Box seats are the lower level seats closest to the field, usually around the infield between the bases and down the foul lines. The name comes from early ballparks, where the best seats sat in small railed boxes like the private boxes in a theater. Today box seats are among the priciest tickets in the park, just behind dugout and club seats. The chart below compares box seats with every other seating section.
Ballpark seating guide
Box seats and every other seating section compared
Green dollar signs show relative price, from $ (cheapest) to $$$$$ (most expensive).
Field or dugout box$$$$$
Lower level rows closest to the field, between the dugouts
View: up close to players and foul balls. Best for: fans who want the best seats in the house.
Suites$$$$$
Private rooms on the club or mezzanine level
View: elevated, with indoor space and catering. Best for: groups and corporate outings.
Club seats$$$$$
Padded seats with access to an indoor club lounge
View: great sightlines plus climate controlled amenities. Best for: comfort and upscale food.
Box seats$$$$$
Lower level sections around the infield and down the lines
View: close, clear views of the whole infield. Best for: the classic ballgame experience.
Loge or mezzanine$$$$$
Middle deck between the lower bowl and upper deck
View: elevated view of plays developing. Best for: seeing the whole field.
Infield reserved$$$$$
Lower or middle level behind the box seats
View: good angle on the infield at a lower price. Best for: value near the action.
Party decks$$$$$
Group areas with tables, often in the outfield
View: social setting, often with food included. Best for: birthdays and team outings.
Outfield and bleachers$$$$$
Seats beyond the outfield wall
View: home run balls and a lively crowd. Best for: budget fans and home run hunters.
Upper deck$$$$$
The top level of the ballpark
View: panoramic views of the field and skyline. Best for: the cheapest reserved seats.
Standing room$$$$$
Open areas along concourses and rails
View: views vary; no assigned seat. Best for: last minute tickets and wandering.
Lawn or berm$$$$$
Grass seating areas, mostly at minor league parks
View: relaxed picnic setting beyond the outfield. Best for: families with young kids.
Section names and prices vary by ballpark and by game; weekday and early season games are usually cheapest.
Picking the Best Seat Within a Section
| Spot |
Why fans pick it |
| Third base side |
Great view of plays at third and throws across the diamond; check your park’s sun and shade info for day games |
| First base side |
Great view of pickoffs and plays at first; sun exposure depends on the ballpark |
| Behind home plate |
The truest view of pitch location and the strike zone |
| Aisle seats |
Easy access to concessions and restrooms |
| Rows under an overhang |
Shade and protection from rain, but pop ups may be hidden |
Are Box Seats Worth It?
For fans who want to hear the ball pop into the catcher’s mitt and see players up close, box seats are worth the price, especially for a special occasion. For families or casual fans, outfield or upper deck seats offer a lot more value, and the atmosphere is often just as fun. Watch for foul balls in lower box seats; netting now extends past the dugouts at MLB parks, but balls still reach the stands.
Related
What to bring to a baseball game · How far can a baseball be hit · Why players eat sunflower seeds
Every team’s seating chart and ticket options are on MLB.com, and MiLB.com covers minor league parks.
