Why Do Baseball Games Start At Odd Times Scheduling Explained

At first glance, it might seem odd—literally—that a baseball game would begin at 7:05 PM instead of a clean 7:00. Or why a weekend afternoon matchup starts at 1:10 PM rather than 1:00. These seemingly random minutes added to start times are not accidents or oversights. They are deliberate decisions rooted in decades of tradition, television broadcasting needs, stadium operations, and fan logistics. Understanding the reasoning behind these \"odd\" start times reveals the intricate coordination required to run Major League Baseball’s complex schedule.

The Role of Television Broadcasts

One of the most significant factors influencing start times is television. Networks like ESPN, Fox, and regional sports channels plan their programming down to the minute. A game scheduled to start at 7:05 instead of 7:00 allows broadcasters to begin their pre-game shows precisely at 7:00 PM and transition seamlessly into live coverage just before the first pitch.

This buffer time accommodates:

• National or local pre-game analysis
• Player introductions and ceremonial first pitches
• Commercial breaks before the game officially begins
• Synchronization with satellite and cable broadcast clocks

For national broadcasts, especially on weekends, precise timing ensures that networks can transition between games, insert commercials, and meet contractual obligations with advertisers. A five-minute delay provides flexibility without disrupting viewer expectations.

“Broadcast windows are sacred in modern sports. That extra five minutes gives us room to breathe while keeping everything on schedule.” — Dana Whitmore, Sports Broadcasting Analyst at NBC Sports

Stadium Operations and Fan Flow

Behind every game is a massive logistical operation. Stadiums must manage tens of thousands of fans entering, finding seats, purchasing concessions, and settling in before the first pitch. Starting games at slightly offset times helps distribute crowd movement and reduces congestion.

Consider this scenario: if a game were scheduled to start exactly at 7:00 PM, many fans would aim to arrive just before that hour, overwhelming gates and concourses. By setting the official start time at 7:05 or 7:10, teams encourage earlier arrivals, knowing that warmups and ceremonies will fill the gap before play begins.

This slight delay also gives stadium staff time to complete final preparations—security checks, field maintenance, sound system tests—without rushing. Umpires and players use the extra minutes for last-minute briefings and warmups, ensuring they’re ready when the game clock starts.

Historical Precedent and Tradition

The practice of starting games at “odd” times dates back to the early days of radio and television. In the mid-20th century, broadcasters needed time to introduce the game, read sponsor messages, and set the scene for listeners. The first pitch was often delayed by several minutes after the scheduled start to accommodate these elements.

Over time, this evolved into a standard. Teams began listing start times as 7:05, 1:10, or 8:10—not because games actually began then, but because it reflected the realistic timeline of events leading up to the first pitch. Even today, despite digital precision and automated systems, the tradition persists.

Some teams have even made their offsets iconic. The New York Yankees famously list nearly all home games at 7:05 PM (day games at 1:05), a scheduling pattern recognized across the league.

TV Blackout Windows and Regional Scheduling

Another layer of complexity comes from MLB’s blackout policies and regional broadcast rights. To protect local broadcasters, MLB restricts live streaming of games within certain geographic zones. This requires careful coordination of game times so that multiple games don’t overlap in ways that violate exclusivity agreements.

As a result, doubleheaders, weekday matchups, and weekend series often feature staggered start times. For example:

These variations ensure that games don’t interfere with each other on airwaves and that fans in different regions can access the broadcasts they’re entitled to.

Travel, Time Zones, and Player Readiness

For visiting teams, start times also consider travel fatigue and circadian rhythms. A team flying from Los Angeles to New York faces a three-hour time difference. A 7:05 PM ET start feels more like 4:05 PM PT—a reasonable hour for West Coast players adjusting to Eastern time.

MLB schedules account for this by sometimes adjusting start times after long flights or cross-country trips. While not always visible to fans, these nuances help maintain competitive balance and player health.

Additionally, day games following night games often start at 1:10 PM instead of 1:00 PM. This gives players extra rest, allows for later wake-up times, and provides grounds crews sufficient time to prepare the field after the previous night’s game.

Mini Case Study: The 2023 Dodgers vs. Mets Series

In May 2023, the Los Angeles Dodgers traveled to New York for a three-game series against the Mets. All games started at 7:10 PM. At first glance, the 10-minute offset seemed arbitrary. But the reasoning was multifaceted:

• The games were televised nationally on Fox Sports 1, requiring a standardized 7:10 PM ET start to align with the network’s programming grid.
• Citi Field anticipated high attendance, so the extra 10 minutes helped manage entry flow and concession lines.
• The Dodgers had arrived late the night before due to a rain-delayed finale in San Francisco. The slight delay gave them additional recovery time.

The combination of broadcast needs, operational planning, and player welfare resulted in a consistent, intentional start time that served all stakeholders.

Step-by-Step: How a Game Time Gets Finalized

Setting a single game’s start time involves coordination across multiple departments. Here’s how it typically unfolds:

1. Negotiation with Broadcasters: MLB and teams consult with national and regional networks to assign optimal time slots based on viewership potential.
2. Stadium Availability: The venue confirms no conflicts with concerts, other sports, or maintenance.
3. Travel Considerations: Scheduling accounts for team travel distance and rest days.
4. Fan Experience Planning: Teams assess parking, public transit schedules, and security staffing needs.
5. Final Approval: The league reviews and approves the proposed time, often adding a 5–10 minute buffer before the first pitch.

This process can take weeks, especially for marquee matchups or playoff-bound teams with higher broadcast demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why don’t they just start games at the exact hour?

Starting at exact hours like 7:00 PM would compress pre-game activities into the same timeframe as fan entry and broadcast setup. The extra minutes provide essential breathing room for smooth operations.

Do all MLB games have odd start times?

Most do, but not all. Some day games, particularly during weekdays or spring training, may start on the hour. However, the majority of regular-season games include a 5–10 minute offset.

Does the extra time affect game length or curfew rules?

No. The “official” game time refers only to when the first pitch is expected. Curfews, such as those in cities with noise ordinances, are based on actual gameplay, not the listed start time.

Actionable Checklist for Fans

To make the most of your game-day experience, follow this checklist:

• ✅ Check the official start time—including the extra minutes—on the team’s website or app.
• ✅ Plan to arrive at least 30–45 minutes before the listed time.
• ✅ Review broadcast details if watching from home—pre-game shows often start exactly on the hour.
• ✅ For doubleheaders, confirm both start times; they may be spaced several hours apart.
• ✅ Monitor for last-minute changes due to weather or TV rescheduling.

Conclusion: Embracing the Quirks of Baseball Timing

The seemingly odd start times in baseball are far from random. They reflect a sophisticated blend of tradition, logistics, media demands, and fan experience design. What might appear as a minor scheduling quirk is actually the product of careful planning across multiple industries.

Next time you see a game scheduled for 8:10 PM, appreciate the thought behind those extra ten minutes. They’re not padding—they’re purposeful. Whether you're in the stands or watching from home, understanding the “why” enhances your appreciation of America’s pastime.