Baseball may have slipped in the rankings of most popular American sports compared to football, but there can be no denying attending a game remains a thrilling experience. If you've met someone on a dating site and there's a spark of chemistry, inviting her to your favorite ballpark would be an excellent date idea. Aside from the play, there's all the razzamatazz that goes with it – music, mascots, parades, home-run fireworks. Then there are hot dogs, apple pies, and cool beer. If you do fancy the idea of inviting your date to watch baseball together, polyamorous relationship dating site compiled five tips how to make it happen.

Explain a little about the game beforehand

There is nothing more guaranteed to inspire the onset of boredom than unfamiliarity. If you're going to expect your date to make the most out of their baseball experience, at least fill them in on some of what they can expect. This doesn't mean giving them the exhaustive history of the (Red Sox, Yankees, insert as appropriate) right down to the pitcher your grandfather always raved about. But a simple overview of the rules would suffice. If they can at least understand who the guy is squatting behind the batter, or what constitutes a home run, that would help them to engage. And a crucial tip – don't explain every bit of the spectacle as it unfolds. Wait until they ask.

Consider making this a communal event

If you're under the impression your partner has only agreed to accompany you out of politeness rather than some deep-seated desire to embrace the sport, you can make it seem more like a get-together than a slightly stilted date. Invite another couple along, or even better, a small gang of your social group. If they have other friends to distract them, as well as more of a party vibe going on, this will seem like just another enjoyable afternoon outing, rather than them versus baseball.

Make sure you are well prepared

Picture this disastrous scenario. You've finally persuaded your significant other to join you at the ballpark. They've swallowed their initial reluctance, perhaps partaken of a couple of pre-game drinks to quash their reservations. You arrive at the stadium only to discover vast queues snaking from the ticket office. The crowd is much larger than you were anticipating. After a long wait you get close to the front, only for the booth to shut at the last minute. If this happens, you'll never get a second chance. So the crucial thing you have to do is ensure you purchase your tickets in advance.

Make the most of the lapses in action

When you are waiting for teams to change over, or umpires to make decisions, you can take advantage of the lull to whisper sweet nothings. The beauty of a baseball stadium is that the crowd can certainly make a communal din at the height of the play, but because you are seated close together there's still a chance of intimacy. Especially if you are enjoying the refreshments.

Discuss plans for things to do afterward

Rather than the whole focus of your date being the baseball, look upon the game as being just one part of your overall day out. Put some thought into where you are going to escort your partner at the end of it all. As the spectators are streaming out of the stadium, it would make sense to have some purpose beyond cramming into a tube. Knowing you have a table booked for two at some fabulous restaurant might even be enough to entice your partner to the next game.