Hunting for Red October Profits: Maximize Delivery Sales During the MLB Playoffs

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