As for the kids, yes, tickets are required for kids over a year old. However, I’ve found that you can get them through the gate without a ticket (I’ve kept their ticket in my pocket as an experiment a few times) as long as they’re young enough that you’re carrying them in your arms (so up to about 2 – 2 1/2 or so).

However, once in the stadium, you’re going to want the space provided by purchasing them a ticket, even if they’re under a year old (heck ESPECIALLY if they’re that young). We all know how cramped those bench seats are and the kids need a little extra room to move around, even when they are on your lap.

I recommend having adults on either side of the seats for the kids to “seal the line”. I’m sure everyone has experienced how empty seats disappear during a game as people make use of the space around them. Well, kids are effectively “empty seats”. You need to physically block off their space by putting them in between you. Since our seats are on the edge, it’s my brother’s job to sit in seat 3 which makes room for the boys in seats 1 & 2 without others encroaching on our space. My wife and I generally sit behind the boys (it’s easier to provide kids food and comfort from behind than in front). Although, now that I think about it, while that’s the official plan for where we sit, we often move around and switch seats. We just make sure that an adult is in the edge seat to “seal the line” at all times.

seth