The Los Angeles Dodgers are experiencing a significant home-field advantage, even when playing away games in California. Fans clad in Dodgers blue have been a prominent presence at recent games in San Diego and Sacramento, leading to a perception that the team is playing on home turf.
During a recent game in Sacramento, the crowd's support for the Dodgers was so apparent that it prompted a lighthearted jab from Athletics' manager Dave Roberts. "Here, I think we got market share [in the stands]," Roberts quipped, acknowledging the overwhelming number of Dodgers fans present. The sentiment was echoed by the players. "Dodger fans showed up," shortstop Mookie Betts stated after a game. "It's kind of always like that for us," added Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy.
This trend of strong road support has been particularly noticeable during the team's recent California road trip. In San Diego, the Padres' home park, Petco Park, was described as being filled with an unusually high percentage of Dodgers fans. Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove, a San Diego native, noted, "It was like the most I've ever seen Dodger fans in our stadium –– 90% Dodgers fans." The overwhelming fan presence even led to Dodgers fans drowning out home-team chants.
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The current venue in Sacramento, a 12,000-seat minor league park temporarily serving as the Athletics' home, has also been transformed into what is being called "Dodger Stadium North." Fans have packed the ballpark, treated to another series win and postgame ovations for Roberts, who recently achieved his 1,000th career win.
Dodgers fans have a history of traveling well to support the team, a phenomenon that has reportedly intensified in recent years. The addition of Japanese stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto is cited as a factor contributing to the elevated fan engagement. "Ever since we got Sho and Yama and those guys, it's been double, almost," Muncy said. "It's fun to go out there every night and know we are going to have support."
Beyond the fan turnout, the Dodgers are also leading Major League Baseball in average home attendance, drawing 50,872 fans per game. Their road game attendance is also among the league's highest, with an average of 36,437, narrowly exceeding that of the Cubs and Phillies. This consistent support, both at home and on the road, underscores the team's broad appeal and dedicated fanbase.
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