It’s that time of year again—not for sweaters or pumpkin spice, but for football season! Did you know that professional football has the closest gender ratio among fans? According to the NFL, 40% of its fans are female. This means more mothers are interested in bringing their kids to football games than other sports events. To help my fellow football-loving moms, I’ve put together some tips for enjoying a stress-free, in-person family experience at the stadium.

Familiarize Yourself with the Stadium and Pack Smartly.

First, it’s crucial to understand both the literal layout and the specific rules of the stadium you’re visiting. Each venue has its own set of regulations for fans, so being well-informed about these guidelines is essential.

Plan Ahead :

• Tickets: Ensure you have your tickets ready, and check if there are any special family packages or discounts.
• Seating: If possible, choose seats that are easily accessible, near restrooms, and away from rowdy crowds.
• Schedule: Arrive early to avoid long lines and to give your kids time to acclimate to the environment.

Before planning a family football outing, find out if your kids need their own seat and ticket. Like airlines, stadiums have varying policies on this. To avoid unnecessary expenses, check the requirements ahead of time.

Another key consideration is the stadium’s bag policy. Some venues have strict no-bag rules, which can be challenging when you’re bringing kids. In these cases, you’ll need to get creative with what you can fit in your pockets or find out if the policy allows exceptions for families with young children or those with medical needs. Sometimes you can check a bag at guest services, but this can be a time-consuming and inconvenient option. If you are allowed to bring a bag, make sure to pack the usual essentials from your mom’s bag, along with some less obvious items.

Pack Essentials

• Comfortable Clothing: Dress appropriately for the weather and consider layers if it might get chilly. Comfortable shoes are a must.
• Sun Protection: Bring hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen for daytime events.
• Ear Protection: Stadiums can get loud, so consider bringing ear protection for young kids.
• Snacks and Water: Check the stadium’s policy on bringing outside food and drinks. Pack some snacks and water if allowed.
• Entertainment: Bring small toys, games, or books to keep younger kids entertained during downtime.

A foldable potty seat is handy for little ones who are potty training or prefer a kid-sized seat. My favorite travel option can be found here: Foldable Potty Seat. Additionally, when buying your tickets, consider the proximity to restrooms for young children who might need to go unexpectedly.

Kid-sized noise-cancelling headphones can also be beneficial for children who might feel overwhelmed by the loud atmosphere of the game.

Many venues have strict rules about outside food and beverages. While stadium food—like hot dogs, chicken strips, and pizza—can be a hit with picky eaters, it can be challenging for kids with specific dietary needs or allergies. Fortunately, many stadiums now offer more diverse options, including salads, smoothies, and gluten-free choices. It’s important to research your destination beforehand to understand what’s available. Additionally, most stadiums make exceptions for allergy-specific foods, allowing you to check them in with guest services upon entry.

Finally, don’t forget about parking. It’s wise to bring both credit cards and cash, as some of the best parking spots might be at privately owned businesses offering their lots for a cash fee. Check the stadium’s website for parking tips and to learn about prohibited areas. The last thing you want is to face a long walk back with tired kids, only to discover your car has been towed.

Safety First

• Identification: Make sure your kids have some form of identification, like a wristband with contact information.
• Meeting Spot: Establish a meeting spot in case anyone gets separated.
• Staying Close: Remind your kids to stay close and not wander off.

Be Prepared for the Weather.

This one’s straightforward: check the weather forecast. In Michigan, game-day temperatures can range from tank tops and shorts to snow pants and parkas, and everything in between. To avoid last-minute stress, pack for the family the night before and have items ready for unexpected weather changes. For warm weather, consider packing a personal fan, sunscreen, cooling towel, sunglasses, sun hat, and bottled water.

For cold weather, bring packable ponchos, hand and foot warmers (available in the sporting goods section at your local store), and blankets or seat cushions. Cold bleachers can make for a chilly experience for both kids and adults. Generally, when attending an outdoor game, layer your clothing. Autumn nights can be cool, and winter afternoons are often frigid, so come prepared for any conditions.

Explain the Experience

• Noise Levels: Prepare them for the noise and excitement, especially if it’s their first time.
• Game Basics: If it’s a sporting event, explain the basics of the game so they can follow along.

Understand Your Kids’ Needs.

If you believe your kids are ready for a game, they’re likely prepared to sit relatively still for up to four hours, which is half the battle. Here are a few additional considerations to help with your family’s football preparations.

Watch some games at home that are played at the stadium you’re planning to visit. Point out specific features they can look for when they get there. Familiarity with their surroundings will help them feel like seasoned fans rather than newcomers.

Get them excited and engaged by letting them choose a new team t-shirt or pom-pom in your team’s colours (green and white) before the game. This can build their enthusiasm and make the experience more memorable.

Prepare your kids by setting clear expectations about what they will experience at the game—what they will see, hear, and smell. Being aware of these elements can help prevent surprises that might lead to tantrums.

Whenever possible, opt for aisle seats. This allows your kids the freedom to stand in the aisle and provides easy access to concessions and restrooms.

For kids who might not be as interested in the game itself, bring along an additional source of entertainment, such as a game, book, or iPad, to keep them engaged.

While bribery might not be the ideal approach, offering a small incentive can be effective. Many stadiums have spirit shops where a logoed stuffed animal or a shiny new ball cap can encourage good behaviour and keep enthusiasm high through the fourth quarter.

Check out any kid-friendly activities or amenities each team offers. Some venues provide items like first-game certificates or safety bracelets with identification and parent contact information.

If you’re ready to take the whole family to the game, that’s fantastic! It’s sure to be a memorable experience, even with the occasional tear or tantrum (from little ones or dedicated Detroit Lions fans). Plan ahead, prepare where possible, and most importantly, enjoy the experience!

Be Flexible

• Breaks: Be prepared to take breaks for restroom visits or to let kids stretch their legs.
• Exit Strategy: Have a plan for leaving early if needed, either due to tiredness or if the environment becomes overwhelming.

Capture the Moment

• Photos: Take some photos to remember the day, but also be mindful of enjoying the experience without being glued to your phone.
• Memorabilia: Consider buying a small souvenir to commemorate the outing.

Post-Event Plans

• Beating the Traffic: Decide if you want to leave a bit early to avoid the post-event rush.
• Review and Relax: Talk about the highlights of the day on the way home, and ensure the kids have some downtime afterward.

A little preparation can go a long way in making the experience enjoyable for everyone!