How to Save on Sports Tickets in Long Beach

Long Beach, California, is more than just a coastal paradise known for its boardwalk, marina, and annual Grand Prix. It’s also a thriving hub for live sports, hosting everything from minor league baseball and basketball to college matchups and community-driven tournaments. Whether you’re cheering on the Long Beach State 49ers at the Walter Pyramid, catching a game at the historic Veterans Memorial Stadium, or attending a minor league baseball match at Blair Field, sports fans in Long Beach have no shortage of opportunities to experience live athletics. But with rising ticket prices, parking fees, and concessions, attending games can quickly become expensive—especially for families, students, or budget-conscious fans.

This guide is your comprehensive resource for saving money on sports tickets in Long Beach without sacrificing the excitement of live games. From insider tips on discount platforms to timing your purchases and leveraging local partnerships, you’ll learn how to enjoy the thrill of the game while keeping your wallet intact. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a visitor planning your next weekend outing, these strategies will help you unlock affordable access to Long Beach’s vibrant sports scene.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Identify the Teams and Venues in Long Beach

Before you start hunting for deals, know exactly where and when games are held. Long Beach is home to several key sports venues and teams:

• Blair Field – Home of the Long Beach State 49ers baseball team and the Long Beach Armada (independent league).
• Walter Pyramid – The iconic arena for Long Beach State basketball, volleyball, and other NCAA events.
• Veterans Memorial Stadium – Hosts high school football, soccer, and occasional college matchups.
• Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center – Occasionally hosts indoor sports like arena football or wrestling events.
• Queen Mary Events Park – Used for large-scale events, including motorsports and fan festivals.

Knowing the venue helps you plan for parking, public transit, and even nearby food options that may be cheaper than in-stadium vendors. It also allows you to search for tickets using specific keywords like “Long Beach State basketball tickets” or “Blair Field baseball deals.”

2. Sign Up for Team and Venue Email Lists

One of the most overlooked yet effective ways to save on tickets is by subscribing directly to the official email newsletters of Long Beach teams and venues. Organizations often send exclusive discount codes, early access to ticket sales, and last-minute promotions to subscribers.

For example, Long Beach State Athletics frequently offers:

• “Student Rush” tickets for $5–$10 the day of the game (with valid ID).
• “Family Four Packs” with discounted pricing when purchased together.
• “Military Appreciation Nights” with 50% off tickets for service members and veterans.

Sign up on the official websites: longbeachstateathletics.com, blairfield.com, and walterpyramid.com. Avoid third-party sites that may not offer the same benefits.

3. Follow Teams on Social Media for Flash Sales

Teams in Long Beach use social media as a real-time marketing tool. Instagram, Twitter (X), and Facebook are frequently used to announce surprise discounts, “buy one, get one free” offers, or giveaways tied to game day themes.

Example: On a Tuesday afternoon, the Long Beach State men’s basketball team might post: “24-HOUR FLASH SALE: All remaining seats for Saturday’s game against CSUN are 40% off! Use code LBSU40 at checkout.”

Follow these official accounts:

• @LBSU_Athletics (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook)
• @BlairFieldLB (Instagram)
• @WalterPyramid (Facebook)

Enable notifications so you don’t miss these time-sensitive deals. Flash sales often sell out within minutes, so having alerts active gives you a critical edge.

4. Use Student, Military, and Senior Discounts

Many Long Beach venues offer significant discounts for specific demographics. Always ask—don’t assume you’re ineligible.

• Students: Long Beach State students get free or deeply discounted admission to most home events with a valid student ID. Non-students enrolled at nearby community colleges may also qualify for reduced rates.
• Military & Veterans: Blair Field and the Walter Pyramid regularly host “Honor Nights” with up to 50% off tickets. Bring your military ID or DD214 form.
• Seniors (65+): Some games offer senior discounts on select weekdays or non-peak matchups. Call the box office or check the website for eligibility.

Pro Tip: Even if a discount isn’t advertised, politely ask the ticket seller. Many venues have unlisted programs for local residents, teachers, or first responders.

5. Buy Tickets in Advance (But Not Too Early)

Timing is everything. Buying too early (months ahead) often means paying full price. Buying too late risks sold-out games or inflated resale prices.

Optimal window: 2–4 weeks before the game. This is when teams begin clearing out unsold inventory and may release promotional codes. For high-demand games (e.g., rivalry matchups), set calendar reminders for when tickets go on sale to the general public.

Example: Long Beach State vs. CSUN basketball games typically go on sale in mid-October. Mark your calendar and sign up for alerts. If you wait until the week before, prices may rise 20–30% on secondary markets.

6. Consider Off-Peak and Weekday Games

Friday and Saturday night games are the most expensive. Sunday matinees, Tuesday evenings, and Wednesday afternoon games often have lower demand—and lower prices.

For example:

• A Saturday night Long Beach State basketball game: $25–$40
• A Wednesday afternoon baseball game at Blair Field: $8–$15

Weekday games also mean less traffic, easier parking, and shorter lines. You’ll get the same energy, just with fewer crowds and deeper discounts.

7. Explore Group Ticket Packages

Buying tickets as a group is one of the most reliable ways to save. Most Long Beach venues offer group rates for 10 or more people.

Group benefits often include:

• 20–30% discount off regular ticket prices
• Free tickets for group organizers
• Complimentary parking or food vouchers
• Exclusive seating sections

Organize with friends, coworkers, or local clubs. Even a group of 5–7 can sometimes negotiate a discount by calling the box office directly and asking, “Do you have any group rates available?”

8. Use Cashback and Reward Apps

Several apps offer cashback or points when you buy tickets through their platforms. While not always specific to Long Beach, they apply universally.

• Rakuten: Earn 3–8% cashback when purchasing tickets through partner sites like Ticketmaster or StubHub.
• Capital One Shopping: Automatically applies coupon codes at checkout and tracks price drops.
• Fetch Rewards: Scan your ticket receipt after the game to earn points redeemable for gift cards.

Combine this with credit card rewards. Some cards offer bonus points for entertainment purchases. Always check your card’s benefits portal before buying.

9. Attend Free or Low-Cost Community Events

Long Beach hosts numerous free or donation-based sports events year-round:

• Long Beach Youth Baseball Tournaments: Free admission, family-friendly, and often feature future college stars.
• High School Championship Games: Held at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Tickets often $5 or less.
• Long Beach Triathlon & Running Festivals: Free to watch on the boardwalk.
• Beach Volleyball Tournaments: Held at East Beach and the Long Beach Pier. Free entry, live music, and food trucks.

These events are excellent for families, casual fans, or those testing the waters before committing to a full-priced game.

10. Consider Standing Room or Bleacher Seats

You don’t need premium seating to enjoy the game. Bleacher seats at Blair Field or upper-level stands at the Walter Pyramid can cost 60–70% less than courtside or field-level tickets.

Benefits:

• Unobstructed views (especially in baseball)
• More space to move around
• Often include access to the same concessions and restrooms

When purchasing tickets online, filter by “Bleacher,” “General Admission,” or “Standing Room Only.” These options are frequently overlooked—and underpriced.

Best Practices

Always Verify the Official Source

Third-party resellers like StubHub, Vivid Seats, or TicketNetwork often inflate prices by 2–5x the original face value. While they offer convenience, they rarely offer savings. Always check the venue’s official website first. For Long Beach State, that’s longbeachstateathletics.com. For Blair Field, it’s blairfield.com.

Look for secure URLs (https://), official logos, and contact information. If a site looks cluttered, has pop-ups, or lacks a phone number or physical address, avoid it.

Bundle with Local Deals

Long Beach businesses often partner with sports teams to create bundled experiences. For example:

• “Game Day Dinner Deal”: Get a 20% discount at a nearby restaurant with your ticket stub.
• “Parking + Ticket Combo”: Park for free at the Long Beach Public Parking Garage with a ticket purchase.
• “Merch + Ticket Bundle”: Buy a team hat or shirt and get $10 off your ticket.

Check the Long Beach Tourism website (visitlongbeach.com) and local business associations like the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce for seasonal promotions.

Plan Your Transportation in Advance

Parking near the Walter Pyramid or Blair Field can cost $10–$20 per vehicle. Save money by using public transit:

• Long Beach Transit Bus 101 stops at the Walter Pyramid.
• Metro C Line connects to the Long Beach Transit Center, a 10-minute ride to Blair Field.
• Use the Lime or Bird scooter apps for short trips from the Downtown Long Beach station.

Some games even offer discounted transit passes when bundled with tickets. Ask at the box office or check the event page.

Bring Your Own Snacks and Water

Concessions at Long Beach venues are notoriously expensive. A soda can cost $7, a hot dog $12. Most venues allow you to bring in sealed bottled water and small snacks (check venue policies first).

Pro Tip: Pack a reusable water bottle and fill it at a water station before entering. Many stadiums now have hydration stations for this purpose.

Buy Tickets on the Day of the Game (If Available)

Many teams release unsold tickets at a steep discount 1–3 hours before game time. This is called “day-of” or “walk-up” pricing.

Call the box office or check the team’s social media for updates. For example, Long Beach State sometimes drops tickets to $5 for remaining seats two hours before tip-off.

Arrive early to the venue and ask at the will-call or box office window. Be prepared to pay with cash or card, and be flexible on seating.

Join Fan Clubs and Loyalty Programs

Long Beach State has an official fan club called “The 49er Nation.” Membership is free and includes:

• Exclusive ticket presales
• Discounts on team merchandise
• Invitations to player meet-and-greets
• Season ticket holder perks (even if you don’t buy a full season)

Sign up at longbeachstateathletics.com/fanclub. Even if you only attend 2–3 games a year, the perks add up.

Track Price Trends with Browser Extensions

Use tools like Honey or Keepa to monitor ticket prices over time. These extensions show you historical pricing trends and notify you when prices drop.

For example, if you’re eyeing a Long Beach State vs. UC Irvine game priced at $35, Honey might show that the same ticket was $22 two weeks ago. You can then wait or set a price alert.

Tools and Resources

Official Websites

• Long Beach State Athletics: longbeachstateathletics.com
• Blair Field: blairfield.com
• Walter Pyramid: walterpyramid.com
• Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center: lbcec.com
• Visit Long Beach: visitlongbeach.com

Discount Platforms

• TickPick: No service fees and price comparison tools.
• SeatGeek: “Deal Score” feature ranks tickets by value.
• Goldstar: Offers discounted tickets to local events, including sports.

Apps for Savings

• Rakuten: Cashback on ticket purchases.
• Fetch Rewards: Earn points by scanning receipts.
• Long Beach Transit App: Plan bus routes and buy digital passes.
• Google Maps: Use “Transit” mode to find cheapest routes to venues.

Local Partnerships

• Long Beach Public Library: Offers free or discounted tickets to select events through its “Culture Pass” program.
• Long Beach Unified School District: Partners with teams to provide free tickets to students and families.
• Local Coffee Shops & Bookstores: Some offer “Buy a Latte, Get a Ticket” promotions during game season.

Price Tracking Tools

• Honey: Auto-applies coupons and tracks price history.
• Keepa: Monitors Amazon and ticket resale sites for price drops.
• Google Alerts: Set alerts for “Long Beach State tickets discount” or “Blair Field cheap seats.”

Real Examples

Example 1: A Student Saves $120 on Basketball Tickets

Jessica, a junior at Long Beach City College, wanted to attend the Long Beach State vs. UC Davis men’s basketball game. She didn’t have a student ID for LBSU, so she couldn’t get the student rush. Instead, she:

• Followed @LBSU_Athletics on Instagram and saw a post about a “Community Day” discount.
• Called the box office and asked if local community college students qualified. They did—$10 tickets with a valid ID.
• Brought a friend, and they both got in for $10 each (normally $35).
• Used her Long Beach Transit card to ride for $1.50 round trip.
• Grabbed a sandwich and water from a local market before the game instead of buying concessions.

Total spent: $23. Saved: $120.

Example 2: A Family Attends a Baseball Game for Under $40

The Ramirez family of four wanted to see a Blair Field game. They:

• Found a Wednesday afternoon game against a regional rival (low demand).
• Used the “Family Four Pack” deal: $32 for four bleacher seats (normally $80).
• Used a $5 coupon from a local grocery store flyer.
• Walked to the stadium (5-minute distance from their home).
• Brought homemade sandwiches and juice boxes.

Total spent: $27. Saved: $100+.

Example 3: A Military Veteran Gets Free Tickets

After serving 20 years, Carlos attended a “Veterans Appreciation Night” at the Walter Pyramid. He:

• Presented his DD214 at the box office.
• Received four complimentary tickets to a volleyball match.
• Got a free team hat and 20% off food at the concession stand.
• Was invited to a pre-game meet-and-greet with the coaching staff.

Cost: $0. Value received: Over $200.

Example 4: A Group of Friends Uses a Flash Sale

Four friends saw a 30% off Instagram post for a Long Beach State volleyball game. They:

• Acted within 15 minutes of the post.
• Used code “VOLLEY30” at checkout.
• Got four tickets for $12 each (down from $18).
• Split a $10 Uber ride.
• Each brought a reusable water bottle.

Total: $58. Saved: $20.

FAQs

Can I get free sports tickets in Long Beach?

Yes. Many events, especially high school games, youth tournaments, and community events, are free to attend. Long Beach State occasionally offers free tickets to students, faculty, and local residents through giveaways or loyalty programs. Check the official athletics website and social media for promotions.

Are there discounts for teachers or first responders?

Some venues offer discounts for teachers, firefighters, and police officers, but they are not always advertised. Always call the box office and ask, “Do you have any special rates for educators or first responders?” Many times, the answer is yes.

What’s the best day to buy sports tickets in Long Beach?

Midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) is ideal. Prices are lower, and inventory is more abundant. Avoid weekends unless you’re attending a major rivalry game—those rarely have discounts.

Can I resell my tickets if I can’t attend?

Yes, but check the venue’s policy first. Some tickets are non-transferable or have restrictions. Use official resale platforms like Ticketmaster’s Fan-to-Fan or the venue’s own resale portal to avoid scams. Never sell on unverified social media groups.

Do Long Beach sports venues allow outside food and drinks?

Most allow sealed bottled water and small snacks (like granola bars or fruit). Large coolers, alcohol, and glass containers are prohibited. Always review the venue’s policy page before arriving.

How early should I arrive for a game to get the best seats?

If you’re buying day-of tickets or waiting for rush seating, arrive 1–2 hours early. For reserved seating, 30–45 minutes before game time is sufficient. Arriving early also gives you time to explore pre-game activities and avoid lines.

Are there any apps that show real-time ticket availability in Long Beach?

Yes. SeatGeek and TickPick show live inventory and price trends for Long Beach events. The official Long Beach State app also has real-time updates on unsold tickets.

Can I use gift cards to buy sports tickets in Long Beach?

Some venues accept gift cards from local businesses (e.g., a $25 gift card from a Long Beach restaurant toward a $30 ticket). Ask the box office if they accept third-party gift cards. Some also offer gift card bundles with tickets during holiday promotions.

Do student discounts apply to non-LBSU students?

Often, yes. Long Beach State extends student discounts to students from nearby colleges like CSULB, LBCC, and Cal State Dominguez Hills. Bring your valid student ID and ask at the box office.

Is parking ever free at Long Beach sports venues?

On select “Community Days” or for carpoolers (3+ people), free parking is offered. Check the event page or call ahead. Public transit is the most reliable way to avoid parking fees entirely.

Conclusion

Attending live sports in Long Beach doesn’t have to be a luxury reserved for those with deep pockets. With the right strategies, timing, and local knowledge, you can experience the energy of a packed Walter Pyramid, the thrill of a late-inning baseball game at Blair Field, or the passion of a high school rivalry—all while saving significant money.

This guide has shown you how to leverage official channels, social media flash sales, group discounts, student and military benefits, and smart timing to unlock affordable access to Long Beach’s best sports events. You’ve seen real examples of families, students, and veterans who saved hundreds by simply knowing where to look and when to act.

Remember: the goal isn’t just to get the cheapest ticket—it’s to maximize your experience while minimizing your cost. Whether you’re watching your first game or your fiftieth, the joy of live sports is in the moment, not the price tag.

Start applying these strategies today. Subscribe to your favorite team’s newsletter, follow them on Instagram, and mark your calendar for the next midweek game. With persistence and a little planning, you’ll be enjoying Long Beach’s sports scene for less—every time.