In a surprising twist, the most candid and unexpected advice for Dodgers fans dealing with soaring ticket prices didn’t come from a player, analyst, or insider—it came straight from MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred himself. Aware of the rising frustration over the steep costs at Dodger Stadium, Manfred has been keeping an eye on the situation and recently offered a solution that caught many off guard.
Rather than suggesting ways the Dodgers might lower prices or make games more accessible, Manfred pointed fans toward another route—literally. He recommended that those struggling to afford a Dodgers game might consider attending a Los Angeles Angels game instead, calling the Angels “one of the leaders in terms of thinking about affordability.” This advice came during an interview with The Times and has since stirred debate among fans.
Here’s what Rob Manfred proposed as a solution to expensive tickets for Dodgers games.
(via @BillShaikin/@latimes): https://t.co/1rbmwUoNzA pic.twitter.com/E431FvwANZ
— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) April 18, 2025
It’s not every day that a league commissioner encourages supporters to check out a different team’s games, especially when it’s a neighboring franchise. But Manfred framed it as a practical suggestion. With Dodgers tickets often pricing out average families, he noted that the Angels offer a far more budget-friendly experience.
Still, the idea isn’t without complications. The Angels haven’t reached the playoffs since 2014, and while their games may be cheaper, they lack the draw of the reigning World Series champions. Plus, logistical issues arise—Angel Stadium is located in Anaheim, about 30–40 miles from Los Angeles, which isn’t a feasible trip for everyone.
Many fans view Dodger Stadium as a destination in itself—a key part of their identity and baseball memories. According to sports marketing expert Andy Dolich, the high costs are alienating families, which could have long-term consequences for building future fan bases. She emphasized that ballparks aren’t just venues; they play a crucial role in forming lifelong connections with the sport.
Currently, a typical outing for a family of four to Dodger Stadium costs nearly $400. This includes average seats, parking, four hot dogs, and four drinks—making it the most expensive MLB game experience. The league average is nearly half that, around $208.
Even former U.S. President Donald Trump has chimed in, expressing concern that sports leagues are pricing out their fans, saying they’re making it impossible for the average person to enjoy the games.
A recent poll revealed that 86% of sports fans believe ticket prices have become too high. While Manfred acknowledged that affordability is a valid concern, he also defended the Dodgers’ pricing. He cited the team’s massive financial investment in players and said it’s part of maintaining a business model that supports those commitments. He added that while MLB did sell 71 million tickets last year and about 70% of games across the league offered $20 tickets or cheaper, the Dodgers aren’t among them this season.
In the end, the commissioner has presented fans with a choice: continue to pursue the high-end, possibly once-in-a-lifetime experience at Dodger Stadium, or consider a more affordable but less celebrated alternative with the Angels. It’s a decision every fan will have to make based on their priorities and resources.
So, is Manfred’s suggestion a practical workaround—or an insult to loyal Dodgers fans?The debate continues.