Game Day Can Take Your Wallet to New Lows
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We are almost halfway into the football season. Whether you are at home, at the stadium or snacking at a sports bar and you already know being a football fan can get a little pricey. How can you be a dedicated fan of football without breaking the bank and have a little left over for the savings account. Below are some recommendations for locking in a budgeting touchdown.
Going to the Game
There's nothing like going to the game to watch your favorite team. From tailgating to cheering with the fans, there's nothing better than the camaraderie and energy in the stands. But, you can burn through a lot of money when you head off to the stadium. Tailgate parties can be fun but they have their costs. Ticket prices are steep because of the popularity of the game. Add that to the cost of snacks, beverages and souvenirs, you can quickly see how game day expenses could get out of hand.
When obtaining cheap tickets for the game, make sure you check out reseller websites (NFL Ticket Exchange or StubHub) for all the best deals. Especially if your team is not doing very well you could get some great bargains. If you happen to be traveling to the game, you might want to use hotel or airline points to save some money. Or, if you are driving, consider taking a bus or shuttle so you do not have to pay for parking.
As mentioned above, creating a "tailgate buffet" can be an inexpensive way to save on game day. To save on the tailgate itself, make it a potluck, where everyone brings a dish to share or split the cost of food between all tailgaters. The objective of the tailgate is to celebrate with your fans, so do not worry about serving exotic foods. Keep it simple so you can focus on fun.
Opt for Your Own Couch
Watching the game at home will be the most budget-friendly possibility. If you want to watch the game with your friends you can always throw a potluck or throw money into a hat and order out.
Not in the mood for a party? Get your game day food at your local market. Be sure to check and see what items are on sale for the weekend. You might even think about buying some game day items in bulk from your local wholesale club. That can save you a lot over the course of the reminder of the football season. Best of all, you will be able to eat inexpensively in the comfort of your own living room while enjoying the game.
You can also dump your cable. The cable and satellite companies charge a large monthly fee for a football package on top of your existing cable bill. There is a cheaper option. You can access your local network games with an antenna or you might try a streaming service like Sling TV. There are many inexpensive options out there for sports fans.
Heading Out to the Sports Bar
If you want to be cool and high-five with strangers while you watch your team, then a sports bar is the place to go. Just be prepared to spend a lot of money chest pumping with your fellow sport aficionados. Make sure you take advantage of the game day food specials. Or check Yelp and other social media sites for check-in deals. You can always bring friends with you and you can split the cost of your beverages and appetizers.
Hopefully these tips will help you enjoy the rest of the football season without breaking the bank. I hope we have illustrated you do not have to dish out major bucks to enjoy your favorite sporting event. It's all about creating your ultimate experience within your personal budget parameters.
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