Sports Fanatic l October 08, 2010 l Most sports are pretty simple; there’s a ball and a goal. But when it comes to sports fandom, there’s a lot that goes into a successful sporting event–including money. Midway through the fall football season, how is your wallet feeling? If you feel like it’s been tackled one too many times, read our tips for redeeming yourself the rest of the season.
TALL TAILS
Tailgating is an art I’ve seen done elegantly, as well excessively. While you’re expected to have plenty of cold drinks and a grill, filet mignon and lobster may be a bit much.
- Go with burgers and brats instead of clam bakes and pig roasts.
- Leave the competing to the players. Don’t try to outdo another partygoer and forego the gambling by opting for Fantasy Sports instead.
- Split the cost of everything with your buddies, including the shopping list, or host a potluck.
- Stick with your team colors and ignore all that extra gear…do you really need that cheese head or #1 finger?
- Avoid using a paid parking spot by tailgating in alternative free areas with your friends: free student lots, your driveway, nearby parks, or recreation areas.
CHEAP TRIP
Your team needs support away from home, too. So for those of you with the time and money to travel to away games, here are a few tips to save a buck or two.
- Phone a Friend: Pile as many friends into your car as you safely can and split the cost of fuel.
- Camp or visit gamedayhousing.com or couchsurfing.com to get a low-cost alternative to a hotel.
ANYONE NEED TICKETS?
It’s no secret that one of the most expensive fandom fares is the ticket to the game. So here are a few strategies for snagging a great deal and ensuring you’re in the stands.
- Take advantage of group rates and student and alumni discounts. Sometimes you just have to ask.
- Purchase tickets as far ahead of time as you can when buying from the box office.
- Check out sites such as Craigslist, eBay, and StubHub for last-minute deals from ticket holders no longer going.
- Create a savings account for those games on your “can’t-miss list.” Give it a catchy nickname that will stick with you like “Play-off Party,” “Bowl Bound,” or “Can’t Miss Kickoff”. And most importantly, put the deposits on autopilot so you don’t miss the money or the tailgate party.
DA BARES
…Bare essentials that is. When you prefer or can only afford to watch the game on TV, you have a few choices. You can spring for that expensive sports package with 100+ channels or:
- Swap Doritos for games at your friends’ houses that have sports packages
- Take advantage of game day discounts at local sports bars
- Watch games on the local channels
