Nine years ago, as the Los Angeles Dodgers found their first World Series berth since 1988 against the Houston Astros, a crowd of 54,253 fans sold out Dodger Stadium. But what was more impressive was their willpower in the scorching, record 103-degree heat. The heat went so far that a fan proved the extreme conditions with two simple photos: a melted stick of butter and an iPhone message about needing to cool down “before you can use (the device).” Fast forward to this year and things feel different.

The two-time defending champions clinched the playoff berth for the 14th time in a row and are favorites to win it all once again. But unlike 2017, when the Dodgers fans surprisingly filled the seats well before game time, the franchise is experiencing yet another rare sight for their NLDS Game 1 against the Atlanta Braves.

“The Dodgers have the cheapest ticket of any team in the ALDS or NLDS. Get-in Price for Game 1 in LA: $56,” TickPick shared via X.

With the game just a few hours away, MLB’s official ticketing website shows there are swaths of seats available despite cheap ticket prices. Even the seats behind home plate are available for as low as $434. However, the reason is understandable.

A major heat wave is hitting Los Angeles right now, with temperatures at Dodger Stadium expected to climb to 101–102°F (38–39°C) right around first pitch. And so, even when a win over the Padres in the Wild Card locked the Dodgers for the postseason, the fans weren’t necessarily happy for one reason.

The win, unfortunately, also put them into the early afternoon slot, freeing evening windows for other Division Series games. And what the team could see would be a rare sight, indeed.

In 2026, more than four million fans packed the iconic ballpark, making the Los Angeles Dodgers MLB’s attendance leaders with an average of 49,805 fans per game. The Dodgers’ median 2025 ticket ($177) ranked second-highest in baseball, behind only the A’s ($181), yet NLDS 2026 seats start at $56. In stark contrast, it would be completely different than what other teams and fans are currently experiencing.

Other playoff teams experience a different reality as the Dodgers react to their game time

The Chicago White Sox vs Cleveland Guardians ALDS game commands the highest median asking prices among the four active series, especially after Chicago’s wait for 21 years. According to ticket marketplace data reported by TicketNews, the intense AL Central rivalry has driven secondary market demand well past the other Division Series.

Secondary market demand for games at Guaranteed Rate Field has surged drastically, with tickets selling for up to $1,000 and the median standing at $581. Per TickPick, the average price for the White Sox-Guardians game has jumped 365%, averaging $214, while Chicago’s home game ticket prices averaged $46.

The Milwaukee Brewers-San Diego Padres series is at the lower end of the median ticket pricing ($288), while New York Yankees-Tampa Bay Rays are at a moderate level ($308 median) with one of the deepest active ticket markets of the round. Clearly, the Dodgers’ game time has turned things around for them. Even they agree.

“I would prefer to play at night, but as far as who we play, I don’t think we really care. It’s going to be a hot weekend, and to play at night would certainly be more beneficial,” GM Dave Roberts noted on Wednesday.

Making his Dodgers postseason debut, Tarik Skubal then shared a message with fans.

“Hopefully everyone is drinking a lot of water and staying hydrated. It’s going to be a hot one. I’m excited, though,” shared the Game 1 starter.

The NLDS Game 1 and Game 2 will be the hottest games for both the Braves and Dodgers in 2026. For this season, the broadcasters may find it easy to telecast the live games (the Padres’ game in the evening after the Dodgers game). But Dodger Stadium may pay the price for an early afternoon start.

The Dodgers fans are left unimpressed with the first-pitch timing

The Dodgers-Braves game at night means it will overlap with the Padres game. So, the hottest game of 2026 might be on the way. Even though the actual ticket sale data is not yet available, we have seen the Dodgers’ postseason game tickets sell out completely within hours. But this time, fan sentiment suggests that may take a hit.

“Move the start time to 745 and those sales would triple if not quadruple,” one fan wrote.

“Afternoon game makes sense ig. I wonder if it’ll even be a full house or how full it’ll be come first pitch,” another fan reacted.

If the game extends into late innings, more seats may fill as temperatures drop. But uncertainty remains during the first pitch.

“I was thinking about going until I checked the weather… for a 1 pm game I will pass and watch with the A/C on in the living room,” one more user noted.

“A 1 pm game in 100° weather will do that,” another agreed.

“102 at first pitch, blazing hot sun, 1 pm, no shade … MLB, this is insane; play the game at night,” one fan suggested.

It is important to note that this whole commotion is just about Game 1.

Sunday is an off day for the AL teams. Next, the Dodgers will play at 8 p.m. ET before the series shifts to Atlanta. Games 3 and 4 will be held at 6 p.m. ET. If there’s a Game 5, it will return to Los Angeles. But the timing will be a doable 8 p.m. ET.