4/20: KAFCI, Kickin' A Fenway Cost Index
Teammarketing.com recently posted an updated Fan Cost Index (FCI) for '06. As described on the site:
"The FCI tracks what a typical family of 4 might purchase at a game, tracks the cost, provides the FCI (Fan Cost Index) for the trip to the ballgame, and the percentage of increase or decrease from the year prior. Call it your shopping list for the picnic at the ballpark with the family, MLB style.
What makes up the FCI? Here's how it's broken down:
- Two (2) adult average-price tickets
- Two (2) child average-price tickets
- Two (2) small draft beers
- Four (4) small soft drink
- Four (4) regular-size hot dogs
- Parking for one (1) car,
- Two (2) game programs
- Two (2) least expensive, adult-size adustable caps.…."
Now, obviously, Fenway is by far the most expensive, a whopping $287.84. While I can appreciate the scientific work that goes in to the FCI, I thought I could provide a useful guide on how to avoid such ridonkulous expenses. I'm gonna call this the Kickin' A Fenway Cost Index (KAFCI):
4 tickets: First, if you're looking to spend quality time with the family and you're worried about the cost, two words: Chucky Cheese. And if you really feel the need to bring everyone to a game, go to Pawtucket. Seriously, both are much more family-friendly and cheaper. So, go to Chucky Cheese or the PawSox one night with the family and go to the Sox game with friends another: $50
So, now that we've dumped the family, grab some SROs or bleacher tickets and split the cost with whomever you choose to bring. Fenway is small enough that you don't need a premium seat to really enjoy the game. $20 - $27 (see, we're already saving money).
2 small draft beers: Really? That's it. OK, let's face it, you're probably gonna have a few more. So, here's what you do: show up an hour before first pitch, find one of the many lovely establishments in the area that serves beer for $2-3/beer, and drink away. $2 - $18 (depending on how your workday went).
Oh, and we might as well add in those 2 beers that you'll get on your way to your seat: $13. And one more before the 7th inning stretch: $6.50.
4 small soft drinks: You won't be needing these. $0
4 regular sized hot dogs: Good thing you didn't bring the family, right? You should have grabbed something to eat before you started drinking, but tell you what…have a hot dog, they're good: $5.50
Parking: Yeah, that's my idea of a good time, hit rush-hour traffic in Boston and then pay $30+ for a spot so that I can sit there for an hour inching out of the lot after the game. If you don't already know that you should be using the T, then you're probably not even reading this. $3 (parking), $1.5 - $3 (fare)
2 Programs: Do you bring a book or a magazine when you go to the movies? Let the guy with the helmet scream at me all he wants, I'm not buying it. $0
2 hats: Alright, you've saved some cash and I can understand that your lucky Franchise cap is looking a little worn. But, remember, this is an impulse purchase and impulse purchases should be reserved for 2 items only: drinks or food. So…
2 more beers at your favorite post-game bar: $9.
When you include gratuities and other miscellaneous expenses, that's two fun-filled events for less than $140, less than half of the Fenway FCI. You're welcome.
Discuss the KAFCI here.