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Take me out to the ballgame, right after that second mortgage is approved

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As if an unpopular owner, a mediocre team and frightening violence on opening day weren’t cause enough for a significant drop in Dodger Stadium attendance, here’s one more:

It’s just too damn expensive.

A pair of stories in The Times on Tuesday highlighted just how ridiculously pricey it’s become under the McCourts to take in a ballgame at Chavez Ravine.

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T.J. Simers actually opened his wallet and forked over $140 to purchase two tickets on the loge level. Crazy, I know. Next thing we’ll hear Tommy Lasorda bought his own lunch. OK, not that crazy.

Simers’ two tickets at $70 a pop were on the second deck, just past third base. Not field-level seats or those hoity-toity Dugout Club seats, but down the line on the second level.

Now throw in the $15 parking, the overpriced concessions and souvenirs. Wrote Simers: ‘Take a family of four to a Dodgers game, and that’s a new car.’

Tickets to Tuesday night’s game against the Brewers -- surprise! -- are still available, Clayton Kershaw bobblehead or not.

Tickets in the Dugout Club -- complete with waitress service -- run from $664.20 to $512.60. A ticket on the field level behind the infield are going for $137.90. Even tickets in the left-field pavilion range from $29.25 to $24.25. Over in the lovely, all-you-can-eat right-field pavilion, tickets are available from $46.50 to $40.75.

The Dodgers will accept all major credit cards. Assuming it’s a least platinum. The middle class need not apply.

This is a monstrous leap in the cost of taking in a simple ballgame. One of 81 during the year.

Michael K. Fox, a former 10-year Dodgers marketing executive, in a Times opinion piece, wrote fans needs to feel they are getting value for their money:

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‘In 1997, a family of four could enjoy a Dodgers game for $104, which included a package deal of four $12 box seats, four hot dogs and four sodas, two beers, two game programs and two Dodger caps and parking. Today, the same experience can run $600 or more; an authentic Dodger cap alone now costs $35.’

Hmm, now to figure out where all that extra income is going.

-- Steve Dilbeck

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