Quick Answers
If you buy a ticket to a potential Game 7 of a playoff series and that game does not end up happening, there are a few potential outcomes:
- The ticket will likely be refunded by the team/ticket provider if the game does not occur.
- The value/credit may be applied towards future games or events.
- Season ticket holders often have special policies related to potential playoff games.
- Policies vary by team and provider – check for specific details.
Explaining Playoff Scheduling
In many major professional sports leagues like the MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL, playoffs are conducted in a series format. This means that teams play each other multiple times in a given playoff round, with the winner being determined by whichever team wins the most games in that series.
A common format is a best-of-7 series, where the first team to win 4 games advances to the next round and the losing team is eliminated. Oftentimes, these playoff series do not require all 7 potential games to be played. It is possible for one team to go up 3-0 or 4-1 in the series, making some of the later games unnecessary if that team wins.
However, since the leagues do not know in advance how many games will be required, they schedule out all 7 potential games in advance. This includes scheduling a Game 5, Game 6, and Game 7, even though some series end earlier.
Scheduling Game 7
Game 7 of a playoff series is particularly important because it only occurs if each team has won 3 games apiece entering that contest. In other words, Game 7 only happens if the series is tied 3-3 going into the final game. Game 7 determines the winner-take-all victor of that playoff round.
Leagues know the importance of Game 7, so they always schedule a potential Game 7 in every playoff series, even though it often does not end up getting played. This explains the situation where tickets are sold for a Game 7 that never happens – the date and venue were set ahead of time before knowing if the game would occur.
Purchasing Tickets
When fans purchase tickets for potential playoff games like Game 7, there is always the possibility that the game will not end up taking place. Fans take on this risk when buying tickets in advance.
Season ticket holders often have special policies or rights related to potential playoff games. For the general public buying individual game tickets, they are essentially making a gamble that the game will happen.
If they purchase a ticket for a Game 7 that does not occur, the team or ticket provider will have a policy in place on how to handle the situation. This brings us to the various potential outcomes:
Potential Outcomes If Game 7 Does Not Occur
Refunds
The most common policy is for the team or ticket provider to issue a full refund to the buyer if the game does not take place. The refund is typically issued back to the original method of payment. This refunds the fan the money spent on the unused ticket.
Credit/Vouchers
Some teams or ticket sellers will give buyers a credit or voucher equal to the value paid if the game does not happen, rather than directly refunding. This credit can be applied to future ticket purchases for games that do occur.
Rollover for Season Ticket Holders
Season ticket holders often have a special policy where the value of unused potential playoff tickets can be rolled over and applied towards the cost of the following season’s tickets. This provides a benefit of essentially locking in cheaper playoff ticket pricing.
Donation to Charity
Some teams may give buyers the option to donate the value of the refunded tickets to a team-affiliated charity instead. This allows fans to get a tax deduction for the ticket value.
Policies Vary
The exact policy depends on the team, league, and ticket seller involved. Some may offer a mix of the above options. The best way to find out the policy is to directly contact the team box office or ticket seller and ask about their Game 7 ticket policy.
Here is a table summarizing the potential outcomes:
Potential Outcome | Description |
---|---|
Refund | Full refund of ticket price back to original payment method |
Credit/Voucher | Credit for the ticket value to use towards future games |
Rollover for Season Ticket Holders | Value applied towards next season’s season tickets |
Donation to Charity | Option to donate ticket value to team’s charity for tax deduction |
Key Takeaways
– Game 7 is scheduled in advance for all playoff series, even though it often does not occur
– Fans take on risk buying tickets for potential games like Game 7 in advance
– If Game 7 does not happen, most teams will refund, credit, or rollover the ticket value
– Check team/seller policies for handling unused playoff tickets
– Game 7 only occurs if playoff series is tied 3-3 heading into final game
Conclusion
Buying tickets for a potential Game 7 that ends up not happening is a risk taken on by fans when purchasing playoff tickets in advance. Since Game 7 is only played if the series is tied going into it, there is always the possibility it does not occur. Teams and ticket sellers account for this by having policies in place to refund, credit, or rollover the value of the unused tickets. This protects fans from losing money if the climactic Game 7 does not end up taking place.