How early should you arrive for an MLB game? Tips for batting practice, giveaways and gate times

There’s more to an MLB game than the first pitch. Whether you grabbed last‑minute MLB tickets on SeatGeek or planned a big rivalry matchup weeks in advance, arriving early can completely change your experience. From watching batting practice to scoring promotional giveaways and exploring ballpark food, arriving early can completely change your experience.

But how early is early enough?

The ideal arrival time depends on what you want out of the day. Casual fans who just want to catch the game can arrive closer to start time. Fans hoping to see batting practice, grab limited-edition giveaways or explore the stadium should plan differently.

Here’s how to decide when to arrive for an MLB game and how to make the most of your time once you’re inside.

When do MLB stadium gates usually open?

Most MLB stadiums open their gates 90 minutes before first pitch for weekday games and two hours before first pitch for weekend games. Policies vary slightly by team, but this is the general standard across the league.

For high-demand matchups or special events, some teams may open select gates earlier.

If you’re attending a game at iconic parks like Yankee Stadium or Dodger Stadium, checking the team’s official website before arrival is always smart. You can also double‑check gate times and any special notes directly on your SeatGeek event page so there are no surprises when you arrive.

How early should you arrive to see batting practice?

If batting practice is your priority, arriving when gates open is your safest strategy.

In most cases, the home team takes batting practice first, followed by the visiting team. However, batting practice is not guaranteed. Weather, travel schedules, or day-game turnarounds sometimes lead teams to skip it.

To maximize your chances:

• Arrive right when gates open

• Head directly to lower-level sections near the field

• Position yourself along the outfield railings for potential home run balls

While there’s no guarantee you’ll catch a ball, arriving early significantly increases your odds.

Fans attending games featuring star sluggers like Shohei Ohtani often make batting practice a central part of their experience, especially on the road where visiting BP draws extra attention.

When should you arrive for promotional giveaways?

Promotional nights, such as bobbleheads, jerseys, or specialty hats, are typically distributed to the first set number of fans through the gates. That number is often 10,000 to 20,000 attendees depending on stadium capacity.

If a giveaway matters to you, arriving 60–90 minutes before first pitch is usually advisable. For high-demand items or rivalry games, fans sometimes line up even earlier.

Weekend promotions and bobblehead nights are especially competitive in larger markets. Waiting until 20 minutes before first pitch can significantly reduce your chances of receiving an item.

Arriving early not only improves your odds but also reduces the stress of rushing through security and long entry lines.

Is it worth arriving early just to explore the stadium?

Absolutely, especially if you’ve never visited that ballpark before.

Many MLB stadiums offer unique features beyond the seating bowl. Food halls, team museums, historic displays and open concourse views are often best enjoyed before the crowd fully settles in.

Ballparks like Fenway Park and Wrigley Field are rich with history and architectural character. Exploring early allows you to appreciate the environment without missing game action.

Even newer stadiums feature social gathering spaces, specialty concessions and skyline views that are easier to access before peak crowd flow.

Does your seat location change when you should arrive to an MLB game?

Seat location can influence your ideal arrival time.

Fans sitting in upper deck sections may not need to arrive as early unless they’re focused on batting practice or giveaways. Those with lower-level or field-level seats may benefit from arriving at gate opening to maximize proximity during pregame activities.

If you’re in sections along the baselines or near the dugouts, early arrival increases your chances of seeing player warmups or potentially interacting with players during stretching sessions.

Using interactive seat maps on SeatGeek can help see exactly where your seats are and what the view looks like before you go, so you know how much time you’ll need to navigate the concourse and find your section.

What about weekday vs. weekend arrival timing for MLB games?

Weekend games tend to attract larger crowds, especially Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons. Entry lines, parking congestion, and security screening times are generally longer on weekends.

For weekday night games, arriving 45–60 minutes early is often sufficient unless you’re targeting batting practice or promotions.

For weekend games, especially rivalry matchups or promotional nights, building in extra time reduces stress and improves your overall experience.

Why arriving early improves the overall MLB experience

Baseball moves at a slower pace than many other sports, and the atmosphere begins building long before first pitch. Early arrival lets you ease into the experience instead of rushing through it.

You’ll have more flexibility, shorter lines, better access to pregame activities and fewer logistical headaches.

Because MLB games are often affordable and frequent, maximizing the experience makes each visit feel more intentional and memorable. With the right timing, your MLB game day starts well before the first pitch.

Ready to put it into practice? Browse MLB tickets on SeatGeek to find the right game, seats and arrival time for your next trip to the ballpark. As the MLB’s Official Ticketing Partner, SeatGeek makes it easy to compare seats, check views and get your mobile tickets in minutes.