Recently I went to a baseball game, so I thought I’d share some of my tips & tools for attending sporting events with fibromyalgia, while they were fresh in my mind! When considering which seats to buy tickets for, there are many things you might want to take into consideration: How many stairs will be needed to be climbed? How many people will need to be climbed over to get to the seat (look for seats at the ends of rows)? How far away is the section is from an elevator/escalator? If you’re able to spend a little extra money I highly suggest getting club level seats. These seats are typically cushioned, have a little more room on all sides and consist of shorter rows (less people to climb over). Another bonus to sitting at club levels it that the concourse itself (the loop outside the seats, where the food is) is often heated/air-conditioned, allowing you to warm up or cool off if you’re feeling uncomfortable.

Speaking of being comfortable, I suggest dressing in layers. Depending on if the stadium is in or outdoors some things to consider wearing/brining are a sweater/jacket/coat, gloves, hat, scarf, and blanket. Other items to consider bringing are hand-held battery-powered fans, hand warmers or toe/feet warmers and ear plugs if the fans are known to be especially loud. Don’t forget to bring any pills you need to take or back-up pain killers for you to use if needed. If the event is outdoors you’ll also want to be sure to bring sunglasses, sunscreen and maybe even a hat. When you get to the event take advantage of the ushers at the entrance. Ask them what the best way is to get to your seat to save yourself from extra walking. You may even be directed to a hard-to-spot escalator or elevator!

Eating food in your lap is one of those things that can be tricky at a sporting event, for anybody! The part that I think is especially tricky for those with fibromyalgia is carrying food while climbing stairs and over people to get to your seat. With all the small, shallow steps that our muscle memory isn’t used to, we need to be holding onto the railings! If the stadium you’re at has cocktail tables (small & tall) available to eat at near the concessions, I highly suggest taking advantage of that. If you don’t want to miss any of the game, arrive a little early so you can eat and head to your seat before the game begins. Just in case you do end up buying some Cracker Jacks or cotton candy from your seat, bring along some hand sanitizer too.

What are some of your tips & tools for attending sporting events?

"Take me out to the ballgame..."