Why Baseball Games Start at Weird Times Explained

By Sarah Miller · December 26, 2043

Baseball games often start at unusual times—like 7:05 or 7:10 PM—due to television broadcast requirements, pregame ceremonies, and standardized scheduling to streamline logistics across teams and stadiums.

Why Baseball Games Start at Odd Times

The seemingly random start times for Major League Baseball (MLB) games—such as 6:35 PM, 7:08 PM, or even 1:07 PM—are not arbitrary. These precise minutes are the result of a complex coordination between broadcasters, stadium operations, and league scheduling standards. Unlike sports with fixed commercial breaks or clock-based structures, baseball’s variable game length makes timing adjustments essential before the first pitch.

Key Reasons Behind Unusual Start Times

Television Broadcast Scheduling: Networks like ESPN, Fox, and regional sports channels require specific time slots to align with ad breaks, programming transitions, and national broadcasts.
Pregame Ceremonies and Promotions: Teams often host giveaways, player introductions, or military tributes that need extra time before the first pitch.
National vs. Local Broadcasts: Nationally televised games typically start at more viewer-friendly times (e.g., 7:05 or 8:10 PM), while local games may have more flexibility.
Doubleheaders and Make-Up Games: Rescheduled games or twin bills often use non-standard start times to fit into tight schedules.
Historical Tradition: Early 20th-century games started on the hour, but TV demands gradually shifted start times to odd minutes for better programming flow.

How Broadcasters Influence Game Timing

TV networks play a central role in determining when games begin. A typical MLB broadcast includes pregame shows, sponsor segments, and postgame analysis—all requiring buffer time. Starting games at 7:05 instead of 7:00 allows networks to transition smoothly from prior programming without cutting into the game.

Prime Time vs. Day Games

Evening games dominate the schedule due to higher viewership. However, weekend afternoon games (especially Sundays) are often nationally televised, leading to standardized start times like 1:05 or 1:10 PM. This consistency helps fans and broadcasters plan accordingly.

Date	Team	Opponent	Start Time	Game Duration	Broadcast Network
Apr 1, 2025	New York Yankees	Boston Red Sox	7:08 PM	3:12	ESPN
May 15, 2025	Los Angeles Dodgers	San Francisco Giants	7:10 PM	2:58	FOX
Jun 22, 2025	Chicago Cubs	St. Louis Cardinals	1:20 PM	3:05	ABC
Jul 4, 2025	Houston Astros	Texas Rangers	6:40 PM	3:20	FS1
Sep 19, 2025	Atlanta Braves	Miami Marlins	7:05 PM	2:45	MLB Network

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that 7:05 PM and 7:10 PM are the most common start times for evening games, especially for nationally televised matchups. Weekend afternoon games tend to start at 1:05 or 1:20 PM, accommodating broadcast windows. The variation in start times reflects strategic alignment with media partners and fan accessibility.

Standardization Across Leagues and Ballparks

While start times vary, MLB has moved toward greater standardization. Most regular-season games now begin at :05, :08, or :10 past the hour. This uniformity simplifies ticketing, staffing, and security planning for ballparks. Minor league and college baseball often follow similar patterns, though with more variability.

Impact on Fans and Stadium Operations

For fans, odd start times mean adjusting arrival plans. Stadiums typically open gates 90 minutes before first pitch, so a 7:08 PM game affects tailgating and transit timing. Concession and merchandise staff also rely on predictable schedules to manage peak demand.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baseball Start Times

Why do baseball games start at 7:05 instead of 7:00?

Games start at 7:05 PM to accommodate television broadcast transitions, including pregame shows and commercials. This allows networks to begin coverage at 7:00 PM and lead seamlessly into the first pitch.

Are all MLB games scheduled at odd minutes?

No, not all games start at odd times. Day games, especially on weekends, may begin on the hour (e.g., 1:00 PM), but most night games start at :05, :08, or :10 past the hour for broadcast consistency.

Do doubleheader start times differ from regular games?

Yes, doubleheaders often have earlier or non-standard start times. The first game may begin at 1:05 PM, with the second starting around 4:05 PM, allowing enough time between contests.

How far in advance are baseball start times set?

Start times are typically finalized during the offseason when MLB releases the full schedule. However, they can be adjusted up to 14 days in advance for television rights, especially for nationally televised games.

Does weather affect baseball start times?

Yes, rain or severe weather can delay or reschedule games. In such cases, start times may shift by hours or be moved to a later date, particularly for weekday games with makeup considerations.