In at least one embodiment, an optical data storage tape is provided. The optical data storage tape includes a read/write data area including a plurality of writeable tracks for storing data thereon, each writeable track having a first track width. The optical data storage tape further includes a seam area positioned proximate to the read/write data area. The seam area including a plurality of non-writeable tracks, each non-writeable track including a second track width that is greater than the first track width for each writeable track.