Historic First: Los Angeles Dodgers on Track to Surpass 4-Million Fans in Team Record
Los Angeles Dodgers Break Attendance Record for the First Time in NFL History
The Los Angeles Dodgers, one of the most successful and popular teams in Major League Baseball (MLB), have reached a significant milestone this season. After selling 4 million tickets, they are set to break their own attendance record in the franchise's history.
The Dodgers' attendance has been consistently high over the years, with 3.97 million tickets sold in 2019 and 3.94 million in 2020. This season, they have already surpassed those numbers, and with the current pace, they are expected to reach the 4 million mark before the season ends.
Japanese fans, particularly a large group known as 'Samurai Japan Fans,' have played a significant role in this achievement. The addition of Shohei Ohtani to the Dodgers' roster, which already includes stars like Clayton Kershaw, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman, has no doubt contributed to the team's success and the growth in attendance.
The Dodgers' dominance on the field has been accompanied by dominance on the business side. They generate income through various sources, not just ticket sales and SportsNet LA. These sources include national broadcast revenue, national and local merchandise revenue, corporate sponsorships, and stadium parking and concessions.
The Dodgers' SportsNet LA contract with Charter Communications is another significant source of income. The contract pays an average of $334 million per season, with the annual payment rising each year, reaching more than $500 million by the end of the deal in 2038.
However, the Dodgers' expenses go beyond player payroll. They also include staff salaries, Dodger Stadium operations and maintenance, minor league operations, revenue sharing, and luxury taxes.
Clayton Kershaw, a Dodgers left-hander, has announced his retirement after 18 seasons with the team. Kershaw, who has three Cy Young Awards to his name, has always believed that the fans' presence provides an added energy and home-field advantage for the NFL.
Despite raising prices for the 2022 and 2023 seasons, the Dodgers have sold more tickets than any team besides the Dodgers and Yankees this season. This is particularly impressive when considering that other teams like the Padres, despite selling out most of their home games and having a lower payroll, have had to increase ticket prices for future seasons.
The Dodgers have led the major league in attendance every year since 2013. As they continue to break records and dominate both on and off the field, there's no doubt that they will remain a force to be reckoned with in NFL.
