When a spot on the waitlist opens for you, you will receive an email and a push notification from OpenSports, asking if you would like the available spot. It’s important to have your notifications turned on so that you can get notified immediately because your spot will only be held for a limited time based on when the event starts.
How much time do I have to accept my spot on the waitlist?
The amount of time you have to claim your spot depends on how soon the event starts:
- If the event starts in less than 1 hour, you’ll have 10 minutes to join.
- If the event starts in 1 to 5 hours, you’ll have 30 minutes to join.
- If the event starts in more than 5 hours but less than 3 days, you’ll have 2 hours to join.
- If the event starts in 3 or more days, your response time increases based on how far away the event is:
- 3 days away → 3 hours
- 4 days away → 4 hours
- 5 days away → 5 hours
- 6 days or more away → 6 hours
Waitlist blackout window
If your response window falls between 9:00 pm and 9:00 am, it will be extended to 9:00 am — or the event start time, whichever is sooner. This helps ensure you don’t miss your spot while asleep.
Note: You’ll never have more time than the time left before the event starts. For example, if you’re given 2 hours but the event starts in 1 hour, your join time will be capped at 1 hour.
Example scenarios
| Current time | Event start time | Response window | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:15 am | 8:50 am (35 min away) | 10 minutes | Less than 1 hour away |
| 6:00 pm | 9:30 pm (3.5 hours away) | 30 minutes | Event is between 1 and 5 hours away |
| 5:00 pm | 9:15 pm (4.25 hours away) | 30 minutes | Event is between 1 and 5 hours away |
| 6:00 pm | 1:00 am (7 hours away) | 2 hours | More than 5 hours away but less than 3 days |
| 11:00 pm | 7:00 am (8 hours away) | Until 7:00 am | Blackout window applies, but capped at event start |
| 8:30 am | 8:00 pm (11.5 hours away) | 2 hours | More than 5 hours away, no blackout applies |
| 12:00 pm | 3 days from now | 3 hours | Event is 3+ days away |
| 2:00 pm | 5 days from now | 5 hours | Event is 5+ days away |
| 10:00 pm | 4 days from now at 9:00 am | Until 9:00 am | Blackout applies, event starts exactly at blackout end |
How will I be notified?
When a spot opens up for you, you will receive an email and a push notification asking if you'd like to join. Make sure you have notifications turned on so you can respond quickly — your spot won’t be held forever.
If you do not respond in time, the next person on the waitlist will be notified, and you’ll lose your opportunity to join (unless no one else accepts the spot).
Frequently asked questions
Will I get notified when I’m first in line?
Yes. You’ll receive a push and email notification when you're first on the waitlist and a spot opens up. (NOTE: You will NOT be automatically enrolled into the game. You must login and click Join).
I've been notified, but can't see how to join If you don't have the ability to join, make sure you are logged in with the same account that got notifed.
Can I waitlist two spots together (me and a guest)?
No, you can’t request multiple spots in advance. If two people drop out and two spots open, you may be able to claim both at that time.
Do I need to pay to be on the waitlist for a paid event?
No. You only pay when you actually join the event.
How do I view my position on the waitlist?
When you join the waitlist, OpenSports tells you if you are 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc. To check on your waitlist position, open up the event from your calendar tab on the app or under My Activities on the web.
When does the waitlist stop working?
The waitlist stops once the event starts. If someone drops out after the event has started, no one on the waitlist will be notified.
Questions? Send them our way: support@opensports.net