The Philadelphia Phillies are headed to the World Series for the first time since 2009. After clinching the National League pennant with a win over the San Diego Padres, Phillies fans are eager to get tickets to see their team play in the Fall Classic. One question on many fans’ minds is whether Phillies season ticket holders will have access to World Series tickets.
The Short Answer
The short answer is yes, Phillies season ticket holders will have the first opportunity to purchase World Series tickets before the general public. However, the number of tickets available to them will be limited.
How World Series Tickets Are Allocated
Major League Baseball controls the distribution of World Series tickets. They typically allocate around 25-30% of the available tickets at the hosting ballpark to the home team. The remainder goes to the visiting team, MLB, corporate partners, and the general public.
Of the tickets given to the home team, most go to full and partial season ticket holders. The exact number available depends on the size of the season ticket base. The Phillies currently have around 25,000 full and partial season ticket holders.
Phillies Season Ticket Holder Priority
The Phillies will send season ticket holders instructions on how to purchase available World Series tickets based on their tenure and ticket package. Here is how the priority typically works:
- Full season ticket holders (81+ games) get the first access
- Partial season ticket holders (41-80 games) get the next access
- Partial season ticket holders (21-40 games) get subsequent access
- Partial season ticket holders (20 games or less) get the final access
Within each tenure group, priority goes to those who have held tickets the longest. So someone who has been a full season ticket holder for 20 years will get to purchase tickets before someone who just became a full season ticket holder this year.
Ticket Limits
The Phillies will also place limits on the number of World Series tickets that each tenure group can purchase. This is to ensure that tickets are distributed as fairly as possible. Limits will vary based on factors like section and number of season tickets held. As an example, a limit may look like:
- Full season ticket holders – 4 tickets per seat
- Partial season ticket holders (41-80 games) – 2 tickets per seat
- Partial season ticket holders (21-40 games) – 2 tickets per account
- Partial season ticket holders (20 games or less) – 2 tickets per account
Ticket holders can sometimes request exceptions for additional tickets, but there is no guarantee. The Phillies want to accommodate as many fans as possible with the limited amount of tickets available.
Estimated Ticket Prices
World Series ticket prices are significantly higher than regular season games. Here are some estimated price ranges that Phillies season ticket holders can expect to pay if they secure tickets:
Section | Estimated Price Range* |
---|---|
Behind home plate | $1,800 – $3,500+ per ticket |
Lower level infield | $1,400 – $2,500 per ticket |
Lower level outfield/corners | $1,000 – $1,800 per ticket |
Lower level bleachers | $900 – $1,500 per ticket |
Mezzanine | $700 – $1,000 per ticket |
Upper level | $350 – $700 per ticket |
*Prices vary depending on row and exact location and will likely go up as the series nears*
Can Season Ticket Holders Resell Tickets?
Phillies season ticket holders can resell any World Series tickets they purchase, either privately or on a secondary ticket site like StubHub. Reselling is common given the high ticket demand and prices. However, the Phillies discourage substantial price gouging. Season ticket holders caught reselling just to profit could potentially lose ticket privileges in the future.
What If Season Ticket Holders Cannot Attend?
Some season ticket holders may opt out of purchasing World Series tickets if they cannot attend the games. In these cases, the Phillies will often let other fans in that tenure group buy the tickets so they still go directly to Phillies fans. This further limits public availability.
Public On-Sale Extremely Limited
Given the Phillies’ large season ticket base, very few World Series tickets reach the general public on-sale. In 2009, only around 5,000 total tickets were made available for online registration and lottery selection by the public. Most fans will need to look at secondary markets to buy from resellers.
Getting on 2024 Season Ticket Waitlist
Fans shut out of 2022 World Series tickets due to low tenure or the public on-sale can get on the season ticket waitlist for 2024. While not guaranteed access, new season ticket holders often do get priority for postseason tickets in their first year. Interest in full and partial season ticket packages always rises following a World Series appearance.
Other World Series Access Opportunities
Beyond directly buying tickets, there are some other ways Phillies fans may be able to get access to 2022 World Series tickets:
- Enter radio station and sponsor giveaways
- Look for free ticket distributions through community programs
- Check game day promotions like ballpark pass tickets
- Enter the MLB and Phillies online ticket lottery (very limited odds)
- Try to find someone with an extra ticket outside the ballpark before first pitch
The Scene at Citizens Bank Park
Regardless of how fans secure tickets, the environment inside Citizens Bank Park for the World Series will be electric. The Phillies last appeared in the World Series in 2009 vs. the New York Yankees, losing in six games.
The 2022 World Series will be Philadelphia’s first chance in over a decade to see their team play for a championship in person. Phillies fans have a reputation for being some of the most passionate in baseball. They will certainly make Citizens Bank Park an intimidating environment for the visiting American League champion.
Final Thoughts
Phillies season ticket holders do get first access to World Series tickets, but availability is limited. Full season ticket holders and those with multi-decade tenures get top priority. Partial plan holders have more restricted access. Prices are also significantly marked up from regular season games.
The good news is those who secure World Series tickets through their season ticket plan can anticipate an once-in-a-lifetime experience watching the Phillies on the biggest stage in baseball. The energy in Citizens Bank Park will be electric as Philadelphia fans finally get to root for a World Series team again.
While nothing is guaranteed for 2023, fans should consider joining the season ticket waitlist this offseason if they want the best chance at World Series tickets in the future. The demand only grows after a thrilling postseason run like the Phillies just had.
Conclusion
In summary, Phillies season ticket holders do get access to buy World Series tickets before the general public. However, availability is very limited compared to the team’s large season ticket base. Full season ticket holders get top priority based on tenure. Partial plan holders have more restricted access. Ticket prices are also much higher than regular season games.
Fans have a few options if they missed out for 2022 and want the best shot at future World Series tickets. They can join the season ticket waitlist, try entering lotteries/giveaways, or look on secondary markets. No matter how fans get tickets, they can expect an amazing atmosphere at Citizens Bank Park as the Phillies return to the World Series for the first time in 13 years.