League of Legends fans can rejoice as they can now attend the 2022 LCS Spring Split playoffs in-person and watch all the action unfold live. Two years ago, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck the globe, fans and pro players alike had to say goodbye to having a live audience at LAN events. Players have since returned to the LCS Studio in Santa Monica, California and now, fans too can take to the seats and cheer their hearts out once again for postseason kicking off next month. Here's all the details on the LCS Spring Split playoffs schedule, how to get tickets (and the date of ticket sales), plus any health protocols you should keep in mind.

LCS Spring Split Playoffs: Mid-Season Showdown Schedule, Ticket Sales

As COVID-19 quickly spread throughout the globe, esports leagues and tournaments shifted to remote play. The LCS was no exception. Riot had to close the doors to fans for two whole years. In that time, so much has happened, expanding the narrative of LCS history.

Cloud9, who came close but couldn't take back the throne for six years, finally put an end to their title drought with two Spring Split trophies (let's not talk about Summer). LCS icons Doublelift and Bjergsen capped off their playing careers with their record-breaking seventh domestic title as TSM barreled through the playoffs lower bracket. The latter has since returned from retirement, this time hoping to find glory again with Team Liquid, who are in pole position to secure a playoffs berth. Just last Summer, 100 Thieves won their first-ever LCS championship, etching their team in history as their banner joined the once-exclusive crew of C9, CLG, TSM, and TL.

Now, in-person events are making their much-awaited return. The LCS playoffs stage will not just see the players back on stage, but also welcome fans back to amplify their voices — from gasps to claps — as they witness outplays and nail-biting games unfold in real time. While we might not hear the iconic (or annoying) TSM chants unless they miraculously make playoffs, we can definitely look forward to fans cheering on their favorite players, new and old, for delivering clutch moments, smiting scuttlers, or even killing wards. No doubt, it will create the electrifying atmosphere we've all been missing.

When does LCS Spring playoffs stage start?

Fans can look forward to returning to the LCS Studio in Santa Monica, California when the LCS postseason matches begin. The LCS Spring playoffs stage – also otherwise called the LCS mid-season showdown – will follow a double bracket format. The top six teams from the regular season will duke it out in best-of-five series for a shot at the domestic trophy.

The first series will take place on Saturday, April 2, 2022 – so save the date if you want to see the action unfold in-person! If the schedule follows that of previous splits, it will feature the third place team against the sixth place squad, followed by the series between the teams ranking fourth and fifth the next day.

The Finals Weekend is then set to unfold in NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. This will take place four weeks later on April 23-24, 2022, with the Lower Bracket Finals on Saturday, and the Grand Finals on Sunday.

How to get tickets to watch LCS playoffs

Although we don't know yet which teams will be seeded into the playoffs bracket, fans will have to take their best guess and reserve their seats early – or just buy tickets to the entire playoffs tourney. That's because the tickets will already be going on sale on Thursday, March 17, 2022.

Watch out for the official announcement from Riot and the LCS organizers, but tickets will most likely be available through visitlcs.com. It will cost $20 per person for general admission tickets, and $35 per person for front-row seats.

If you're looking to watch the finals live in Houston, Riot will be making tickets available at a later date this month so keep a lookout for further details.

Health protocols for in-person LCS events

With a live audience now returning for LCS postseason matches, fans will be expected to follow health protocols as everyone's safety is still the top priority. To enter the studio, you'll need to show your:

  • Proof that you are fully vaccinated, OR
  • A negative COVID test within 48 hours of the event (*Riot in their official announcement did not specify whether this is a rapid antigen test or PCR test.)

Finally, all attendees will be required to wear face masks while inside the studio. LCS officials will also be providing masks to anyone who might not have brought one.