From the Little League World Championships and professional baseball culture in Taiwan to the many people who grew up watching overseas broadcasts late into the night, baseball has long been an integral part of the lives of many fans. If you also enjoy watching baseball, then...West Coast TourismArranging to watch an MLB (Major League Baseball) game live is arguably one of the most worthwhile activities to experience.
This article will explain in the clearest way how to distinguish between Major League Baseball (MLB) tickets, the MLB ticket purchase process, how to determine the average MLB ticket price, and the admission rules for Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. This will allow you, even if you have no experience, to successfully buy tickets and enter the stadium with peace of mind if you dream of watching baseball in the United States.
Is there a difference between the Eastern and Western MLB leagues? What are the Federal Reserve and the National League?
MLB (Major League Baseball) is the world's premier professional baseball league, renowned for its world-class player talent, stadium size, and competitive atmosphere. It consists of two main leagues, each with 15 teams.
- National League (abbreviated as NL)
- American League (abbreviated as ALL)
Each of the two leagues is further divided into three divisions: East, Central, and West. California, located in the West Division, has five MLB teams: the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, and San Diego Padres (National League); and the Los Angeles Angels and Oakland Athletes (American League).
During a typical season, most games are between teams within the same league, with a few interleague matchups becoming highly anticipated and exciting clashes for fans. In the playoffs, the champions of the two leagues compete for the World Series championship, so a team's record, history, and star roster all influence ticket prices and demand. Without a specific team to support, many people visiting Los Angeles will go to Dodgers Stadium to watch the Dodgers play. Besides being two-time World Series champions, the Dodgers have become a top choice for many Asian fans in recent years, thanks to stars like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Honda.
How to buy MLB tickets? Official vs. resale platform comparison.
Compared to NBA TicketsWith more options available for MLB tickets, travelers may feel confused about whether reselling tickets is legal and which platform is safe from scams. Below, we'll explain the mainstream MLB ticketing platforms.
- Official ticketing platform: MLB official website
- Third-party resale platforms:
- SeatGeak
- Stubhub
- Ticketmaster
| Official ticketing platform | Third-party resale platforms | |
| Basic Description | Mlb.com The official website will have the ticketing systems for each team, which are handled uniformly by the MLB partner platform. | Fans resell tickets on the platform themselves, which may be due to season ticket owners selling tickets separately or due to people being unable to attend the event. |
| Advantages | Direct source, high security, clear seating information (see official seating area and view map), beginner-friendly, standardized process, you won't receive tickets with someone else's name on them (if you want to keep them as souvenirs). | You can buy tickets for sold-out popular matches and have a chance to snag discounted tickets before the game. Seating options are also very flexible. |
| Disadvantages | Popular shows tend to sell out quickly and prices are usually more stable, offering fewer opportunities to snag a bargain. | Transaction fees vary greatly across different platforms, and there is no fixed price. Passengers need to make their own judgments and must confirm that the ticket has been "officially transferred." A screenshot is not sufficient; the ticket transfer process is quite complex. |
If this is your first time buying MLB tickets, you can start with the official ticketing platform. The teams, games, and procedures are all clearly explained, saving you the trouble of figuring out the ticket collection process on other platforms. If the games during your travel period are sold out or too expensive, you can consider checking out the three resale platforms recommended above. There is a high chance of finding tickets for the right time, so you don't have to give up the opportunity to watch the game because of price or time constraints.
MLB average ticket price: How to manage the budget?
Many people ask about the price range of MLB tickets, how to manage their ticket budget and save money. Ticket prices are generally affected by the following factors:
- Seating tiers (infield/outfield/upper tier): Generally, the further back you sit, the cheaper it is, and the calmer the audience tends to be.
- Team performance and opponent strength: The most exciting matches are generally those where the teams are evenly matched and both are strong.
- Weekend vs. Weekday: Weekend events are usually more expensive.
- Distance from match date: The closer to the date, the more likely fluctuations are to occur.
- Are there any star players starting: such as world-renowned star Shohei Ohtani?
- Themed Day Events (Fireworks Night, Commemorative Jerseys): Limited-edition souvenirs will be available on the day, an event fans won't want to miss.
Beginner's Budget and Seating Selection Tips
| One-day fan, aiming to experience the atmosphere. | I follow MLB and want to watch the games seriously. | For a die-hard fan, watching MLB is a dream. |
| The cheapest seats are in the upper outfield or far end areas. On weekdays, if it's a summer afternoon session, it can be very sunny and hot; sitting further back might be more comfortable. | For the best value, avoid popular matchups in the midfield or near the base line. You can compare the games you want to watch on the official website and resale platforms. | Choosing the third base infield option offers a full view of the game; if you want to gamble on a chance to catch a home run, you can choose the outfield option. For games featuring specific players, you might find cheaper tickets on third-party resale platforms. |
Dodgers Tickets: How to Buy Tickets for Dodgers Home Games
Using the Los Angeles Dodgers Tickets as an example, this article introduces the ticket purchase process and details on the official website and SeatGeak.
MLB Official Website Ticket Purchase Process
- Go directly to the Dodgers' official website:https://www.mlb.com/dodgers
- The Tickets dropdown menu at the top of the page offers various ticket types, including single-game tickets, spring training tickets, season tickets, and more. Select "Single Game Tickets".
- Once you enter the game, it will all be displayed as "Dodgers Home Game," with the location marked @ Dodger Stadium.
- Choose the date, time, and opponent you want to watch, then click "Buy Tickets".
- Select ticket price, zone, and seat.
- Create an account or check out as a guest (you will still need to create an account later).
- Confirm the handling fee and total price, and fill in the payment information (this stage has a time limit).
- Complete ticket purchase
After receiving the email confirmation, you can download the MLB Ballpark App or save it to your mobile wallet as your entry pass.
SeatGeek Third-Party Ticketing Process
- Go to the SeatGeek website and select MLB from the Sports dropdown menu.
- Click on the Los Angeles Dodgers' game.
- The calendar will show games on different dates. Pay attention to the difference between "home" and "away". If it says "Home", it means the game is at home (playing at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles). If it says "Away", it means the game is away (playing at another stadium).
- Select the showtime and the lowest acceptable ticket price.
- Confirm the number of tickets, price (including handling fee), region, and location.
- Enter the recipient's email address and mobile phone number (Taiwanese mobile phone numbers are acceptable; please confirm before submitting).
- Fill in the payment information to complete the ticket purchase.
After receiving the email confirmation, download the SeatGeek App to confirm your ticket and save it to your mobile wallet as your entry pass.
For the ticket purchasing process on the other two third-party resale platforms, Ticketmaster and Stubhub, please refer to [link/reference]. NBA ticket buying articleThe overall process is largely the same. Just be especially careful not to buy tickets from unknown websites or social media, especially screenshots of tickets, as you will be refused entry on the day of the event.
Dodger Stadium Admission Rules and Required Documents
If you don't want to miss any part of the event, it's recommended to arrive at the venue at least 60 minutes before the game starts. When entering, you'll need to queue for security checks, find your seat, and buy drinks and food. You can also watch some interesting pre-game performances, participate in the opening pitch, and experience the whole stadium standing up to sing the American national anthem.
Bag and Carry Items Guidelines
- No items are allowed in the stadium.OpaqueBackpacks, large bags, coolers, etc., are allowed; only diaper bags accompanying infants are permitted. Transparent plastic bags must not exceed 12 × 12 × 6 inches (approximately 30.5 × 30.5 × 15.2 cm); small, non-transparent clutches/wallets must not exceed 5 × 8 × 2 inches (approximately 12.7 × 20.3 × 5.1 cm).
- courtCash payments are not accepted.If you do not have a credit card, you will need to deposit cash into your visa debit card at the self-service machine.
- Professional photography equipment and tripods are prohibited. Visitors may bring personal cameras or video recording devices, but...No footage of the actual match may be taken.The
- Food from outside may be brought into the stadium, but it must be placed in a transparent bag (or carried by hand). Glass containers, canned containers, or thermos flasks are prohibited.
- It can carry unopened non-alcoholic beverages in plastic bottles with a capacity of 1 liter or less.
modes of transportation
Public transportation in Los Angeles is not well-developed. The most convenient and easy way to get to Dodger Stadium is by renting a car. Here are three transportation options for your reference:
- Rent a car and drive yourself::The most convenient, easy, and time-saving option, suitable for families or groups, or those with other plans before the game. Advance parking reservations are recommended; single-parking prices range from 1TP to 40-65.
- Public transport + shuttle bus:Take the Los Angeles Metro to Chinatown Station and walk 1.2 kilometers to the stadium; or walk 800 meters to Broadway Station and take the Dodger Stadium Express shuttle to the stadium. This involves a longer walk and is suitable for travelers without elderly relatives or children, or those who cannot drive.
- Ride-hailing apps (Uber / Lyft / Waymo driverless cars): If you don't want to drive or find a parking space, this may be easier than taking public transportation, but it may be more expensive and harder to hail a ride during the post-race peak.
Fun fact: First-time attendees can receive a badge and certificate!
Image source:MLB Dodgers official website
If it's your first time watching a game at Dodger Stadium, you can pick up a free commemorative badge with "1st Dodger Game" written on it at the Fan Service Station (while supplies last). Alternatively, you can email [email protected] with your visit date and fan name, and they will send you a First Visit Certificate!
In conclusion, when purchasing MLB tickets, please choose the official platform or a mainstream third-party resale platform. Remember to download your tickets to your phone after purchase. For transportation, renting a car is the easiest way to get to the venue. If you choose a ride-hailing app, be aware that prices may surge due to crowds when leaving. It is recommended to arrive 60 minutes early on the day of the event; you can obtain a commemorative badge at the fan service desk. Large bags and professional photography equipment are not allowed. Transparent bags and clutches have size restrictions, but you can bring outside food and unopened non-alcoholic beverages.Los Angeles TourismDon't miss out on this exciting and fun experience of watching MLB!
FAQs about MLB games
What's the safest way to buy MLB tickets?
We recommend prioritizing official platforms or large resale platforms. Avoid private transactions with online friends and do not buy tickets based on screenshots, as this greatly increases the chance of being denied entry.
What is Mobile Entry? Can I enter using a screenshot?
Entry via electronic barcode. Screenshots are not acceptable; you must use the dynamic barcode from your official account.
Can I enter without internet access?
Yes. You can use it offline by adding it to Apple/Google Wallet beforehand.
How do I receive tickets after purchasing them on a platform like StubHub?
The seller will officially transfer the tickets to you. After receiving the notification, log in to confirm and remember to receive the tickets.
What if I bought the wrong date or can't go?
Most tickets are non-refundable, but can be resold on third-party resale platforms.
Why do MLB average ticket prices fluctuate so much?
Prices for popular matches are higher due to factors such as the opponent, weekday or weekend, team performance, star players, and supply and demand.
Can I bring bags or water to Dodger Stadium?
You may bring a transparent plastic bag or handbag that meets the size specifications, and unopened plastic bottled water of 1 liter or less.
How long before the game starts should you arrive at the stadium?
It is recommended to arrive at least 60 minutes in advance so that you can have time to enter, find your seat, take photos, and collect your commemorative badge.
