Dodgers fans rip Padres account for take on 'embarrassing' FanFest prices

The Los Angeles Dodgers haven't gone Hollywood, and have decided to join the majority of MLB in hosting a FanFest for 2023, their first such event since 2020 (for ... obvious reasons).

Admission is free, but fans who are interested in meeting their Dodgers heroes up close and personal have a variety of options to spend a little coin to make that happen.

Free FanFests autograph signings and meet-and-greets are all well and good, but they often turn into a complete free-for-all, where the lucky guests aren't 10- and 11-year-olds with enthusiastic families, but rather 47-year-old stubble-covered collectors who've camped out all night to get a prime spot. "Wait, dad, why is the line so long? Didn't this open at 10?" Yes it did, son. Yes it did. But a famous YouTube movie reviewer slept here, so ... we're screwed.

The Dodgers are mitigating this somewhat in 2023. There will still be hellish lines, no doubt, but everyone in line will be a ticket-holder who's spent between $25 (for a selfie) and $250 (for superstar autograph stations with the likes of Freddie Freeman and Julio Urías). Additionally, a portion of the proceeds will go to the Dodgers Foundation, a collective that will also be selling Mystery Bags, "Yard Sale" items and autographs. Certainly on the pricier side, and it would be nice if everything went to charity, but there's method behind the madness.

Not according to Padres fans, though. The fine folks at Talking Friars -- who couldn't have less to do with Dodgers FanFest -- don't get it at all.

The money goes to CHARITY and if you cant afford to spend $25 thats cool just say so brother https://t.co/9jt616CT48
— David Rosenthal (@_therealdrose) February 1, 2023

Dodgers FanFest ticket prices are high in 2023, but the Dodgers Foundation receives a portion

Yup. It's a rivalry again.

There's something to be said for the Disneyland-ification of Dodgers FanFest, giving on a select few "haves" the chance to receive an autograph. The alternative world, with swarms, unruly mobs, and lone ranger adults crushing children's dreams, is also quite bad, though, without a charitable element.

Most importantly ... why do Padres fans care about this? At all?

Too big a deal is being made about this. It’s simple, go to your fanfest & the people that decide to go to the dodgers free fanfest & pay to meet the players they wanna meet go about their business & happily spend because they can. It’s not that complicated. Good day sir. https://t.co/97MNL6Q4fa pic.twitter.com/ZpPcnnFSAc
— R.D😎 (@Mayor_Ray_) February 1, 2023

If you want to avoid accusations of renting space in your cranium to another franchise -- especially after winning the offseason -- it's probably best to lay low for a while.

And enjoy your own FanFest without comparing it to the Dodgers' event!

dodger fans can afford it from all the money they save on living rent-free in your mind https://t.co/D9vb18RxEY
— Catherine Tinker (@catherinetinker) February 1, 2023

How to get Dodgers FanFest 2023 Tickets

If you're interested in attending the event on Saturday, you can download free tickets via the Dodgers.

The experiences cost money (and, again, a portion goes to charity), but the event is free ... and ticketed. Don't show up without a ticket, but don't empty your pockets for a scalper, either.

Should be an exciting way to kick off an unpredictable Dodgers season before the boys head to Camelback -- but if you want a selfie, prepare to (oh, boy) donate to charity in order to get it. I know, I know, tough burden.

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