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Nats Park ranks 8th-most expensive for fans to watch a game

Jeff Clabaugh | jclabaugh@wtop.com

March 29, 2018, 9:23 AM

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Nationals Park cracked the 10 most expensive parks. It comes in at No. 8 with an average cost of $77.50. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)(AP/Andrew Harnik)

WASHINGTON — Major League Baseball’s 2018 season is getting under way, and for Nats fans, the game day experience is fairly expensive, at least compared to other MLB stadiums.

GOBankingRates ranks all 30 MLB stadiums for the cost of the fan experience by taking the average of the three cheapest 2018 season ticket seat options and dividing that number by 81 home games. It then multiplied that number by two attendees and added the price of parking, two hot dogs and two beers.

Nationals Park comes out No. 8, with cost to attend at $77.50. GOBankingRates said two tickets average $44, two hot dogs average $10.50, two beers average $13 and parking averages $10.

The rankings report also notes soaring views of the Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol and other landmarks are all included in the cost of attending a game at Nationals Park.

By comparison, the cost to attend a game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards is a relative bargain, coming in at $57.83. That ranks Camden Yards No. 25 out of 30 for cost. Two tickets average $33.33, two hot dogs average $3, two beers average $13.50 and parking is $8.

A side note quotes ESPN as noting Camden Yards is the retro park by which all other retro parks are judged.

The three most expensive MLB stadiums are Yankee Stadium at $95, Safeco Field at $92.83 and Fenway Park at $91.

The three least expensive stadiums are Coors Field at $50, SunTrust Park $51 and Angel Stadium $52.67.

Coors Field, the home of the Colorado Rockies, is the cheapest stadium to watch a ballgame. The average cost to attend a game, plus food, beer and parking is $50. File. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Coors Field, the home of the Colorado Rockies, is the cheapest stadium to watch a ballgame. The average cost to attend a game, plus food, beer and parking is $50 for the cost of the fan experience as determined by GoBankingRates.com. Two tickets: $20
Two hot dogs: $10
Two beers: $6
Parking: $14 (File, AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
File, AP Photo/Jack Dempsey
SunTrust Park, the home of the Atlanta Braves, is the newest stadium in baseball but it is also the second cheapest. The cost to watch a Braves game in Atlanta is $51. File. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
SunTrust Park, the home of the Atlanta Braves, is the newest stadium in baseball but it is also the second cheapest. The average fan experience at a Braves game in Atlanta is $51. Two tickets: $12
Two hot dogs: $13
Two beers: $10
Parking: $16 (File, AP Photo/David Goldman)
File, AP Photo/David Goldman
Angel Stadium, seen here ahead of the 2010 All-Star Game, is the third cheapest stadium to see a game. The average cost is $52.67. File. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Angel Stadium, seen here ahead of the 2010 All-Star Game, is the third cheapest stadium to see a game. The average fan experience is $52.67. Two tickets: $24.67
Two hot dogs: $9
Two beers: $9
Parking: $10 (File, AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
File, AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
Great American Ballpark, home of the Cincinnati Reds, is No. 27 on the list. Built in 2002 on the shore of the Ohio River, it costs $55.17 to see the Reds play at home. File. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
Great American Ballpark, home of the Cincinnati Reds, is No. 27 on the list. Built in 2002 on the shore of the Ohio River, the average fan experience is $55.17 to see the Reds play at home. Two tickets: $22.67
Two hot dogs: $2
Two beers: $10.50
Parking: $20 (File, AP Photo/John Minchillo)
File, AP Photo/John Minchillo
When Chase Field opened in 1998, it was the first stadium in the United States with a retractable roof over a natural-grass field. Twenty years after its opening, it's one of the cheaper stadiums to visit coming it No. 26 with an average cost of $56. File. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
When Chase Field opened in 1998, it was the first stadium in the United States with a retractable roof over a natural-grass field. Twenty years after its opening, it’s one of the cheaper stadiums to visit coming it No. 26 with an average fan experience costing $56. Two tickets: $32
Two hot dogs: $6
Two beers: $8
Parking: $10 (File, AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
File, AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin
Camden Yards ushered in the concept of the "retro park" when it opened and is still considered by many to be one of the most beautiful ballparks to watch a game. It ranks as the 25th cheapest stadium with an average cost of $57.83. File. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Camden Yards ushered in the concept of the “retro park” when it opened and is still considered by many to be one of the most beautiful ballparks to watch a game. It ranks as the 25th cheapest stadium with an average fan experience costing $57.83. Two tickets: $33.33
Two hot dogs: $3
Two beers: $13.50
Parking: $8 (File, AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
File, AP Photo/Patrick Semansky
Miller Park, the home of the Milwaukee Brewers, comes in at No. 24. The average cost of seeing a Brewers game is $58.33. File. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Miller Park, the home of the Milwaukee Brewers, comes in at No. 24. The average fan experience to see a Brewers game costs $58.33. Two tickets: $25.33
Two hot dogs: $10
Two beers: $12
Parking: $11 (File, AP Photo/Morry Gash)
File, AP Photo/Morry Gash
Minute Maid Park, the home of the defending World Series Champion Houston Astros, comes in at No. 23. The average cost is $59.17. File. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan)
Minute Maid Park, the home of the defending World Series Champion Houston Astros, comes in at No. 23. The average fan experience costs $59.17. Two tickets: $24.67
Two hot dogs: $9.50
Two beers: $10
Parking: $15 (File, AP Photo/Pat Sullivan)
File, AP Photo/Pat Sullivan
Progressive Field, home of the Cleveland Indians, is No. 22 on the list. It costs $62 on average to see a game. File. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
Progressive Field, home of the Cleveland Indians, is No. 22 on the list. The average fan experience costs $62. Two tickets: $36
Two hot dogs: $6
Two beers: $8
Parking: $12 (File, AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
File, AP Photo/Mark Duncan
Guaranteed Rate Field, formerly known as U.S. Cellular Field and before that known as "new" Comiskey Park, comes in at No. 21. It costs $62.33 to see the Chicago White Sox at home. File. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Guaranteed Rate Field, formerly known as U.S. Cellular Field and before that known as “new” Comiskey Park, comes in at No. 21. The average fan experience costs $62.33 to see the Chicago White Sox at home. Two tickets: $21.33
Two hot dogs: $8
Two beers: $13
Parking: $20 (File, AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
File, AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast
Petco Park, the home of the San Diego Padres, is No. 20 on the list. It costs $63 to see a Padres game in San Diego. File. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)
Petco Park, the home of the San Diego Padres, is No. 20 on the list. The average fan experience costs $63 to see a Padres game in San Diego. Two tickets: $37
Two hot dogs: $8
Two beers: $10
Parking: $8 (File, AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)
File, AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi
Target Field, the home of the Minnesota Twins, comes in at No. 19 with an average cost of $63.67. File. (AP Photo/Paul Battaglia)
Target Field, the home of the Minnesota Twins, comes in at No. 19 with the average fan experience costing $63.67. Two tickets: $34.67
Two hot dogs: $8
Two beers: $15
Parking: $6 (File, AP Photo/Paul Battaglia)
File, AP Photo/Paul Battaglia
The third incarnation of Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals, comes in at No. 18. The average cost to see a game is $65.97. File. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
The third incarnation of Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals, comes in at No. 18. The average fan experience costs $65.97. Two tickets: $26.47
Two hot dogs: $9.50
Two beers: $10
Parking: $20 (File, AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
File, AP Photo/Jeff Roberson
Marlins Park in Miami, home of the aforementioned Miami Marlins, is locked in a two-way tie for the most expensive hotdog in baseball, but it only comes in at No. 17 overall. The average cost of seeing the Marlins is $69.50. File. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Marlins Park in Miami, home of the aforementioned Miami Marlins, is locked in a two-way tie for the most expensive hot dog in baseball, but it only comes in at No. 17 overall. The average fan experience costs $69.50. Two tickets: $30
Two hot dogs: $12.50
Two beers: $12
Parking: $15 (File, AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
File, AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee
One of the last domed stadiums left in baseball, Tropicana Field, the home of the Tampa Bay Rays is No. 16 on the list with the average cost at $70. One big benefit of the Trop is that parking is free. File. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
One of the last domed stadiums left in baseball, Tropicana Field, the home of the Tampa Bay Rays is No. 16 on the list with the average fan experience costs $70. One big benefit of the Trop is that parking is free. Two tickets: $50
Two hot dogs: $10
Two beers: $10
Parking: $0 (File, AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)
File, AP Photo/Chris O’Meara
AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants, comes in at No. 15 on the list with average cost of $70.83. File. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants, comes in at No. 15 on the list with average fan experience costs $70.83. Two tickets: $19.33
Two hot dogs: $11.50
Two beers: $15
Parking: $25 (File, AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
File, AP Photo/Eric Risberg
PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, offers a skyline view of downtown Pittsburgh. It comes in at No. 14 on the list with an average cost of $72.50. File. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, offers a skyline view of downtown Pittsburgh. It comes in at No. 14 on the list with an average fan experience costing $72.50. Two tickets: $40
Two hot dogs: $6.50
Two beers: $11
Parking: $15 (File, AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
File, AP Photo/Keith Srakocic
Citizens Bank Park, the home of the Philadelphia Phillies, is No. 13 on the list. It costs an average of $73 to see a game. File. (AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)
Citizens Bank Park, the home of the Philadelphia Phillies, is No. 13 on the list. The average fan experience comes out to $73. Two tickets: $34
Two hot dogs: $7.50
Two beers: $15.50
Parking: $16 (File, AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)
File, AP Photo/Tom Mihalek
The Oakland Coliseum, seen here on Opening Day in 2011, is home to the Oakland A's and has a number of problems lately, including raw sewage flooding the dugouts. It still ranks at No. 12 on the list with an average cost of $73.67. File. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
The Oakland Coliseum, seen here on Opening Day in 2011, is home to the Oakland A’s and has a number of problems lately, including raw sewage flooding the dugouts. It still ranks at No. 12 on the list with an average fan experience costing $73.67. Two tickets: $32.67
Two hot dogs: $11
Two beers: $10
Parking: $20 (File, AP Photo/Ben Margot)
File, AP Photo/Ben Margot
Dodgers Stadium, seen here during the 2017 World Series, is the third oldest stadium in baseball but its only No. 11 on the list with average cost of $73.83. File. (AP Photo/Tim Donnelly)
Dodgers Stadium, seen here during the 2017 World Series, is the third oldest stadium in baseball but its only No. 11 on the list with the average fan experience costing $73.83. Two tickets: $39.33
Two hot dogs: $12
Two beers: $12.50
Parking: $10 (File, AP Photo/Tim Donnelly)
File, AP Photo/Tim Donnelly
Comerica Park seen here before Game 3 of the 2012 World Series is the home of the Detroit Tigers. It comes in at No. 10 on the list with an average cost of $75.50. File. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya )
Comerica Park seen here before Game 3 of the 2012 World Series is the home of the Detroit Tigers. It comes in at No. 10 on the list with an average fan experience costing $75.50. Two tickets: $36
Two hot dogs: $9.50
Two beers: $10
Parking: $20 (File, AP Photo/Paul Sancya )
File, AP Photo/Paul Sancya
Wrigley Field is one of the most iconic stadiums in sports, but it has undergone some major changes in recent years. It comes in at No. 9 on the list with an average cost of $76.17. File. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato)
Wrigley Field is one of the most iconic stadiums in sports, but it has undergone some major changes in recent years. It comes in at No. 9 on the list with an average fan experience costing $76.17. Two tickets: $24.67
Two hot dogs: $11
Two beers: $15.50
Parking: $25 (File, AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato)
File, AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato
Nationals Park cracked the 10 most expensive parks. It comes in at No. 8 with an average cost of $77.50. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)
Nationals Park cracked to the top 10 most expensive parks. It comes in at No. 8 with an average fan experience costing $77.50. Two tickets: $44
Two hot dogs: $10.50
Two beers: $13
Parking: $10 (File, AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)
File, AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File
Kauffman Stadium, the home of the Kansas City Royals, comes in at No. 7 with an average cost of $77.67. File. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Kauffman Stadium, the home of the Kansas City Royals, comes in at No. 7 with an average fan experience costing $77.67. Two tickets: $42.67
Two hot dogs: $10
Two beers: $13
Parking: $12 (File, AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
File, AP Photo/Ed Zurga
The home of the Toronto Blue Jays, the Rogers Centre, comes in at No. 6 on the list with an average cost of $78.22. File. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn)
The home of the Toronto Blue Jays, the Rogers Centre, comes in at No. 6 on the list with an average fan experience of $78.22. Two tickets: $32
Two hot dogs: $10
Two beers: $13.58
Parking: $22.64 (File, THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn)
File, THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn
Globe Life Park, home of the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas, comes in at No. 5 with an average cost of $80.33. File. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Globe Life Park, home of the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas, comes in at No. 5 with an average fan experience of $80.33. Two tickets: $39.33
Two hot dogs: $12
Two beers: $12
Parking: $17 (File, AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
File, AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter
You can step right up and meet the Mets for an average cost of $83.67. That puts Citi Field at No. 4 on the list. File. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
You can step right up and meet the Mets for an average fan experience costing $83.67. That puts Citi Field at No. 4 on the list. Two tickets: $36.67
Two hot dogs: $12.50
Two beers: $11.50
Parking: $23 (File, AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
File, AP Photo/Frank Franklin II
Fenway Park, seen here in 2009, is the oldest park in the majors but only No. 3 on the list. The average cost is $91 to see the Red Sox. File. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
Fenway Park, seen here in 2009, is the oldest park in the majors but only No. 3 on the list. The average fan experience costs $91 to see the Red Sox. Two tickets: $30
Two hot dogs: $10.50
Two beers: $15.50
Parking: $35 (File, AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
File, AP Photo/Winslow Townson
Even the cheapest tickets are expensive at Safeco Field, the home of the Seattle Mariners. The average cost is $92.83. File. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Even the cheapest tickets are expensive at Safeco Field, the home of the Seattle Mariners. The average fan experience costs $92.83. Two tickets: $51.33
Two hot dogs: $9.50
Two beers: $12
Parking: $20 (File, AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
File, AP Photo/Ted S. Warren
The Yankees are one of the most recognizable teams in all of sports, so it's only fitting they have the most expensive stadium in baseball. The average cost comes in at $95. File. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
The Yankees are one of the most recognizable teams in all of sports, so it’s only fitting the team has the most expensive fan experience in baseball at $95. Two tickets: $42
Two hot dogs: $6
Two beers: $12
Parking: $35 (File, AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
File, AP Photo/David J. Phillip
(1/30)
Coors Field, the home of the Colorado Rockies, is the cheapest stadium to watch a ballgame. The average cost to attend a game, plus food, beer and parking is $50. File. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
SunTrust Park, the home of the Atlanta Braves, is the newest stadium in baseball but it is also the second cheapest. The cost to watch a Braves game in Atlanta is $51. File. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Angel Stadium, seen here ahead of the 2010 All-Star Game, is the third cheapest stadium to see a game. The average cost is $52.67. File. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Great American Ballpark, home of the Cincinnati Reds, is No. 27 on the list. Built in 2002 on the shore of the Ohio River, it costs $55.17 to see the Reds play at home. File. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
When Chase Field opened in 1998, it was the first stadium in the United States with a retractable roof over a natural-grass field. Twenty years after its opening, it's one of the cheaper stadiums to visit coming it No. 26 with an average cost of $56. File. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Camden Yards ushered in the concept of the "retro park" when it opened and is still considered by many to be one of the most beautiful ballparks to watch a game. It ranks as the 25th cheapest stadium with an average cost of $57.83. File. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Miller Park, the home of the Milwaukee Brewers, comes in at No. 24. The average cost of seeing a Brewers game is $58.33. File. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Minute Maid Park, the home of the defending World Series Champion Houston Astros, comes in at No. 23. The average cost is $59.17. File. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan)
Progressive Field, home of the Cleveland Indians, is No. 22 on the list. It costs $62 on average to see a game. File. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
Guaranteed Rate Field, formerly known as U.S. Cellular Field and before that known as "new" Comiskey Park, comes in at No. 21. It costs $62.33 to see the Chicago White Sox at home. File. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Petco Park, the home of the San Diego Padres, is No. 20 on the list. It costs $63 to see a Padres game in San Diego. File. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)
Target Field, the home of the Minnesota Twins, comes in at No. 19 with an average cost of $63.67. File. (AP Photo/Paul Battaglia)
The third incarnation of Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals, comes in at No. 18. The average cost to see a game is $65.97. File. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Marlins Park in Miami, home of the aforementioned Miami Marlins, is locked in a two-way tie for the most expensive hotdog in baseball, but it only comes in at No. 17 overall. The average cost of seeing the Marlins is $69.50. File. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
One of the last domed stadiums left in baseball, Tropicana Field, the home of the Tampa Bay Rays is No. 16 on the list with the average cost at $70. One big benefit of the Trop is that parking is free. File. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants, comes in at No. 15 on the list with average cost of $70.83. File. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, offers a skyline view of downtown Pittsburgh. It comes in at No. 14 on the list with an average cost of $72.50. File. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Citizens Bank Park, the home of the Philadelphia Phillies, is No. 13 on the list. It costs an average of $73 to see a game. File. (AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)
The Oakland Coliseum, seen here on Opening Day in 2011, is home to the Oakland A's and has a number of problems lately, including raw sewage flooding the dugouts. It still ranks at No. 12 on the list with an average cost of $73.67. File. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Dodgers Stadium, seen here during the 2017 World Series, is the third oldest stadium in baseball but its only No. 11 on the list with average cost of $73.83. File. (AP Photo/Tim Donnelly)
Comerica Park seen here before Game 3 of the 2012 World Series is the home of the Detroit Tigers. It comes in at No. 10 on the list with an average cost of $75.50. File. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya )
Wrigley Field is one of the most iconic stadiums in sports, but it has undergone some major changes in recent years. It comes in at No. 9 on the list with an average cost of $76.17. File. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato)
Nationals Park cracked the 10 most expensive parks. It comes in at No. 8 with an average cost of $77.50. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)
Kauffman Stadium, the home of the Kansas City Royals, comes in at No. 7 with an average cost of $77.67. File. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
The home of the Toronto Blue Jays, the Rogers Centre, comes in at No. 6 on the list with an average cost of $78.22. File. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn)
Globe Life Park, home of the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas, comes in at No. 5 with an average cost of $80.33. File. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
You can step right up and meet the Mets for an average cost of $83.67. That puts Citi Field at No. 4 on the list. File. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Fenway Park, seen here in 2009, is the oldest park in the majors but only No. 3 on the list. The average cost is $91 to see the Red Sox. File. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
Even the cheapest tickets are expensive at Safeco Field, the home of the Seattle Mariners. The average cost is $92.83. File. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
The Yankees are one of the most recognizable teams in all of sports, so it's only fitting they have the most expensive stadium in baseball. The average cost comes in at $95. File. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Jeff Clabaugh

Jeff Clabaugh has spent 20 years covering the Washington region's economy and financial markets for WTOP as part of a partnership with the Washington Business Journal, and officially joined the WTOP newsroom staff in January 2016.

jclabaugh@wtop.com

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