MLB requires you use the Ballpark App to attend a game, which requires that you own a smart phone and it must be new enough or the app won't work
ETA: Originally posted in r/mlb. The mods removed it and suggested this sub.
This is a ridiculous barrier to people who do not/can't own a smartphone, or a smartphone that's new enough.
Somewhere between the time I bought tickets for three different ballparks and and going to the games, my phone was deemed incompatible. This would have been great to know before I left on a 1,000 mile road trip to see these ballparks. At each of the three parks I was told, no app, no entry. I contacted MLB and they said the same.
At the first two parks, I had no idea why my app wasn't working. By the time I got to the third ballpark the app had added a warning; "This device is not compatible"
At each park i ended up in guest services for more than an hour pleading with them to let me in. They wouldn't accept my email confirmations and just kept saying, no app, no entry. I kept making the point that the app worked long enough to sell me tickets. Eventually I was able to get in by finding someone who was willing to walk me through the gate. Much gratitude to them!
I guess MLB wants to keep out the poor and the frugal. Or maybe they get a cut of phone sales. /s
This is unacceptable and discriminatory
ETA: The parks were Progressive Field, Rogers Centre and Comerica Park, all just this past week. I was on an 8 day road trip when the ballpark app decided my phone was no longer compatible and I couldn't access my tickets