The 8 Best ‘Bark at the Park’ MLB Stadiums
Ballparks are doing more and more fun theme nights to entice fans, and one of those is Bark at the Park. The event can go by other names, like Pups in the Park or Pooches on the Plaza, but each one has the same goal: Enjoying an MLB game with your dog.
What to expect at Bark at the Park
Typically, stadiums will reserve a special section of the stands for visitors and their dogs. There may be a special ticket to purchase, and they usually sell out fast. A portion of sales often benefits shelters or animal non-profits. Although each stadium sets its own practices, you’ll more than likely have to follow these rules:
- Bring proof that your pet is vaccinated.
- Each person can only bring one dog.
- Puppies under six months are not allowed.
- You’ll have to sign a waiver.
- Your dog will have to be on a leash.
- You’ll have to sit in the designated area.
- There may be a weight or size limit.
How the playoff teams do Bark at the Park
It takes a lot to get to the World Series. While having a Bark at the Park day doesn’t guarantee a win, it doesn’t hurt. Although the Twins and Yankees didn’t participate in Bark at the Park this year, the other postseason 2019 teams did.
Oakland Athletics
During their June 21 game against the Tampa Bay Rays, the Oakland A’s had their Bark at the Park event. It included a new seating area for kids, a Stomper Fun Zone, and awesome food trucks.
Nylabone sponsored the event and gave out free A’s bandanas, portable collapsible water bowls, samples of Nutri Dent products, and Nylabone coupons. Pups enjoyed a pre-game parade around the field and competed to win Best of Show prizes and team swag.
Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers also call the event Bark at the Park. Another event sponsored by Nylabone, the special ticket package included a Brewers rope-style dog toy. A portion of all sales from the packages benefited the Wisconsin Humane Society and Animal Rescue Foundation.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Pups at the Park is what the Dodgers call their special dog day. On May 11, fans brought their pups to the park to enjoy the game. Festivities included a parade before the game, and a portion of the proceeds were donated to Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation. Nylabone was also on hand, so dogs got free treats.
Washington Nationals
The Nationals go big every year, and this year was no exception. They have multiple Pups in the Park events throughout the season. There’s a special pet-reserved outfield section that has a great view of the field, and there’s even a concourse area with turf relief and water stations. Proceeds from ticket sales were donated to the Humane Rescue Alliance.
Atlanta Braves
The Braves‘ Bark at the Park was held on April 7 this year, although it has taken place in September in the past. This year, the sponsor was WAG-A-LOT. Dog parents got a co-branded water bottle and portable dog ball. They enjoyed the game from the Xfinity Rooftop.
St. Louis Cardinals
May 25 was the Cardinals’ Pooches in the Ballpark event sponsored by Purina. Participants received a Purina goodie-bag and a “YADI” dog bowl. There was a pet costume parade before the game, and participants received goodie bags.
The special ticket allowed pooches to enjoy the game in pet-friendly sections of the ballpark. Pets who showed Cardinals pride by wearing team gear even won prizes. Another cool bit of fun: Even the St. Louis Blues’ team dog got in on the fun.
Tampa Bay Rays
On June 15, fans hung out with their pets at Dog Day at the Rays. Each pup got a canine-themed souvenir. There was a charity raffle that benefited the SPCA Tampa Bay, and fans could buy tickets to enter to win Rays autographed memorabilia and experiences.
Houston Astros
Minute Maid Park hosted its Dog Day on August 25. Activities included a costume contest, pregame parade around the field, and some rally pup fun. There were 13 vendors on hand to offer freebies and pet education.
More Bark at the Park events
These aren’t the only Bark at the Park baseball stadiums. In 2019, all of the MLB teams participated except the Braves, Red Sox, Indians, Angels, Twins, and Yankees. That means 24 other teams did, which is plenty of opportunities to bring your pup to the ballpark.
