The Dodgers Approach a Historic Attendance Milestone
The Dodgers are on the brink of a significant achievement, as they prepare to surpass 4 million in attendance for the first time in franchise history. This milestone comes just a year after they claimed a World Series championship led by a global superstar.
Since 2013, the Dodgers have topped MLB attendance charts every season, proudly claiming they have “the highest cumulative fan attendance in Major League Baseball history.” However, reaching the 4 million mark has been a challenge. Lon Rosen, the team’s executive vice president and chief marketing officer, announced the team would officially cross this threshold during their final regular season game on Sunday.
No other major league team has achieved this since the New York Mets and Yankees in 2008. The Yankees were also part of the 4 million club between 2005 and 2007, along with the Toronto Blue Jays and Colorado Rockies in the early ’90s. Currently, no other team has the capacity to reach this number—many have relocated to smaller stadiums.
To hit the 4 million mark, a team needs to average approximately 49,383 tickets sold per game. With a capacity of 48,330, the Arizona Diamondbacks are just shy of that number. Meanwhile, the Dodgers have been averaging 49,589 tickets sold this season.
Previously, the Dodgers sold 3.97 million tickets in 2019 and 3.94 million last year, maintaining attendance above 3.7 million under Guggenheim ownership. Rosen attributes their success to the star power of their players, stating, “We have incredible players. We have very popular players.”
Interestingly, the Dodgers reportedly sold 4 million tickets back in 1982, but due to National League rules at the time, only actual attendance figures were communicated, which was reported as 3.6 million. With two World Series titles and continuous playoff appearances, the Dodgers have not only excelled on the field but have also thrived economically despite a decline in cable revenues.
As they compete for the National League West title, the Dodgers’ hefty SportsNet LA contract contributes to their financial advantage. While their attendance has been stellar, other teams like the San Diego Padres struggle with budget cuts, showcasing the economic disparities in the league. Despite necessary expenses, the Dodgers remain committed to reinvesting in their team, ensuring a wealth of talent, including recently acquired star Shohei Ohtani, which also boosts business significantly.
