Going to a Seattle Mariners game at T-Mobile Park can be a fun and exciting experience. As a Major League Baseball team, the Mariners attract large crowds, especially when facing off against rivals like the Los Angeles Angels or playing important games late in the season. However, Mariners tickets can be expensive, especially if you want good seats close to the action. The average ticket price for Mariners home games is around $30, but prices can go up to the hundreds for premium seats. Fortunately, there are ways to get cheap Mariners tickets and enjoy the game on a budget. Knowing where to look and certain strategies can help you find great deals on tickets to see the Mariners play.
Buy tickets for weekday or less popular games
The day and opponent the Mariners are playing can significantly impact ticket prices. In general, weekday games are cheaper than weekend games since fewer fans come out on weeknights. Similarly, games against less popular opponents or teams out of playoff contention draw smaller crowds and lower demand. Target these less in-demand games if you want the best ticket deals. For example, a Tuesday night game in September against the Oakland Athletics will likely have cheap tickets readily available. On the other hand, a Friday night game against the Yankees in the summer will be far more expensive. Pay attention to the schedule and plan accordingly.
Check ticket resale sites
Sites like StubHub and Vivid Seats let fans resell tickets they can no longer use. There are often good deals on these resale sites, especially at the last minute. People who can no longer attend are just trying to make some money back, so you can sometimes find bargains. Purchase from a trustworthy resale marketplace and compare prices across a few different ones. Avoid scalpers selling right outside the stadium, as those tickets tend to be fake or massively overpriced. Resale sites have buyer guarantees and other protections.
Buy standing room only tickets
If you just want to get in the door, consider standing room only tickets. These are cheap tickets that don’t come with an actual seat – you stand and watch the game from certain open areas of the ballpark. This gives you the complete live experience without as high of a cost. Search for standing room only ticket options on the Mariners website or resale sites. They tend to cost around $10-20 per ticket, a fraction of the price of actual seats. Keep in mind you will be on your feet the whole game.
Join a fan club or season ticket waitlist
Signing up for the Mariners team fan club or season ticket waitlist can provide access to ticket presales and other exclusive deals. Fan club members often get a chance to buy single-game tickets before the general public, giving you first pick of the cheap seats. Similarly, being on the season ticket waitlist puts you in a position to take advantage of last-minute ticket offers that season ticket holders receive. Take advantage of these loyalty programs for inside access to ticket deals.
Go to the box office right before the game
Ticket prices typically drop in the hours leading right up to game time, as sellers try to unload extra inventory. Head down to T-Mobile Park box office shortly before first pitch to check for any last-minute deals. They want to fill all the seats, so you might luck into some unsold cheap tickets and avoid online fees. There is risk involved since you won’t know what’s available until you get there, but you could score big if they have extra seats to fill. Going with flexible dates also helps.
Buy upper deck or bleacher seats
The most inexpensive game tickets will always be for seats in the upper deck or bleacher sections. These seats are farther from the field but allow you to get in the door at a bargain price, usually $10-20 per ticket. Upper deck and bleacher seats are perfect if you are on a tight budget. Avoid the premium infield seats and focus your search on the cheap outfield and upper deck sections. Check the Mariners seating chart when buying tickets online so you know exactly what type of seat you are getting.
Buy discount ticket packs
Many MLB teams like the Mariners offer special ticket packs and mini plans for cheap seats to multiple games. Instead of paying per ticket, you buy ticket vouchers redeemable for a certain number of games. The per-game cost is much lower, but you are committing to attend more games. There are usually packs with tickets to 5, 10, or 20 games at a steeply discounted rate. Go in with friends and family to buy a pack and divide up the tickets.
Get senior, military, or student discounts
Special discounts are available for certain groups like students, seniors, and military members. Have your valid student ID, military ID, or driver’s license ready. The Mariners offer discounted tickets for seniors 60+ and students, usually $5-10 off normal prices. Active military members and veterans can also get special ticket offers by showing proper identification. Taking advantage of an applicable discount is an easy way to knock a few dollars off each ticket price.
Wait until the game starts to buy on resale sites
Prices on resale sites like StubHub and Vivid Seats tend to drop sharply right as the game begins, as sellers try to unload last-minute inventory. If you can wait until the first pitch, you can sometimes get great deals on unsold tickets. There is risk involved since your seating options will be limited at that point. But refreshing resale sites repeatedly in the hour before the game and even after start time can reveal flash sale prices. Move quickly if you see cheap seats you like.
Conclusion
Mariners tickets can get pricey, especially for big games and popular rivals. But with the right preparation and buying strategy, you can secure cheap seats and enjoy MLB action on a budget. Opt for less popular matchups on weeknights, buy upper deck or bleacher seats, take advantage of fan presales and discounts, and watch resale site prices drop as game time approaches. Follow these tips to find bargains on Mariners tickets and have an affordable day at the ballpark. With flexibility and smart planning, you’ll be cheering on the Mariners without breaking the bank!