dodger stadium guide
Here is the link to the Dodger Stadium Page for more information on the history of the stadium. Most will tell you that there are few better places to watch a baseball game than Chavez Ravine. Los Angeles is famous for many things and it is infamous for traffic and being over-priced. The traffic may be tough to avoid, but going to a Dodger game doesn't have to be that expensive.
free or cheap parking at dodger stadium
Free Parking near Dodger Stadium can definitely be had, but it's not plentiful. The team provides a free shuttle to Dodger Stadium from Union Station, which has been on again off again since 2008. It is back up and running for now! Here are the details on how it works: they leave from Union Station every 10 minutes starting 90 minutes before the game and they return up to an hour after the game. You do have to show your ticket to the game in order to get the shuttle ride for free. However the parking there is cheaper than the Dodger parking lots and you have the advantage of reduced game traffic that you have to deal with. For me, I don't mind being stuck in traffic as much when I am just a passenger - but I hate driving in traffic. A trolley isn't a bad option. Here are more details from the Dodgers. This can certainly save you some headaches if you don't drive to the stadium often, and will definitely save you money if you plan to pay for parking.
My number one choice if going to Dodger Stadium would be searching for free parking. One such spot is in front of the hospital on Stadium Way, which is just outside the Elysian Park Ave. entrance to Dodger Stadium. An additional benefit to parking for free is the lack of parking lot traffic after the game. You can also park for free near Dodger Stadium at Academy Rd. which is right off of the 110 Freeway. The curb parking is just past Park Rd. and North of Solano Canyon. A third place to look for free parking at Dodger Stadium is on Academy Way just off of Interstate 5. In my opinion that may be your safest option because you are right next to the Police Academy and there is a decent amount of free parking to be had. See below for an overhead view of exactly where you will be.
Keep in mind when driving to the game that you have to factor in LA traffic. If you are from out of town you may under estimate this because you live somewhere normal. I have a reader that recently took my advice and found free parking, but they had about a half hour trip turn into a 2 hour trip because of traffic. You have been warned.
My number one choice if going to Dodger Stadium would be searching for free parking. One such spot is in front of the hospital on Stadium Way, which is just outside the Elysian Park Ave. entrance to Dodger Stadium. An additional benefit to parking for free is the lack of parking lot traffic after the game. You can also park for free near Dodger Stadium at Academy Rd. which is right off of the 110 Freeway. The curb parking is just past Park Rd. and North of Solano Canyon. A third place to look for free parking at Dodger Stadium is on Academy Way just off of Interstate 5. In my opinion that may be your safest option because you are right next to the Police Academy and there is a decent amount of free parking to be had. See below for an overhead view of exactly where you will be.
Keep in mind when driving to the game that you have to factor in LA traffic. If you are from out of town you may under estimate this because you live somewhere normal. I have a reader that recently took my advice and found free parking, but they had about a half hour trip turn into a 2 hour trip because of traffic. You have been warned.
Another good free parking opportunity at a Dodger game is down on Sunset Ave. See the picture below for the street parking available on either side. You'll have a little bit of an up hill walk, but you may want to stop by a convenience store on the way and pick up some snacks and drinks to take in with you. This is the ol' 2 birds with one stone method - save on parking and food at the same time.
cheap dodgers tickets
Los Angeles Dodgers tickets are fairly affordable compared to other large market teams. You can sit in the upper deck for around ten bucks, which is cheaper than many upper deck tickets in smaller markets. There are some stadiums where I would suggest ponying up the cash to get some better seats than the upper deck, because the value trade-off isn't worth it. Dodger Stadium is not one of those places. In fact, the upper deck views from behind the plate are some of the best you can find. You will have a breath taking view of the surrounding hills, trees, etc. in the sunset. I personally like some nose bleed seats when it enhances your view of the surrounding area, Chavez Ravine is clearly one of those ballparks - a bargain seekers dream in my opinion.
For the same amount of money you can sit in the pavilion, but it might not be as smart of a move. If there are obnoxious fans at Dodger Stadium they tend to sit in the outfield pavilion seats. You won't by any means be overwhelmed by them, but we have all been there when you happen to get seats right next to a jerk - it ruins the game. I am not saying it can't happen in other seats, but I think the odds are higher in the outfield.
For the same amount of money you can sit in the pavilion, but it might not be as smart of a move. If there are obnoxious fans at Dodger Stadium they tend to sit in the outfield pavilion seats. You won't by any means be overwhelmed by them, but we have all been there when you happen to get seats right next to a jerk - it ruins the game. I am not saying it can't happen in other seats, but I think the odds are higher in the outfield.
A great place to buy tickets is from Score Big. Let's face it, most ticket broker sites are the same but this one is actually different. It is kind of like the Priceline of sports tickets. Essentially you can search events in your area, and make an offer on tickets and get an instant answer on whether your bid is accepted.
You can select a quantity, and then it gives you different tiers. It gives you an approximate discount percentage, and shows on the seat map which sections your tickets could possibly be in.
Next you enter in a price, again it gives you an idea how how likely that is to be accepted. I made the comparison to Priceline, and it is true, you have to put in payment details prior to making an official offer. But if you are going to the game, what a great way to save money on tickets! I have a feeling this site is going to get big. From time to time, I'll have a promo code available for Score Big. Click here to see if there are any current discounts.
Click here to check out tickets on Score Big.
Stubhub is the official marketplace for MLB tickets, and they protect you against fraudulent tickets. If you want to buy on Stubhub, you are usually better off if you can wait until close to game time. For baseball, you usually print your tickets at home after you buy. This means you can often buy tickets up until a couple hours before game time. From the seller perspective, Stubhub encourages sellers to reduce their price incrementally as the event gets closer so they aren't stuck with the tickets. So when you are looking at a game that starts in just a few hours, it is likely you are going to find some great value.
You can select a quantity, and then it gives you different tiers. It gives you an approximate discount percentage, and shows on the seat map which sections your tickets could possibly be in.
Next you enter in a price, again it gives you an idea how how likely that is to be accepted. I made the comparison to Priceline, and it is true, you have to put in payment details prior to making an official offer. But if you are going to the game, what a great way to save money on tickets! I have a feeling this site is going to get big. From time to time, I'll have a promo code available for Score Big. Click here to see if there are any current discounts.
Click here to check out tickets on Score Big.
Stubhub is the official marketplace for MLB tickets, and they protect you against fraudulent tickets. If you want to buy on Stubhub, you are usually better off if you can wait until close to game time. For baseball, you usually print your tickets at home after you buy. This means you can often buy tickets up until a couple hours before game time. From the seller perspective, Stubhub encourages sellers to reduce their price incrementally as the event gets closer so they aren't stuck with the tickets. So when you are looking at a game that starts in just a few hours, it is likely you are going to find some great value.
The Dodgers have invested plenty of money in the team, so prices have gradually gone up. Like most teams their prices fluctuate depending on the opponent, day of the week etc. They offer many value packages and a variety of partial season ticket packages where you get a hefty discount off the ticket price. In general, I'd look at Score Big or Stubhub first to see if you can get a deal below face value. However, know that you will pay more for your tickets when they take on a winning team as opposed to some bottom-feeder.
food
Dodger stadium is of course famous for the Dodger Dog. If you are going from out of town or visiting the ballpark for the first time, you should probably try one. However to save some money you can take food and sealed plastic bottled beverages into the park. Many stadiums have this policy and it is a great way to save money - ballpark food prices are insane. Here is a nice guide to what you should think about eating in and around Dodger Stadium.
Another option that I consistently recommend is restaurant.com Here you can buy $25 gift certificates to local restaurants for $10. You can also do a google search for "Restaurant.com coupon codes" and almost always get an extra 60 - 80% off that. I often buy these $25 certificates for $2. That is the best way to eat a decent meal before or after the game and save a chunk of change. When you follow the link, just type in the zip code of Dodger Stadium (90012) to see what restaurants are nearby.
food
Dodger stadium is of course famous for the Dodger Dog. If you are going from out of town or visiting the ballpark for the first time, you should probably try one. However to save some money you can take food and sealed plastic bottled beverages into the park. Many stadiums have this policy and it is a great way to save money - ballpark food prices are insane. Here is a nice guide to what you should think about eating in and around Dodger Stadium.
Another option that I consistently recommend is restaurant.com Here you can buy $25 gift certificates to local restaurants for $10. You can also do a google search for "Restaurant.com coupon codes" and almost always get an extra 60 - 80% off that. I often buy these $25 certificates for $2. That is the best way to eat a decent meal before or after the game and save a chunk of change. When you follow the link, just type in the zip code of Dodger Stadium (90012) to see what restaurants are nearby.
free stuff at dodger stadium
- Children 3 and under can enter the stadium free provided they sit on a parent or guardian's lap. Should the parent or guardian want a child age 3 and under to have their own seat, a ticket must be purchased.
- The Dodgers offer a free shuttle service for fans that have difficulty walking far distances. Fans may dial the Dodger Hotline (323-224-2611) once parked to arrange for shuttle transport.
- Introducing the Dodgers free kids club, the Jr. Dodgers! For more information please visit here.
- Fans are encouraged to sign up to be a part of our Designated Drive Program. Fans who decide to make a commitment to being a designated driver will receive a voucher good for one small soda. Please visit a Fan Services Station to pledge your responsibility.
