the day better: wait for a break in play before heading to or from your seat, don't reach over railings for balls in play, and be mindful of fans around you. Bag policies vary by park — check before you go — and pack sunscreen for day games and a layer for cool evenings.
Aim to arrive an hour or two before first pitch. Gates usually open a couple of hours early, which lets you watch batting practice, find your seats, and grab food before the game starts. Check the specific park's gate times in its stadium guide.
Bag and outside-food policies vary from park to park, so check the specific stadium's rules before you go. Most parks allow sealed water and small snacks under a clear-bag policy, but the details differ.
Bring your tickets (often on your phone), a small clear bag if allowed, sunscreen for day games, and a layer for cool evenings. Check the park's bag policy in its stadium guide before you leave.