Getting free tickets to see the New York Yankees play at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx can seem like an impossible task. The Yankees are one of the most popular and successful franchises in Major League Baseball, with 27 World Series titles to their name. Their games routinely sell out, making tickets hard to come by. Fortunately, with some effort and ingenuity, it is possible for diehard fans to score free Yankees tickets. Here are some of the best tips and tricks for getting into Yankee Stadium without paying.
Sign Up for the Yankees Email Newsletter
The Yankees send out an email newsletter with exclusive offers and promotions for ticket holders and fans. Occasionally they will include opportunities to receive free tickets to select games throughout the season. The only requirement is having an active email address. Go to the Yankees website and find the signup box on the homepage to get added to the mailing list. Then keep an eye out for free ticket giveaways in your inbox. These offers are not frequent but they do happen a few times per season. Act fast because they go quickly.
Enter Call-In Radio Contests
Sports talk radio stations like WFAN that cover the Yankees frequently run ticket giveaways and contests. Call in when prompted and enter for a chance to win anything from a pair of tickets to a whole season package. The odds of winning depend on the number of participants, but it costs nothing to enter. Radio contests are an easy way to score last minute free tickets if you get lucky. Persistence and timing are key, so listen to WFAN and other local stations closely for any Yankees ticket contests.
Follow the Yankees Social Media Accounts
The Yankees marketing team regularly posts ticket giveaways and contests on their official social media pages like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Turn on notifications so you never a miss a post. Then simply follow the directions to enter drawings and competitions. The Yankees social accounts have millions of followers, so the odds are low. But it only takes a few seconds to enter, making it worth a shot. Check back daily and enter as many contests as you can to increase your chances.
Go to Yankees Autograph Signings
Current and former Yankees players make free public appearances throughout the season for autograph signings, Q&As and photo ops. Oftentimes free tickets are provided as part of the promotion. Arrive early and inquire about ticket availability. The freebies are usually last minute standing room only tickets, but it gets you in the door at no cost. Follow Yankees players on social media for announcements about their upcoming appearances.
Attend Yankees Charity Events
The New York Yankees organization supports various charitable foundations and initiatives as part of their community outreach. They frequently host fundraisers, galas, golf outings and special events to raise money for causes like Hope Week and the Yankees Universe. Tickets to these events can be expensive, but they sometimes provide promotional free tickets as part of the package. Consider making a donation to the Yankees Foundation to get access to these ticket offers.
Go on Yankees Corporate Partners Websites
Big corporations like Bank of America, AT&T and Mobil that sponsor the Yankees sometimes run ticket promotions and contests for their customers. Check their websites and social accounts regularly for potential free ticket deals. You may have to make a purchase or open an account to qualify. But it could be worth it for the free Yankees tickets. Read all rules and restrictions carefully before participating.
Use StubHub and SeatGeek Carefully
Ticket reseller websites like StubHub and SeatGeek can occasionally have incredible deals on cheap Yankees tickets. In some rare cases, you may even find free tickets from users trying to get rid of extra seats last minute. Constantly check for newly listed free or $0 tickets in the hours leading up to first pitch. But read the fine print to ensure there are no hidden fees or restrictions.
Check Groupon and Living Social
Daily deal sites like Groupon and Living Social offer heavily discounted Yankees ticket packs from time to time. Often they are for less desirable games against weaker opponents on weeknights. But you can occasionally find free tickets bundled with other offers. Buy the deal and the tickets are included. Make sure to act fast before quantities run out.
Ask the Yankees Ticket Office
If you can prove legitimate financial hardship, the Yankees ticket office may provide you with free or heavily discounted tickets on a case by case basis. You’ll have to explain your situation and why you can’t afford to purchase tickets. Be prepared to show documentation and write a formal request letter. This only works occasionally for those truly in need like disabled veterans, hospital patients, extremely impoverished, etc.
Get a Job at Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium employees get free and discounted tickets as part of their employee benefits package. Those who work in roles like ushers, vendors, security, clean up crew, etc can request free tickets on days they are not scheduled to work. It takes making a commitment to work for the Yankees organization, but results in many free game tickets over the course of a season.
Volunteer at Yankee Stadium
The Yankees utilize volunteers year round to help with everything from operational tasks to community service initiatives. Register as a volunteer to qualify for free game tickets as a reward for your donated hours. Retirees, students and anyone with a flexible schedule can take advantage of this opportunity to provide volunteer services in exchange for free tickets.
Join the Yankees Flex Plan Wait List
The Yankees Flex Plan provides discounted ticket packages and variable game vouchers. Space in the program is extremely limited, but you can join the wait list for consideration as spots open up. Flex Plan members sometimes receive free bonus tickets in addition to the vouchers they purchase. Get on the list and cross your fingers that you eventually get in.
Tips for Getting the Best Free Tickets
Once you score free Yankees tickets, you’ll want to maximize the opportunity. Use these tips at game time to stretch your freebies into the best experience possible:
Arrive Early
Get to Yankee Stadium right when the gates open at least 2 hours before first pitch. This will provide you time to explore the stadium, watch batting practice, eat and find your seats stress free. With free tickets, you won’t have assigned seats so scout where you want to sit.
Head Upstairs
Free tickets are often for the worst areas like the bleachers or standing room only. Upgrade yourself by heading to the main concourse and grabbing an empty seat in the 100 level upstairs. Many go unused early in games. Just don’t get caught!
Avoid Peak Times
The most crowded and expensive games are Friday nights, weekends, Red Sox series and playoffs. Focus your efforts on free tickets to less popular midweek games in April and May. You’ll have more leeway to roam and enjoy the park freely.
Don’t Be Picky
Take whatever free ticket offer comes your way, even for lackluster games. Getting to experience Yankee Stadium for free even once is still worth it. You can’t be choosers – any free Yankees tickets are special.
Bring Perks
Since you didn’t pay for tickets, spend more on ballpark perks like programs, pennants and food to enhance the experience. Get the most bang for your free ticket with treats you might not splurge on normally. Yankee Stadium concessions are pricey, so bring cash.
Arrange Transportation
Nothing can ruin free tickets more than expensive parking or transit costs. Plan your commute carefully through public transportation, ride shares, buses, etc. You want maximize savings, so don’t blow it all getting to and from the Bronx.
Best Free Ticket Opportunities
Certain games and events each season offer better chances at scoring free Yankees tickets than others. Here are some of the top specific free ticket opportunities to watch for:
#1: Yankees Hope Week
The annual Yankees Hope Week occurs each June when the team performs community service and honors volunteers. Free ticket giveaways and contests happen frequently leading up to and during Hope Week itself.
#2: Postseason Strips
When the Yankees make the playoffs, full and partial postseason ticket strips go on sale to the public. The strips often come with bonus free tickets to future April and May regular season games.
#3: Old Timer’s Day
Old Timer’s Day at Yankee Stadium takes place on the final Saturday before the All-Star break with retired Yankee legends returning. It’s a popular promo event for free tickets.
#4: 2018 Field of Dreams Game
In 2022, the Yankees will play the Chicago White Sox in the iconic Field of Dreams game in Iowa. The hype and demand will make free tickets hotly contested.
#5: Pride Night
When the Yankees host an official Pride Night game, there are frequently free ticket opportunities tied to LGBTQ community events and partnerships.
#6: eCoupon Promotions
The Yankees regular text eCoupon giveaways for game tickets, apparel and concessions occasionally include free ticket offers too.
#7: 2021 Field of Dreams Game
The inaugural 2021 Field of Dreams game versus the White Sox in Dyersville, Iowa had many free ticket offers to fill the temporary stadium.
#8: 2020 London Series
In 2020, the Yankees played the rival Red Sox in the London Series overseas. Many UK-based free ticket promotions took place.
#9: 2019 Little League Classic
The 2019 MLB Little League Classic hosted by the Yankees and Indians in Williamsport, PA produced numerous free youth baseball opportunities.
#10: 1998 Yankees World Series Celebration
The Yankees will honor the 1998 championship team on Old Timer’s Day with giveaways like free ticket packages for fans.
Creative Ways to Get Free Yankees Tickets
In addition to promotions, contests and typical avenues, there are also some creative techniques avid fans use to score free Yankees tickets when all else fails. Try these outside-the-box ideas when you’ve exhausted every other option:
#1: Scalp Last Minute Giveaways
Ask fans tailgating near Yankee Stadium if they have any extra freebies or promo tickets they don’t need. People often have extras after upgrades.
#2: Buy a Cheap Standing Room Only Ticket
Use the cheap standing room only ticket as your ticket inside. Then try sneaking down to open seats after a few innings.
#3: Offer to Work for Tickets
Propose helping local Bronx businesses with odd jobs in exchange for donated tickets they may have.
#4: Capitalize on Group Size
Find a large group buying ticket blocks and ask if they have 1 or 2 extras you can buy on the cheap and tag along.
#5: Volunteer Game Day Services
Offer to work for free as a batboy, ballboy, grounds crew assistant, etc for minor league teams in exchange for Yankees tickets later.
How to Get the Most from Your Free Yankees Tickets
Follow these tips and tricks to maximize your free Yankees ticketing experience:
Get signatures
Arrive when gates open and try to get autographs at batting practice, especially if any Yankee legends are in attendance.
Buy a program
Programs have stats, rosters and great Yankee photos. Worth the cost since you didn’t pay for tickets.
Bring good walking shoes
Be prepared to walk and change seats frequently throughout the stadium over 9+ innings.
Pack food
Bring peanuts, candy, sandwiches – anything allowed to avoid inflated concession costs.
Charge your phone
You’ll want power for photos and videos to document the experience. Portable chargers help.
Do the Monument Park tour
Take advantage of free access to Monument Park and the Yankees Museum since you have a ticket.
Watch batting practice
See the Yankees take BP in person and try catching a ball. Open 2 hours before first pitch.
Arrive for gate giveaways
Don’t be late and miss Yankees player bobbleheads and other free gate promo items!
See the Bleachers Creatures
In the right field bleachers, meet the legendary roll call leading Bleachers Creatures.
Sample stadium food
Treat yourself to Yankee Stadium delicacies like garlic fries, Lobel’s steak sandwiches and chicken buckets!
Conclusion
Scoring free tickets to see the championship winning New York Yankees is no easy task. But with a mix of luck, persistence and creativity, the determined fan can still find ways into Yankee Stadium every season without paying. Sign up for Yankees promotions, enter contests, volunteer, or just get creative and flexible. With the right commitment of time and effort, you can experience the storied Yankees live in action from the Bronx on free tickets. Keep chasing giveaways, deals and sweepstakes until you finally land seats. The excitement of Yankee Stadium is worth all the hustle.