3 Little-Known Financial Perks of Being a Season Ticket Holder

Whether you're a baseball fan, football fan, or proud supporter of grown men tackling each other on ice while playing hockey, there's nothing like the thrill of being able to cheer on your favorite sports team in person. And if you're truly a big sports fan, you may be contemplating a season ticket plan.

Now, it's pretty impossible to put a general cost on season tickets. That's something that will hinge on factors that include your local team, the type of seats you want, and the number of games you're trying to attend.

But either way, you should expect to spend a fair amount of money on season tickets. And while that outlay may be a stretch, you might at least get to enjoy these financial perks as part of your plan.

1. Discounted ticket prices

You might spend less money on a per-ticket basis when you buy a season ticket plan. It's the same way Costco gives you a break on your groceries when you're buying them in bulk quantities.

Also, season ticket plans are commonly purchased directly through the venue where you'll be watching games. That could mean avoiding the hefty cost of third-party fees, like the ones you'll pay if you buy individual game tickets on Ticketmaster.

2. Discounts on merchandise

It's pretty common for sports fans to show up to games dressed in team attire. As a season ticket holder, you may be eligible for a discount on team merchandise. That might also come in handy if you have sports fans in your life you want to buy holiday gifts for.

3. Discounts on food

Many sports venues do not allow you to bring in outside food or drink. That can be problematic when you're talking about spending roughly three hours in the same place.

Of course, buying food and drinks at these venues can be shockingly expensive. But as a season ticket holder, you may at least be eligible for a discount on those purchases.

Can you afford to be a season ticket holder?

As you can see, there are financial benefits to having a season ticket plan. But the big question is, can you afford one?

The cost involved can vary tremendously based on the team you're supporting and the type of package you're considering. Some teams, for example, offer quarter- or half-season plans, which are apt to be less expensive than full-season plans.

You'll need to assess the state of your savings account balance and income to see if holding season tickets is feasible for you. But there may be ways to make it more affordable, including:

• Splitting your ticket package with friends. If you can't swing the full cost of your tickets, get one or more friends to buy in and divide the tickets evenly.
• Compromising on seats. If you're willing to sit in a section with a slightly less optimal view, your costs might come down.
• Selling some of your tickets. Sites like StubHub make it easy to sell tickets to sporting events you can't use -- or can't afford to use. So if you buy a 10-game package but can really only afford five games' worth of tickets, you could try selling the other five to get your money back.

Being a season ticket holder is something a lot of people dream about. If it's not in the cards just yet, it's something you can work on saving for. But if you assess your personal finances and decide you can swing it, you might enjoy a host of benefits.