Almost all of us have experienced this: hungry at a game and finding out that a simple hot dog was priced way more than your lunch. And the prices just keep rising. So if you’re catching a big game and want to save serious cash, think twice about these 8 overpriced stadium staples.
8. Signature and Specialty Items
We’re talking about the Instagram-ready BBQ sandwiches, loaded burgers, and seafood bowls that can cost as much as $25 (or more). There are also mega-items, like oversized burgers at Nationals priced more than $50. More often than not, the “signature” element is aesthetic rather than culinary.
7. Pizza Slices
Stadium pizza slices can go for $8 to $12 each. Personal pizzas further inflate per-bite cost. Also, the quality is usually low. We’re talking about those pre-made pizzas, held under heat lamps. Sometimes, even partnerships with local brands don’t translate to better food quality.
6. Chicken Tenders
A basket of 3 to 4 chicken tenders costs around $6 to $8 in restaurants. But in stadiums? Price could go around $12 to $16! That’s double the price of what’s often frozen, pre-breaded strips with basic sauces. Since chicken tenders are a “safe pick” for kids and picky eaters, people will usually pay up for them.
5. Giant Pretzels
We all know that the smell of stadium pretzels is tempting. But for $7 to $10 each, we’re also aware that you’re paying a lot for a snack that likely came frozen and was reheated. And let’s be honest, you can get stadium pretzels that are overly salty, dry, or served with the same cheese dip used for nachos, and with an extra charge.
4. Soft Drinks
A 20 oz soda at the store that you can get for $1.79 will cost you over $7 at a stadium. Why so expensive, you ask? Most stadiums have exclusive deals with Pepsi or Coca-Cola, so you’re unfortunately stuck with whatever they sell. Places like Petco Park and the Twins’ stadium offer free refills, though.
3. Nachos
Stadium nachos can cost over $10 for just chips, cheese sauce, and maybe some jalapeños. At big events like the Super Bowl, “deluxe” versions of nachos, with steak or lobster, were sold for as high as $60! That’s wild! And you already know this…you’re not always paying for better food but for the hype and “Instagram factor.”
2. Bottled Water
What you can get for free can cost over $5 at stadiums. Some MLB and NFL venues are known to have higher prices for bottled water, especially during summer games. Inflated prices are common in places where fans are prohibited from bringing their own bottles. A few venues allow reusable bottles for fountains or sealed water bottles (check policies).
1. Hot Dogs
At most stadiums, hot dogs would cost you a bit over $6, some go even higher than that (looking at you, Petco Park and Oracle Park). But here’s the kicker: the same bun and hot dog could cost you less than $1 at the grocery store. And here’s a reminder: you’re not getting a gourmet hot dog at the stadium. You’re paying for the setting.