A little over two years ago, an email arrived that sparked an exhilaration within me, an individual on the path to sobriety, and a fervent sports enthusiast. The message conveyed that I had secured two tickets to a minor league baseball game, and these were no ordinary tickets—they granted access to the all-you-can-eat-and-drink section. The prospect of indulging in an endless flow of beverages aligned seamlessly with my history, yet this time, it was profoundly different.
Die Hard (Sober) Sports Fan
Those who know me are aware that I live and die by my support for the Milwaukee Brewers. I frequently attend my local semi-pro baseball team’s games, usually with a beer in hand. Getting the chance to combine both my passions, baseball and getting drunk, was appealing. I remember visiting the minor league team’s website to check the available beers. As a craft beer enthusiast, I wanted to ensure I did my research, making sure I tried only beers I had never had before.
However, let’s be honest, my main focus was figuring out how to get as drunk as possible during the game, all the while knowing I had to sober up to drive home. Since my wife, who accompanied me, doesn’t drive, I had a plan in mind. I’d drink heavily during the pregame, slow down around the second or third inning, and then attempt to sober up quickly for the drive home. I had even chosen the beers I wanted to try – or rather, the ones I intended to drink as much of as possible – to reach the desired level of buzz before I had to sober up. Ballpark beer guzzling strategy at its finest.
WTS? (What The Sober?)
However, there was a problem with my plan: a couple of weeks before the game, I got sober. But I still had the tickets for the all-you-can-eat-and-drink section, and I still loved baseball. My wife shared my love for the sport. So, how could I attend a baseball game in an all-you-can-eat-and-drink section with my newfound sobriety? To be honest, I approached that first game with a white-knuckle mentality, struggling to resist the strong cravings I had while seeing others enjoying their drinks.
How to Stay Sober at Sporting Events
Despite my cravings, I knew that giving in wouldn’t end well for me as someone newly committed to sobriety. I tried drinking soda instead, but the soda machines were swarmed by yellow jackets, making that adventure less appealing. I settled for water to avoid both bee stings and jeopardizing my newfound sobriety. While I drank as much water as I could, my thoughts shifted to how to enjoy a game without alcohol. This challenge led me to wonder: how can one stay sober while attending a ballgame or any sporting event? This dilemma, I believe, resonates with many people in recovery, especially in Wisconsin where alcohol consumption and sports are tightly linked.
King Alcohol is EVERYWHERE
Everywhere you go at a baseball park, football stadium, or basketball game, alcohol advertisements are prominent. Almost every food vendor also sells beer, if not stronger drinks. Vendors even walk through the crowd, selling beer, mixed drinks, and cocktails – an alcoholic’s paradise, delivered right to their seat. And let’s not forget about tailgating, where fans set up grills, empty their home bars and those of their neighbors, and engage in a pre-game party, trying to get as drunk as possible before entering the stadium to avoid the exorbitant prices there.
Alcohol is ever-present, especially in Wisconsin. As a newly sober person, this presented a challenge. How could I attend a baseball game? My first attempt was a struggle, as I was not involved in any recovery program at that time. It was mainly an internal battle of “I’m not drinking” will power. Now that I have some sobriety under my belt, and I’ve attended a few sporting events, I’ve developed strategies that work for me in maintaining my sobriety while enjoying the games.
Five Tips to Enjoy Games Sober
- #1. BRING A BUDDY: I’ve learned not to go alone. Bringing a supportive friend, preferably one who is also sober or mostly sober, can be immensely helpful. This way, you have someone to talk to if cravings become overwhelming.
- #2 SIT IN A SOBER SECTION: If a sober section exists, like the family section in American Family Field in Milwaukee, consider sitting there. While you might still have to pass by bars and navigate tailgating, you can at least enjoy the game without alcohol sales immediately around you. I’d like to see more teams introduce a designated sober section, similar to Lambeau Field’s “Section Yellow.” This would provide an on-site sober community with resources for those struggling with cravings. Sober Curator Pro Tip: Read more about Section Yellow: Packers’ Section Yellow provides relief for nondrinking fans at Lambeau Field (sportsbusinessjournal.com)
- #3 VOLUNTEER TO BE A DESIGNATED DRIVER: If a designated driver program is available, sign up. You’ll usually get a free soda and a constant reminder of your commitment to not drink.
- #4 PHONE A FRIEND: If you have a sober buddy, like a sponsor, have them on speed dial in case of an urge.
- #5 HAVE AN EXIT PLAN: If the temptation becomes too intense, there’s no shame in leaving the game early. Your sobriety comes first.
Not an Expert, Just Sharing My Experience
These are just some thoughts that come to mind, not expert advice. I’m no expert in recovery or sports; I can only share what has worked for me. If you have additional ideas or thoughts, please share them in the comments. Let’s collaborate to ensure that the next time we attend a sporting event, we do so together and soberly.
SOBER SPORTS: Welcome to Sober Sports with Ryan Burg! Sober Sports is our section of the site that is dedicated to promoting sobriety and wellness through sports and fitness. The section features articles, interviews, and personal stories from athletes and fitness enthusiasts who are committed to living a healthier, alcohol-free lifestyle. By highlighting the benefits of sober living and the role that sports and fitness can play in achieving and maintaining sobriety, Sober Sports is changing the way we think about wellness and encouraging a more positive and empowering approach to recovery.
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