The Major League Baseball All-Star Game is one of the most anticipated sporting events of the summer. Often referred to simply as the “Midsummer Classic”, it brings together the best players from the American and National Leagues for an exhibition game in July. But how much does it actually cost to attend the All-Star Game in person?
Ticket Prices
The first major cost associated with attending the MLB All-Star Game is purchasing tickets. Ticket prices can vary significantly depending on the specific game location and seat location within the stadium. In 2022, tickets to see the All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium had the following approximate price points:
Seat Location | Price Range |
---|---|
Upper Deck | $150 – $250 |
Field Level | $350 – $500 |
Infield Box | $500 – $750 |
Dugout | $1,000+ |
As you can see, prices rise significantly the closer your seats are to field level or the dugouts. In general, expect to pay at minimum around $150 per ticket just for upper deck seating. Field level seats will run you $350 or more per ticket, while the most premium seats can cost over $1,000 each.
Ticket Availability
Another factor that impacts All-Star Game ticket prices is simple supply and demand. Only around 54,000 tickets are available in the host stadium, even though demand from fans is much higher across the entire country. Season ticket holders for the host team are usually given the first opportunity to purchase All-Star Game tickets before the general public.
Given the limited supply and huge demand, All-Star Game tickets sell out very quickly once they go on sale to the general public. As a result, the secondary ticket market is often the only way to obtain tickets within just a couple months of the game itself. Prices are almost always marked up substantially on secondary sites like StubHub compared to face value prices.
Travel Costs
Since the MLB All-Star Game location changes every year, fans will likely incur significant travel costs to attend the game in person. These costs can include:
- Airfare to the host city
- Ground transportation in the host city (rental car, taxis, public transit)
- Hotel accommodations
- Food and beverage
Airfare alone can easily be $300+ roundtrip per person. Hotel rates also see a spike during All-Star week, with average nightly rates over $200. Food, transportation, and other incidentals can add another $100+ per day. For a two or three day trip, expect total travel costs of $1,000+ per person to attend the All-Star Game.
Total Cost Breakdown
Factoring together tickets and travel, here is an estimated total cost per person to attend the MLB All-Star Game:
Expense | Estimated Cost |
---|---|
Game Ticket | $150 – $1,000+ |
Flight | $300 – $500 |
Hotel | $400 – $600 |
Food & Transport | $200 – $300 |
Total Trip Cost | $1,000 – $2,500+ |
As you can see, the total cost can range from around $1,000 per person for budget upper deck seats and shared hotel rooms, to $2,500+ for premium tickets, airfare, and hotels. With two people, expect the total trip to run $2,000 on the low end and up to $5,000+ on the high end. This is a significant investment, but for hardcore baseball fans the chance to see the All-Star Game live is a bucket list sporting event.
How To Save on Costs
If your budget is more limited, there are a few ways to try and save on costs to attend the MLB All-Star Game:
- Buy upper deck tickets – You can save 50% or more versus lower level ticket prices.
- Stay farther away from downtown – Hotel rates drop significantly as you move further from central city locations.
- Fly budget airlines – Carriers like Spirit have cheap airfare if you pack lightly and don’t mind no frills.
- Pool travel costs with friends – Sharing rides and hotel rooms can lower costs per person.
If you live within driving distance of the host city, that also eliminates the need for airfare and can reduce food costs by packing your own snacks and drinks. Every bit of savings counts when trying to stick to a budget for the All-Star Game.
Is It Worth the Money?
Only you can decide if attending the MLB All-Star Game is worth the significant travel expenses and ticket costs. For many hardcore baseball fans, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s worth scrimping and saving for. But it’s also fine to just enjoy the game from the comfort of your home on TV!
One creative way to experience the All-Star Game festivities on a budget is to travel to the host city without attending the game itself. You can soak up the excitement during Monday’s Home Run Derby and other fan activities without entering the stadium. But nothing truly replicates seeing the stars of summer play live.
The Bottom Line
Expect to spend around $1,000 per person at a minimum to attend the MLB All-Star Game. While upper deck tickets can start under $200, when you factor in travel, hotels, food and transportation, total costs often exceed $2,500+ per person. With great sacrifice, you can trim expenses through budget travel hacks. For many fans, the lifetime memories are worth the money and effort.