We recently took our son to his first Oklahoma Sooners football game at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma. While fun was had by all, the planning and logistics leading up to the game was intense. Not only did I have to plan travel, lodging and transportation, I also had to understand the does and don'ts of entering a sports stadium with a toddler.
Unlike an airplane, sports stadiums have fluid rules. Meaning, the stadium may have stringent rules, bag policies and more. Additionally, ticket attendants may be sticklers for rules or may be more relaxed and understanding. Imagine an uncontrollable toddler screaming their head off because they can't take their favorite sippy cup into the stadium.
Bottom line, there are lots of unknowns when entering sports stadiums. Appropriately planning and building flexibility into your psyche will go a long way.
1. Stadium policies. Most stadiums have rules or policies governing appropriate and inappropriate items which can be brought into the stadium. Find them, read them and understand them.
Among the numerous prohibited items in Sooner Stadium are strollers and backpacks. However, the stadium allowed diaper bags and reasonably sized purses. Our diaper bag was a backpack. Because I am a planner, we stored an actual "diaper bag" in our car, just in case were were denied entry. Fortunately, the ticketing attendants were amazing and unfazed by the backpack diaper bag.
2. Noise canceling headphones. The decibel levels in sports stadium can be harsh to babies or toddler ears. To relieve irritation and prevent hearing loss, invest in baby/toddler noise canceling headphones. While the prospect of wearing the headphones may initially annoy your little one, the volume within the stadium will likely cause your child to welcome the headphones with open arms.
3. General toddler supplies. Don't leave home without your typical baby/toddler supplies - diapers, wipes, a change of cloths (at least one), cup/bottle, a distraction item, jacket/blanket, etc.
4. Environmental Supplies. Understand the stadium environment and the weather. From a weather perspective, remember sunscreen, mosquito repellent, mittens, hats, etc. Also consider the stadium environment, meaning if everyone stands the entire game make sure your little one wears appropriate footwear.
5. Remember the tickets. Understand whether your child needs a ticket before you arrive in game day. At Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, every entrant must have a ticket regardless of age. For us, although our toddler was going to either sit on our laps or be in our arms, we had to purchase a full priced ticket for him.
6. Select the right game. Consider selecting a non-conference, non-rivalry, low profile game. We selected a non-conference game - Tulane. It was great because fans were relaxed and the Stadium was not to capacity.
7. Fans. Everyone will not think you toddler is as cute and cuddly as you. During our game experience, our toddler was fascinated by the two gentlemen sitting in front of us. He was so fascinated, that he wanted to constantly pat the men on the back. Well the two gentlemen were anti-baby and very unfriendly, which was even more appealing to our son. We had to be creative in order to prevent our son from interacting with these gentlemen.
Remember, the game is only a few hours. Try to have fun and go with the flow. You and your child will likely never forget the experience for one reason or another.