When Do Spring Training Tickets Go on Sale?
The excitement of baseball season is finally upon us, and with it comes the excitement of spring training tickets! Fans are eager to secure their seats to watch their favorite teams take the field for their first exhibition game of the season. But when do spring training tickets go on sale? The answer may surprise you.
The Answer: Spring Training Begins in March
Before tickets go on sale, spring training itself begins in March. The exact dates vary from team to team, but most spring training games start around March 20th. This marks the official start of the baseball season in the United States.
A Timeline of Spring Training Tickets:
- January 1st: Teams begin their spring training camps, with the Tampa Bay Rays’ camp starting in January 2nd.
- February 15th: Spring training tickets go on sale for the first time in most leagues.
- February 16th – March 1st: Teams begin selling tickets, but availability is limited.
- March 2nd – March 31st: Teams tend to sell out most tickets, but some games remain available.
Why Tickets Go on Sale Early
Spring training tickets go on sale early for a few reasons:
- Low demand: Spring training games often have lower demand than regular-season games, making it easier for teams to sell out tickets.
- Smaller market: Spring training games take place in warmer climates, such as Arizona and Florida, which have smaller markets and lower ticket prices.
- Rookie class: The spring training rookie class includes players who are not yet part of the regular season team, making the tickets for these players more affordable.
A Look at Ticket Prices
While spring training tickets are generally more affordable than regular-season tickets, prices vary from team to team. Here’s a rough idea of what you can expect to pay:
- Advanced tickets: $50-$100
- Group tickets: $100-$200
- Postseason tickets: $200-$500
- Upper deck seats: $500-$1,000
- VIP packages: $1,000-$5,000
The Ups and Downs of Spring Training Tickets
While spring training tickets can be a great value, they also come with some downsides:
- Limited seats: Spring training games often sell out quickly, leaving fans with limited seating options.
- Ticket guarantees: Some teams offer ticket guarantees, which can be a hassle to negotiate.
- Rush tickets: In some cases, teams may sell additional tickets in the days leading up to the game, which can be a good deal, but also means limited availability.
Conclusion
When do spring training tickets go on sale? The answer is early, and it’s always a good idea to act quickly to secure your tickets. While prices vary from team to team, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $5,000 for upper deck seats. Be prepared for limited seats and ticket guarantees, and plan ahead to snag the best deals. With spring training in full swing, now is the time to make your mark on the season!