It’s summer in the city, just the time to consider America’s favorite pastime—baseball—when searching for a unique meeting venue.
Ballparks across the U.S. offer discounted tickets for groups as small as 10 guests. Of course, as your group size grows, your savings grow as well. Typically, the gates open two hours before game time. You can use that time to conduct your business or host a function. The Milwaukee Brewers, for example, have several meeting rooms with different seating capacities—some with field views, some without. You can certainly have a traditional corporate meeting with audiovisual equipment at this field.
Then, sit back and enjoy the first pitch with your employees and corporate partners. Private suites and boxes are available at most Major League Baseball fields. All-inclusive packages are often available, including a buffet of ballpark favorites from popcorn to hot dogs. Or choose more sophisticated fare, as your budget allows.
Here are some recent packages booked for groups: $98 per ticket, St. Louis Cardinals
Included: a private, 40-person room, unlimited pretzels, nachos, hot dogs, barbecued beef, grilled chicken breast, baked beans, and brownies. Soda, water, and beer were also included. Food and beverage service began half an hour before game time.
$5245 for 48 tickets, Milwaukee Brewers
Included: twelve parking passes, a private 50-person suite, and full buffet with grilled brats and hot dogs, grilled chicken breast, vegetable platter, fruit tray, souvenir snack tin, and a cookie and brownie platter. An assortment of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages also were provided. Food and beverage began one hour prior to game time.
Many minor league teams offer the same facilities and packages as major league teams, but at a more affordable price. Perhaps you need to plan an outing for hundreds of employees. On a beautiful summer evening there is no better place to be than at the ballpark cheering on your local favorites. And minor league teams offer a more casual and entertaining atmosphere. In-between inning contests, team mascots, and a Master of Ceremonies all add to the excitement.
For example, during Worcester Tornadoes games, in Worcester, Mass., kids are excited to volunteer for the many games and contests that take place on and off the field. This is a huge hit for an outing that includes families. There are even games that include an adult/parent and a child—for example, the Home Run Derby, where both hit the ball to see whose goes farthest. Games are held either on the field or in the stands between innings and also include Catch the Flying Chicken and Race the Bases with Twister (the mascot). Meanwhile, the team’s emcee, “Peterman,” runs through the stands in a plaid jacket like Monty Hall, mixing it up and dancing with the fans.
There are more than 200 minor league teams in the U.S. and Canada. You probably have one right in your own backyard!
You can even create unique giveaway items. For example, purchase the team’s hat or T-shirt and co-brand it with your company’s logo. Your guests will be impressed as your company is welcomed over the PA system and your company’s name is splashed across the scoreboard.
And there may be opportunities to give back to the community while planning your event: You could purchase group tickets at a discounted rate and use the difference between your price and face value as a contribution to your company’s favorite charity. Or consider donating any leftover tickets to a local agency that is dedicated to helping underprivileged children.
Whether you choose a day in the majors or the minors, be sure to call early, as soon as the season’s schedule is released, to ensure that you are able to book your ideal date. Working closely with the team’s group sales manager is important to be sure that all of your needs are met.
