Wednesday December 6, 2023

MLB Experiencing Technical Difficulties

  • Fans are pouring back into the seats of ballparks across the country.
  • There have been more problems than solutions when it comes to concessions.
Patrick Breen – Arizona Republic/Design: Alex Brooks
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As fans pour back into MLB ballparks across the country, new systems, protocols, and technology has been put in place to make the experience seamless.

That said, fans of the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, Cincinnati Reds, and Arizona Diamondbacks have voiced complaints about long waits for concessions.

“The Diamondbacks home opener at Chase Field was the worst experience I’ve ever had at a baseball game,” Kristopher Bare tweeted. “Spent $200 on two tickets that were supposed to be ‘all you can eat’ seats and spent two-plus hours in line waiting.” 

Recently implemented all-digital concession ordering is the culprit for much of the issues. At the start of this season, MLB offers fans the ability to order concessions through its MLB Ballpark app, hiccups have pushed some teams to revert to traditional operations. 

“Dodger Stadium will continue with walk-up ordering, as in past seasons, with social distancing and all health and safety guidelines enforced,” the Dodgers said in a statement.

The at-home experience has been smoother. MLB.TV, the league’s streaming service, had its most-watched Opening Day in history this month. Subscribers watched 121 million minutes of live games, a 26% uptick from last season’s Opening Day high.

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