World Series Tickets Surge to $20,000, Setting New Record

Aerial shot of Yankee Stadium NY
felixmizioznikov/istockphoto

The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing the New York Yankees in a long-anticipated matchup during the 2024 World Series. After 43 years since these iconic teams last met in the Fall Classic, excitement has reached a fever pitch, sending ticket prices soaring to historic highs. With superstars Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani in the spotlight and fans from two of the country’s biggest cities looking for extra cash to buy seats, this series is proving to be one of the most anticipated — and undoubtedly the most expensive — of all-time.

What Do World Series Tickets Cost This Year?

Aaron Judge batting
Arturo Pardavila on Flickr / Wikipedia
Arturo Pardavila on Flickr / Wikipedia

According to secondary markets like TickPick and StubHub, average ticket prices for this year’s series are around $1,703 — more than double last year’s average of $776. Prices are higher in New York than in Los Angeles, with Game 3 at Yankee Stadium expected to be the most expensive, averaging nearly $2,000 per ticket. Even with standing-room tickets, the going rate is $1,500, while premium seating near home plate surpasses $20,000 per seat.

Why Are World Series Ticket Prices So High?

The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees haven’t faced each other in a World Series in over four decades. Add in the excitement surrounding major players like Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani, and ticket prices are skyrocketing. With both teams representing two of the largest U.S. cities, demand is at an all-time high, even by World Series standards.

Why Are New York Tickets More Expensive Than Los Angeles Tickets?

yankee stadium
Andrew nyr / Wikipedia
Andrew nyr / Wikipedia

Fans in New York are paying about 40% more than those in Los Angeles — a trend largely attributed to the Yankees’ 14-year absence from the World Series (and unwavering die-hard fanbase). With more local excitement over the long-awaited Fall Classic, ticket prices are much steeper in the Bronx, given the surplus of fans eager to see their team compete for a championship again.

For their part, the Dodgers have made several recent playoff and World Series appearances, so while demand in L.A. is high (especially with Ohtani on the team), it’s less intense than in New York, where fans have waited much longer to see their team at the top.

What Did World Series Tickets Cost in Previous Years?

2015 world series
Arturo Pardavila III / Wikipedia
Arturo Pardavila III / Wikipedia

For context, ticket prices in recent years, such as during the Cubs’ long-awaited 2016 World Series appearance, averaged around $1,691 — a number only surpassed by this year’s series. Before that, the 2015 series between the Mets and Royals (another monumental matchup) saw prices peak at approximately $1,437.

How Does This Matchup Compare to Other Iconic Series?

1981 world series
preemi81/ebay
preemi81/ebay

This marks the 12th time the Yankees and Dodgers have faced off in a World Series, but it’s the first time since 1981. Their long-standing rivalry, dating back to the Dodgers’ Brooklyn days, has fueled the heightened excitement. According to TickPick’s Jack Slingland, this pairing is a “dream matchup,” with its historical significance making it one of the most anticipated series in recent years.

How Do You Buy Tickets for the 2024 World Series?

Baseball on Pitcher's Mound
EHStock/istockphoto
EHStock/istockphoto

For those looking to snag seats, several platforms offer options, each with different price points and availability. Popular secondary markets like TickPick and StubHub list tickets, including standing-room-only spots and premium seats. To secure the best deal, monitor listings regularly as prices can fluctuate leading up to game day. For more flexibility, consider waiting until closer to the game, as ticket prices often drop last minute. However, with demand this high, you might prefer to buy early if you have specific seating preferences, especially for high-demand games like those in New York.

Author
Rachel Schneider

Rachel is a Michigan-based writer with a bachelor’s degree in Professional Writing and English. Throughout her career, she has dabbled in a variety of subject matter from finance and higher education to lifestyle pieces and food writing. She also enjoys writing stories based on social media trends. Find her on Instagram @rachel.schneider922