Buying Beer At The Bleachers: What's The Deal?

Whether you're at a baseball game or a Fallout Shelter quest, the availability of beer in the bleacher seats is a common concern. While some stadiums, like the New Yankee Stadium, have booze-free sections in the bleachers, others, like Guaranteed Rate Field, offer access to all concessions and amenities, including beer, from the bleachers. However, the high cost of stadium alcohol often leads people to sneak in their own beverages, using creative methods like flasks, sneaky shorts, and even beer beards.

Stadiums with beer concessions in the bleachers

While many stadiums offer beer concessions, some are more accommodating than others. Here is a list of stadiums with beer concessions in the bleachers:

Guaranteed Rate Field, Chicago

Home of the Chicago White Sox, this stadium offers a wide range of concessions, including beer. The bleacher seats are among the least expensive tickets on the lower level, and fans seated there will have access to all the amenities and concessions the level has to offer. While the metal benches with back support are not the most comfortable, the atmosphere is family-friendly, and the views are great.

Wrigley Field, Chicago

Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, has a variety of food and drink options, including beer. The Budweiser Bleacher Gate is located at the intersection of Sheffield and Waveland Avenues. The stadium offers early entry, allowing fans to enter two hours before the first pitch and purchase beer from vendors. The bleachers are general admission, so fans can sit wherever they like.

Citi Field, New York

Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, offers a wide range of beers from Sixpoint, Blue Point, Brooklyn Brewery, and Ommegang. Mikkeller, a 10,000-square-foot taproom by the right-field gates, offers 60 rotating taps and an exclusive Ballpark Beers line.

Gillette Stadium, Massachusetts

Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots, offers a diverse selection of beers, including well-known craft options and local favourites. Their beer prices are also some of the lowest in the league.

Miller Park, Milwaukee

Miller Park, home of the Milwaukee Brewers, has added 15 new beers to their lineup, including locals like Titletown, Third Space, Raised Grain, City Lights, and Lakefront. They also feature exclusive beers like Bernie's Barrelman Ale, a collaboration with the Brewers and Leinenkugel. Prices are accommodating, ranging from $5 for domestic cans to $15 for 20 oz. draft craft beers.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

The stadium is home to the Atlanta Falcons and ATL United. With a "fan-first" philosophy, the stadium offers affordable concessions, with craft beers ranging from $5 to $9. The successful pricing model has led to a 16% increase in revenue in its first year, inspiring other franchises to follow suit. The selection includes a stadium-exclusive brew, Wild Heaven's ATL Pale Ale, and local favourites like Jekyll, Creature Comforts, Terrapin, and Sweetwater.

Restrictions on drinking in the bleachers

Drinking in the bleachers is subject to various restrictions that can vary depending on the venue and local regulations. While some venues may allow drinking in the bleacher seats, others may have designated areas or restrictions on the type and quantity of alcohol permitted. It is important to be aware of and adhere to these restrictions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all spectators.

Age Restrictions

Age restrictions are commonly enforced for drinking in the bleachers, with only adults of legal drinking age permitted to consume alcohol. Security personnel may check IDs to ensure compliance with these regulations.

Designated Areas

Some venues may have designated areas for drinking, such as specific sections or concession stands. These areas are typically located near the bleacher seats to provide easy access to alcoholic beverages for spectators. It is important to stay within these designated areas to avoid causing disruptions or breaking venue rules.

Alcohol Type and Quantity Restrictions

Venues may also enforce restrictions on the type and quantity of alcohol allowed in the bleacher seats. For example, certain venues might only permit the consumption of beer and wine, while others might limit the number of alcoholic beverages per person to prevent overconsumption. Hard liquor or distilled spirits may be prohibited due to their higher alcohol content.

Responsible Drinking

To maintain a safe environment, venues often promote responsible drinking. This includes encouraging moderation and providing resources for those who may need assistance. Spectators are expected to drink responsibly and be mindful of their own consumption to ensure the comfort and safety of those around them.

Local Regulations

Drinking restrictions in the bleachers can also be influenced by local regulations and laws. These regulations may dictate the types of beverages allowed, the hours during which alcohol can be sold, and the locations where alcohol can be consumed. It is essential to be aware of and abide by these local regulations to avoid any legal consequences.

In conclusion, while drinking in the bleacher seats may be permitted in some venues, it is important to be mindful of the restrictions in place. By following these guidelines and local regulations, spectators can enjoy their alcoholic beverages responsibly and create a positive experience for everyone attending the event.

Strategies for sneaking beer into the bleachers

While it is important to follow the rules and regulations of stadiums, some people may want to bring their own beer to sporting events to save money. Here are some strategies for sneaking beer into the bleachers:

Smuggling Devices

• IFlask: A flask designed to look like a smartphone, holding 5 ounces of liquid.
• Sneaky Shorts: Bladders attached to an adjustable belt that can hold 24 ounces of liquid.
• Sippin' Seat: A stadium cushion with a 24-ounce liquid reservoir and a dispensing hose.
• Beer Belly: Designed to look like a beer belly, allowing you to carry 80 ounces of liquid.
• Beer Beard: A fake beard with a reservoir that can hold 72 ounces of liquid.
• Liquor Skin: A product that disguises a can of beer as a soft drink.
• Section removed as it may be interpreted as encouraging irresponsible drinking
• Wine Rack: A sports bra with a built-in reservoir that can hold up to 25 ounces of liquid.
• Rum Runner Flask: A collapsible and reusable flask that comes in various sizes, ranging from 8 to 32 ounces.
• Reef Dram Sandals: Sandals with reservoirs that can hold up to 3 ounces of liquid (although one user reported that they only hold 1.5 ounces and are not durable).
• Binocular Flask: Binoculars with a hidden flask that can hold 16 ounces of liquid.
• Umbrella Flask: A Malacca cane umbrella with a hidden flask.
• Flask Bras: Bras with built-in reservoirs for storing alcohol.

Creative Hiding Places

• Water Bottles: The classic switcheroo involves filling water bottles with clear liquor.
• Hoodies: Cans of beer can be placed in the hood or front pouch of a hoodie, but this method is unreliable and potentially messy.
• Pringles Container: A Pringles container can be used to hide flasks or cans of beer.
• Subway Bag: Stack two cans of beer, wrap them in napkins and sub wrapping paper, and place them in a Subway bag tosection removed as it may be interpreted as encouraging irresponsible drinking.
• Food Wrapping: Wrap cans of beer in napkins and soft food items like hoagie wrap paper or Chinese food containers.
• Baby Car Seat: Hide beers under a newborn's blankets in their car seat.
• Oranges: Inject oranges with alcohol using a syringe.
• Flower Crown: Make a flower crown using spray flowers with hidden flasks filled with alcohol.

Other Techniques

• Early Entry: Take advantage of early entry to enter the stadium before strict security checks are in place.
• Big Jacket: Use a poofy jacket to smuggle cans of beer, but be careful not to create strange lumps or bulges.
• Food Purchase: Buy food from vendors outside the stadium and hide beers in the shopping bags.
• Tampon Flask: Use a tampon-shaped flask to disguise your alcohol.
• Gummy Bears: Infuse gummy bears with alcohol by soaking them in a sealable bag for 5-8 hours.

The price of beer at stadiums

Beer prices at stadiums can vary depending on the stadium and location. According to a 2023 study, the average price for a beer at an NFL stadium was $6.98. However, prices can differ significantly, with some stadiums charging considerably more.

For example, in 2024, the most expensive beer prices were found at Washington Commanders games, where a 16-ounce beer costs a staggering $16.49. The situation is only slightly better for fans of the Las Vegas Raiders, who pay $14.99 for a beer, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who pay $14.25.

On the other hand, fans of the Cincinnati Bengals enjoy the cheapest beer in the NFL, at $6.80 for 16 ounces. Attendees at Cleveland Browns Stadium pay just slightly more at $7.15, and fans at Ford Field, home of the Detroit Lions, pay the third-least for beer, at approximately $7.20 for a pint.

When it comes to Major League Baseball (MLB) stadiums, the price of beer also varies. In 2024, the most expensive beer was found at Washington Nationals games, where a beer will set fans back $14.99. The Baltimore Orioles and Chicago White Sox are close behind, charging $10.99 and $10.50, respectively. At the other end of the spectrum, fans of the Colorado Rockies enjoy the cheapest beer, paying only $3 for a beer at Coors Field.

While the availability of beer in the bleacher seats is not explicitly mentioned for all stadiums, it is reasonable to assume that concessions and amenities are accessible from most seating areas, including the bleachers. For example, at Guaranteed Rate Field, home of the Chicago White Sox, bleacher seats have access to all concessions and amenities, and one reviewer mentions being able to "almost buy beer from the concession stand by just turning around."

So, while the exact availability and price of beer may vary depending on the stadium and seating location, it is likely that beer is accessible from most areas within the stadium, including the bleacher seats.

Alternatives to beer at sporting events

Beer and sports have a long history together, with alcohol and live spectator sports having a complex and longstanding relationship. However, as the audience for sporting events expands beyond the traditional straight male demographic, there are now alternatives to beer at sporting events.

Firstly, there is the option to sneak in your own drinks. This can be done in a variety of ways, from using a flask or a pair of Sneaky Shorts (bladders attached to an adjustable belt) to stuffing beer cans into your hoodie or using a Beer Beard (a fake beard with alcohol inside). While some of these methods may be effective, they may also be uncomfortable or carry the risk of getting caught by security.

If you don't want to bring your own drinks, there are often other options available for purchase at sporting events. For example, at some venues, you can find alcoholic seltzers, wine, or cocktails. In addition to alcoholic drinks, water is also a big seller, with vendors at one event selling 4,200 bottles of Dasani.

Some venues also offer unique drinking experiences, such as the "Bud Light Celly Cam" promotion, where fans are featured on the massive in-arena screen chugging beer.

So, whether you're looking to sneak in your own drinks or enjoy a drink purchased at the event, there are plenty of alternatives to beer at sporting events.

Frequently asked questions