Since it began in 1903, the World Series has become one of the most exciting sporting events of the year. Wondering how to get World Series tickets to see your favorite team play? We’ll explain the format of the games and the process to get through the gate below.
Format of the World Series
The World Series, or Fall Classic, is a thrilling best-of-seven championship series to crown the top team in Major League Baseball. It typically takes place in late October and early November and is played in the home ballparks of the two participating teams. The team with the better regular-season record receives home-field advantage and the series is played in a 2-3-2 format.
Until 2002, the American League and National League alternated home-field advantage. And between 2003 and 2016, the winner of the MLB All-Star Game earned home-field advantage. In 2022, the MLB introduced another big change to the postseason adding two more teams to the Wild Card round and moving from a single-elimination game to a best-of-three series.
The top two teams in each division will advance to the postseason and play the winners of each Wild Card Series in the League Division Series. Winners will advance to the League Championship Series to determine who wins the pennant and will play in the World Series.
2023 World Series
The 2023 World Series will feature the winner of the American League Champion Series and the winner of the National League Championship Series. The MLB Postseason typically starts in early October and ends in September.
The Houston Astros defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in six games to win the 2022 World Series. It was the franchise’s second title and fourth trip to the World Series in six years. The New York Yankees, who last won in 2009, lead the field with 27 World Series wins. The St. Louis Cardinals are second with 11.
World Series Tickets
World Series tickets go on sale shortly after the conclusion of the ALCS and NLCS. Tickets are sold for Games 1–7, although the last three games are conditional, meaning that they may not be played since a team only needs to win four games to win the series. Regular-season ticket holders will likely receive early access to all postseason offerings including the World Series.
Tips for Buying World Series Tickets
Whether you are planning to see your team at home or on the road, it is best to buy your tickets as soon as possible. World Series tickets are in high demand so they typically sell quickly.
Once a team qualifies for the MLB Postseason, it will introduce a lottery system where fans are invited to register for the opportunity to purchase face-value tickets for each round. The team then draws names from the pool of registrations and tickets are sold on a first-come first-serve basis.
The other option is to check ticket resale marketplaces like TicketSmarter. Buying resale can help save you the hassle of waiting on the results of the lottery and give you more power in choosing your ideal seats inside the stadium.
Either way, it is best to familiarize yourself with the seating chart at your stadium of choice before starting to look for tickets so you know the general benefits of each section. This is especially important if you are trying to coordinate with a larger group.
How Much are World Series Tickets?
World Series ticket prices will vary depending on which teams are playing and how late it is in the series. For example, a team in a large market like the Boston Red Sox or San Francisco Giants will likely charge more for home games than a franchise in a smaller metropolitan area. The price will also increase as the series progresses meaning that Game 7 will likely be the most expensive since the stakes are the highest.
World Series tickets typically cost between $300 per game and more than $10,000 for a premium seat. Upgraded seating options would include clubs, suites and seats right behind the dugout or home plate.
Where to Sit During the World Series
MLB stadiums range in capacity from 34,830 at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio, to 56,782 at RingCentral Coliseum in Oakland, Calif., so there are lots of options for where to sit during the World Series. Ultimately, the best seat for you depends on personal preference. Seats closer to the field are typically more expensive, but you get a better view of the field. Tickets in the upper decks are generally the least expensive, but you are further away from the action.
If you are willing to take a slightly different perspective of the field, seats further down the foul lines may be a little more affordable. Outfield seating is sold as general admission at many ballparks, which means it fills on a first-come-first-serve basis, but it provides a unique experience and puts you in an ideal spot to catch a home run ball.
Most ticketing sites, including TicketSmarter, will provide an interactive seating map at checkout to help you find your ideal seats.
Buy World Series Tickets
Whether your team is a perennial power or is looking to end a long title drought, there is no experience quite like the World Series. As the season progresses, keep this guide for how to get World Series tickets handy so you are prepared when the time comes to cheer on your team from the stands.
