Exchanging MLB season tickets can seem complicated, but with some preparation and knowledge of the process, it can be done smoothly. Here are some quick answers to common questions about exchanging MLB season tickets:
What are some reasons you may want to exchange MLB season tickets?
There are a few common reasons someone may want to exchange their MLB season tickets:
- You can’t attend a game and want to allow someone else to use your seats
- You want to attend a different game that you don’t have tickets for
- You want to upgrade or change your seat location
- You want to break up your season ticket package and attend fewer games
What options do you have for exchanging MLB season tickets?
Most MLB teams offer season ticket holders the following options for exchanging tickets:
- Online ticket exchanges – Many teams have online portals where you can conveniently exchange tickets yourself.
- In-person ticket exchanges – You can exchange tickets directly at the ballpark ticket office.
- Phone exchanges – Call your team’s season ticket service line to exchange tickets over the phone.
- Season ticket holder resale markets – Some teams have online resale markets exclusive to season ticket holders.
What are the typical exchange policies and fees?
Exchange policies and fees can vary significantly by team. Here are some typical exchange policies:
- Exchange deadlines are usually 1-7 days before the game you are exchanging.
- Exchanges within your plan (same number of seats) are usually free.
- Exchanges for upgrade or additional seats often have exchange fees around $10-$20 per ticket.
- You can sometimes exchange tickets from one plan to another plan, which may incur exchange fees.
- Exchanging tickets for games in high demand may be restricted or incur additional fees.
Be sure to check your team’s official exchange policy listed on your account or on their website.
Are there any blackout dates or restrictions?
Teams commonly have blackout dates and exchange restrictions, such as:
- Popular interleague matchups vs. rivals (Yankees vs. Mets).
- Marquee games like Opening Day.
- Postseason games.
- You can only exchange for tickets of equal or lesser value.
- Exchanges are subject to ticket availability.
Again, check with your team for the specific exchange blackout dates and restrictions that apply to your plan.
What is the step-by-step process for exchanging tickets online?
Here is a typical online ticket exchange process:
- Log in to your team’s season ticket account online.
- Click on the “Exchange Tickets” link or button.
- Select the game you want to exchange from.
- Choose the game you want to exchange to.
- Select the seats you want to exchange – you may be shown seat options to exchange to.
- Confirm the exchange details and accept any exchange fees listed.
- Receive a confirmation email that the exchange is complete.
What information is needed to exchange tickets?
Having the following ticket details on hand makes the exchange process easier:
- Your account number
- Original game date
- Original seat section, row and seat numbers
- New game date you want to exchange to
- Number of seats you want to exchange
Can you exchange individual games or split up season tickets?
Most teams allow you to exchange and split up individual games within your plan. For example:
- Exchange two seats from one game to another game.
- Exchange just one seat from a set of two to send a friend to a game.
- Exchange a full season plan into a partial plan if you want to attend fewer games.
What are some tips for a smooth exchange process?
Here are some tips for making your MLB ticket exchanges easy:
- Exchange early – don’t wait until the last minute before exchange deadlines.
- Avoid peak exchange times like right after the schedule is announced.
- Be flexible on days/times and have backup game options in mind.
- Know the exchange fees and policies before exchanging.
- You can normally exchange tickets multiple times if needed.
What are some best practices for selling tickets you exchange?
If you want to sell tickets received through an exchange, here are some best practices:
- Sell at or below face value – selling above face value may violate team policies.
- Use reputable sites like StubHub and Ticketmaster.
- Only sell through secure channels, never on social media or Craigslist.
- Transfer tickets securely through official team sites when possible.
- Communicate clearly with buyers on delivery method, fees, and game details.
Can you donate tickets from an exchange to charity?
Many MLB teams partner with charities to allow donating tickets. Some things to keep in mind:
- You may need to exchange tickets first before donating them.
- Each team has their own donation processes and partners.
- Donated tickets are typically tax deductible.
- Charities may allow you to donate full or partial season plans.
- Popular donation options include military/veterans, youth organizations, fundraising events.
What happens if you can’t exchange your tickets?
If you can’t exchange tickets, either due to lack of availability or restrictions, you still have options:
- Sell on a ticket resale site – often at a discount.
- Give to friends and family – great last minute option.
- Donate to charity.
- Eat the cost as an unfortunate loss – you can’t win them all.
Conclusion
Exchanging MLB season tickets can seem daunting, but becomes much simpler once you learn the process. Each team has their own policies and quirks, so do your homework ahead of time. Be prepared with your ticket details, exchange early, and use online portals conveniently exchange tickets yourself. With a few exchanged games, you can optimize your season ticket plan and have a great baseball season.
Team | Online Exchange? | Exchange Fees? |
---|---|---|
Yankees | Yes | $10/ticket |
Red Sox | Yes | No fees |
Cubs | No | $15/exchange |
This table shows a sampling of MLB teams and key details on their exchange policies. As you can see, exchanges can vary quite a bit by team. The Yankees and Cubs charge per ticket fees, while the Red Sox offer free exchanges. The Cubs still rely on manual phone exchanges, while the Yankees and Red Sox offer online exchange portals. Be sure to understand your team’s specific exchange policy details before exchanging tickets.
Sample Exchange Timeline
Here is a hypothetical timeline for exchanging Chicago Cubs season tickets:
- February – MLB schedule announced, you review dates.
- March – Exchange Opening Day tickets for June rivalry game.
- April – Give 2 tickets to your mom for Mother’s Day game.
- May – Exchange July 4 tickets for August weekend series.
- June – Exchange 2 weekday September games for donating to military charity.
- July – Exchange final September games to consolidate full plan to half plan.
This shows how you may stagger exchanges over the course of the season to optimize your plan. Popular, high-demand games are exchanged first. Weekday and late season games are good targets to exchange for fewer total games. This gradual exchange allows you to customize your season plan over time.
Comparing Team Exchange Policies
While exchange policies share some overall similarities across MLB teams, there are notable differences as well. Here is a comparison of the exchange policies for a sampling of teams:
- Dodgers – Unlimited free exchanges, online and phone options.
- Yankees – Exchanges free up to 14 days before game, $10 fee after.
- Red Sox – Free exchanges, maximum 3 exchanges per seat annually.
- Cubs – $15 exchange fee per exchange, 2 exchange limit.
- Giants – $10 exchange fee, exchanges allowed until 5pm day before game.
This shows the Dodgers offer the most flexibility with no limits, while the Red Sox and Cubs restrict the number of exchanges. The Yankees and Giants have per exchange fees. Each team strikes their own balance of exchange flexibility vs. potential abuse. This comparison highlights why researching your team’s specific policies is so important.
Comparing Online Exchange Options
Team | Account Login Required? | Seat Previews Available? | Fee Displayed? |
---|---|---|---|
Yankees | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Red Sox | Yes | No | Yes |
Giants | No | Yes | No |
MLB teams with online exchange portals have some similarities but also key differences in features. The table above compares the Yankees, Red Sox and Giants. All require logging into an account first for security. The Yankees and Giants allow previewing seat options, while the Red Sox do not. Displaying exchange fees upfront is another area that varies. Understanding these subtleties ahead of time leads to a smoother exchange experience.
When Exchanging Isn’t Ideal
While exchanges provide flexibility, there are certain situations where they may not be the best option:
- Trying to exchange very high demand, sold out games – availability will be limited.
- Exchanging after exchange deadlines – you risk being stuck with unused tickets.
- Attempting too many exchanges – fees add up, you may hit account limits.
- Exchanging down to much lower value games – you lose value paid upfront.
- Exchanging between plans with very different seating options – may be difficult finding comparable seats.
Being aware of these examples where exchanges could be problematic can help guide your overall exchange strategy.
How Season Ticket Resale Markets Work
Some key things to know about MLB team’s season ticket resale exchanges:
- Resale markets are exclusively for season ticket holders reselling their seats.
- Season holders can list seats at desired price levels.
- Tickets are all digitally delivered, convenient transfers.
- Teams set rules and seller/buyer fee rates.
- Provides a secure alternative to public resale sites.
- Tickets still tied to original season account holder.
- Teams can restrict resale above or below face value.
Resale markets create a dedicated ecosystem for season holders to exchange and sell tickets. This keeps the ticket asset within the season holder community. Teams manage rules and oversight for a well-controlled marketplace.
Key Takeaways
Here are some of the key tips to remember about exchanging MLB season tickets:
- Know your team’s specific exchange policies and fees.
- Exchange early before deadlines are approaching.
- Aim to exchange high demand games first when availability is best.
- Splitting and exchanging individual games provides maximum flexibility.
- Online exchanges are the fastest and most convenient option.
- Avoid excessive exchanges that could result in account limits or high fees.
- Be selective in the games you exchange to and from to maximize value.
Exchanging MLB tickets may seem complicated but becomes much simpler once you learn the ins and outs of your team’s policies and processes. Entering the season prepared and acting early leads to optimal exchanges. This allows you to customize your season ticket plan as you go and make the most of your baseball season.