MLB Postseason Scheduling Criticized Amid Empty Seats at High-Stakes Games

Major League Baseball's postseason scheduling practices are drawing criticism following visible empty seats at crucial playoff games, even as dramatic moments unfold on the field. The issue was highlighted during Game 1 of the wild card series between the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies, where thousands of seats remained unfilled at Truist Park on a Tuesday afternoon.

Despite a closely contested game featuring a pivotal late-inning, three-run home run by Braves third baseman Austin Riley, the broadcast revealed numerous vacant sections. This occurred despite the game's high stakes and a thrilling finish that gave the Braves a 1-0 series lead.

The criticism is directed not at the fans, but at MLB's scheduling strategy. The league's decision to employ weekday afternoon start times, such as the 2 p.m. ET first pitch in Atlanta, is seen as a major factor contributing to low attendance. This timing conflicts with work and school schedules for many potential attendees. Similarly, an 11 a.m. start time for West Coast viewers places the game squarely in the middle of the workday.

MLB's current wild card format necessitates four games across the initial playoff series to accommodate the subsequent division series. The league's approach to stagger game times, with starts ranging from early afternoon to late evening, aims to maximize viewership for each individual game. However, the practical impact appears to be a deterrent for live attendance.

In contrast, a Tuesday night game in San Diego, starting at 7 p.m. local time, featured a sold-out crowd and energetic atmosphere. This stark difference underscores the argument that evening start times are more conducive to fan participation and enjoyment.

The scheduling concerns extend beyond the wild card round. A projected 1 p.m. local start time for a potential National League Division Series game in Los Angeles, anticipated during a period of extreme heat, further illustrates the league's challenging timing decisions.

Players have also voiced frustrations with attendance issues. After a 4 p.m. local start time in Houston, Astros players noted the difference in crowd energy compared to past playoff appearances, suggesting that fan engagement is impacted by game times.

An alternative proposed solution suggests starting playoff games between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. local time. This approach, proponents argue, would allow fans to attend after work, potentially leading to fuller stadiums and more vibrant crowds, while still providing the dramatic moments MLB seeks to showcase. The ability of modern broadcasting and streaming services to accommodate multiple games simultaneously reduces the perceived necessity of extreme time staggering for viewership purposes.