If you think it's been an intense year for sports fans in Kansas City, just imagine being responsible for dressing all those fans and getting them to games.
Pletke said fans are stocking up on World Series gear ahead of Sunday's head to head against the New York Mets. She expects inventory to take a hit as more and more fans turn up to her store to get everything from the usual (hoodies, tees, jackets) to the weird (beach balls, hot dog branders, pet swag).
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Two items she expects to fly off the shelves are the special edition jerseys and hats the Royals will wear for the season opener.
As far as Tickets for Less is concerned, the local ticket broker expects tickets to continue to fly off its virtual shelves as well.
"Opening day has been a huge game with everything rolled up into prime time World Series rematch," said Durbin. "It's going to be a huge game April 5 game with the ring ceremony is probably the second most popular game."
Which means if you want to see the Royals play on the green, you're going to have to cough up some green.
Aside from the Mets, Durbin said other popular home games are the following:
Red Sox
- May 16 at 6:05 p.m.
- May 17 at 7:15 p.m.
- May 18 at 1:15 p.m.
Astros
- June 24 at 7:15 p.m.
- June 25 at 6:15 p.m.
- June 26 at 1:15 p.m.
Cardinals
- June 27 at 7:15 p.m.
- June 28 at 7:15 p.m.
Yankees
- Aug. 29 at 7:15 p.m.
- Aug. 30 at 7:15 p.m.
- Aug. 31 at 7:15 p.m.
If you're looking for less expensive games with more availability, Tickets for Less recommends that you aim to attend midweek games.
But, nothing beats free. Here are the top two ways to get free tickets:
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Get generous
Multiple community service organizations give away tickets to those who donate their time. One example is the Community Blood Center. While nothing is confirmed just yet, each year they typically run a blood donation drive that gives anyone who donates tickets to the games.
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Head to Rally House
If you are dying to go to Sunday's game but can't or won't pay the hefty the price tag, consider strolling into a Rally House location. The stores are all raffling off the ultimate fan package: A roundtrip limo ride to The K, four tickets to the Royals vs. Mets game and a $250 gift card to their store. You must enter the raffle by Thursday.
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Terra Hall can be reached at terra.hall@kshb.com.
You can also follow her on Twitter.