Baseball is America’s pastime and attending a Major League Baseball (MLB) game is a quintessential summer experience. With 30 teams across the U.S. and Canada, MLB offers games in iconic ballparks filled with traditions and legions of fans. Getting tickets to see your favorite team often requires navigating the massive Ticketmaster website. While the site provides access to tickets for concerts, theater and more, it began by offering tickets to sporting events. Today, Ticketmaster remains the primary source for MLB tickets online for most teams.
When do MLB tickets go on sale?
The on-sale dates for MLB tickets on Ticketmaster vary by team. Generally, individual game tickets go on sale between late February and early March before Opening Day. However, some teams, like the New York Yankees, have already sold out much of the upcoming season to season ticket holders. The supply of Yankees tickets on Ticketmaster will be very limited. Other teams release tickets over a series of dates, often reserving seats for season ticket holders first before opening sales to the general public. This highlights the importance of paying attention to on-sale announcements from your favorite team and being ready to logon to Ticketmaster right away.
Where can I find information on MLB ticket on-sale dates?
The best way to learn when MLB tickets go on sale for the upcoming season is to closely monitor your team’s website and social media channels. Most will provide details on when different groups, like season ticket holders or newsletter subscribers, will have access to tickets. Oftentimes, teams will pre-announce the exact date and time that sales will open to the general public. Signing up for email and text alerts from your favorite team will help you get notifications directly.
In addition to checking team sites directly, you can find details on MLB ticket on-sale dates and more from these sources:
- Ticketmaster MLB On-Sale Calendar – Check Ticketmaster’s MLB page for a calendar of known on-sale dates.
- Team Social Media – Follow your favorite clubs on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for announcements.
- Ticketmaster Emails – If you have a Ticketmaster account, opt-in for promotional emails like the Ticketmaster Insider.
- Local Radio/TV – Sports talk radio and local TV sports reporters will often share on-sale details.
What is the cost of MLB tickets on Ticketmaster?
MLB ticket prices on Ticketmaster vary substantially based on the team, seat location, day of the week and opponent. Generally, tickets start around $15-25 for upper deck or bleacher seats and go up to several hundred dollars for premium locations and rivalry games.
To illustrate the range of MLB ticket prices, here are sample Ticketmaster listings for an upcoming weekend series when the Yankees host the Red Sox:
Section | Row | Price |
---|---|---|
Bleachers | 39 | $57 |
Grandstand | 17 | $83 |
Field Level | 12 | $181 |
Legends | 31 | $340 |
With dynamic pricing, MLB tickets for premium matchups and seats can easily top $1,000 each. Prices will also be higher when rival teams like the Yankees and Red Sox meet. Other factors like giveaways and summer holidays can also drive up prices.
How does dynamic pricing work?
In most cases, MLB teams now use dynamic pricing which means ticket prices fluctuate based on demand. As a high-interest game or series approaches, prices will rise to match increased fan interest. Likewise, less desirable games may see prices drop up until first pitch to help sell more seats.
MLB clubs can adjust pricing daily on Ticketmaster based on algorithms that factor in inventory levels, the matchup, team performance, weather, historical demand and more. While dynamic pricing aims to maximize revenue, it does mean fans need to buy early when prices are lower.
Are there fees when buying MLB tickets on Ticketmaster?
Yes, purchasing MLB tickets on Ticketmaster comes with fees including:
- Service Fee – This gets charged per ticket and varies based on the event. It ranges from around $5-$20 for MLB games.
- Order Processing Fee – A flat fee per order, usually around $6.
- Delivery Fee – If getting printed tickets shipped, expect to pay $20-$25.
For a $100 ticket, you may pay around $130 total after taxes and Ticketmaster fees. Digital tickets avoid the delivery fee but must be displayed on your smartphone for entry. Many teams now exclusively use digital ticketing.
How can I save money on MLB Ticketmaster fees?
To reduce Ticketmaster fees, consider these options:
- Buy Season Tickets – Opting for full or partial season tickets gives access before the box office opens and may include discounts.
- Join Fan Clubs – Some teams offer pre-sales for official fan club members.
- Use Discount Codes – Check team sites for special coupon codes, though restrictions often apply.
- Buy at Box Office – Purchasing directly from the ballpark avoids most fees but limits selection.
- Find Groups/Suites – Sharing a suite or buying as a group lets you split some fees across tickets.
While discounts and fan clubs help reduce the sting, Ticketmaster fees remain part of accessing in-demand MLB tickets online for most buyers.
What is the best way to buy MLB tickets?
Here are some best practices for purchasing MLB tickets on Ticketmaster:
- Set Notifications – Follow your team and Ticketmaster on social media and via email for on-sale alerts.
- Research Pricing – Check similar matchups from past years to set expectations.
- Buy Early – Prices usually start lower and then rise as games approach.
- Avoid Resale – Buying from 3rd party resellers involves higher fees and risks.
- Use an App – The Ticketmaster and MLB Ballpark apps make accessing and managing tickets easy.
- Know the Venue – Study the ballpark map ahead of time to find your desired seats.
- Add Insurance – Ticketmaster offers optional ticket insurance to protect against certain situations.
While MLB ticket demand remains high, focusing on preparedness, timing and official sources will help fans get seats at the best prices.
What are some tips for buying MLB tickets as gifts?
Giving MLB tickets as gifts is a special treat but comes with a few extra considerations:
- Make it a Surprise – Include a homemade invitation or poem to reveal the surprise rather than sending the actual tickets.
- Consider Digital – Using digital tickets lets you deliver last minute and provide recourse if plans change.
- Give Options – Offering a choice of games or seat locations allows them to decide.
- Bundle Goodies – Pair tickets with team gear, snacks or unique souvenirs.
- Split Costs – Offer to cover fees and parking as an extra gift.
- Get Recipient Info – Make sure to get their full name for Ticketmaster account and venue security.
- Address Restrictions – Some teams prohibit reselling, so check policies before gifting tickets.
Gifting MLB tickets shows creativity and generosity for baseball fans. Just make sure to handle logistics to create the perfect experience.
Is Ticketmaster the only option for buying MLB tickets online?
No, while Ticketmaster remains the primary source, there are some other ways to get MLB tickets online:
- Team Website – Most MLB clubs sell tickets directly through their own site to avoid fees.
- StubHub – This major resale site offers MLB tickets sometimes below face value.
- VividSeats – Similar to StubHub, but may have a different ticket inventory.
- SeatGeek – Lets fans compare listings across multiple resale sites.
- Craigslist – Dubious reliability but can find last minute deals.
- Facebook Marketplace – Join fan groups to find sellers, often season ticket holders.
Still, Ticketmaster remains the safest bet for verified tickets. Buying elsewhere does involve more risks with counterfeits and scams.
Should I use a unique Ticketmaster account to manage MLB tickets?
Yes, using a separate Ticketmaster account just for MLB tickets can provide these benefits:
- Simplified Management – Keep your baseball tickets organized and easy to access.
- Improved Security – Using unique credentials avoids reuse and reduces risks.
- Targeted Features – Get baseball related recommendations and alerts.
- Shared Access – Safely allow friends or family access to your tickets.
- Gift History – Review past MLB gifts for inspiration on special occasions.
- Dedicated Support – Communicate with fan support specialists knowledgeable on MLB tickets.
Having a singular Ticketmaster account also makes transferring and selling tickets quick and seamless. Just make sure to use a strong unique password and enable two-factor authentication.
What payment methods can I use to buy MLB Ticketmaster tickets?
Ticketmaster offers a wide range of payment options for MLB tickets including:
- Credit/Debit Card – Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover cards are accepted.
- PayPal – Convenient option to pay with your PayPal account.
- Gift Card – Redeem Ticketmaster or team gift cards towards purchases.
- Venmo – New payment option powered by PayPal.
- Apple Pay – Use on iOS devices or via the Ticketmaster apps.
- Google Pay – Similar to Apple Pay for Android devices.
- Ticketmaster Vault – Store credit funds in the Vault wallet.
Make sure to use a payment method you recognize to spot any unauthorized charges. Having payment details saved with your Ticketmaster account makes checkout fast and easy.
What should I do if I encounter problems buying MLB tickets on Ticketmaster?
Despite being a huge website, you may occasionally encounter issues when trying to purchase MLB tickets on Ticketmaster. If problems come up, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Refresh Your Browser – Fixes temporary glitches.
- Adjust Filter Settings – Try expanding your search criteria.
- Use a Different Device – Switch to another computer or your mobile phone.
- Clear Cookies/Cache – Clears out corrupted data.
- Try Incognito Mode – Prevents extensions/settings from interfering.
- Check Service Status – See if Ticketmaster is experiencing known issues.
- Call Support – Talk to a rep who can check systems and tests transactions.
- Try Buying at Box Office – Avoid online systems altogether.
With high demand events, technical issues are an unfortunate reality. Patience and persistence are key to securing your MLB tickets.
Conclusion
MLB games continue to draw millions of passionate fans each season. While getting tickets once meant waiting in line, buying MLB tickets online through Ticketmaster has become the new normal. Navigating on-sale dates, ticket limits, fees and technology are key to scoring seats so you can enjoy the ballpark. Consistent monitoring of inventory and pounce as soon as your desired tickets become available.
Keep the tips and advice in this guide in mind when purchasing MLB tickets on Ticketmaster. Over time, you will master the Ticketmaster system and snag amazing seats as soon as they go on sale. Of course, the thrill of catching a foul ball or home run makes all the ticket-buying work worthwhile!