What Are Box Seats at a Baseball Game?
Quick answer
Premium lower-level seats close to the field, usually along the baselines or behind home plate. Many come with in-seat service or lounge access.
In this article
Box seats are premium seats in a ballpark's lower level, close to the field, usually behind home plate, between the dugouts or along the first- and third-base lines. They're among the most expensive tickets in the park because of the view, and many come with extras like in-seat food service or access to a club lounge.
Why they're called "box" seats
In early ballparks, the best seats were sold as small fenced-off groups called boxes, often bought by wealthy fans or businesses for the season. Over time the fences disappeared, but the name stayed. Today you'll see ticket sections named "Field Box," "Dugout Box," "Infield Box" or "Loge Box," all meaning the better seats in the lower bowl.
Box seats vs. other seating
| Seat type | Where it is | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Box seats | Lower level, near the infield | Best view of the action, often in-seat service |
| Club seats | Lower or middle level | Padded seats plus an indoor club with food and restrooms |
| Luxury suites | Private rooms on an upper concourse | Enclosed space, catering, private balcony seats |
| Bleachers | Outfield | Cheapest, lively crowd, chance at home run balls |
| Upper deck | Top level | Budget seats with a full view of the field |
How to choose good box seats
- Behind home plate gives the classic TV view of the pitcher and catcher. It's great for watching pitches, but you're behind the netting.
- Between the dugouts puts you close to the players and the infield action.
- Third-base side in many parks is shaded in the afternoon, a big deal on a hot day game (check your park's layout first).
- Lower rows aren't always better. A few rows up you see over the dugout railing and the netting doesn't block as much.
Foul balls and safety
Seats along the baselines see plenty of foul balls. Since 2018, every MLB park has extended protective netting to at least the far end of each dugout, and many go further. Past the netting, line drives arrive fast, so keep your eyes on the batter, and bring a glove if you're hoping for a souvenir.
If you're planning a trip, our guide to the biggest baseball stadiums in the United States covers seating capacities, and the ceremonial first pitch is a pregame tradition worth arriving early for.
Frequently asked questions
What are box seats at a baseball game?
Box seats are premium seats in the lower level, close to the field, usually between the dugouts or along the baselines. Many come with in-seat food service or access to a club lounge.
Why are they called box seats?
Early ballparks sold small, fenced-off groups of seats called boxes, often to wealthy fans. The name stuck for the best lower-level seats even after the boxes disappeared.
Are box seats the same as a luxury suite?
No. Box seats are open-air seats in the stands. Luxury suites are private enclosed rooms, usually on an upper concourse, rented by the game or season.
Do box seats get hit by foul balls?
Seats along the baselines see a lot of foul balls. Most MLB parks have extended their protective netting to at least the far end of the dugouts, but seats beyond the netting can still get line drives, so stay alert.
