What To Pack For A Baseball Game

Getting somewhere and realizing you forgot to pack something is one of the worst feelings. So, to help you avoid that, we put together the ultimate list of packing lists.

We have lists for attractions like the zoo or waterpark, a carry-on packing list if you’re flying, and more.

What To Pack For A Baseball Game

Fanatics sponsored this post and we got a bunch of our team gear for our next baseball game from the brand to help create this post.

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Game Essentials

This section is filled with your non-negotiables: everything you need to get into the game and to be comfortable while you’re there.

Stadium-Approved Bag

A lot of stadiums have bag policies now. Some allow a small clutch purse and others require a clear bag so all of your contents can be seen when you’re going through security.

Citi Field, where I go most often, allows the very popular Bogg Bag, even though it’s not a clear bag. But, it still has to fit into the stadium’s size requirements. The Mets-branded Bogg Bags come in three sizes, and only the smaller two sizes fit within the guidelines, so keep that in mind when you’re ordering.

I really like that bag because it’s super sturdy, dries very quickly, is easy to clean, and holds everything that you need for a baseball game. Plus, they’re super on trend right now.

Phone & Portable Charger

We just mentioned how important it is for you to have your phone because you may need it to access your tickets. It’s also important to make sure your phone is charged.

Sure, you’ll be watching the game. But, you’ll also be taking a ton of videos of you and your friends in the stands and your favorite player on the field.

So, pack a portable charger — and make sure its charged. That way, you’ll have it in case you need to call and Uber, if you need a GPS to get to your next stop, etc.

Credit/debit card

More stadiums are going cashless now. And not all of them have technology that allows you to pay with Apple Pay or another app. So, you want to make sure that you have your credit or debit card with you because you may not be able to get a jumbo hotdog at the concession stand with cash.

If you want to look like the ultimate fan, you can buy a team branded wallet to hold your credit card (and, honestly, maybe a little cash in case the stadium’s card readers go down). Then, take that bad boy out when it’s time to pay and you’ll impress all the other fans around you.

Comfort & Weather Protection

This section has everything you need to enjoy the game no matter the weather, from hot sun to cool nights to sudden rain delays.

Layers

Baseball games are three hours long — and that’s not including extra innings. It’s the only sport where they’re like, “Oh my gosh, this has been going on forever. Let’s build in a reason for you to stretch.”

It also means that the outfit you wear on the way in may not be the same exact outfit you wear on the way out. It can warm up during the day if it’s a 1 pm start. And, if it’s a 7:05 start that goes into extra innings, it can cool down.

So, you have to be prepared for all weather. If not, you’re running into that overpriced team store to buy appropriate clothing.

If it’s a nice day, start in a team tank top or a t-shirt and throw a sweatshirt in your bag. Then, when the sun starts to set, grab that sweatshirt and avoid being cold.

You may also want to start the day in a baseball cap to block the sun off of your face. You can take it off if your head gets sweaty or flip it inside out if you need a rally cap in the ninth.

Bug Spray

Depending on what stadium you’re going to and what time of year it is, you’re going to have to deal with some type of bug. I mean, you’re sitting outside. That’s the bugs’ home.

We have to deal with no-see-ums in North Carolina when we go watch our local collegiate baseball team play and the only thing that works is Buggins spray. There’s one for gnats and no-see-ums and another one for mosquitoes. We have both and use either one depending on the time of year.

Bring both of these with you to the game and apply them so that your hands are free to catch foul balls and not swatting at bugs all game.

Sunscreen

Since you’re sitting outside at a baseball game with very little cover (unless you’re sitting in the nosebleed seats), wear sunscreen to protect your skin.

You’ll probably apply some before you leave the house so that you’re wearing it while you’re standing on the line to get into the stadium before the game begins. But, you’ll probably want to reapply it at least once during the game. So, don’t forget to pack it.

Sunglasses

Most baseball games start during the day, when it’s light out. So, you want to protect your eyes with sunglasses.

You don’t want to be squinting when your favorite player gets up to bat and miss an exciting play because the sun’s in your eyes.

You can pick up cute baseball-themed sunglasses so if you get on the Jumbotron at the game, you look great.

Poncho Or Umbrella

We’ve all been to at least one rainy baseball game. If it’s a light rain, the game goes on. Which is not enjoyable if you’re not prepared.

You can usually bring umbrellas into MLB stadiums (although we do suggest that you check the stadium’s policy because they can vary).

In case you can’t bring your umbrella, you can bring a poncho. A poncho is actually nicer for the fans around you because you’re not blocking their view (as you would be with an umbrella). It’s also easier for you because ponchos fold up and fit in your bag a lot easier than an umbrella.

Fun tip. Pack your poncho in a ziptop plastic bag (or a wet bathing suit bag, if you have one). Then, when you’re done wearing it, you can fold it and put it back into its bag. That’ll prevent it from getting everything else in your bag wet.

Reusable Hand Warmers

When I went to a game for my brother’s birthday last year, we sat in the party section. That was great because it was the middle of summer and those premium seats had air conditioning. For fall games, there is build-in heat.

But, if you’re sitting in a regular section, you don’t get that technology. So, if it’s cold, you get cold.

So, for those games, pack a pair of reusable hand warmers. I prefer them over the single-use ones because you can charge them via USB and reuse them anytime.

The pair we have is magnetic, too, so they’re really easy to keep together and assure they don’t get lost in your bag.

Portable Fan

I bought two pocket-sized portable fans last summer after borrowing one from someone at an outdoor concert, and I don’t know why I didn’t buy them sooner. It’s perfect for taking with you to a baseball game, too.

Portable fans are a perfect way to cool you off on those hot summer afternoons (without having to fold your program into a homemade fan).

Our portable fans also have a phone charger, so we don’t have to pack an extra portable charger. One less thing to pack means one less thing to potentially forget.

Food, Drinks & Hydration

This section has everything you need to stay fed and hydrated so you’re not overspending at the concession stand.

Water Bottle Or Empty Plastic Cups

When you’re sitting outside in the sun for three hours, you’re gonna get thirsty.

Yes, you can buy a drink at the concession stands, but if you’re trying to make this into a frugal outing, bring a water bottle. Once you finish it, you can refill it at the water fountains around the concourse to make sure that you stay hydrated.

Most stadiums allow you to bring in one factory-sealed, clear plastic water bottle per person. You can also bring in plastic cups, so if you have a team-branded plastic cup from a souvenir soda from last game, bring that back.

I’m sure you love your team-branded YETI cups, but you can’t bring insulated metal thermoses into the stadium.

Snacks

One of my favorite reasons for going to a baseball game is to eat all the snacks. And yes, there are some fun stadium snacks, but you can also pack some to save you a little bit of money.

What you can bring in depends on the stadium, although most allow individual sized bags of chips and sandwiches. If you bought a big family-size bag of chips to tailgate in the parking lot, put the rest into smaller ziptop bags before you get to the stadium.

Check the stadium’s policy on fruit before you try to pack some too. Usually cut fruit is allowed, but whole fruit isn’t (because a whole apple can turn into a dangerous projectile real fast if the fans start getting angry when a team is losing).

Tailgate & Cleanup Essentials

This section has everything you need to set up (and take down) a fun tailgate before the game.

Bluetooth Speaker

When we were growing up and tailgating, my dad always brought a portable AM/FM radio. We’d listen to the baseball pre-game in the parking lot while grilling hot dogs.

Now, our tailgating list has upgraded to include a team-branded Bluetooth speaker. Having the team’s pre-game playing, or even just some good music, really gets everyone in a good mood and ready to have a fun time.

Before you leave for the game, make sure that your speaker is fully charged. If not, you’ll lose your tunes and have a quiet tailgate.

Garbage Bags

Growing up, we always learned to leave somewhere neater than you found it. And that includes your tailgate.

You’re going to be creating garbage: empty cans, plastic packages for meat that you grilled, paper plates, etc. It’s your responsibility to clean that up.

So pack large plastic garbage bags and tape them to the end of your picnic table. Then, when you’re done, tie that up and throw it away in the nearest trash can.

And, if there isn’t a trash can close to where your tailgate is, put that garbage in your car and bring it home to throw away. Absolutely do not leave it behind for someone else to deal with.

Napkins/Small Cleanup Kit

When we would tailgate, we packed our own chairs and folding tables. We’d bring plastic tablecloths and throw then away for easy cleanup.

But, we’d still bring napkins and a small cleanup kit with cleaning wipes, to wipe down the tables before putting them back in the car, just in case the tablecloth ripped and something messy got on the tables.

Wipes/Hand Sanitizer

Tailgating happens outdoors and involves finger foods, like hamburgers and hot dogs. What it doesn’t always involve is proximity to a bathroom.

So if you’re putting raw meat on a grill or eating some sticky chicken wings, you’re gonna want to clean your hands. Without running water close, wipes and hand sanitizer is your next best option.

“Extras” & Personal Must-Haves

This section has everything you need to make the game luckier, more fun, and more enjoyable.

A Lucky Charm

If you’re a sports fan, you’re definitely superstitious. You have a pair of lucky socks or your child has a lucky stuffed mascot that needs to be present for your team to win.

If you forget to pack this, and your team loses, this will be why.

So, whatever that lucky thing is, make sure you pack it and bring it with you to the stadium. Especially if you’re a Mets fan. Because if the Mets’ 12 game losing streak this season was because you forgot to wear your lucky bracelet, I’m gonna be upset.

Baseball Glove

I’ve been to countless baseball games in my life and I never had a foul ball or a home run ball hit towards me, however, that didn’t stop me from bringing a baseball glove to the game. Even when we had nosebleed tickets, we had hope.

Baseball gloves do take up a lot of space in your Bogg Bag, so I wouldn’t suggest bringing one if you’re an adult because you know better.

But, if you’re bringing kids to a game, giving them the hope that they’ll have a ball hit towards them may actually be the only way to get them to sit through all nine innings.