The Ultimate Guide to Los Angeles Dodgers Game Day
It's time for Dodger baseball!
One of the true cathedrals of Major League Baseball, Dodger Stadium is home to some of the greatest moments in baseball history, unforgettable special events, and the iconic Dodger Dog. For local and visiting baseball fans alike, read on for the best guide on how to do a Dodger game right, from tickets to getting to the ballpark, dining, promotions and special nights.
Top 10 Greatest Moments in Dodger Stadium History
Since opening its gates in 1962, Dodger Stadium has hosted ten World Series and the Dodgers have won five World Championships. Through the decades, Dodger Stadium has seen Hall of Famers, World Champions, no-hitters, MVPs and Cy Young Award winners. The stadium is also one of the greatest entertainment venues in the country, hosting special events that range from the Beatles to the Pope, the NHL Stadium Series, and the Harlem Globetrotters. Read on for the Top 10 greatest baseball moments in Dodger Stadium history.
Tickets
All Dodger games and events are digitally ticketed with access exclusively through the MLB Ballpark App. To access your Dodger tickets, download the free app, available for all smartphones in their respective platforms. Tickets purchased through Dodgers.com will be in the app under "Tickets."
Single-game tickets to Dodger home games are available online at dodgers.com/tickets or by phone at 866-DODGERS.
Email:
- Premium Sales (Dugout Club, Baseline Boxes & Suites) - premiumservice@ladodgers.com
- Membership - membership@ladodgers.com
- Group Ticket Sales (15 or more tickets) - grouptix@ladodgers.com
- Wheelchair & Accessible Seating - use the online interactive seat map or call 866-DODGERS
Japanese Lantern
A historic Japanese stone lantern that was gifted to the Dodgers in 1965 went on display in a more prominent location, on the Top Deck of Dodger Stadium, on Opening Day.
The eight-foot tall, 3,921-pound Kasuga-style stone lantern was presented to the Dodgers organization by Japanese sports columnist Sotaro Suzuki, who is also a member of the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame. Suzuki, who worked with team president Walter O’Malley on the Brooklyn Dodgers’ 1956 Goodwill Tour to Japan, wanted to give the Dodgers and O’Malley a gift for inviting him and his wife, Toku, as guests to the Grand Opening of Dodger Stadium on April 9, 1962.
The Dodgers have a longstanding legacy with Japanese baseball, from goodwill exchanges to Japan-born stars like 1995 Rookie of the Year Hideo Nomo and the team's new signees, Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Promotions & Giveaways
Throughout the season, Dodger games feature promotional giveaways, such as jerseys and bobbleheads, while supplies last. This year's giveaways include a Fernando Valenzuela Jersey (Apr. 1), Zip Up Hoodie (Apr. 3), Jackie Robinson Hat (Apr. 15), Joe Kelly 99 Home Jersey (Jun. 11), Father's Day Straw Hat (Jun. 16), Shohei Ohtani Hat (Jul. 22), Lakers Showtime T-Shirt (Aug. 24), Kobe Bryant Jersey (Aug. 25) and Shohei Ohtani Shirt (Sep. 21).
Special Event Packages
Special Event Packages include a ticket to the game and an exclusive promo item. Highlights for the 2024 season include: Healthcare Appreciation Night (April 2), Hello Kitty Night (April 16), Law Enforcement Appreciation Night (May 3), Mental Health Awareness Night (May 4), Star Wars Night (May 6), Mexican Heritage Night (May 7), Teacher Appreciation Day (May 19), Hawaiian Shirt Night (May 20), Korean Heritage Night (May 22), Military Appreciation Night (May 31), LGBTQ+ Pride Night (June 14), Black Heritage Night (June 15), Japanese Heritage Night (July 2), Salvadoran Heritage Night (Aug. 27), Filipino Heritage Night (Aug. 29), Guatemalan Heritage Night (Sep. 10), Firefighter Appreciation Day (Sep. 22) and Dia de Los Dodgers (Sep. 24).
Dodger Dogs and More
When it's time for Dodger baseball, it's also time for the iconic Dodger Dog, provided by Vernon-based Papa Cantella’s throughout the ballpark. Family-owned and operated, Papa Cantella's also offers Louisiana Hot Link, Bratwurst, and Italian Sausage at the LA on Deck Circle. The official plant-based Dodger Dog is the Signature Stadium Dog from Seattle's Field Roast.
Dodger Stadium food options include the Cold Cuts Grinder at Dodgers Deli on the Loge Level; Nashville-style Hot Chicken Tenders at Sweet Chick on the Field Level; Korean Short Rib Bowl at Base Bowls on the Field Level; and the MVP Platter (burnt ends, cornbread, pulled pork, coleslaw, smoked picante) at Think Blue BBQ in the Centerfield Pavilion.
DINING NEAR DODGER STADIUM
Outside food is permitted as long as it's in a clear bag smaller than 12"x12"x6" and not in glass bottles, cans, coolers, glass containers or thermoses. Unbroken, factory-sealed plastic bottles of non-alcoholic beverages of 1 liter or less are permitted. No outside food or beverage can be brought into stadium suites.
There are numerous pre- and post-game dining options in Chinatown, Echo Park and Silver Lake. From old school favorites to the newest hotspots, read on for the best places for to-go orders or dining-in near Dodger Stadium.
Fireworks & Drone Shows
There's always a good chance fans will see some fireworks on the field at a Dodger game. But the whole family is sure to enjoy fireworks and drone shows after every Friday night home game. NOTE: There will be no fireworks if the game goes past 10:59pm.
- Drone Shows: March 29, April 12, April 19, May 3, June 21, July 5, Aug. 9, Aug. 23, Sep. 20
- Fireworks: May 17, May 31, June 14, July 4, July 19
- Fireworks & Drone Show: Sep. 6
Parking
Fans are encouraged to purchase parking in advance. Prepaid General Parking is $27 per vehicle for automobiles and motorcycles, and is available until 3 hours before the scheduled first pitch. On game day, parking is $30 once parking gates open (2.5 hours prior to game time). NOTE: gates do not accept cash for parking.
- Exterior Parking: For select Dodger home events, fans can purchase Exterior Parking in Lots 13 and 14 for $5. These first-come, first-served lots are located offsite on Stadium Way between Vin Scully Avenue and the 110 Freeway. NOTE: there is an uphill walk to Dodger Stadium from these lots that takes 10-15 minutes. A free shuttle is available for fans with disabilities by calling Fan Services at (323) 224-2611.
- Preferred Parking starts at $50 and should be purchased before arriving at Dodger Stadium. Preferred Parking passes sold at the auto gates cost $60.
- Oversize Vehicle Parking: Prepaid parking for large vehicles (buses, motor homes, limousines, et al) is $50. Oversize Vehicle Parking is $60 on game day. All oversize vehicles will be directed to park in Lot 12.
Transportation
DODGER STADIUM EXPRESS
The Dodger Stadium Express is FREE for all ticket holders! Fans are encouraged to Go Metro and use public transit to connect to the Dodger Stadium Express at Union Station in Downtown LA or in the South Bay.
UNION STATION
- NEW FOR 2024: Dodger Stadium Express boards at Patsaouras Plaza, Bus Bay 9, on the east end of Union Station.
- Union Station service uses a dedicated bus lane on Sunset Boulevard from Union Station to Vin Scully Avenue.
- Buses run every 10 minutes, starting 90 minutes before game time.
- Exit at one of two stops - behind Center Field or at the Top Deck. Service back to Union Station will pick up at the same stops after the game.
- Return service runs for 45 minutes after the final out or 20 minutes after post-game events.
- Parking at Patsaouras Bus Plaza is $8.
SOUTH BAY
- Board at any of the following stations: Slauson, Manchester, Harbor Freeway, Rosecrans, or Harbor Gateway Transit Center (Bay 9).
- Buses run every 20 minutes starting 2 hours before game time, with the last bus leaving Harbor Gateway Transit Center at game time.
- Drop off is behind Center Field. Service back to the South Bay will pick up at the same stop after the game.
- Return service begins after the end of the 7th inning, with the last bus departing 45 minutes after the final out or 20 minutes after a post-game event.
METRO BIKE SHARE
There are dozens of Metro Bike Share stations throughout Downtown L.A., offering convenient car-free access to Union Station and the Dodger Stadium Express.
UBER
Uber is the preferred rideshare of the Dodgers. Drop-offs are permitted at any of Dodger Stadium's three open entry gates. After the game, head to the Uber Zone in Lot 11, outside of the stadium gates and next to the Sunset, Gate A parking entrance. Drivers will meet passengers in the designated Uber Zone for a seamless pickup.
Honoring Legends
Throughout Dodger Stadium, fans can see the numerous ways the franchise has honored its greatest players.
CENTERFIELD PLAZA
Two Dodger Hall of Famers have been immortalized by sculptor Branly Cadet with monumental bronze statues, located at the stadium entrance in Centerfield Plaza. Unveiled in 2017, Jackie Robinson is depicted stealing home during his rookie season. Sandy Koufax was unveiled in June 2022 and captures his famous leg kick as he winds up to deliver a pitch.
RING OF HONOR + RETIRED NUMBERS PLAZA
The Dodgers' retired numbers (Brooklyn and LA) are mounted on the Club Level facade near the left field foul pole. The inaugural Ring of Honor inductees were Roy Campanella, Sandy Koufax and Jackie Robinson on June 4, 1972.
Located at the Top of the Park, the Retired Numbers Plaza offers fans the chance to take selfies with five-foot player numbers, along with giant microphones dedicated to legendary sportscasters Vin Scully and Jaime Jarrín.
LEGENDS OF DODGER BASEBALL
Also located at Centerfield Plaza, the Legends of Dodger Baseball recognizes Dodger greats and their impact on the franchise, both on and off the field. Inductees receive a plaque that will be on permanent display at Dodger Stadium. Steve Garvey, Don Newcombe and Fernando Valenzuela were the inaugural class in 2019. Maury Wills and Kirk Gibson were inducted during the 2022 season; and last year's inductees were Manny Mota and Orel Hershiser.
Top of the Park Store
True Blue Dodger fans can shop year-round for authentic on-field gear, extensive women's and kids' lines, one of the largest cap walls in the nation, and a variety of exclusive items available ONLY at Dodger Stadium. The Official Team Store is located at the Top of the Park (Top Deck) and is open daily from 10am-5pm and during all games.
Dodger Stadium Tours
Go behind the scenes of the landmark ballpark with a 75-minute Dodger Stadium Tour. The guided tours start every hour on the hour beginning at 10am, with the last tour starting at 1pm on game days and 3pm on non-game days.
Highlights include:
- A trip down to the field
- A walk through the team’s Trophy Gallery - home to the World Series trophies, Most Valuable Player (MVP), Silver Slugger, Cy Young, and Rookie of the Year awards
- A walk through the Vin Scully Press Box, where the story of Dodger baseball is covered from every angle
The exclusive Clubhouse Tour includes everything from the Dodger Stadium Tour PLUS:
- Visit to the Dodger Bullpen
- Look at the Dodger Weight Room and Batting Cage
- Peek inside the Dodger Clubhouse
- Stop in the Dodger Interview Room
Other options include the VIP Tour, Pregame Tour, Jackie Robinson Tour and Garden Tours. For more info and to book your tour, visit the Dodger Stadium website.