The Arizona Diamondbacks are gearing up for a postseason showdown at their beloved Chase Field, marking the end of a six-year drought. In this highly anticipated match, they find themselves just one win away from sending the Los Angeles Dodgers home, giving rise to the intriguing question: Can the Dodgers survive elimination in their second home in Arizona?
1. Restrictive Ticketing Policies: A Bold Move by San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres set the stage last October by implementing an unusual but effective strategy to limit the influence of Dodgers fans. In an attempt to maximize their home-field advantage, they restricted ticket sales. If you lived outside San Diego County and select nearby areas, you were not allowed to buy a ticket. While opinions on this policy vary from brilliant to embarrassing, it undeniably made Petco Park erupt with energy. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the impact, stating, "I’ve never seen Petco Park that loud."
2. Diamondbacks’ Approach: A Different Perspective
In contrast to the Padres, the Diamondbacks chose not to impose a similar ticketing restriction. Team president Derrick Hall explained, "We always draw Dodger fans. We have a lot of [Dodgers] fans in the Valley, and a lot will travel over." This decision sets the stage for what promises to be an electric atmosphere. However, the Diamondbacks plan to tackle the issue from a game operations standpoint, aiming to balance out the fan volume.
3. Dodgers’ Strong Draw and Attendance
The Dodgers are undeniably a significant draw for their opponents. They consistently fill stadiums, even for teams that do not typically attract large crowds. Interestingly, the Dodgers led the major leagues in attendance for a decade running. On the other hand, the Diamondbacks, playing in the fifth-largest city in the United States, have struggled to finish in the top half of attendance since 2008.
4. Dodgers’ Impact at Chase Field
Chase Field, Arizona’s baseball haven, experiences a noticeable surge in attendance when the Dodgers come to town. When the Dodgers played at Chase Field this season, the average crowd size was 27% larger compared to other games. This showcases the extent of the Dodgers’ influence on the turnout.
5. Personal Observations and Testimonials
Some Dodgers players have shared their experiences with the significant presence of Dodgers fans in Arizona. Outfielder Joc Pederson, at the Dodgers’ 2020 fan festival, amusingly noted that "there’s more Dodger fans than Arizona fans" when the teams play in Phoenix. His teammate, A.J. Pollock, who spent seven seasons in Arizona before joining the Dodgers, confirmed that the number of fans attending games without the Dodgers is notably fewer.
6. Conclusion
The Dodgers facing elimination in their second home in Arizona brings to light the unique dynamics of fan presence in sports. While the Padres adopted a bold approach to restrict opposing fans, the Diamondbacks are embracing the challenge. Whether the Dodgers can overcome the passionate fan base in Arizona remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure – it’s a spectacle you wouldn’t want to miss.
In conclusion, as the Dodgers face elimination in their second home in Arizona, the clash between passionate fan bases adds an extra layer of excitement to the postseason battle. Can the Dodgers overcome the odds and advance, or will the Diamondbacks defend their turf and secure victory? The answer lies on the diamond of Chase Field.
Areas of Further Interest
When did the Arizona Diamondbacks & Dodgers last meet?
The last time the Arizona Diamondbacks and Dodgers faced off in a playoff game was on October 9, 2017 in Phoenix. The Arizona Diamondbacks had not hosted a postseason home game in six years prior to this encounter. As the playoffs make their return to Chase Field, the home team is just one win away from eliminating the Dodgers. The atmosphere at the ballpark is sure to be electric as they aim to achieve this victory.
Will the Arizona Diamondbacks play a postseason home game?
Will the Arizona Diamondbacks host a postseason home game? For six years, the Arizona Diamondbacks have awaited this moment. As the playoffs make a triumphant return to Chase Field, the home team, just one win away from eliminating the Dodgers, is set to ignite the ballpark. However, it’s expected that the spirited atmosphere may also include a notable presence of Dodgers fans.
Can the Dodgers get out of their way?
Can the Dodgers overcome self-inflicted setbacks? It’s a recurring challenge for the Dodgers, who have struggled to avoid their own meltdowns. An illustrative case was their 2022 National League Division Series (NLDS) elimination by the San Diego Padres, a team they had dominated in the regular season with a 14-5 record, despite winning a franchise-record 111 games.
What happened to the Dodgers in Game 2?
What transpired for the Dodgers in Game 2? Throughout the series, the Dodgers encountered chances, yet Atlanta’s pitching staff effectively limited the damage. During Game 2 on Sunday, Los Angeles managed only four hits, with just one coming after starter Ian Anderson’s departure in the third inning.
How are the Dodgers faring in Arizona playoffs?
How are the Dodgers performing in the Arizona playoffs? In the National League, the Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves on the brink of elimination as they face the No. 6-seeded Arizona Diamondbacks. The Diamondbacks have defied the odds by sweeping the Milwaukee Brewers in the wild-card round and securing victories in the first two games against the Dodgers, who are in their 11th consecutive postseason appearance.
MLB playoffs 2023: Where every division series matchup stands – …
The MLB playoffs in 2023 have unfolded with significant matchups across divisions. In the National League, the Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves in a dire situation, on the brink of elimination. The underdog, the No. 6-seeded Arizona Diamondbacks, accomplished the unexpected by sweeping the Milwaukee Brewers in the wild-card round and securing victories in the first two games. This presents a challenging scenario for the Dodgers, who are making their 11th consecutive postseason appearance.
Where are the Dodgers vs Arizona games played?
Where are the Dodgers vs. Arizona games held? The series unfolds across two venues: the first two games take place at Dodger Stadium, while the third game is scheduled for Arizona. If required, the fourth game returns to Arizona, and the fifth brings it back to Los Angeles. These five pivotal games will be available for viewers via both broadcast and streaming on TBS. Notably, the series opener will feature the Dodgers’ ace, Clayton Kershaw.
How many starters will the Los Angeles Dodgers need in 2023?
How many starters will the Los Angeles Dodgers require in 2023? In the divisional round, the Dodgers are well-positioned with several off days, making it likely that they won’t need more than three starters. However, when it comes to the NLCS, the scenario may evolve differently. As we step into the 2023 postseason, let’s explore the Los Angeles Dodgers’ playoff schedule and their upcoming opponents.
Is the Dodgers postseason position set in stone?
Is the Dodgers’ postseason fate sealed? As the National League playoff landscape takes shape, while certain postseason seedings remain undecided on the season’s last day, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ postseason position has been firmly established, courtesy of the Atlanta Braves’ remarkable performance, where they’ve barely registered any baseball losses.
Do the 2023 Dodgers have a better pitching staff than the Diamondbacks?
Do the 2023 Dodgers outshine the Diamondbacks in pitching? In most aspects, it’s evident that the 2023 Dodgers boast a stronger pitching staff compared to the 2023 Diamondbacks. Despite facing challenges like injuries and Julio Urías’ absence due to domestic violence allegations, the Dodgers maintain a deeper pool of reliable and experienced MLB pitchers to entrust on the mound.
