What Do You Value?


This weekend, the 2026 World Series began between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Milwaukee Brewers. I was surprised to find out how much the tickets cost. Most at American Family Field (the Brewers home stadium) were over $2,000 with some as high as $12,000! The Rays’ home games this week at Tropicana Field are slightly less. Most tickets are going for around $700. Those prices don’t include parking, food, and souvenirs. Some Brewers fans are flying to Florida instead of attending games in Wisconsin to “save money.”

I also found out players might strike next season unless certain conditions are met including a minimum salary of $1.5 million. It was just four years ago they demanded a minimum half that amount. I’m not against athletes making a lot of money. Those who are Christians will use their finances for godly purposes. When I returned to the Twin Cities area for a season in 2013, I met the pastor of a church that Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson attended. One of Adrian’s tithe checks helped pay for a building his church moved into. 


Nevertheless, it appears game tickets have become too expensive for the average consumer. I’ve read numerous comments from fathers who can no longer afford to take their families to major sporting events. There are less expensive options such as minor league games.


Then again, we serve a big God who wants to bless us with things we enjoy regardless of the cost. Once I went with a friend to US Bank Stadium to share the gospel with fans prior to a Vikings game. I didn’t plan on attending the game until approaching a homeless man with a sign asking for help. After offering him a bag of Doritos and a gospel tract, this man (who was already saved) offered me a ticket someone gave him to that day’s game. It had a $57 face value. That beggar could have sold the ticket. Instead, he gave it to me. I believe this was the Lord rewarding me for the numerous times I’ve helped the hungry.


If a sports fan wants to spend a lot of money on their favorite team, that’s their prerogative. I’d rather invest in things that will help me expand the kingdom of God. Once I talked with a pastor about my intent to buy a better MacBook. The one I owned had technical issues. I considered getting a refurbished laptop until the pastor exhorted me to have the best and wrote me a check for $500! Days later, I bought a new MacBook with more RAM and storage than my previous model. 


It all boils down to what you value. After paying your bills, what do you spend your discretionary income on? Is it entirely on things that have no eternal benefit? Your bank statement will answer that question. 


“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” - Matthew 6:21

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