The MLB playoffs aren’t just a draw for stadium-goers—they’re a delivery goldmine. As fans hunker down at home to catch every game, restaurants that position themselves strategically can turn playoff season into a revenue homerun. With the right promotions, bundles, and messaging, delivery orders can spike as fast as a curveball down the middle.
To help your restaurant play all 9 innings of delivery strategy, here’s how to hit every base—from planning around the playoff schedule to creating irresistible bundles, timing promotions, and keeping fans coming back for more.
⚾ 1st Inning: Know the Post-season Schedule
Timing is everything for game-day delivery, and understanding the schedule helps you plan promotions around peak viewing times.
Remaining MLB Playoffs 2025 Dates & Games
(all times are ET)
League Championship Series
- Sunday, Oct. 12: SEA/DET vs. TOR, Game 1 – 8:03 p.m. (FOX/FOX Deportes)
- Monday, Oct. 13:
- If Brewers advance to NLCS: SEA/DET vs. TOR, Game 2 – 5:03 p.m.; NLCS Game 1 – 8:08 p.m. (TBS/truTV/HBO Max)
- If Cubs advance to NLCS: SEA/DET vs. TOR, Game 2 – 4:38 p.m.; NLCS Game 1 – 7:08 p.m. (TBS/truTV/HBO Max)
- Tuesday, Oct. 14: NLCS Game 2 – 8:08 p.m.
- Wednesday, Oct. 15: TOR vs. SEA/DET, Game 3 (FOX/FS1/FOX Deportes)
- Thursday, Oct. 16: NLCS Game 3; TOR vs. SEA/DET, Game 4 (FOX/FS1/FOX Deportes)
- Friday, Oct. 17: NLCS Game 4; TOR vs. SEA/DET, Game 5^
- Saturday, Oct. 18: NLCS Game 5^
- Sunday, Oct. 19: SEA/DET vs. TOR, Game 6^
- Monday, Oct. 20: NLCS Game 6^; SEA/DET vs. TOR, Game 7^
- Tuesday, Oct. 21: NLCS Game 7^^If necessary
World Series
- Friday, Oct. 24: Game 1, at team with better 2025 record
- Saturday, Oct. 25: Game 2, at team with better 2025 record
- Monday, Oct. 27: Game 3
- Tuesday, Oct. 28: Game 4
- Wednesday, Oct. 29: Game 5^
- Friday, Oct. 31: Game 6^, at team with better 2025 record
- Saturday, Nov. 1: Game 7^, at team with better 2025 record^If necessary
Tip for Restaurants: Map your delivery promotions to these dates and game times. Promote bundles ahead of big matchups and offer game-specific deals that encourage fans to order before the first pitch.
⚾ 2nd Inning: Create MLB Playoffs Delivery Bundles
Fans want convenience without compromising on flavor. Offer bundles designed for at-home viewing:
- Game-Day Packs: Wings, sliders, nachos, and fries in shareable portions.
- Family Bundles: Larger platters with multiple proteins and sides for households watching together.
- Drink Pairings: Include beer, cocktails, or themed beverages to complete the experience.
Clearly label these items as “Playoff Specials” in your app or delivery platform to grab attention.
⚾ 3rd Inning: Time Promotions Around Big Games
The playoffs are unpredictable—but timing is key:
- Launch “First Pitch Specials” right before game time.
- Offer “Inning Deals” during mid-game lulls.
- Use countdowns or push notifications to remind customers when the game is about to start and your delivery bundles are ready.
⚾ 4th Inning: Highlight Convenience and Speed
Fans don’t want to miss a single pitch. Emphasize:
- Fast delivery times for game-day orders.
- Easy online ordering or app-exclusive deals.
- Contactless delivery options for safety and speed.
⚾ 5th Inning: Use Social Media to Drive Orders
Your digital presence is your delivery bullpen:
- Share game-day bundle images with captions like “Don’t miss the bottom of the 7th—order your Red October wings now!”
- Run playoff-themed contests, like guessing the winning team or score, with delivery discount prizes.
- Encourage user-generated content—fans posting your food with the game on in the background spreads your reach.
⚾ 6th Inning: Retain Fans Beyond the Playoffs
- Offer loyalty rewards or discounts for future games.
- Encourage app sign-ups or notifications.
- Collect emails for targeted promotions.
⚾ 7th Inning Stretch: Boost Post-Season Sales
Just like fans stretch during the 7th inning, your restaurant can stretch dollars and sales during the playoffs:
- Offer mid-series discounts or “Stretch Specials” to keep fans ordering between games.
- Share limited-time deals or bundle upgrades to maximize revenue.
- Feature fun messaging like “Take a break, stretch your appetite, and order your playoff bundle now!”
⚾ 8th Inning: Leverage Limited-Time Offers
- “Game of the Day” bundles.
- Exclusive playoff items for a short window.
- Highlight delivery cutoffs to drive urgency.
⚾ 9th Inning: Score Repeat Business 🏠
- Offer coupons or discounts for next game-day orders.
- Encourage loyalty program sign-ups.
- Collect feedback and refine bundles for repeat satisfaction.
🏠 Take it Home
Red October isn’t just about baseball—it’s about maximizing delivery profits. By playing all 9 innings of delivery strategy—planning around the schedule, creating themed bundles, timing promotions, and engaging fans—you can turn the MLB postseason into a delivery home run.
By Eileen Strauss
