The Dodgers and their fans: Could there be a break in this love affair?
This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.
Is it true?
Will the Dodgers’ faithful queue up and head through the turnstiles regardless of the product quality, uncertain future and continued foibles of ownership?
Just one sea of Kevin Bacons in ‘Animal House.’ Thank you, sir, may I have another?
ESPN.com’s Rob Neyer did something of a study on the Dodgers’ attendance following a losing season and determined there is little or no relationship. Their fans just keep coming. The march of the drones.
That must warm the cockles of Frank McCourt’s heart. Or his next loan application.
Concluded Neyer:
‘I think there is a ‘law’ of sorts. I think the Dodgers are simply a part of the culture down there, like gridlocked freeways and telling everyone else how wonderful the weather is.
‘Oh, and it probably helps that 13 million people live nearby.
‘Maybe the Dodgers won’t draw, someday. But we’re at least one (and probably more) non-competitive seasons from finding out.‘’
The Dodgers have drawn more than 3 million to Dodger Stadium for 15 consecutive years. Last season Dodgers home attendance was almost 3.6 million, though that figure actually represent tickets sold. The number of no-shows seemed to reach record levels.
Was that a reflection of an underperforming team or growing frustration over the McCourt stewardship?
The Times’ T.J. Simers concedes that part of the team’s allure is simply the Dodger Stadium experience but wonders if many season ticket holders have reached their dissatisfaction limit.
Season-ticket orders went out earlier this week. The first payment is due Oct. 29. Ticket to the unknown.
There probably has never been a more uncertain offseason for the Dodgers -- not only from a roster standpoint, but also with the waiting to find out if Jamie McCourt owns half the team and the undetermined payroll budget.
Do people, and corporations, just love the Dodgers -- and that stadium experience -- so much that they’ll line up all faithful like regardless of what’s going on around the team?
Is it true?
-- Steve Dilbeck