Dodger Stadium's Next Big Event

by Wes Williams

By all accounts, the NHL Stadium Series game between the Kings and Ducks at Dodger Stadium last weekend was a success. Fans paid hundreds of dollars per seat to watch NHL hockey in addition to side acts like beach volleyball, roller hockey, Five for Fighting, and Kiss.

Undoubtedly, the new Dodger owners will be looking to stage another NHL game next year since the event brought in revenue to a venue collecting dust in the off season.

This was not the only event in the off season. Dodger Stadium was also host to a International Champions Cup soccer game with Real Madrid that drew 50,000 crazed fans.

If soccer and hockey can sell out Dodger Stadium, it is obvious what event needs to be held at Chavez Ravine next: Lakers versus Clippers.

How amazing would it be to see Chris Paul throwing long passes like Yasiel Puig throws out runners runners trying to go from first to third?

Envisioning Blake Griffin fly through the air for an alley-oop like Matt Kemp jumping over the wall to rob an opponent of a home run puts a smile on my face.

Hosting a football game doesn't make sense for Dodger Stadium because the Rose Bowl and Coliseum hold tens of thousands more people. However, basketball is perfect because about 30,000 more fans could attend this one outdoor game compared to an indoor game at Staples Center.

If college teams played on an aircraft carrier, surely our local professional teams could play on solid ground on a perfect 75 degree Southern California night.

Most NBA players grow up playing ball on playgrounds from Venice Beach to Rucker Park, just like hockey players grow up playing on the pond.

If people paid $200 per seat for hockey, the Lakers and Clippers could surely sell seats for $300.

If the Lakers have a good off season of bringing in star free agents, this event could bring in some serious money for the NBA, Lakers, Clippers, and Dodgers.