Why Do MLB Teams Schedule Fewer Weekday Day Games on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday?

Major League Baseball (MLB) is known for its well-thought-out schedules, taking into account a variety of factors to optimize attendance, revenue, and athlete well-being. Interestingly, MLB teams often choose to play fewer weekday day games on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. Let's delve deeper into why this is the case.

Attendance and Revenue

One of the primary reasons for this scheduling pattern is related to attendance and revenue. Many fans have weekday work commitments, making it challenging for them to attend day games. MLB teams, being conscious of their bottom line, prefer to maximize attendance and revenue, which is more achievable during evening games when more fans are available. This preference aligns with the broader entertainment and sports landscape, where evening games tend to attract larger audiences.

Television Ratings

Another crucial factor is television ratings. Evening games are generally more popular and attract larger viewerships compared to day games. Television networks, when choosing partners and syncing schedules, often favor games that occur in the evening. For instance, networks like NBC, ESPN, and MLB Network prioritize broadcasting evening games during weekdays to maximize their advertising revenue and viewer engagement.

Travel Considerations

Team travel and logistics play a significant role in the decision to schedule fewer weekday day games. Teams usually travel after day games, especially during series that span multiple days. By scheduling evening games, teams can travel later in the evening or the following day, which is more manageable for both the players and staff. This practice reduces the strain on players, who can benefit from a day's rest before facing intense physical challenges.

Tradition and Scheduling

MLB's historical tradition of more day games on weekends is another influencing factor. Sunday games, in particular, are favored because families are more likely to attend such events, especially with the extended summer daylight hours. This tradition has persisted over the years, influencing how teams structure their game schedules. The preference for evening games on weekdays has thus become a steadfast practice within the league.

Player Preferences and Attendance

Lastly, many players and coaches prefer evening games due to the advantages they offer. Players can rest during the day, which is crucial for their physical and mental well-being. They can also use the break to prepare for the next day's game, ensuring they are in optimal condition. Furthermore, evening games are typically attended by a broader audience, including those who are more likely to work or go to school during the day. Attendance on weekdays is lower due to these factors, making day games less viable for maximizing viewership and revenue.

Movement from Day Games

A large percentage of weekday day games are getaway games, the final home game of a visiting team in a series. These games are scheduled on Wednesdays and Sundays for various reasons, such as Saturday being often inconvenient due to other commitments. The drive away from scheduling afternoon games on weekdays is also fueled by a desire to increase attendance and improve TV ratings. Sponsored by ticketing services like StubHub, these moves reflect the evolving nature of the industry, where financial considerations increasingly outweigh traditional practices.

While the attendance and revenue data for weekday afternoon games might be lower, the shift towards evening games ultimately benefits both the teams and their fans. However, for sports enthusiasts and casual fans alike, understanding these scheduling patterns can enhance the viewing experience and appreciation of the sport.

In conclusion, the scheduling of fewer weekday day games on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday is a multifaceted decision driven by a combination of factors, including attendance, revenue, travel logistics, tradition, and player preferences. As the industry continues to evolve, the impact of these considerations will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping future schedules.