A recent industry study has identified the Chicago White Sox fanbase as having the highest rate of “heavy in-game drinking” among all 30 Major League Baseball (MLB) teams. According to data released by the Action Network, 18.5% of White Sox fans surveyed reported consuming five or more alcoholic beverages during a single game, placing them at the top of the league in that specific category.
The analysis, which incorporated survey responses from nearly 3,500 baseball fans across the United States, sought to quantify consumption habits regarding food and beverages both before and during professional baseball games. While the White Sox shared the top spot for average drinks consumed per game—tied with the Washington Nationals at approximately 2.5 drinks—the distinction for “heavy” consumption was calculated based on the percentage of respondents reporting five or more drinks per outing.
Consumption Trends Across the League
The study provides a broader look at the habits of baseball spectators throughout the country. On average, fans across all MLB stadiums consume 1.9 drinks during a game, supplemented by an average of one drink prior to entry and 1.6 hot dogs throughout the duration of the event. These figures highlight the significant role that concessions play in the overall fan experience at professional ballparks.
In the category of heavy drinking—defined by the study as five or more drinks per game—the Chicago White Sox led the league at 18.5%. The Washington Nationals, while matching the White Sox in average drinks per game, reported a lower frequency of heavy consumption. This data underscores that while average per-capita consumption may be similar across certain fanbases, the distribution of that consumption varies significantly between clubs.
Cubs and South Side Fan Habits
The survey also examined the habits of fans supporting the Chicago Cubs, the city’s National League team. Cubs supporters ranked sixth overall in the study, with an average of 2.2 drinks consumed during a game. Despite this high average, the proportion of Cubs fans reporting “heavy” consumption—defined as five or more drinks—was 11.4%, notably lower than the rate reported by their South Side rivals.
The disparity between the two Chicago fanbases illustrates how consumption patterns can fluctuate even within the same geographic market. The Action Network’s research suggests that while ballpark culture in Chicago remains consistent in terms of high engagement with concessions, the intensity of alcohol consumption varies based on the specific demographics and traditions associated with each team’s stadium atmosphere.
Methodology and Scope
The findings are based on self-reported survey data collected from 3,500 respondents. Because the study relies on voluntary participation and self-reporting, the results reflect the perceived habits of fans rather than official stadium sales records. Such surveys are common in sports marketing to help teams and concessionaires understand fan behavior and optimize the availability of food and beverage options during the lengthy MLB season.
Fans interested in the full breakdown of the rankings and the complete data set regarding food and drink consumption across all 30 MLB stadiums can review the full report via the Action Network. The study serves as a snapshot of fan behavior during the 2024 season and provides insight into the varying cultures that define the American baseball experience.
As the MLB season continues, further inquiries into stadium operations and fan safety protocols typically fall under the purview of individual team management and local municipal authorities. There are no immediate scheduled public hearings or official policy changes regarding stadium alcohol sales in Chicago following the release of this data. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts on these findings in the comments section below.