Getting Tickets and Accommodations
Buy tickets online as soon as you know you’re going. Tickets to the All-Star game go on sale nearly a year in advance on the MLB website and typically sell out quickly, although they’ll remain available on third-party websites until the last minute. Prices will also increase in the days leading up to the Game. To buy from the MLB website, go to https://www.mlb.com/all-star/tickets/ If you’re buying from a third-party, stick to sites that you’re familiar with, like StubHub. Research your site before making a purchase to ensure that it’s reputable.
Choose seats based on your price range and availability. Stadiums offer standing room only tickets at significantly cheaper prices, around $180 about a week out from the event. These are great for fans looking to save money who don’t mind standing or walking during the game. Seats are typically still available up to the last minute for much higher prices, around $500 or more. Tickets will also get more expensive the closer you are to the field.
Get tickets to cheaper events, like the Home Run Derby and the FanFest. MLB All-Star week includes other well-known activities, competitions, and traditions. You can head to these festivities before the All-Star Game, or skip the expensive game itself and just enjoy the cheaper activities. To see the full roster of events, go to https://www.mlb.com/all-star/schedule. Tickets to these events will go on sale at the same time as the game on the MLB website, https://www.mlb.com/all-star/tickets/, as well as on third-party sites. These secondary events tend not to sell out as quickly, and their prices won’t climb quite as high. It’s still best to buy as early as you can, though, especially for fan-favorite events like the Home Run Derby.
Look out for counterfeit tickets. Make sure to buy all tickets—to the All-Star Game and other events—through verified ticket sellers, like the MLB or StubHub, which has a relationship with the MLB. Fake tickets are most often sold by individual sellers outside the stadium before the Game, so be sure to avoid purchasing there in particular. To make sure your tickets are legitimate, look for its unique barcode, plus special inks and watermarks. Official souvenir tickets will often have raised lettering as well. Avoid counterfeit merchandise as well. Purchase merchandise and souvenirs from legitimate sellers, and check the gear to make sure it has a sewn-in or screen-printed label with an authorization by the MLB.
Figure out your travel and accommodations as early as you can. If you’re traveling to the Game, make sure to buy tickets and figure out your lodgings as soon as possible. Host cities tend to get crowded and expensive, so the earlier you can buy travel and accommodations, the more you can save. In 2018, the All-Star game is being hosted at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. In 2019, the host city is Cleveland. You can also look into alternative (and sometimes cheaper), app-based options like AirBnB or Couchsurfing. Staying near the stadium will make your commute easier and put you at the heart of the action, but will likely be more expensive.
Attending the Game
Walk or take public transportation to the stadium to avoid traffic. Most host cities provide convenient public transportation to and from the game, although trains, metros, and busses will likely be crowded. If you’re staying near the stadium, you can also go by foot to avoid the crowds and cost. Check public transportation schedules for your best option before and after the game. Cities typically provide extra service for fans heading to the game, but knowing exact departure times can help you avoid getting stranded. You can also take a cab or ride-share car, although you might hit traffic as it gets closer to game time.
Pay for parking for convenience. To park as close to the stadium as possible, buy an official parking pass from the host stadium. You can also park in surrounding, non-affiliated lots, for a separate fee. With either option, make sure to arrive early to secure the most convenient spot. Buying an official parking pass online should guarantee you a spot, but they tend to be more expensive than street parking and can sell out. Research outside parking options before the game to make sure you know what’s available. In stadiums located in downtown areas, these parking areas tend to be more limited. Remember to never drink and drive. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the All-Star Game, but keep safety as your number one priority.
Get to the game a few hours ahead of time to enjoy all the festivities. The stadium will usually open at least 4 hours before first pitch for fans to explore the grounds, buy food, and enjoy pre-game entertainment. Heading into the stadium early will give you a good chance of avoiding major crowds, but you can also hang out in the surrounding areas to explore outside festivities. The host stadium also typically offers a free giveaway, like a bobblehead, to the first 15,000 or so fans who enter the stadium.
Check stadium guidelines so you know what to pack. Most baseball stadiums don’t allow open beverages, or require a specific bag or bag size. Check the security guidelines online before you get to the stadium to avoid any hold-ups in line.
Monitor the weather and dress appropriately. The All-Star Game isn’t called the Midsummer Classic for nothing—it’s always held in the middle of July, which can mean serious heat in many parts of the country. Check the weather the day before and make sure to dress in cool clothes and bring sunscreen, especially if the stadium is open-air. Even if the stadium is indoor, bring sun protection if you’re planning to spend time at outdoor activities before the game. Factor in the time of the game as well. Most All-Star Games are in the evening, but the sun can still be powerful if you arrive in the afternoon.
Walk around the park to check out decorations and festivities. When you’re not glued to your seat enjoying big hits and big plays from baseball’s biggest stars, try to walk around the stadium and enjoy the decorations and entertainment and meet fans from all over the country. Fit in your stadium sightseeing before the game or between innings so you don’t miss any of the action. Host cities also tend to pull out all the stops for on-field entertainment between innings, so make sure to stay put for a few of those as well.
Stick around for post-game ceremonies. After the game, wait to watch the trophy presentation and announcement of the game’s MVP. You’ll be able to hear interviews with different players and see your favorite stars celebrate before calling it a night. These ceremonies typically last 15-30 minutes. Staying to watch might make traffic more bearable, but if you opted for public transportation, remember to check the schedule beforehand to make sure you don’t miss the last ride.
Enjoying the Full Experience
Get to the host city early in the week to attend as many events as you can. All-Star Game festivities usually start the week before the game, with multiple events often stacked on each day. If you’re looking to head to as many events as possible, check a schedule and plan to get there a week or so before the game. For a full listing of events, including dates and times, see https://www.mlb.com/all-star/schedule. Create an itinerary so you can make sure to hit all your high-priority events. Check out other activities in the host city as well. There are lots of parties and a festive, exciting atmosphere in the days leading up to the game that you don’t need special tickets to enjoy.
Check which players are on the teams and choose a side to root for. Tune in to the All-Star roster announcements to see who you’ll be watching at the Game. Root for your league or the team with your favorite players, or just enjoy the great plays and hits from both sides of the field.
Head to the FanFest early in the week to avoid crowds. The FanFest, an interactive baseball “theme park” set up in the host city, stays open throughout the week, so going early will ensure shorter lines and smaller crowds. The FanFest features batting cages, fielding games, mascots, and lots of exhibits and memorabilia, making it a great stop for baseball fans of any age. The FanFest also hosts signings and meet-and-greets with baseball pros and retired legends and features Theme Days and giveaways of items like bobbleheads. The FanFest is typically held at a convention center away from the stadium, so make sure to figure out parking and transportation before you go.
Go to the Home Run Derby to see your favorite sluggers aim for the fences. The popular Home Run Derby is a competition for baseball’s biggest hitters to see who can hit the most home runs, making one of the more entertaining events beyond the actual All-Star Game. It’s typically held the day before the game, and tickets can be just as expensive as the game itself, so buy as early as you can. Seats in the outfield, where the home runs land, tend to go the fastest and cost the most.
Go to the All-Star Futures Game to see up-and-coming talent. For a taste of All-Star excitement with a lower price tag than the actual game, head to the Futures Game. It’s a slightly different format than the major league game, pitting minor league All-Stars against each other in a U.S. Team vs. World Team game. The teams are often coached by former MLB stars as well. The Futures Game takes place a few days before the All-Star Game, and is typically more affordable.
Check smaller events unique to the host city. Host cities use the All-Star Game as a chance to showcase their own unique culture and attractions. When you need a break from baseball, check out these smaller events and parties, or simply take a walk through the city’s downtown area to see the sights. Events can range from dinners and viewing parties to 5K runs and beyond. Check the All-Star Week schedule to see what unique events are being offered.
Follow the All Star Game on social media to keep up with events. In the weeks leading up to the All-Star Game, you can get up-to-date information from the Game’s official social media accounts. You can also see behind-the-scenes event setup, get information about rosters, and be the first to know about giveaways and specials. To follow on Twitter, search for the All-Star Game’s official handle, @AllStarGame. You can also keep up on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MLBAllStarGame/.
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