No. 097: My Trip to Los Angeles - Watching Shohei Ohtani
Since I was lucky enough to be in LA during the period when Shohei Ohtani bobbleheads were being distributed, I had a friend who loves Ohtani-kun book four tickets for May 15th. Our seats were in the second row from the front of the 'Reserve' section, so the view was fantastic.
By the way, the price was an unbelievable $196.60 (about 27,500 yen) per ticket; apparently, it's more expensive on days when they give out Ohtani dolls.
Around 2002, when I used to go to Dodger Stadium often, I remember the price for the Top Deck, one level up, was around $7. Now it's probably $70 to $80, so it's 10 times more expensive.
This was my first time back at Dodger Stadium in 16 years, since the 2009 WBC final between Japan and South Korea, where Japan defeated South Korea to win the championship and the Japanese fans went wild.
My friend and I headed to Dodger Stadium by car. The stadium is north of downtown.
My friend mentioned it was more crowded than usual. Are there a lot of cars heading to the stadium?
My friend, who is used to going to the stadium, took a shortcut through Chinatown and we cruised right along.
We were able to get home smoothly without getting caught in traffic on the way back either.
Dodger Stadium opened on April 10, 1962, and has a capacity of 56,000 people. Since many people come by car,
the parking lot has a capacity of 16,000 vehicles.
By the way, the parking fee is $40 per car, or $35 if you book in advance?
Dodger Stadium has extremely few game cancellations due to rain. After setting a new MLB record of 856 consecutive games without a rainout from April 21, 1988, to April 11, 1999, they updated it further with 1,471 consecutive games from April 17, 2000, to October 3, 2019.
Until now, fans would line up 3 or 4 hours early on Ohtani bobblehead giveaway days because the number of dolls distributed was limited.
So, starting this time, they decided to distribute them to everyone, meaning you didn't have to arrive early. The four of us were able to enter after waiting for about 30 minutes.
Security checks are strict. Most people bring a clear bag (30cm x 30cm) and put their drinks and food inside.
It's ridiculously expensive if you buy them inside the stadium.
It used to be paper tickets, but now it's a system where you scan a barcode from your smartphone screen. Since it was my first time, I was nervous at the entrance, worrying about what I would do if I lost my phone or if the barcode wouldn't scan.
The game was a 19-2 blowout victory over the Athletics, thanks to Ohtani-san's performance, including two home runs and 6 RBIs.
I'm happy I got to see such a fun game. The cheering from the women nearby was amazing; they let out huge cheers every time a run was scored. Since they scored 19 runs, their throats must be sore.
A few days later, I went to see Ohtani-san's house while taking a walk with a friend who lives in a high-end residential area.
Ohtani-kun moved into the area where my friend often takes walks.
The interior must be luxurious, but you couldn't tell from the outside.
I didn't take any photos; it seems the local residents are watching over it quietly.
The home addresses of American celebrities are known even more than in Japan. This is because real estate information is public. Things like when it was put on the market, what the interior is like, when it was sold, for how much, and who the agent was are all public.
Also, in Los Angeles, where many famous people live, they sell 'Star Maps' for tourists that map out stars' homes, and there are tours that go around to see them.
Of course, you are not allowed to get out of the car.
I'm not sure if they are still operating now.