This article is sponsored in part by Castrol (What's this?)
There are few family outings more thrilling than attending a sporting even -- if you’re properly prepared. Showing up without the right game time essentials can turn a pleasant afternoon at the ball park into a torturous affair for everyone involved. That’s why we’ve compiled a handy guide to the top 10 things you’ll need for attending a live sporting event. Our list includes a lineup of must-have items as well as details on where you can find them and what may happen if you leave them behind.
Where To Find It: At your local hardware store or the team’s gift shop.
What Happens If You Don't Bring It: You’ll end up with hemorrhoids the size of basketballs.
Not every sports fan is equipped with a generous posterior like Jennifer Lopez or Kim Kardashian. That’s why it’s so important to bring along a little extra padding, particularly if you’re attending a game at an old arena or a dilapidated stadium.
Where To Find It: At your local electronics store.
What Happens If You Don't Bring It: You’ll have to rely on the drunken, topless yokels in front of you for all of your play-by-play.
Attending a live sporting event has its pros and cons. On one hand, you get to see the action in person, but on the other, you miss hearing the insightful commentary and play-by-play you get from watching the game at home. Fortunately you can enjoy the best of both worlds by bringing along a small portable radio and tuning into your local sports radio station. Just remember to bring along earphones so you don’t disturb your fellow fans.
Where To Find It: At your local dollar store.
What Happens If You Don't Bring It: Everything from your popcorn to your program will be covered in your salty man sweat.
Every fan needs a fan. Whether it’s an electric handheld fan or a tiny gizmo that attaches to the brim of your baseball cap, these oscillating devices will ward off lethargy and keep you and your family happy and refreshed from the first pitch to the final out.
Where To Find It: At your local pharmacy or grocery store.
What Happens If You Don't Bring It: Your portable radio may die seconds before the game’s most climactic moment.
Your portable radio and pocket fans won’t be of much use to you if they run out of power as soon as the game begins. By bringing along some additional batteries, you and your family will be able to get the most out of your game-day experience.
Where To Find It: The internet, on sites like heckledepot.com.
What Happens If You Don't Bring It: You may resort to some truly lame comments that bring shame upon your entire family.
One of the thrills of attending a live sporting event is getting to interact with the athletes. However, if you’re not careful, you may say the wrong thing at the wrong time to a particularly foul-tempered 350-pound linebacker. Play it safe and use one of the 2,050 witty comments on heckledepot.com, a hilarious online site containing family-friendly heckles to better help you get into a game of baseball, basketball, hockey, or golf.
Where To Find It: At Grandpa’s house. If you’d like to buy a pair of your own, you can find them at your local department store, in the hunting and sporting goods section.
What Happens If You Don't Bring It: You’ll miss out on some quality people-watching.
Tickets to popular sporting events don’t come cheap, so unless you’re willing to remortgage your home, you and your family will likely find yourselves in the nosebleeds. Luckily you can still enjoy the experience by bringing along a pair of binoculars. These handy vision enhancers will allow you to see all the action without having to sell your liver to buy five front-row seats. In which case that you do, however, you can always resort to healthy beer drinking.
Where To Find It: At home or on your smartphone.
What Happens If You Don't Bring It: You’ll miss a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take a photo of your children posing with their favorite player or mascot.
Attending a sporting event with your children isn’t an everyday occurrence, so it’s important to bring along a camera to document the experience. We recommend using a mobile device with a built-in camera. It will take decent photos while saving you the trouble of dragging along your light meter, tripod and $3,000 telephoto lens.
Where To Find It: At your local pharmacy.
What Happens If You Don't Bring It: You may not get that perfect tan you were seeking and instead get a sunburn that will leave you feeling drained long before the outcome of the game has been decided.
Everyone loves leaving the stadium with a souvenir, unless of course that souvenir happens to be a second-degree sunburn. Fortunately you can protect yourself from the sun’s powerful rays by using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Bear in mind that sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before exposure and reapplied every subsequent two hours.
Where To Find It: Your closet.
What Happens If You Don't Bring It: You’ll risk looking like a dispassionate and uninformed fan.
It isn’t enough these days to simply cheer on the home team. You’re also expected to show your allegiance by wearing the team colors. If you’re a true fan, your messy closet should already be rife with coveted sports gear and memorabilia of your favorite team. If not, you can always pick up a jersey or T-shirt at the stadium gift shop or through the team’s official website.
Where To Find It: In your wallet or wedged between your mattresses.
What Happens If You Don't Bring It: You’ll have to listen to three hours of whining as everyone around you happily gorges themselves on hot dogs and Cracker Jack.
Money: It really does make the world go ‘round, especially at sporting events, where everything from French fries to foam fingers are sold at wildly overinflated prices. Assuming your tickets have already been purchased, you should be prepared to spend at least $15 on every family member.This article is sponsored in part by Castrol (What's this?)
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