Padres Restrict NLDS Ticket Sales to Local Residents

The San Diego Padres are imposing geographical restrictions on ticket sales for their upcoming National League Division Series (NLDS) games against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Fans from Los Angeles County will not be able to purchase tickets for the games held at Petco Park, the Padres’ home stadium in San Diego.

This move comes as the series, currently tied at 1-1 after two games at Dodger Stadium, heads to San Diego for games 3 and 4. The restrictions aim to prioritize ticket availability for residents living in areas close to San Diego. These areas include San Diego County, Baja California, Imperial County, the southern parts of Orange County like San Clemente and Dana Point, southern Riverside County areas such as Temecula and Murrieta, and even counties further afield like La Paz and Mohave in Arizona.

According to the San Diego Padres’ website, ticket sales to anyone outside these designated areas will be canceled without notice, and refunds will be issued. This restrictive policy could potentially limit Dodgers fans from flooding Petco Park, thereby maintaining a more local atmosphere during the high-stakes games.

The decision to restrict ticket sales is not uncommon in playoff scenarios where teams wish to ensure that their home-field advantage is upheld by having a majority of the crowd supporting the home team. If necessary, a fifth game will take place at Dodger Stadium, with ticket prices reportedly averaging around $150.