Double headers. The very name conjures images of marathon baseball days, back-to-back games filled with adrenaline, hot dogs, and the thrill of victory (or the agony of defeat). But how do double header tickets actually work? What are the different types, and what should you know before snagging one? This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of double header tickets, ensuring you’re fully prepared for your next trip to the ballpark.
Understanding the Basics of Double Headers
At their core, double headers are exactly what they sound like: two games played by the same teams on the same day. This often happens to make up for games postponed due to weather, or sometimes as part of the scheduled season, though this is becoming less common. While the basic concept is simple, the ticketing implications can be a bit more complex.
Types of Double Headers
There are primarily two types of double headers: scheduled and unscheduled (or makeup). Understanding the difference is crucial for understanding the ticket implications.
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Scheduled Double Headers: These are planned in advance and are part of the team’s original season schedule. They are usually played on weekends or holidays to maximize attendance.
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Makeup Double Headers: These occur when a game is postponed due to unforeseen circumstances like rain, snow, or even facility issues. The team will then schedule a double header to make up the lost game.
The type of double header often dictates the ticket options available.
Why Teams Schedule Double Headers
Teams schedule double headers for a few key reasons. Obviously, the most common reason is to make up for postponed games. By playing two games in one day, they can avoid extending the season or significantly altering the schedule. Scheduled double headers, less common now, can also be used to draw larger crowds, especially on popular dates. Sometimes, scheduling complexities or ballpark availability can necessitate a double header.
Navigating Ticket Options for Double Headers
This is where it can get a bit tricky. The ticket options for a double header depend on the team, the venue, and whether it’s a scheduled or makeup double header.
The “One Ticket, Two Games” Scenario
In many cases, especially with scheduled double headers, your original ticket is valid for both games. This means you enter the stadium once and can stay for both contests. This is often the most straightforward and desirable situation for fans. However, it’s crucial to confirm this with the team or ticketing provider before assuming this is the case.
The “Separate Tickets” Scenario
Sometimes, especially with makeup double headers announced relatively close to the game day, teams might opt to issue separate tickets for each game. This means you would need two distinct tickets – one for the first game and another for the second. This might involve exchanging your original ticket for two new tickets or purchasing a separate ticket for the makeup game.
The “Exchange or Refund” Scenario
If your original game is postponed, and you can’t attend the makeup double header, many teams offer options like exchanging your ticket for a different game or receiving a refund. The specific policy varies from team to team, so it’s important to check the fine print. If the double header is considered a separate event, even if you attended the first game, you may still be eligible for a partial refund.
Season Ticket Holder Considerations
Season ticket holders often have specific policies regarding double headers. In many cases, their season ticket covers both games of a scheduled double header. For makeup double headers, policies can vary. Some teams automatically provide tickets for both games, while others may require season ticket holders to opt-in or pay an additional fee for the makeup game. It’s essential to check with your team’s season ticket services for specific details.
Key Considerations When Buying Double Header Tickets
Before you purchase tickets for a double header, there are a few important things to keep in mind.
Confirm the Ticket Policy
This is the most crucial step. Always, always confirm the team’s ticket policy for the specific double header you’re attending. Don’t assume your ticket is valid for both games. Check the team’s website, contact their customer service, or read the details provided by the ticketing platform (e.g., Ticketmaster, StubHub). Look for wording about whether the original ticket covers both games, if you need to exchange your ticket, or if you need to purchase a separate ticket.
Understand the Game Times and Entry/Exit Procedures
Double headers can be long days at the ballpark. Be sure to check the scheduled game times carefully. There might be a short break between games, or the stadium might be cleared and require re-entry. Understanding the schedule helps you plan your day and avoid any surprises. Confirm entry and exit procedures. Sometimes, especially for makeup double headers with separate ticketing, the stadium might be cleared between games, requiring you to exit and re-enter with your second ticket. Knowing this in advance helps you avoid long lines and unnecessary hassle.
Consider the Weather
Double headers can be grueling, especially in hot or cold weather. Be prepared for all types of conditions. Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for sunny days, or layers of clothing for colder weather. Check the forecast before you go and pack accordingly. Remember that you’ll be spending several hours outdoors, so it’s important to be comfortable.
Plan for Food and Drinks
Spending an entire day at the ballpark means you’ll need to eat and drink. Consider your options for food and drinks. You can purchase food and beverages at the stadium, but prices can be high. Some stadiums allow you to bring your own food and drinks (within certain restrictions), which can save you money. Be sure to check the stadium’s policies on outside food and drinks before you go.
Transportation and Parking
Plan your transportation and parking in advance. Double headers often draw larger crowds, which can make parking more challenging. Consider alternative transportation options like public transportation or ride-sharing services. If you’re driving, arrive early to secure a parking spot. Be aware that parking fees might be higher for double headers.
Resale Market Considerations
If you’re buying double header tickets on the resale market (e.g., StubHub, SeatGeek), exercise extra caution. Confirm that the tickets are valid for both games or that you’re purchasing separate tickets for each game. Pay attention to the details provided by the seller and verify the information with the team’s official website if possible.
Common Scenarios and How to Handle Them
Let’s walk through a few common scenarios you might encounter with double header tickets and how to best navigate them.
Scenario 1: Game Postponed, Makeup Double Header Announced
- The Situation: You have a ticket for a game that was rained out. The team announces a makeup double header for a later date.
- Your Action: Immediately check the team’s website or contact their customer service to understand their policy. Will your original ticket be valid for both games of the double header? Do you need to exchange your ticket? Are refunds available if you can’t attend the double header? Gather all the necessary information and follow the team’s instructions.
Scenario 2: Season Ticket Holder, Makeup Double Header
- The Situation: You are a season ticket holder and a game is postponed. The team announces a makeup double header.
- Your Action: Contact your team’s season ticket services department. Find out if your season ticket automatically covers both games of the double header, or if you need to take any action to claim your tickets. Some teams might require you to opt-in or pay an additional fee for the makeup game.
Scenario 3: Buying Resale Tickets for a Double Header
- The Situation: You are purchasing tickets for a double header on a resale website.
- Your Action: Scrutinize the ticket details carefully. Does the listing specify that the tickets are valid for both games? If not, contact the seller to confirm. If the listing offers separate tickets for each game, make sure you purchase both tickets if you want to attend the entire double header. Compare the prices with other listings and the team’s official website to ensure you’re getting a fair deal.
Maximizing Your Double Header Experience
Attending a double header can be a fantastic experience. Here are a few tips to make the most of it.
Arrive Early
Arriving early allows you to avoid long lines at the gate, secure a good parking spot, and grab some food and drinks before the first game starts. It also gives you time to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the pre-game festivities.
Stay Hydrated
It’s easy to get dehydrated during a long day at the ballpark, especially in hot weather. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and avoid feeling sluggish.
Pace Yourself
Double headers can be a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself with food and drinks. Avoid overeating or drinking too much alcohol early in the day, as this can lead to fatigue later on.
Stay Informed
Keep an eye on the scoreboard and listen to announcements to stay informed about the game situation and any schedule changes. The games can run long and you want to keep on top of the score.
Enjoy the Atmosphere
Most importantly, enjoy the atmosphere and the camaraderie of being at the ballpark. Cheer on your team, soak in the sights and sounds, and create lasting memories. Double headers are a unique and special experience for baseball fans.
Understanding the nuances of double header tickets empowers you to make informed decisions, avoid surprises, and fully enjoy your day at the ballpark. Remember to always verify the ticket policy, plan ahead, and embrace the thrill of back-to-back baseball action.
What exactly constitutes a “double header” in baseball and other sports?
A double header is a scheduling arrangement where two games between the same two teams are played on the same day. This often occurs when a previous game was postponed due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances. The primary objective is to complete the scheduled series within a compressed timeframe, minimizing further disruptions to the overall league schedule.
These games are generally shorter than a typical single game, especially in Major League Baseball, where double header games are often only seven innings long instead of the usual nine. The rules and conditions surrounding double headers can vary depending on the league and specific agreements in place, but the core principle remains the same: two games, one day, same teams.
Are double header tickets more expensive than regular single-game tickets?
Generally, a ticket for a double header provides access to both games, making it appear like a better value than a single-game ticket. However, the pricing structures can be nuanced. Some teams may offer the double header ticket at a price slightly higher than a regular single-game ticket, reflecting the longer duration of entertainment and the overall experience.
Other teams may price double header tickets at a discount compared to the combined cost of two separate single-game tickets. This strategy incentivizes fans to attend both games and maximizes stadium attendance for the entire day. It’s always crucial to compare the price of a double header ticket with the cost of individual tickets for each game, if available, to determine the best value.
How can I find out if a scheduled game has been changed to a double header?
The most reliable way to learn about a scheduled game becoming a double header is through official channels. These include the team’s official website, social media accounts (e.g., Twitter, Facebook), and email newsletters. These sources will provide immediate updates about game postponements and rescheduling, including information about double header arrangements.
Beyond official team communications, keep an eye on reputable sports news websites and media outlets. These often report on game cancellations and rescheduled games promptly. Additionally, ticket vendors like Ticketmaster or StubHub usually update their listings to reflect changes in game schedules, providing another avenue for staying informed.
What happens if I can only attend one of the games in a double header?
Typically, a double header ticket grants access to both games, and there’s no partial refund or alternative arrangement if you only attend one. It’s viewed as purchasing access to the entire day of baseball, regardless of whether you utilize it fully. Attending only one game doesn’t usually affect your ability to attend the other if you choose to leave and return.
However, if you cannot attend both games, you might consider selling or giving away your ticket to someone else who would appreciate the opportunity. You could also check if the team or ticket vendor has any specific policies regarding partial attendance, although this is unlikely. The most common practice is that the ticket covers admission to both games, regardless of individual game attendance.
Are the start times for the two games in a double header always consecutive?
While the games in a double header are played on the same day, they aren’t always played back-to-back without a break. There’s usually a period between the end of the first game and the start of the second. This interval allows for stadium maintenance, player rest, and a brief respite for fans attending both games.
The length of this interval varies, but it typically ranges from 30 minutes to an hour. The exact start times for both games are usually announced well in advance by the team or league when the double header is scheduled. Always verify the specific start times to plan your attendance accordingly, taking the break time into consideration.
If a game is postponed and rescheduled as part of a double header, what happens to my original single-game ticket?
What happens to your single-game ticket when a game is postponed and subsequently rescheduled as part of a double header depends on the specific policy of the team or ticket vendor. In many cases, your original ticket will be valid for entry to the rescheduled game, which is now part of the double header. You’ll use the same ticket to gain access.
However, some teams may offer alternative options, such as exchanging your ticket for a ticket to a different game or receiving a refund. Carefully review the official communication from the team or ticket vendor regarding the postponement and rescheduling to understand your options. Be sure to adhere to any deadlines or instructions provided for claiming your benefits.
Are there any unique seating or promotional considerations for double headers?
Generally, your seat assignment remains the same for both games of a double header. The ticket you purchase or hold is typically valid for the same seat in the stadium for both contests. This ensures consistency and avoids any confusion regarding seating arrangements during the day.
Some teams may offer unique promotional deals specifically for double headers, such as discounts on concessions or merchandise. These promotions are designed to enhance the overall experience for fans attending both games. Be sure to check the team’s website or promotional materials for any special offers associated with double header events.