Jan 15, 2026
·Mary Callahan
Nothing beats the excitement of attending a live sporting event—the energy of the crowd, the atmosphere of the stadium, and the anticipation before the action begins. But knowing how early to arrive at a sports game can make a big difference in your overall experience. Arriving too late can mean long entry lines, crowded concessions, and missing the opening moments. Here’s a sport-by-sport guide to help you plan your arrival time.
How Early to Arrive at MLB Games
Baseball games are one of the easiest events to arrive early for—and one of the most rewarding. Getting to the stadium 60-90 minutes before first pitch gives fans time to explore the ballpark, watch batting practice and grab food without long waits. Many stadiums also allow early entry for certain ticket holders, making it easier to catch foul balls and warm-ups.
Baseball season runs from March through October, building toward the World Series in the fall. Whether you’re catching Opening Day or a late-season rivalry, browse MLB tickets on SeatGeek and secure your seats for the season.
How Early to Arrive at NFL and College Football Games
Football games typically require the earliest arrival due to large crowds, tailgating culture and extensive security checks. For NFL and major college football games, plan to arrive 90-120 minutes before kickoff. This allows time for parking, stadium entry and pregame celebrations, including player introductions and national anthems.
Football season kicks off in September and runs through early February, ending with the Super Bowl. From NFL matchups to NCAA showdowns, explore upcoming football games on SeatGeek and get game-day ready.
How Early to Arrive at NBA and College Basketball Games
For NBA and college basketball games, arriving 60-90 minutes before tipoff is usually ideal. Arenas tend to fill quickly, especially for rivalry games or playoff matchups. Early arrival lets fans watch warm-ups, avoid long concession lines, and settle in before the action starts.
Basketball season spans October through June, featuring must-see moments like the NBA Playoffs, Finals and NCAA March Madness. Find NBA and college basketball tickets on SeatGeek and don’t miss a tip-off.
How Early to Arrive at NHL Games
Hockey arenas often open their doors earlier than fans expect. Arriving 60 minutes before puck drop gives you time to watch players warm up, enjoy pregame entertainment and avoid last-minute lines. Since hockey games start fast, being in your seat early ensures you don’t miss any action.
Hockey season runs from October through April, followed by the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Catch the speed and intensity live—shop NHL tickets on SeatGeek and lock in your seats.
How Early to Arrive at MLS and International Soccer Matches
Soccer matches are known for their strong fan culture and pre-match atmosphere. For MLS and international matches, aim to arrive 60-90 minutes before kickoff. This gives you time to take part in supporter chants, pregame festivities and player walkouts, which are a major part of the experience.
MLS currently plays from February through November, with the postseason wrapping up in late fall. Starting in 2027, MLS will shift to a July–May schedule aligned with global soccer, including a winter break and a May MLS Cup Final. Explore MLS tickets on SeatGeek, and get ready for the world’s biggest matches by scoring World Cup tickets, too.
How to Get Sports Tickets on SeatGeek
Buying sports tickets on SeatGeek is fast, simple and transparent. Whether you’re heading to a regular-season game or a championship matchup, here’s how to secure your seats in just a few steps.
Search for your game Open SeatGeek and enter the team name, matchup or league you’re looking for. You’ll instantly see available tickets for upcoming games across leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and more.
Compare tickets with confidence Every listing shows the total price upfront—no hidden fees at checkout. Use filters to sort by price, section or Deal Score to quickly spot the best values.
Check the view from your seat SeatGeek’s interactive seating maps let you preview sightlines before you buy, so you know exactly what to expect on game day.
Buy securely in seconds Once you’ve found the right tickets, checkout is quick and secure. A few taps later, your seats are locked in.
Access your tickets instantly Your tickets are delivered directly to the SeatGeek app, ready for easy entry at the venue. Just pull them up on your phone and enjoy the game.
From kickoff to final buzzer, SeatGeek makes it easy to get in the game—so all you have to do is show up and cheer.