If you are going to a Major League Baseball game, knowing what to bring to a baseball game is essential. Below is a list of things you will need to consider. Each stadium has its own security guidelines regarding items such as bags and backpacks. Always check stadium policy guidelines prior to going to the game.
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What to bring to a baseball game:
- Clear Stadium Bag – Many stadiums have strict bag policies and recommend a clear stadium bag like this one available at Amazon (paid affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com)
- Tickets/Parking Pass – Many stadiums are transitioning to digital-only tickets. Walking up and buying physical tickets at the stadium is no longer available at some stadiums. Tickets can be purchased through the team’s website or the MLB Ballpark App. You can also use a ticket broker like StubHub or Vivid Seats. I like Vivid Seats because they show me the view from my seats prior to purchase. Click here to buy game tickets or parking passes from Vivid Seats (paid affiliate link takes you to VividSeats.com).
- Weather and Sun protection – Although some MLB stadiums have a roof, many MLB stadiums are open-air stadiums, which means you will want to be prepared to face the elements when you attend a game. Things like sunscreen, hats, jackets, and rain ponchos may be needed depending on weather forecasts.
- Bug Repellent – Bugs can be an issue at ballparks, especially on hot summer nights. Bug repellent may be a good idea, but make sure your bug repellent meets stadium safety guidelines for aerosol cans.
- Cashless Payment – Many stadiums are transitioning to cashless payments, so bringing a form of payment other than cash is never a bad idea.
- Camera – Some fans like to bring a camera into the game. Just make sure your camera meets the stadium requirements regarding cameras and video recorders.
- Noise-Canceling Headphones – Stadiums can get very loud, and noise-canceling headphones may be needed for toddlers.
- Baseball Glove – Some fans like to bring a baseball glove to the stadium in hopes of catching a foul ball.
In this article let’s take a closer look at the items on this list so you can determine what you need to bring to a baseball game. Let’s also discuss a few policies to consider prior to going to the game.
What to Bring to a Baseball Game
Clear Stadium Tote Bag
As an emphasis on security has increased in recent years, most stadiums have adjusted their bag policies. Some stadiums recommend using a clear stadium bag like this one available at Amazon (paid affiliate link takes you to Amazon.com).
Clear stadium bags help with security at the gate, and not only make the stadium safer, but also help security lines move faster. But it’s important to note that each stadium has its own safety guidelines, and may include certain exceptions. To read more, I would advise you to visit the teams’ information guide on their website.
Most stadiums restrict the size of bag, which can rule out things like backpacks and large purses. But, again, each stadium is unique so checking with them prior to the game is best.
Weather Protection
Obviously, this can be greatly affected by the climate you are in, and what type of stadium you are going to. Some MLB stadiums have a roof, but many do not.
You will want to consider bring things like sunscreen, hats, jackets, and even rain ponchos depending on the forecast. Most stadiums welcome fans to bring weather protection, but there can be certain restrictions.
For example, some stadiums don’t allow aerosol cans into the stadium, which means you would need to bring cream sunscreen and not spray sunscreen. Again, this can vary by stadium so check with the team prior to the game.
Here are a few weather items to consider depending on forecast:
- Cream Sunscreen
- Brimmed hat
- Sunglasses
- Jacket
- Rain Gear
- Blanket
- Bottle of Water
Open-air MLB stadiums face all kinds of elements throughout a season, all the way from snowstorms to thunderstorms. You will want to check the forecast before you go to see what you will be facing.
Baseball Glove
Bringing a baseball glove to the game is tradition. For many generations, fans have brought gloves to the games in hopes of catching foul balls. This may be a fun thing for your kids to bring to the game.
Power Bank to Charge Phone
Baseball games last on average over three hours and can easily last up to four hours long. If you are someone who uses your phone a lot, and seeing it go dead drives you nuts, you might want to consider bring an alternate power source to charge your phone with.
Power banks are batteries that store electrical energy which can then be used to charge your device so you don’t have to find an electrical outlet. Power banks are pocket-sized and, depending on the storage capacity, can charge your phone multiple times.
Other Items to Bring to a Baseball Game
Here are a few other items you might want to consider:
- Camera – Many people just use their phone but perhaps you are wanting higher quality images. Please be aware that some stadiums restrict the size of camera lenses so be sure to check with the stadium guidelines.
- Bottle of Water – Many stadiums will allow you to bring in a bottle of water. Some stadiums also allow you to bring in Gatorade, but limit the size.
- Stadium Headphones – Some fans like to listen to the radio feed of the game while watching live action.
- Noise-cancelling Headphones – If you have a toddler with you, stadiums can get quite loud at times.
- Bug Repellent – Summer outdoor stadiums it will always be a good idea to bring mosquito repellent. Remember, must stadiums do not allow aerosol cans.
Items that are (Usually) Prohibited at MLB Stadiums
The protocol for some of these items may vary from stadium to stadium, so my advice is to check with the team prior to the game. Many of these items will be prohibited at all Major League Baseball stadiums.
- Bags/purses larger than 16″ x 16″ x 8″
- Backpacks larger than 16″ x 16″ x 8″
- Any drinks beside water or sports drinks
- Wrapped presents and/or gifts of any kind
- Weapons
- Fireworks
- Some cameras with 12″ or more lenses
- Matches
- Tobacco Products (Depending on stadium)
- Some types of flags
- Beach Balls or other inflatables
- Noisemakers like bullhorns or air horns
- Laser pens
- Brooms in excess of 4 feet in height
- Hard-sided coolers
- Animals that are not documented as service dogs
- Aerosol cans
- Toy guns or toy knives
- Baseball Bats
- Drones
Each stadium has unique policies and I would recommend you to check the team’s website prior to the game and read through their list of prohibited items. The video below discusses a few things to consider:
Ultimately, each team can vary policies slightly, but most MLB stadiums have similar guidelines. When deciding what to bring to a baseball game, stick to the basics as much as possible so you don’t end up with a handful of items to carry in and out of the stadium. Remember, space around the seat will be limited, so less is more.