What kind of preparations should you take before taking a child to their first sporting event?

You’ll have to figure out a way to explain drunkenness. It could be a good lesson.

I make a card with his name address my number and put it in his pocket and tell him that’s where it is if he gets lost and anyone asks questions…i tell him that if he doesnt hold my hand and if he throws tantrums, we will leave, no exceptions

How old is the kid?

@Likeradar 7

At 7, I assume he probably knows about stranger danger and all that, so make sure he know what to do if he gets lost somehow- point out landmarks that will lead him to a a designated meeting point or security station, just in case. @Simone_De_Beauvoir‘s idea about having an ID card is good, just as long as he knows who to show it to. I know you said he’ll be in your sight at all times, but things do happen on occasion even with the best caregiver.

Watch for sunburn and bring extra sunblock and a hat. :)

If he’s behaving well, I wouldn’t hesitate to indulge a little in extra souvenirs and treats. Games should be a fun change from every-day life.

Oh, and make sure he knows the words to the National Anthem (and proper behavior during it) and to Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

Have fun. :)

Actually, you would prepare him to go to the game just as you would prepare him to go to any large place full of people such as a theme park. The ID card is a good idea, but you might also add your seat numbers to it. As @Likeradar says make sure your son knows how to recognize security personnel so he knows who to ask if he gets lost and choose a meeting point.

If he isn’t already a huge fan of baseball you might also bring some games or something to keep him occupied. Many games can be very slow for long periods and may extend past the attention-span of even the most devoted 7 year-old. Depending on who you are going to see and his level of interest you might even bring a few player biographies with you, or a book about baseball (either fiction or non-fiction).

And @Mamradpivo has an excellent point, but don’t stop with drunkenness. You might also have to discuss sportsmanship and why someone who appears to be a grown up is acting like a small and unpleasant child. My kids have always enjoyed various sports events, but very early on we had to talk about why adults sometimes don’t act their age, and why some of the things they say are not to be repeated, especially at school.

Make sure he knows who to go to if he does get lost—show him the people at the concession stands and stuff. And the police.