If ticket prices for sporting events have gotten “too expensive,” then Dodger Stadium is a “flash point in the debate over whether teams should pursue every dollar they can or sacrifice a few bucks so they can better nurture a new generation of fans,” according to Bill Shaikin of the L.A. TIMES. Tickets for $20 or less were available for 70% of MLB games last season, and no Dodgers game is “currently on sale at that price.” The estimated price for a family of four to see a game at Dodger Stadium is a league-high $399.68. The league average, according to that study: $208. Dodgers President Stan Kasten said that the team and its corporate sponsors “work to provide free and discount tickets.” The Dodgers’ foundation said that it “distributed 64,000 tickets last year through the Commissioner’s Community Initiative.” Team Marketing Report noted that the Dodgers’ average ticket price was at $29 in 2015. Now, cheapest available prices per game ranged from $38 to $156. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said, “The Dodgers have made a massive financial commitment in terms of players, and they have to run a business that supports that massive financial commitment.” He suggested a local alternative, calling the Angels “one of the leaders in terms of thinking about affordability.” The Yankees sold “more tickets than any team” besides the Dodgers in each of the past three seasons. The Yankees sell $10 tickets for every game (L.A. TIMES, 4/18).
Column: Ticket prices to see Dodgers too expensive for normal families
