The Baltimore Orioles are one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball, with a long history of success and passionate fans. After a few down years, the O’s are back in playoff contention in 2023, and Orioles fans are eager to secure tickets to see postseason baseball return to Baltimore. Playoff demand will far exceed supply, so getting Orioles playoff tickets requires preparation, flexibility, and a little luck. Here is a guide to give you the best shot at landing seats for October baseball at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
When do Orioles playoff tickets go on sale?
The Orioles will not sell playoff tickets until they have clinched a playoff berth. With the new expanded 12-team playoff format, that could come as soon as late September. Once the Orioles clinch, tickets will go on sale to the general public shortly after.
Season ticket holders will have the first opportunity to purchase strip packages (tickets to all Orioles home playoff games). Partial season ticket holders will have a presale opportunity after strips are sold. The Orioles will announce details on public on-sale dates and times once they formally clinch a spot. Keep checking Orioles.com and sign up for email alerts to get notifications directly from the team.
Where can I buy Orioles playoff tickets?
When tickets go on sale to the general public, there will be multiple options:
– Directly through Orioles.com
– By phone from the Orioles ticket office
– In person at the Camden Yards box office
– On the MLB Ballpark app
– Through StubHub or other reseller sites
Buying directly from the Orioles will ensure authenticity and give you access to the best inventory that hasn’t already been scooped up. Going through the box office or MLB Ballpark app means avoiding online fees. Just be prepared for high demand and potential crashes on the website.
How much do Orioles playoff tickets cost?
Ticket prices have not been announced yet, but expect a significant markup from regular season games. Playoff demand is always high, especially for a team returning to the postseason after a long drought. Some estimate the cheapest seats could start around $125-150 per game. Lower boxes and closer seats could run into the hundreds or thousands of dollars. Strip packages for season ticket holders may have some relative discount built in.
Here are some of the factors that will determine Orioles playoff ticket prices:
– Opponent and game significance – Tickets will be most expensive for home games later in playoff series and World Series games, if applicable. Games against regional rivals like the Yankees will also be in very high demand.
– Day and time – Weekend and night games tend to be more expensive than day games on weekdays.
– Location – The best lower bowl seats will command the highest prices. Upper deck and bleacher seats will have the most affordable face value.
– Secondary market – Third party resellers like StubHub will tack on additional fees and markups. Prices often drop on the secondary market leading up to the game.
When will individual Orioles playoff games go on sale?
The Orioles will likely sell initial strips of tickets before opening up sales for individual playoff games. This prevents fans from cherry-picking only the most in-demand games.
Once strips are sold, the Orioles will announce details on single game sales. This could open up a couple weeks before each home playoff game. There will be limited quantities available, so purchasing a strip is the only way to guarantee tickets to all home contests. Keep monitoring Orioles.com for single game on-sale announcements.
What are the best strategies for getting Orioles playoff tickets?
Here are some tips and strategies Orioles fans should consider to try securing the hottest tickets in Baltimore this fall:
– **Get verified as a My Orioles Tickets account holder** – This gives you early presale access before the general public.
– **Jump on strips early** – This locks in tickets to all home games without getting shut out of the highest demand games.
– **Be ready online right at the on-sale time** – Have accounts set up and payment info ready to go. The best seats go lightning fast.
– **Try for obstructed view or standing room tickets** – While less desirable, they can be much cheaper ways to get in the door.
– **Check back often for unsold ticket releases** – More inventory sometimes pops up in the days leading up to the game.
– **Buy on secondary sites on game day** – Prices usually fall as sellers scramble to unload tickets.
– **Target weekday day games** – These will have lower demand than weekend and night games.
– **Go to the box office at game time** – They may release standing room only tickets at the last minute.
Are there any ways to get Orioles playoff tickets for face value?
The only way to guarantee Orioles playoff tickets directly at face value is to purchase strips or individual games when they initially go on sale to the public. These will still be very expensive as playoff demand significantly inflates prices. Any other method will involve paying substantial markups:
– **Third party resellers** – Sites like StubHub involve extra fees, often well above face value
– **Online marketplaces** – Sites like Craigslist have private sellers marking up tickets
– **Ticket brokers** – Agencies acquire tickets specifically to resell at a profit
– **Ballpark resale** – Buying from scalpers around Camden Yards means paying their inflated asking price
The Orioles do not have dynamic pricing for the playoffs like some pro teams, so the face value announced is the real price. While daunting, paying face value is actually a bargain compared to the secondary market. Acting quickly is critical to take advantage.
When will we know the Orioles playoff schedule?
Major League Baseball won’t set times for playoff games until the matchups are known. If the Orioles clinch a spot early, they could know their opponent within a week or two of the end of the regular season. The schedule gets announced in pieces:
– **First round schedule** – Released shortly after all eight teams are set, likely involving tiebreaker games.
– **LDS schedules** – Announced once the four division winners and wildcards are known.
– **LCS schedules** – Set after completion of the LDS round.
– **World Series schedule** – Finalized once the pennant winners are crowned.
Usually by late September, Orioles fans will know at least their first round opponent and whether the team will start at home or on the road. This helps inform the first on-sale for playoff strips. The full series-by-series schedule comes together through October.
What COVID protocols will be in place for the playoffs?
MLB has lifted nearly all fan COVID protocols that were in place the past two seasons. Fans no longer need to provide proof of vaccination or negative test to purchase tickets. There are also no mask or social distancing requirements. Concessions operate as normal.
That said, COVID is still present at lower levels and conditions could change by October. The Orioles and MLB maintain the right to adjust policies later in the interest of public health. Fans should review up-to-date playoff protocols on Orioles.com as the games get closer. Have vaccination cards or test results ready in case they are newly required.
Can I resell my Orioles playoff tickets?
Orioles playoff tickets can be resold on the private market like other MLB postseason games. Season ticket holders reselling strips or individual games will see massive profit potential given the extreme demand. Even fans who can’t attend every home game can defray the strip purchase cost by reselling certain games.
Keep in mind these Orioles policies on playoff ticket resale:
– Games cannot be resold on the public market via third party sites until after the initial sales period to the general public. This prevents brokers from scooping up tickets in bulk early.
– All resale must happen through the MLB Ballpark app. This ensures validity and gives the Orioles oversight of the secondary market.
– Prices, while likely to be above face value, cannot massively exceed what the Orioles initially charged. Significant price gouging can result in revoking a buyer’s postseason ticket privileges.
While the team wants to discourage predatory practices, they do allow fans to recoup some of their playoff investment through moderate resale. Just make sure to follow team policies.
What venue rules apply for Orioles playoff games?
Oriole Park at Camden Yards policies for regular season games also apply for the playoffs. Fans should review the venue A-Z Guide for critical information:
– Gates open 2 hours before first pitch for all fans. This gives time to enter, get to seats, and enjoy ballpark amenities pre-game.
– Bags are restricted to 16″ x 16″ x 8″ in size. All bags are subject to inspection.
– Mobile tickets on smartphones are recommended over printed tickets to reduce contact and lines. Printed tickets must be undamaged and clean for entry.
– Smoking and vaping is prohibited except for designated areas. Marijuana remains banned.
– Certain items like alcohol, weapons, and noisemakers are prohibited.
– Fans must comply with all instructions from ballpark authorities and act respectfully to maintain a positive fan experience.
The Orioles may announce slight tweaks to policies heading into the playoffs. Responsible fan behavior is imperative to keeping Camden Yards a safe and enjoyable October environment.
How is the ballpark atmosphere different for playoff games?
The excitement and energy around Orioles playoff baseball will be unlike anything Baltimore has experienced since the days of Cal Ripken Jr. Camden Yards will be absolutely rocking if October games come to fruition. Here’s what fans can expect:
– Pregame festivities setting the stage – Expect specialty intros, highlight reels, special anthems and ceremonial first pitches. Fans need to arrive early.
– Packed houses – 45,000-plus fans creating a deafening roar during key moments.
– Enthusiastic crowds – Towel waving, rampant standing, and nonstop cheering from before first pitch to the final out.
– Intense reactions – Eruptions after home runs, strikeouts, and rallies.
– Signature chants – Crowd favorites like the “Oh” in Orioles and “O” during the Star-Spangled Banner will be belted proudly.
Win or lose, Orioles fans will unite around the shared experience of playoff baseball. The ballpark will feed off their emotive energy. This is an atmosphere no baseball fan will want to miss.
Are special experiences available for Orioles playoff games?
The Orioles offer various upgrades through their Play Ball! Packages to enhance the playoff experience:
– **All-Inclusive** – Food, drinks, giveaways, lounge access
– **Kids Zone** – Gaming, photo booth, face painters
– **Oriole Experiences** – Pre-game batting practice, club access
– **Group Events** – Catering, private space
These all require special advance purchase on top of game tickets. Availability may be extremely limited if the Orioles make the playoffs.
Some other ideas for memorable playoff experiences:
– Participate in pre-game rallies outside the ballpark
– Arrive when gates open to soak in the atmosphere
– Wear playoff merchandise and face/body paint
– Create signs and banners showing Orioles pride
– Collect commemorative playoff posters and programs
Just being there with other passionate Birds fans will make any Orioles playoff game unforgettable. But those seeking extras can explore Play Ball! upgrades.
Conclusion
The road back to Orioles playoff contention has been a long one. Now on the cusp of snapping their postseason drought in 2023, fans need to prepare for high ticket demand and act decisively when sales open up. While securing seats will require effort, money, and a little luck, the payoff of playoff baseball in Baltimore will be well worth it. This guide outlines key strategies, dates, prices, and policies to help fans take advantage of the anticipated Orioles October ticket rush. With the right gameplan, Birdland can come out in full force and Camden Yards can rock again this fall classic season.