Best bet for Spring Training Tix?

[Hitdogg73]

Family and I are going to be in the area the next couple days I wanted to take in a couple games. Any advice on that that four tickets? The main MLB site makes it look like it’s pretty much sold out all games. The aftermarket sites like StubHub seem pretty pricey for good seats. Are there any fan ticket exchanges? Or can I just walk up and get tickets from a scalper? Any advice appreciated!

 

Brendan

[diehardtwinsfan]

just go up to the ticket counter. I've been there a couple times and never had issues getting tickets... though I've not bought for a family of 4... 

[ashbury]

Unless you are going to today's game vs Pittsburgh, the home games this weekend are against the Red Sox and the Yankees, and both those opponents' fans usually soak up all the supply. I see Standing Room is available for purchase, but presumably that's not a good option for you. Unless you can hang around until Mon/Tue (Red Wings and then Colorado), your choices will be few and expensive on the aftermarket, as you've discovered.

 

As Diehard said, you can go to the ticket counter and see if you can beg for 4 tickets - I think their process is that they release their last few tickets on first-come first-served basis day of game (they hold some back in case players' families etc show up), but you should check in advance for how to do it - I seem to recall something about all the people in your group needing to be there in line, so that they don't have some scalper in line saying "I need twelve". For a game with these opponents, your chances may not be good, since their hordes of fans know the process too. Fate favors the persistent.

 

An alternative would be to go up the freeway to Sarasota and watch the Twins against the Orioles there on Saturday. Usually you see more backups and fewer starters from the visiting team, but a few starters make the trip and at least it's something. I like Hammond better than their ballpark but it's pleasant enough.

[LimestoneBaggy]

 

An alternative would be to go up the freeway to Sarasota and watch the Twins against the Orioles there on Saturday. Usually you see more backups and fewer starters from the visiting team, but a few starters make the trip and at least it's something. I like Hammond better than their ballpark but it's pleasant enough.

 

On a lark, last time I was in town for Spring Training, I brought the family to Sarasota for a Twins/Orioles game. I can second that Hammond is better, but Ed Smith has a good vibe to it that I really enjoyed. 

 

--> And the O's fans were very hospitable.

[Steve Lein]

Go early and hangout in the complex. Tailgate, play catch, watch the action on the back fields. Make sure to be there when the ticket counter opens. Usually they have some tickets available on game day. Otherwise, you will find scalpers around. Can vary what they'll ask for depending on the day and whom they're playing.

[ashbury]

Family and I are going to be in the area the next couple days I wanted to take in a couple games.

I wanted to add, depending on who makes up the "family", it's possible that you'll have a great experience by skipping the major league game that day and just attending the minor league games on the back fields. You still have to pay for parking, but the games themselves are free, and are rarely crowded. If you are bringing little children, maybe the major league experience is too much for them anyway, and they'll enjoy wandering safely between the multiple games/activities behind the various fences. There are no concession stands there, so you would bring in your own treats. Games start a little randomly, usually noon or 1 pm - I'm sure if you call ahead they will give you the particulars for that day. A little like attending a high school game at a small school, except at a higher level of skill, and our players have Twins on their jerseys. Just a thought.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

I wanted to add, depending on who makes up the "family", it's possible that you'll have a great experience by skipping the major league game that day and just attending the minor league games on the back fields. You still have to pay for parking, but the games themselves are free, and are rarely crowded. If you are bringing little children, maybe the major league experience is too much for them anyway, and they'll enjoy wandering safely between the multiple games/activities behind the various fences. There are no concession stands there, so you would bring in your own treats. Games start a little randomly, usually noon or 1 pm - I'm sure if you call ahead they will give you the particulars for that day. A little like attending a high school game at a small school, except at a higher level of skill, and our players have Twins on their jerseys. Just a thought.

I second this suggestion. Just go and pay for parking. Bring some snacks, if you can’t get tix for the big leagues, watch the minors in the backfields.

 

Minor league games are loads of fun.

[NumberThree]

I think any tickets being held back open up an hour before game time. But, if it's other teams turning back tickets that are unused, I think that can happen any time. I think what Steve suggested above is a really good plan, depending on the ages of your kids. And maybe they are young enough, that watching the minor leaguers go at it is good enough ... and would be less expensive. But bring water and snacks as concessions are not sold on the back fields. Also ... home games against the Yankees and Red Sox ... the parking will be packed. Go early even if you have tickets!

[Halsey Hall]

I've seen people selling tickets for face value out front.  Not sure any games have been sellouts this yer.