Smart fans are Cubs fans.

I'm a Chicagoan through-and-through: I'm a Cubs fan. If you've never witnessed Wrigley Field, what a shame. A few years ago, I spent a perfect early-April Saturday afternoon on a rooftop bordering the famous brick walls of Wrigley Field's outfield. Specifically, it was the "Ivy League" rooftop -- definitely worth checking out for those of you blessed enough to be living in the beloved Windy City. Or if you're me, you make special trips to the Chi for a game (and a weekend with your family). Anyways, on our rooftop we had unlimited food, beverage...and beer. T-r-o-u-b-l-e.

Picture (left-to-right): Kristen, myself, Michael, and Dave. Having a blast on the rooftop. "Go Cubs Go! Go Cubs Go! Hey Chicago, whaddya say? The Cubs are gunna win today..."

So in this economic recession, MLB home stands such as those of the Minnesota Twins, Pittsburgh Pirates, Baltimore Orioles, and Texas Rangers have opted to boast "stuff-your-face-tickets" in specific sections of the ballpark. With the recent state of the economy, baseball sales are down and this all-you-can-eat incentive is being used to lure in baseball fans [1]. Or should I say food fans?

With the Twins suffering a 6% drop-off in ticket sales this season, they've allotted 600 seats in a few section distant from the diamond. This clientele has priorities other than baseball and their seating reflects that. While alcoholic beverages are not included in the ticket price, all-you-can-eat nachos, hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels, soda, and water are available to stuff-your-face ticket holders [1].

This story covered by USA Today quotes several note-worthy patrons [1]:

"We're just here to pig out."
"As long as there's food involved, that's all that matters" coming from the gentleman with the goal of eating 20 hot dogs.

"I've got some veggies here!" in reference to his jalapenos topping the nachos

Baseball: America's laziest sport supported by America's gluttonous patrons. Obviously.

Attendees feel they are "sticking it to the system" by purchasing this stuff-your-face-ticket for a mere $12 more than the general admission price, which are regularly priced at $22 a seat [1]. Of course my Cubbies would never stoop so low with such offers. Packing that sanctuary has never been an issue. And though ticket sales may be down a smidgen, the sales of Old Style are sure to stay up. For the record, I recommend the Old Style Light.

Today, we're opting to stay out of the 103 degree heat and instead watch the Cubs v. Cardinals - a classic rivalry between husband and I. Some 94% fat-free Orville Redenbacher popcorn will mostly likely be involved, but I'll leave the nachos, hot dogs, and jumbo pretzels to those "sticking it to the system". Or more like sticking it to themselves. Gross.

[1]. Campbell, Dave. All-you-can-eat Seats: Baseball Fans Pig Out. USA Today.