Do ballpark workers receive tips at concession stands?

After receiving a nice pour of beer or service with a friendly smile, fans wonder what happens to the tips that get entered on cashless payments? Do the vendors actually receive them? Or do shady executives hoard them as a sneaky profit grab? The answer is good news: Yes, your tip goes directly into the worker’s paycheck. On occasions when volunteers from a non-profit group is operating the concession stands to raise funds, those tips are distributed directly to the nonprofit organization.

According to Delaware North, who run all concessions at Petco:

“Delaware North employees at Petco Park who are tipped by credit card receive the additional compensation in their paycheck. Delaware North does partner with nonprofit organizations whose volunteers operate concession stands at the ballpark to raise funds. All tips paid at those stands are distributed by Delaware North to those organizations. Under no circumstance does Delaware North retain tips paid to its employees or volunteers of nonprofit organizations.

Should You Tip Stadium Vendors?

This question, like any with tipping and spending your money, is entirely up to you. Tipping is not mandatory. If you experience good service or would like to show your appreciation to the workers serving you at sporting events, tips of any amount of money are always appreciated. The service industry relies on tips to supplement wages, and tipping motivates workers to provide better service – which is good for everyone. Plus a little good karma never hurts when your team’s season is on the line.

If you are on the fence, please don’t hesitate on the false assumption that these are just a way for corporations to pad profits. Tipping directly supports workers and/or their fundraising efforts.