Journalism aims to reveal the truth, no matter how challenging or unglamorous. In that spirit, I embarked on a mission to determine if the all-you-can-eat club seats at a Cleveland Guardians game are worth the cost. This isn’t just about baseball; it’s about value, experience, and satisfying the curiosity of fans wondering, “What Section Are Club Seats With Food At Guardian Games?”
On June 20th, I purchased a club section ticket for a Guardians-Mariners game at Progressive Field (first base side mezzanine). The $90 ticket included a mid-level seat and unlimited food and soft drinks. My goal: to consume $90 worth of ballpark goodies.
While the gates open an hour before the first pitch, allowing early feasting on unique, high-end ballpark fare, I arrived just as the game began at 1:10 p.m. My plan was to enjoy the game, soak up the sun, and devour several hot dogs.
That was mistake No. 1.
The day was scorching, reaching 93 degrees under a cloudless sky. Perfect for the beach or golf, but not ideal for competitive eating during a nine-inning game. The heat made simply sitting uncomfortable. Fortunately, my seat (Section 340, Row T, Seat 10) was in the top row and shaded.
As I entered the club section, the Guardians trailed 2-0. Before settling in, I surveyed the culinary options in the air-conditioned club, alongside the standard ballpark fare outside.
I started with a classic: hot dogs. My first plate included a hot dog ($5), cheeseburger ($7), french fries ($5), and a 12oz Pepsi ($3).
(Note: Some prices are estimates, as not all items are available to the general public throughout the park.)
These were all delicious. Ballpark Mustard on a hot dog is a simple pleasure, and adding extra cheese to my burger felt like a treat. The fries were also satisfying.
Adding to the good vibes, Steven Kwan doubled, contributing to a Guardians run in the first inning. He was batting .400 at the time – incredible!
One plate down, roughly $20 worth of food.
My strategy involved eating quickly to avoid feeling full and trying a variety of items. I could have stuck to hot dogs and Pepsi, but variety is the spice of life.
Back inside the Discount Drug Mart Club, I explored options beyond typical ballpark fare. A salad bar was tempting, but felt like cheating. A gourmet chef’s station offered baked Southern-style chicken, mashed potatoes, and gravy. Penne pasta with alfredo was also available.
However, on such a hot day, rich, heavy food was unappealing. It felt like a recipe for a nap, so I ventured back outside.
Turning right, I headed to the “Ballpark Classics” stand. There, I found various pizzas ($10), pretzel bites ($8), and a dessert station. I planned to return to these later, but for now, I grabbed two slices of pepperoni pizza. A coffee station was also present, but it was far too warm for coffee.
Back in my seat, I dove into the pizza. It was tasty, but I realized I was making mistake No. 2 as I finished the second slice.
The pizza felt too filling and likely to slow me down. I persevered, even eating the crust.
It was 1:39 p.m. I’d consumed about $40 worth of food, and time felt like it was crawling as I sat in the heat. I considered breaking my rule and indulging in the heavier options inside the club, which would boost my total quickly, but resisted.
I couldn’t quit. I decided to switch to lighter fare, but needed to keep eating. I also vowed to skip dinner and hit the gym the next morning.
After refilling my Pepsi for the fourth time, I visited the nacho bar ($12) and grabbed some popcorn ($6). The popcorn station featured a movie theater-style butter machine, and adding extra butter was irresistible.
This plate (and cup of popcorn) went down easily, but the heat was taking its toll. I was sweating profusely. The Guardians rallied in the fifth inning, scoring three runs, highlighted by a two-run home run from Andres Gimenez.
It was 2:07 p.m. I needed a break. I distracted myself with the game and my phone, hoping to ignore my fullness. I’d consumed approximately $65 worth of concessions. I doubted my ability to continue and considered giving up.
I rested for almost half an hour, switching from Pepsi to an Arnold Palmer. At 2:37 p.m., I mustered the courage to return to battle, hitting the dessert bar for an ice cream sandwich ($5), bringing my total to $70. The ice cream was refreshing and a welcome change.
As the game continued, time was running out. The food options dwindled as the seventh inning arrived. I grabbed a basket of soft pretzel bites ($8), roughly equivalent to a full-size pretzel. As I snacked, the bites seemed to multiply endlessly.
That was it. I couldn’t eat any more. I refilled my cup with sweet tea and lemonade and called it quits after consuming $81 worth of food.
Considering the $90 ticket price and the Guardians’ victory, I’d say the game itself was worth at least $9. The key takeaway? Knowing what section are club seats with food at Guardian Games (the first base side mezzanine) can unlock a unique and potentially valuable experience, depending on your appetite and dedication.
