If a championship series in a major professional sport reaches the final decisive Game 7 but ends up not needing it, fans are left wondering what happens to their tickets for the unplayed game. This is an important question for ticket holders who want to know if they will receive refunds and how the timing affects options. Fortunately there are some common procedures used by leagues and teams for handling ticket policies in these situations.
Playoff Schedule Overview
Most professional league championships are set up as “best-of-seven” series. This means the first team to win four games takes the title. With home field or court advantage going to higher seeded teams, the series can last for up to seven games if each team protects their home court and splits the first six games.
Game 7, if necessary, usually takes place at the arena of the team with the better regular season record. This means if the series reaches a Game 7 climax, it is because the visiting lower-seeded team has pushed it to the limit by winning three road games.
Scenario Where Game 7 is Not Played
There are a couple ways the championship series can end without a Game 7, even after both teams have won three games apiece:
– The higher seeded home team can close out the series by winning Game 6 on the road. This is considered quite an accomplishment as the pressure is on them to protect home court in the final game.
– The lower seeded road team can complete a stunning upset by winning Game 6 at home. If the visitors take Game 6, they win the title and make Game 7 unnecessary.
Either scenario results in one team clinching the championship four games to two, eliminating the suspense of a final showdown.
Ticketing Options and Policies When Game 7 is Cancelled
For fans who bought tickets in hopes of witnessing a dramatic Game 7, the policies put in place by the leagues, teams and ticket sellers become very important after elimination. Here are some of the options available:
Refunds
Most teams and ticket sellers will offer full refunds to fans holding Game 7 tickets that ends up not being played. This refund is typically automatically initiated once the series ends in six games. Most teams will announce a deadline, usually a few days after the clinching game, for fans to request refunds if one was not already processed.
Future Credits
Some teams and ticket companies will give fans the option to forgo a refund and instead receive a credit equal to the value paid for Game 7 tickets. This credit can be used to purchase tickets for future games the following season or in upcoming years. Teams sometimes offer an incentive, such as no additional fees, to encourage fans to accept a credit.
Exchange for Tickets to Another Event
Depending on timing and availability, teams might allow Game 7 ticket holders the chance to exchange their unusued tickets for seats at another event at the same venue. For example, fans could potentially trade in basketball tickets for entry to an upcoming concert or other performance. Teams able to offer such an exchange typically announce eligibility windows in the days following series end.
Factors Impacting Options and Timing
Several logistical factors affect the timeline and options available to fans holding tickets for an unplayed Game 7:
Day Game 6 is Decided
The team’s ability to initiate refunds and exchanges depends on how quickly Game 6 finishes the series. If a team clinches on the road in Game 6, the turnaround to issue refunds or credits will be much faster with more time to process. If the home team wins Game 6, the title may not be decided until late at night, leaving ticket offices little ability to act before the next business day.
Volume of Tickets Sold
Sports teams can sell tens of thousands of tickets for a final playoff game. Processing high volumes of refunds or exchanges will understandably take more time and resources for teams after elimination. Ticket holders may need to be patient as teams work through all the transactions.
Timing Relative to Offseason
Ideally for teams, they would like to handle Game 7 ticket procedures as early in the offseason as possible. The beginning of the offseason, while interest is still high following the playoffs, presents the greatest opportunity to re-engage fans for the following season. However, if a championship series concludes right before the offseason begins, teams may need to issue refunds, credits and exchanges at a time their operations are transitioning into offseason mode.
Examples From Previous Seasons
Looking at specific examples from recent years provides more context on how teams handle ticketing logistics when a Game 7 becomes unnecessary:
2022 NBA Finals
The 2022 NBA Finals between the Warriors and Celtics concluded in six games, with Golden State clinching on the road in Boston in Game 6 on June 16. With several days before the 2022 NBA Draft on June 23, the Warriors were able to announce refund availability for Game 7 tickets the very next day on June 17. Fans had one week from Game 6 to request refunds.
2021 World Series
When the Atlanta Braves defeated the Houston Astros in six games to win the 2021 World Series, they clinched the title at home on November 2. With the MLB offseason underway, the Braves were unable to initiate refunds until November 8, six days later. Fans then had two weeks from November 8 until November 22 to claim refunds for unused Game 7 tickets.
2019 NBA Finals
The 2019 NBA Finals ended quickly, as the Toronto Raptors took the series over the Warriors in just six games. Their clinching Game 6 victory came on the road in Oakland on June 13. The Warriors were able to announce refund availability just two days later on June 15, likely aided by having a few days before the NBA Draft on June 20. Fans had one week from June 15 until June 22 to request Game 7 ticket refunds.
2018 World Series
In recent years, the 2018 World Series provided a tight timeline for Game 7 ticket refunds. The Boston Red Sox closed out the Los Angeles Dodgers on the road in Game 5 on October 28, just a day before the MLB offseason began. With little time to spare, the Dodgers announced refund availability on October 29 and gave fans just 72 hours until November 1 to claim refunds.
Recommendations for Fans
For fans invested in their team’s championship run who bought tickets speculating on a Game 7, there are some helpful steps to take in case the decisive final game does not occur:
Understand the Team’s Policy
The first priority is knowing the specific policy, deadlines and options offered by the team and ticket seller in case Game 7 is cancelled. Many provide detailed information ahead of time on their websites or on the back of printed tickets. Understanding the policy eliminates confusion if there is no Game 7 played.
Save Proof of Purchase
Fans should keep proof of ticket purchase handy through completion of the playoff series. Credit card statements, printed receipts, barcodes in online accounts or other documentation may be required to claim refunds, credits or exchanges if Game 7 does not happen.
Act Quickly When Notified
Once a team announces their ticket policy coming out of a series ending in six games, fans will need to act according to any deadlines imposed. Be ready to request refunds, choose between credits or other options, and provide any necessary documentation early to avoid issues.
Consider Offseason Exchanges
If the timing makes exchanging Game 7 tickets for other events feasible, fans can look into what concerts, shows or performances are scheduled at the arena in the coming months. Exchanges redeem unused tickets while also allowing fans to enjoy another event they may not have planned to attend.
Conclusion
A decisive Game 7 is the most exciting scenario for fans to experience, especially for the championship round. There is unique intensity and unpredictability when a series culminates with a final showdown between opponents battling fatigue and pressure. When this winner-take-all situation does not occur because one team closes out the series in six games, fans are left to navigate the handling of their Game 7 tickets purchased in anticipation. Understanding the timeline, options and policies implemented by teams and ticket sellers can ensure the optimal outcome.
Year | Series | Game 6 Date | Refund Announcement | Refund Deadline |
---|---|---|---|---|
2022 | NBA Finals | June 16 | June 17 | June 24 |
2021 | World Series | November 2 | November 8 | November 22 |
2019 | NBA Finals | June 13 | June 15 | June 22 |
2018 | World Series | October 28 | October 29 | November 1 |