Hint: This is one expensive curveball!
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
Here’s How Much It Will Cost You to See a World Series Game in 2024
Published on Oct. 24, 2024
The 2024 World Series is set: the New York Yankees vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers. Not only does this classic matchup feature two powerhouse teams competing for the big title from separate coasts, but each team also features a marquee name—Shohei Ohtani on the Dodgers, and Aaron Judge for the Yankees—who draw crowds even during the regular season. Plus, the Dodgers used to call New York home before moving out west in 1958, and longtime Dodgers fans still hold a grudge against the Yankees from back in the days when they represented two different boroughs, Brooklyn and the Bronx, respectively. The two teams have met in the World Series a grand total of 11 times, and the last time was 1981, more than 40 years ago.
Now, a lot has happened in those four decades, including inflation. World Series ticket prices ain’t what they used to be. (Really, though, what is?) Back in 1981, fans could score the cheapest tickets for just $15. In 2024, you’ll have to multiply that number by—wait for it!—86. Sheesh!
Ticket prices do vary by the city in which you’re looking to catch a World Series game. Game 1 will take place on Friday, Oct. 25, at L.A.’s Dodger Stadium. The series moves to Yankee Stadium in New York for Game 3 on Monday, Oct. 28.
Let’s dig into the costs of ticket prices in each city and how much you’ll have to shell out for all of the extras, like snacks and beer. When you consider that both cities rank in the top 10 in the U.S. for most expensive cities for a burger and fries, you know it isn’t going to be cheap!
Get Reader’s Digest’s Read Up newsletter for more news, humor, cleaning, travel, tech and fun facts all week long.
How much does it cost to go to the World Series in L.A.?
To put it simply—a lot. As of publication, the cheapest World Series Game 1 ticket in Los Angeles is a whopping $1,010 on Seat Geek. Yes, that’s for just one ticket, and it puts you in Section 168, just shy of the true nosebleeds (though we’d still bring tissues because you’ll still be in the boondocks).
For the real ballers, L.A. ticket prices go as high as $6,358. The good news is that if you pay that exorbitant fee, you’ll practically be on the diamond itself.
No game is complete without a Dodger dog, which will set you back at least $7.99 for a plain frank on a bun, which sounds like a bargain next to those ticket prices. Any hot dog accoutrements, such as sauerkraut, chili or cheese, will ratchet up the price. And the cost of a beer at Dodger Stadium is reportedly the highest among all of the MLB venues: $7 for a roughly 12-ounce pour and $15.99 for a 25-ounce can. Meanwhile, popcorn in a souvenir tub costs around $14.99 (yes, American dollars).
Grand total for two with snacks (two hot dogs, two small beers and one shared popcorn): $2,065
How much does it cost to go to the World Series in NYC?
The good news is concessions are a smidge cheaper at Yankee Stadium. The bad news is World Series tickets are not. For Game 3 on Oct. 27, the first of this year’s World Series games in New York, the cheapest seat we can currently find on Seat Geek is $1,492. That’s 25% more than the cheapest ticket in L.A.
However, you will find a “deal” when you order your hot dog, comparatively speaking. A hot dog at Yankee Stadium costs $6.29, and you can grab a 12-ounce beer for $6. If you’re looking for a jumbo popcorn (available in a paper bag as opposed to a souvenir tin), that can be purchased for just $7.99.
Grand total for two with snacks (two hot dogs, two small beers and one shared popcorn): $2,713
How much did tickets cost in previous World Series matchups between the Yankees and Dodgers?
The first time the Yankees and Dodgers met up in the World Series was 1941. Back then, you could get a World Series ticket for just $5.50. Forty years later, when they faced off in the 1981 World Series, the cheapest tickets cost $15. While that’s still a 63% increase in ticket prices, it seems paltry compared to the astronomical prices in 2024, which are the highest in World Series history, according to CNN. Should the series require a Game 7, which would be held on Saturday, Nov. 2, at Dodger Stadium, you can expect those ticket prices to skyrocket even more!
Why trust us
At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Source:
- CNN: “Tickets for this year’s World Series are the most expensive ever”
