More Americans Drink at Home Before Going to Shows and Games

Apr 24, 2026, 11:29
A2

More Americans Drink at Home Before Going to Shows and Games

Introduction

Many Americans now drink alcohol at home before they go to concerts, sports games, or plays. People call this ''pregaming.'' They do this because drinks at these places cost a lot. One drink can cost more than $20.

Main Body

A survey by Zappi asked 1,000 people. Almost one-third of them drink at home before going out. They want to avoid high prices at venues. Julie McCarthy saw a $20 can of White Claw at a concert in Massachusetts. She decided to pregame. Alexis Candee made a martini at home before a Broadway show. She did not want to pay $38 for a vodka soda at the theater. Drink companies see this change. Suntory makes Jim Beam and Maker''s Mark. It sells more small bottles. CEO Greg Hughes says people gather at home to save money. Diageo and Kendall Jenner''s 818 also sell small bottles. The average cocktail in the US costs about $13.61. In New York, prices are higher. At Madison Square Garden, beer costs $15 to $20. Cocktails start at $25. In 1976, a beer at Yankee Stadium cost $0.80. Now it costs at least $6.17. Prices are different at MLB stadiums. At Coors Field, beer is $3.08. At Nationals Park, it is $15.40. At the 2025 Super Bowl, drinks cost up to $17. A special cocktail was $59. The survey also found that 41% of people choose water or non-alcoholic drinks. 37% choose to pregame.

Conclusion

Drink prices at shows and games are high. People also have less money because of inflation. So more people drink at home before they go out. Drink companies see this and make small bottles for people to take with them. This change may stay for a long time.

Vocabulary Learning

cost
to have a price of價值
Example:A drink can cost more than $20.
drink
to take liquid into your mouth and swallow飲
Example:Many Americans drink at home before shows.
home
the place where you live家
Example:They drink at home to save money.
price
the amount of money you pay for something價格
Example:The price of beer is high at stadiums.
small
not big; little小的
Example:Drink companies sell small bottles.

Sentence Learning

Many Americans now drink alcohol at home before they go to concerts, sports games, or plays.
This sentence uses the present simple tense to describe a general habit. 'Many Americans' is the subject, 'drink' is the verb, and 'before they go...' is a time clause.本句使用現在簡單式描述一般習慣。主詞為'Many Americans'，動詞為'drink'，'before they go...'為時間從句。
They do this because drinks at these places cost a lot.
This sentence uses the present simple tense. 'They' is the subject, 'do' is the verb, and 'because...' gives the reason. 'Drinks' is the subject of the second clause, 'cost' is the verb.本句使用現在簡單式。主詞'They'，動詞'do'，'because...'說明原因。第二子句主詞'Drinks'，動詞'cost'。
Almost one-third of them drink at home before going out.
This sentence uses the present simple tense. 'Almost one-third of them' is the subject, 'drink' is the verb, and 'before going out' is a time phrase using a gerund.本句使用現在簡單式。主詞'Almost one-third of them'，動詞'drink'，'before going out'為使用動名詞的時間片語。
Julie McCarthy saw a $20 can of White Claw at a concert in Massachusetts.
This sentence uses the past simple tense to talk about a past event. 'Julie McCarthy' is the subject, 'saw' is the past tense verb, and 'a $20 can...' is the object.本句使用過去簡單式描述過去事件。主詞'Julie McCarthy'，動詞'saw'為過去式，受詞為'a $20 can...'。
This change may stay for a long time.
This sentence uses the modal verb 'may' to express possibility. 'This change' is the subject, 'may stay' is the verb phrase, and 'for a long time' is a time phrase.本句使用情態動詞'may'表達可能性。主詞'This change'，動詞片語'may stay'，時間片語'for a long time'。
B2

Rising Drink Prices at Entertainment Venues Lead to More Pre-Event Drinking Among US Adults

Introduction

A growing number of American consumers are choosing to drink alcohol at home before going to concerts, sports events, and theater shows. This practice is commonly called ''pregaming.'' The change in behavior is due to the rising cost of alcoholic drinks at these venues, where prices can be over $20 per drink.

Main Body

The trend is documented by a survey conducted by Zappi, a consumer insights platform, which found that nearly one-third of 1,000 respondents reported pre-drinking to avoid high venue prices. Individual accounts support this data. Julie McCarthy, a 31-year-old, described seeing a $20 can of White Claw at a concert in Massachusetts, which confirmed her decision to pregame. Similarly, Alexis Candee, a New York resident, prepared a martini at home before a Broadway show to avoid paying $38 for a vodka soda at the theater. Industry data shows a change in consumer buying habits. Suntory Global Spirits, which produces Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark, reported increased demand for miniature bottles, also known as ''nips'' or ''shooters.'' CEO Greg Hughes noted that consumers are gathering at home before going out to save money. Furthermore, brands like Diageo and Kendall Jenner’s 818 have introduced small liquor bottles for on-the-go drinking. Price data from market-research firm Technomic shows the average national cocktail cost is about $13.61, with higher prices in cities like New York. At Madison Square Garden, beer costs between $15 and $20, and cocktails start at $25. For comparison, at Yankee Stadium in 1976, a beer cost $0.80, while today the lowest price is $6.17. Across MLB stadiums, prices vary widely: Coors Field sells beer for $3.08, while Nationals Park charges $15.40. At the 2025 Super Bowl, drinks were sold for up to $17, with a specialty cocktail priced at $59. The Zappi survey also found that among those who avoid high drink costs, 41% choose water or non-alcoholic drinks, while 37% choose to pregame.

Conclusion

The combination of high drink prices at entertainment venues and general inflation on household budgets has led to a clear increase in pre-event drinking. Both consumers and alcohol producers recognize this trend, and producers are changing their products to meet demand. The data and personal stories suggest that this practice may be a long-term change in behavior, not just a temporary reaction.

Vocabulary Learning

consumer insights
Information and data about consumer behaviors, preferences, and trends, used to guide business decisions.關於消費者行為、偏好和趨勢的信息和數據，用於指導商業決策。
Example:The survey was conducted by Zappi, a consumer insights platform, to understand drinking habits.
household budgets
The amount of money a family or individual plans to spend on living expenses over a period.家庭或個人計劃在一段時間內用於生活開支的金額。
Example:Inflation on household budgets has contributed to the rise in pre-event drinking.
miniature bottles
Very small bottles of alcoholic drinks, often single-serving size, also called nips or shooters.非常小的酒精飲料瓶，通常為單份量，也稱為小瓶裝或一口杯。
Example:Suntory Global Spirits reported increased demand for miniature bottles as people pregame at home.
on-the-go
Designed to be used or consumed while traveling or moving around; portable.設計為在旅途中或移動時使用或消費的；便攜的。
Example:Brands have introduced small liquor bottles for on-the-go drinking before events.
pregaming
The practice of drinking alcohol at home before going to an event or social gathering.在參加活動或社交聚會前在家喝酒的習慣。
Example:Many Americans are pregaming to avoid high drink prices at concerts and sports events.

Sentence Learning

This practice is commonly called ''pregaming.''
Passive voice: 'is called' focuses on the action (naming) rather than who does it. This is common in formal reporting to emphasize the subject (the practice).被動語態：'is called' 強調動作（命名）而非誰執行。這在正式報導中常見，以突出主語（這種做法）。
The change in behavior is due to the rising cost of alcoholic drinks at these venues, where prices can be over $20 per drink.
Relative clause with 'where': it adds extra information about the venues, describing the location of the high prices. This helps organize the idea by linking cause and context.關係從句 'where'：補充說明場地的信息，描述高價格的地點。這有助於組織觀點，連接原因與背景。
Julie McCarthy, a 31-year-old, described seeing a $20 can of White Claw at a concert in Massachusetts, which confirmed her decision to pregame.
Relative clause with 'which': it refers back to the whole situation (seeing the expensive drink) and explains the result. This structure adds a logical consequence.關係從句 'which'：指代整個情況（看到昂貴飲品）並解釋結果。此結構添加邏輯後果。
Similarly, Alexis Candee, a New York resident, prepared a martini at home before a Broadway show to avoid paying $38 for a vodka soda at the theater.
Linking word 'Similarly': it shows a comparison between two examples (Julie and Alexis). This helps organize ideas by showing parallel situations.連接詞 'Similarly'：顯示兩個例子（Julie 和 Alexis）之間的比較。這有助於組織觀點，展示相似情況。
For comparison, at Yankee Stadium in 1976, a beer cost $0.80, while today the lowest price is $6.17.
Linking word 'while': it contrasts two different time periods (1976 vs. today). This structure clearly shows a contrast in prices.連接詞 'while'：對比兩個不同時間段（1976年 vs. 今天）。此結構清晰顯示價格對比。
C2

Rising Beverage Prices at Entertainment Venues Drive Resurgence of Pre-Event Alcohol Consumption Among US Adults

Introduction

A growing number of American consumers are opting to consume alcohol at home prior to attending concerts, sporting events, and theatrical performances, a practice commonly referred to as ''pregaming.'' This behavioral shift is attributed to the escalating cost of alcoholic beverages at such venues, where prices can exceed $20 per drink.

Main Body

The trend is documented by a survey conducted by Zappi, a consumer insights platform, which found that nearly one-third of 1,000 respondents reported pre-drinking to circumvent high venue prices. Individual accounts corroborate this data: Julie McCarthy, a 31-year-old, described observing a $20 can of White Claw at a Massachusetts concert, reinforcing her decision to pregame. Similarly, Alexis Candee, a New York resident, prepared a martini at home before a Broadway show to avoid a $38 vodka soda at the theater. Industry data indicates a corresponding shift in consumer purchasing patterns. Suntory Global Spirits, producer of Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark, reported increased demand for miniature bottles (''nips'' or ''shooters''). CEO Greg Hughes noted that consumers are gathering at home before going out to stretch their budgets. Brands such as Diageo and Kendall Jenner’s 818 have also introduced airplane-sized liquor bottles to cater to on-the-go consumption. Price data from market-research firm Technomic shows the average national cocktail cost is approximately $13.61, with higher prices in metropolitan areas like New York. At Madison Square Garden, beer prices range from $15 to $20, and cocktails start at $25. Historical comparison: at Yankee Stadium, a beer cost $0.80 in 1976, versus a current low of $6.17. Across MLB stadiums, prices vary widely: Coors Field offers beer at $3.08, while Nationals Park charges $15.40. At the 2025 Super Bowl, drinks were sold for up to $17, with a specialty cocktail priced at $59. The Zappi survey also found that among those deterred by high drink costs, 41% opt for water or non-alcoholic beverages, while 37% choose to pregame.

Conclusion

The confluence of elevated beverage prices at entertainment venues and broader inflationary pressures on household budgets has led to a measurable increase in pre-event alcohol consumption. This trend is acknowledged by both consumers and alcohol producers, who are adapting their product offerings accordingly. The data and consumer accounts suggest that this practice may represent a sustained behavioral adaptation rather than a temporary response.

Vocabulary Learning

circumvent
To find a way around an obstacle or rule, often through clever or indirect means.規避，繞過（障礙或規則）
Example:Nearly one-third of respondents reported pre-drinking to circumvent high venue prices.
confluence
A coming together of people or things; a convergence of factors or events.匯合，匯聚（因素或事件）
Example:The confluence of elevated beverage prices and broader inflationary pressures has led to a measurable increase in pre-event alcohol consumption.
corroborate
To confirm or support a statement, theory, or finding with additional evidence.證實，佐證
Example:Individual accounts corroborate this data.
deterred
Discouraged or prevented from taking action due to fear, cost, or difficulty.被嚇阻，被阻止
Example:Among those deterred by high drink costs, 41% opt for water or non-alcoholic beverages.
inflationary
Relating to or causing inflation, especially a general increase in prices.通貨膨脹的，引起通脹的
Example:The confluence of elevated beverage prices at entertainment venues and broader inflationary pressures on household budgets has led to a measurable increase in pre-event alcohol consumption.

Sentence Learning

The confluence of elevated beverage prices at entertainment venues and broader inflationary pressures on household budgets has led to a measurable increase in pre-event alcohol consumption.
Main clause: 'The confluence ... has led to a measurable increase ...' with a complex noun phrase subject: 'The confluence of elevated beverage prices at entertainment venues and broader inflationary pressures on household budgets'. This structure features nominalization and high lexical density, using 'confluence' to combine two factors. The verb 'has led to' indicates causation. Structural Analysis in English主句為「The confluence ... has led to a measurable increase ...」，主語為複雜名詞短語「The confluence of elevated beverage prices at entertainment venues and broader inflationary pressures on household budgets」，運用了名詞化及高詞彙密度，以「confluence」結合兩個因素。動詞「has led to」表示因果關係。
The trend is documented by a survey conducted by Zappi, a consumer insights platform, which found that nearly one-third of 1,000 respondents reported pre-drinking to circumvent high venue prices.
Main clause: 'The trend is documented by a survey'. Contains a reduced relative clause: 'conducted by Zappi' (reduced from 'which was conducted by Zappi'). Appositive: 'a consumer insights platform' renames Zappi. Non-restrictive relative clause: 'which found that ...' modifying 'survey'. Within that, a noun clause: 'that nearly one-third ... reported pre-drinking to circumvent high venue prices' as object of 'found'. The infinitive phrase 'to circumvent' expresses purpose. Structural Analysis in English主句為「The trend is documented by a survey」。包含縮略關係從句「conducted by Zappi」（由「which was conducted by Zappi」縮略而成）。同位語「a consumer insights platform」補充說明Zappi。非限制性關係從句「which found that ...」修飾「survey」。其中包含名詞從句「that nearly one-third ... reported pre-drinking to circumvent high venue prices」作為「found」的賓語。不定式短語「to circumvent」表示目的。
Individual accounts corroborate this data: Julie McCarthy, a 31-year-old, described observing a $20 can of White Claw at a Massachusetts concert, reinforcing her decision to pregame.
Main clause: 'Individual accounts corroborate this data'. Colon introduces an exemplifying appositive clause. Within that, the core is 'Julie McCarthy ... described observing ...'. Appositive: 'a 31-year-old' modifies Julie McCarthy. Participial phrase: 'reinforcing her decision to pregame' functions as a reduced relative clause (which reinforced) and provides a resultative or accompanying circumstance. The verb 'described' takes a gerund phrase 'observing ...' as object. Structural Analysis in English主句為「Individual accounts corroborate this data」。冒號引出舉例說明的同位語從句。其中核心為「Julie McCarthy ... described observing ...」。同位語「a 31-year-old」修飾Julie McCarthy。分詞短語「reinforcing her decision to pregame」充當縮略關係從句（即which reinforced），表示結果或伴隨情況。動詞「described」以動名詞短語「observing ...」作為賓語。
The Zappi survey also found that among those deterred by high drink costs, 41% opt for water or non-alcoholic beverages, while 37% choose to pregame.
Main clause: 'The Zappi survey also found that ...'. The 'that'-clause contains a fronted prepositional phrase: 'among those deterred by high drink costs', where 'deterred' is a reduced relative clause (who are deterred). The main part of the that-clause is a compound sentence joined by 'while': '41% opt for water or non-alcoholic beverages' and '37% choose to pregame'. 'While' indicates contrast. Structural Analysis in English主句為「The Zappi survey also found that ...」。that從句中包含前置介詞短語「among those deterred by high drink costs」，其中「deterred」為縮略關係從句（即who are deterred）。that從句的主體是由「while」連接的並列句：「41% opt for water or non-alcoholic beverages」和「37% choose to pregame」。「while」表示對比。
The data and consumer accounts suggest that this practice may represent a sustained behavioral adaptation rather than a temporary response.
Main clause: 'The data and consumer accounts suggest that ...'. The 'that'-clause contains the modal verb 'may' indicating possibility, and the structure 'represent X rather than Y' using 'rather than' to contrast two noun phrases: 'a sustained behavioral adaptation' and 'a temporary response'. The noun phrase 'sustained behavioral adaptation' is lexically dense with two premodifiers. Structural Analysis in English主句為「The data and consumer accounts suggest that ...」。that從句中包含情態動詞「may」表示可能性，以及「represent X rather than Y」結構，用「rather than」對比兩個名詞短語：「a sustained behavioral adaptation」和「a temporary response」。名詞短語「sustained behavioral adaptation」帶有兩個前置修飾語，詞彙密度高。