As I write this column, the whole community is heating up over the upcoming Bears vs. Packers Conference Championship. Sun City has a huge following of fans on both sides. The fever is at an all-time high. The talk of the community is who has tickets to the game. I checked the going price today at Stub-hub on the internet, and grandstand seats are going for $450 to $490 per seat. Just think, for me to take my wife to the game – if you add parking, food, and beverage – I’m looking at $1,100 to $1,200 for a 60-minute game. That’s $20 per minute! For that price, you get to sit on a frozen seat, get frostbitten as you experience wind chills at close to zero degrees, stand in line at restrooms, and lose your voice and hearing from you and your friends screaming at the top of your lungs. You won’t get to see any of the game, because the people in front of you will be constantly jumping up and down. Your blood pressure will rise as your team scores (or does not score).
Now, compare that experience to staying at home watching the game on TV. There is no incremental price to see the game on your TV. The temperature will be at 68 degrees, so your team T-shirt will be sufficient instead of a parka. The cost for food and beverages is no more than a regular snack or meal. With the advanced camera angles and wisdom of the sportscasters, you can see and hear every play as if you were the referee in the game.
Well, I can hear you now – “But, Don, what about the tailgate party?” Are frozen bratwursts really that much better over the grill in the parking lot, rather than a home-cooked meal?
My wife loves football. When she first became interested in the sport, I worried that we might go bankrupt if she wanted to go to the games. But we agree on this one. She prefers to stay home and enjoy the game on TV. Why? She doesn’t want to freeze her bottom. For me – I am saving us $1,200 and screaming from the couch. May the best team win – GO BEARS!
Keep those letters coming, folks. Send your ideas to: The Frugal Forum, P.O. Box 693, Huntley, IL 60142 or by email to: thefrugalforum@gmail.com.
