LAPD To Increase Security For Dodgers' Home Opener Tuesday
LOS ANGELES (CBS) — The Los Angeles Police Department is taking extra steps to increase security at Dodger Stadium Tuesday as the "Boys in Blue" take on the Pittsburgh Pirates in their home opener.
Police are taking a zero-tolerance approach to tailgating parties that include alcohol one year after San Francisco Giants fan Bryan Stow was brutally beaten in the parking lot on opening day.
Undercover officers will also be dressed in Pittsburgh Pirates jerseys at the 1:10 p.m. game, which is expected to be sold out.
Dodgers officials say security is a paramount priority for the organization, which is being purchased from Frank McCourt for $2 billion by a group that includes basketball Hall of Famer Magic Johnson.
The new owners include Johnson, film producer Peter Guber, former Nationals President Stan Kasten, Bobby Patton and Todd Boehly. Their bid, funded largely by Guggenheim Baseball Management LLC, beat out a group led by Steve Cohen, one of the richest men in America.
Johnson told CBS 2's Jim Hill he's "thrilled, honored, but mostly happy for the fans of the Los Angeles Dodgers."
"This agreement with Guggenheim reflects both the strength and future potential of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and assures that the Dodgers will have new ownership with deep local roots, which bodes well for the Dodgers, its fans and the Los Angeles community. We are delighted that this group will continue the important work we have started in the community, fulfilling our commitment to building 50 Dream Fields and helping with the effort to cure cancer," McCourt, whose divorce proceedings and lavish lifestyle put the team in financial disarray, said in a statement.
As part of the agreement, the Dodgers said McCourt and "certain affiliates of the purchasers" will acquire the land surrounding the stadium, including its parking lots, for $150 million.
