Fans Gather At Dodger Stadium Drive-In To Watch Game 1 Of NLCS
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — The Los Angeles Dodgers hosted a drive-in viewing party for the National League Championship Series, which began Monday evening against the Atlanta Braves in Arlington, Texas.
Fans were excited to show out for the socially distanced event, despite the Braves winning Game 1 of the NLCS 5-1.
"I think we made some mistakes to the big part of the play and they capitalized and when they made mistakes, we just didn't tonight, but you've got to give those guys credit," said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
The 60-foot screens were up in parking lots 2 and 3 where fans could watch the 'boys in blue' from the safety and comfort of their cars.
The same safety restrictions used for drive-in movie screenings in Los Angeles County were in place at the stadium.
Admission for the viewing was $75 per car and had to be purchased in advance at Dodgers.com/DriveIn.
"We have the best fans in baseball, and the support of Dodger fans has meant so much to us this year," Roberts said. "We wish we could be playing in front of 56,000 fans at Dodger Stadium Monday, but we're excited that the Dodgers have created a safe way for the community to come together and hopefully cheer us on to the World Series."
Fans were encouraged to bring their own food and beverages as concessions will not be available. Alcohol was also strictly prohibited.
They also had to remain in their vehicles, practice physical distancing and wear face coverings.
Dodgers fan Ralph Navarro said, "Obviously the people that show up want to be there to have a sense of being with other people and sharing at the same time."
"The drive-in thing, that's kind of good. I think people within their bubble, like we are as a family," said Cecilia Talavera, another Dodgers fan. "But watching it at home, that is the priceless thing. We get free beer and have a good time and that's what it's all about."
Some fans planned to watch from home as the Dodgers kicked off the series. An overall win would lead the team into the World Series.
"Pretty excited, I mean I hope we take it all the way. Lakers and Dodgers, both back to back wins, nothing more exciting you know," said Dodgers fan Anthony Talavera ahead of the game.
Game 1 of the NLCS marked the first time fans were allowed to attend a Major League Baseball since the pandemic began, the league said.
Vito Angiuli, who owns Eastside Italian Subs near Dodger Stadium said, "One of the things I really wish we had today was to be able to walk into Dodgers Stadium and to feel the nostalgia of being there."
Dodgers fan Michael Fiore said, "Obviously we gotta take precautions but I feel like with all the free testing that we have here in L.A., like why not have to show your negative test within a day or two and you're allowed to go in."
The Dodgers will try for a comeback on Tuesday night in Game 2 of the NLCS. The first pitch is just after 3 p.m.
(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)
