As none other than Jeff C himself, I can attest to the fact that I've attended tailgate parties at a lot of different places, including the Meadowlands, Shea Stadium, Michie Stadium (West Point), Rutgers Stadium, Palmer Stadium (used to be at Princeton; long since knocked down) and Michigan Stadium, among others.

That's the good part. As our host blogger commented, yes, things have become significantly more expensive over the years. That having been said, there are things that can be done to make the modern ballgame an enjoyable, affordable day out with the family.

First things first: Figure out what's important to you. If you're like me, it's not very difficult to understand. You want everyone to have fun, and you want to be safe. Everything beyond that is gravy, and with that in mind, there are some easy ways to cut corners without eliminating the fun factor.

Yes, parking has become a nuisance. Are there ways to save? Yes. The key is to use some good, old fashioned common sense. Carpooling is one way; parking in a different location is another. Let's look about the latter for a moment. There's an art to doing this the right way. First off, don't put yourself or anyone in your party in harm's way, i.e., remember to park somewhere safe and well lit. Many stadiums have hotels nearby with parking lots, and you can even tailgate there, albeit in a more subtle manner. Near one prominent stadium, there's an office complex across the highway, and people have been known to park at the top level of the building's parking deck, looking down on the stadium from across the highway. Naturally, this requires that you A) work at the building, or B) know someone who is willing to lend you their parking pass for the building. 

There are other options as well. Near some ballparks, you'll actually find unauthorized parking lots, including front lawns and backyards of private homes, many of which will assure you a parking spot where you'll never be blocked in, thus allowing you to leave any time you want. Best still, you'll park at a fraction of the cost you'd pay in the primary lot. It can be done. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSdnC3brs6c&playnext=1&list=PL8B2015E2DED...

But, parking can be a hassle, and it has a few problems. First, nobody wants a drinking and driving violation, and second, driving to the game isn't the "Green" thing to do. Several decades after many ballparks fled the inner city, developers now realize that the old fashioned urban ballpark, accessible by mass transit, is, in fact "greener" than the stadium which requires fans to drive their cars and choke the air with emissions. Even some of the suburban ballparks now have the mass transit option, which is a smart way to go for many fans -- and families. 

Making your own food, including the aforementioned hero sandwich (known as a hoagie in some parts), is a time-honored way to save some valuable dinero. If you still want to tailgate, here's some sound advice: Keep it simple. The low-tech barbecue grills can be very good, including some grills that are fed by small propane tanks, which makes for easier cleanup than the old charcoal-fed grills. In terms of culinary fare, there's no limit to what you can cook, but remember, you want to enjoy your time with the family, so again, the simpler way to go is the smart way to go. 

Then there's the event itself. Affordable tickets can be found in a number of ways now, due largely to the downturn in the economy. But if you really want to save money, and enjoy yourself, the innovative way never hurts. With that in mind, things like Minor League Baseball and high school football are remarkable values. 

Now, hold on. There's no reason to laugh. Take your hand away from the mouse and keep reading. These events, while not possessing the traditional big time panache of larger professional sporting events, can actually provide a very big entertainment value, and at prices that are often next to nothing. Imagine taking a family of four to a sporting event for less than $10 in ticket prices. That's very feasible at a high school football game, and there are often plenty of attractions for children to keep them amused if the game becomes boring. 

In the end, it comes down to safety, enjoyment, and, hopefully, some savings. Remember, spending a lot of money doesn't guarantee a tremendous family experience. Only you can accomplish that.