The excitement surrounding the Dodgers' recent clinching of a World Series spot against the New York Yankees has set the stage for a thrilling postseason. Fans are eager to secure their tickets, but the fluctuating prices reveal much about the dynamics of sports ticket sales. With prices soaring and then dropping, understanding these trends can help fans navigate the often confusing ticket market.
On Monday, following the Dodgers' big win, the demand for tickets skyrocketed, leading to sellouts on their official website. StubHub, a popular resale platform, listed the cheapest Game 1 ticket at a staggering $1,326. However, just days later, prices began to fall, bringing opportunities for fans who might have been priced out earlier.
This price fluctuation highlights the Dodgers' strategic control over their ticket sales. By utilizing analytics to predict demand and adjust prices accordingly, they can maximize revenue while still catering to their fan base. Let’s delve deeper into the factors influencing these ticket prices and what fans can learn from this experience.
On Monday, the day after the Dodgers clinched their World Series spot against the New York Yankees, tickets were sold out on the Dodgers’ website. On StubHub, the cheapest price for a Game 1 ticket was $1,326.
On Friday morning, on the day of Game 1, the cheapest price for a Game 1 ticket was $823 — a 38% drop from Monday. The Dodgers’ website had scattered tickets available, at a minimum of $945.
None of these seats are particularly great. The tickets are primarily for seats high up in the reserve level, often near a foul pole. But, if you just want to be there and you are willing to consider an admittedly high price, that price is cheaper Friday than it was Monday.
The Dodgers control much of their resale market. They are not the only team to do this. If a team sells you a ticket for $300 and you resell it for $1,000, the true market value of that ticket is $1,000. The team would rather that $700 difference goes into its pocket, not yours.
The Dodgers use analytics to help anticipate demand and determine ticket prices. Sometimes, that means tickets are overpriced. Sometimes, that means tickets are underpriced. With ticket sales almost entirely an online process these days, teams constantly adjust prices based on supply and demand.
Let us be clear: None of these tickets are cheap. But, because a handful of the least-attractive tickets were a bit overpriced, the cheapest ticket for Game 1 now is a tad cheaper.
