MLB Ticket Buying Guide: How to Find Cheap Baseball Tickets

Finding Affordable MLB Tickets

Baseball offers the best value in professional sports with 81 home games per team. Here's how to score great seats for less.

Why MLB Tickets Are Accessible

Supply vs Demand:

• 81 home games = tons of inventory
• Large stadium capacities (30,000-50,000)
• Long season = many price fluctuations
• Weekday games = great deals

Pricing Factors

Team Performance:

• Playoff contenders: Premium pricing
• .500 teams: Moderate pricing
• Rebuilding teams: Best deals

Game Factors:

• Rivalry matchups: 50-100% premium
• Giveaway days: Slight premium
• Weeknight games: Best prices
• August/September (for contenders): Premium

Best Times to Buy

Timing

Strategy

Spring (schedule release)	Good for premium games
2 weeks before	Sweet spot for most games
Day of (weeknight)	Last-minute deals
August (for non-contenders)	Massive discounts

Seat Value Analysis

Section

Price Range

Value Rating

Field level (1st base/3rd base)	$50-150	Good
Outfield/bleachers	$15-40	Best value
Club level	$40-100	Premium experience
Upper deck	$10-30	Budget-friendly
Standing room	$5-15	Cheapest option

Team-by-Team Strategies

Premium Markets (Yankees, Dodgers, Red Sox):

• Weeknight games still affordable
• Check prices 2-3 weeks out
• Upper deck offers savings
• Consider standing room

Mid-Market (Phillies, Braves, Cardinals):

• Great balance of price and atmosphere
• Last-minute deals available
• Weekend games reasonable
• Good resale inventory

Value Markets (A's, Rays, Marlins):

• Day-of deals common
• Close seats affordable
• Walk-up tickets available
• Great for first-time fans

Money-Saving Strategies

1. Weeknight Games

Tuesday-Thursday games are 30-50% cheaper than weekends.

2. Early Arrivals

Get to the stadium early for batting practice - same ticket, more value.

3. Food and Drink

Many stadiums allow outside food. Pack snacks and save $50+.

4. Outfield Sections

Often best value with fun atmosphere (especially bleachers at Wrigley, Fenway).

5. Rain Delay Risk

Buy cheap tickets for games with rain chances. If it's called, get credit for future games.

Special Ticket Types

Standing Room:

• Cheapest option ($5-20)
• Great for casual fans
• Arrive early for good spots
• Can upgrade if seats available

Bleacher Tickets:

• Budget-friendly
• Best atmosphere
• Sun exposure (bring sunscreen)
• Popular sections sell first

All-You-Can-Eat:

• Some stadiums offer food-inclusive
• Good value for families
• Usually outfield sections

Avoiding Premium Games

Skip these for savings:

• Opening Day
• Rivalry series (Yankees/Red Sox, Cubs/Cardinals)
• Bobblehead/giveaway days
• Fireworks nights
• Playoff races

Best Value Days

• Tuesday, Wednesday nights
• April games (cold weather)
• September (if team eliminated)
• Day games after night games
• Makeup games

Family Strategies

Baseball is great for families:

Tips:

• Look for family packs (tickets + food)
• Kids run bases (post-game Sundays)
• Sit in family-friendly sections
• Pack snacks to save money
• Sunscreen and hats essential

Ballpark Experience Tips

Maximize your value:

• Arrive at gates open for batting practice
• Explore the stadium
• Check for player autograph spots
• Use the team app for deals
• Bring glove for foul balls

Track your favorite team's games on Ticket Scan and catch deals all season.