Report says Diamondbacks offer the most affordable MLB fan experience

The Arizona Diamondbacks offer the most affordable fan experience in Major League Baseball, according to Team Marketing Report Fan Cost Index data.

The Fan Cost Index takes the prices of non-premium tickets, soft drinks, hot dogs, beers and parking spots for a family of four into account. The 2021 figures are compared to projected data from last year’s regular season, which was played without fans, for year-over-year comparisons.

Arizona’s Fan Cost Index went down 25 cents from projected 2020 prices to $144.25. Arizona’s index is the lowest by just over 30 dollars compared with the second-most affordable team. The Miami Marlins have a Fan Cost Index of $174.54.

The Diamondbacks have had the lowest Fan Cost Index in Major League Baseball for the past 13 seasons.

The team also has the lowest average ticket price in MLB at $21.38. The Diamondbacks are one of nine teams to hold ticket prices flat from projected 2020 costs. The San Diego Padres have the second-lowest ticket price at $22.14.

All of Arizona’s non-ticket prices are below average, including the lowest hot dog and soft drink prices in MLB. Both hot dogs and soft drinks, measured as a 12-ounce drink, are $2.00.

The Diamondbacks also possess the second-lowest hat ($9.99) and beer ($4.00) prices in MLB. The beer price is for a 14-ounce drink.

Nationally, the MLB Fan Cost Index rose 4.5% to $253.64. Non-ticket costs drove the overall increase. Average beer prices jumped 9.1% to $9.72. The 9.1% gain is the largest percentage increase for beer in the last 20 years.

The largest non-ticket percentage gain, though, belongs to hats. Hat prices rose 10.8% to $21.48.

The average MLB ticket price increased by just 2.1% to $34.91. The 2.1% jump from projected 2020 prices is the fourth smallest ticket price increase in the last 20 years.I