Tickets for the 2024 World Series between the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers are among the most expensive in Major League history, and fans are willing to pay for them.
The average price of a World Series ticket on the secondary market leading up to Game 1 in Los Angeles was $3,887, according to ticket reseller TicketIQ. This is the second most expensive average since we started tracking the data in 2010.
This year’s tournament is expected to be the highest-grossing World Series in history, StubHub reports.
CNBC Make It asks Dodgers fans ahead of Game 1 in Los Angeles and Yankees fans ahead of Game 3 in New York how much they spent to watch their team play in the World Series and whether it’s worth the money. I asked if I thought it was worth it. Here’s what they said:
“Whatever my kidneys are doing, it’s unpredictable.”
Lisa Altuve, 27, of Los Angeles, said she was looking forward to seeing the Dodgers play in the World Series. She and her family have always loved their home team, and this year will see them play in the World Series following the death of Mexican-born star pitcher Fernando Valenzuela, who began his career with the Dodgers in the 1980s and died in October. Watching him play is especially meaningful. twenty two.
She and her game-day partner, Josh Trujillo, 28, paid a total of $2,500 for two seats.
Calvin Stovall, 71, flew from Florida to Los Angeles over the weekend to participate in Games 1 and 2.
“I’m like a little boy at Christmas,” he said. Although he spent a small amount of money, he is happy with his choice. “I can’t say how much I spent on tickets. [then] My wife probably knows,” he said with a laugh.
Stovall bought a ticket and sat just to the right of home plate, close to the field. “It’ll be worth it,” he said. “That’s why I worked and saved money, and I’m entitled to it.”
Riley Reese, 35, spent about $1,200 on tickets the Sunday before the Dodgers made it to the postseason. He’s happy with what he paid, and if the Dodgers and Yankees advance to the playoffs, he’ll move even higher.
How much would he pay to go back to L.A. and watch Game 6 or 7? “A kidney,” he said. “Whatever my kidneys are doing, it’s unpredictable.”
Chris Garcia, 44, and Del Posadas, 43, each paid $2,500 for their tickets. Playing in the game “means everything” to Garcia, he said, noting the Dodgers last won the World Series in 2020 after the season was shortened due to the coronavirus pandemic. “It’s just money,” he said of the cost.
“The last time these two teams met in the World Series was in 1981, the year I was born,” Posadas added. “That’s why it’s special.”
“As a true Yankees fan, I’m willing to spend anything.”
Dan Schwartz has been planning and saving money for the Yankees’ World Series since 2016, around the same time superstar outfielder Aaron Judge made his MLB debut.
Schwartz and a friend flew in from San Francisco for Monday night’s game. They spent nearly $2,000 each to sit in the 109 section of Yankee Stadium and get a clear view of the Yankee dugout, purchasing tickets a week before the game.
“It’s been 15 years since the Yankees’ last World Series, so it’s worth it to me,” said Schwartz, 39. “It’s even more valuable if they win.”
With the Yankees trailing the Dodgers 3-0 in the series, the starting price for Game 4 has dropped to $500 on StubHub, down nearly 20% from Monday.
Most fans CNBC Make It spoke to spent at least $1,000 to watch Game 3, regardless of where they were seated.
Ashley Gallagher, 25, bought a ticket as soon as the schedule was announced, paying about $1,300 to watch from Game 427, sitting high behind third base.
“Going to a World Series game has been on my bucket list for the rest of my life, so it’s great to cross that item off my bucket list,” she said. “I think I would spend thousands more if the Yankees could win it all.”
James Bordes, 22, bought tickets on the morning of the game in hopes of getting them cheaper, but like Gallagher, he ended up paying $1,200 for a seat in section 419.
“It was 100 percent worth it,” he said. “I didn’t know when I would be able to see the Yankees in the World Series again, so I wanted to be here to support them.” [the team]. At the end of the day, as a true Yankees fan, I’m willing to spend anything. ”
Do you want to earn more money at work? Take CNBC’s new online course, “How to Negotiate a Higher Salary.” Our expert instructors will teach you the skills you need to earn more. This includes how to prepare and build confidence, what to do and say, and how to make a counteroffer. Register now and use coupon code EARLYBIRD to receive a 50% off introductory discount through November 26, 2024.
Plus, sign up for the CNBC Make It newsletter for tips and tricks to succeed at work, money, and life.
