Padres taking measures to keep Dodgers fans from buying NLDS tickets

The 2024 MLB playoffs have commenced, and the eight-team division series is now decided. The San Diego Padres, riding high on their recent success, have swept the Atlanta Braves in the Wild Card Series to advance to a National League Division Series showdown against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Padres are now taking measures to ensure Petco Park remains a fortress for their local fans.

It's hardly the first time this has happened in sports.

Dodgers fans in Los Angeles County were unable to purchase tickets for Game 3 on Oct. 8 and Game 4 on Oct. 9 at Petco Park if the series is extended.

If attempted ticket purchases are made from outside the San Diego area, an important event information message will prompt stating, "Sales for this event are restricted to residents of San Diego County, southern Orange County, western Arizona, Las Vegas and the surrounding area, and all of Baja California. Residency will be determined by the credit card billing address. Orders from residents outside San Diego County, southern Orange County, western Arizona, Las Vegas, and the surrounding area, and all of Baja California will be canceled without notice, and refunds will be issued."

The Padres are strategically aiming to fill Petco Park with a massive San Diego crowd, fostering a sense of local pride and inclusivity rather than a sea of blue Dodgers fans.

MLB playoff predictions: Who is the World Series favorite? Our expert picks.

2024 MLB Playoffs: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres NL Division Series

All times Eastern.

Game 1: Padres at Dodgers

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 5

• Time: 8:38 p.m. ET

• TV: FS1

• Location: Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles, California)

Game 2: Padres at Dodgers

• Date: Sunday, Oct. 6

• Time: 8:38 p.m. ET

• TV: FS1

• Location: Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles, California)

Game 3: Dodgers at Padres

• Date: Tuesday, Oct. 8

• Time: TBD

• TV: TBD

• Location: Petco Park (San Diego, California)

Game 4: Dodgers at Padres

• Date: Wednesday, Oct. 9

• Time: TBD

• TV: TBD

• Location: Petco Park (San Diego, California)

Game 5: Dodgers at Padres

• Date: Friday, Oct. 11

• Time: 8:38 p.m. ET

• TV: FS1

• Location: Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles, California)

Other professional teams that restricted ticket sales

Ticket restrictions are not a new tactic, and this isn't the first time that teams have attempted to keep tickets out of the hands of their opponents' fanbase. Here are a few examples:

Philadelphia 76ers

During the 2024 NBA first-round playoff series between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks, the 76ers owners went to great lengths to keep Knicks fans out of the Wells Fargo Arena for Game 6. Philadelphia's team owners purchased more than 2,000 tickets and distributed them to people who serve the Philadelphia community. This action was taken in response to the overwhelming presence of Knicks fans at Game 4, which created the impression that New York had a home-court advantage due to the large number of traveling fans supporting the Knicks.

Florida Panthers

In 2023, the Florida Panthers restricted ticket sales to prevent devoted Toronto Maple Leafs fans from taking over during the 2023 second-round Stanley Cup playoff series. This was the first time since 2004 that the Maple Leafs advanced to the second round. Fans attempting to purchase tickets were prompted with an event information message indicating ticket sales were restricted to those outside the United States.

Vegas Golden Knights

In 2018, the Vegas Golden Knights secured their first Stanley Cup playoff berth in their inaugural season, a feat not achieved since the Oilers and Whalers did so in 1979-80. The Knights emphasized the importance of home fan support and implemented a program that prevented full-season ticket holders from reselling their playoff tickets on the secondary market.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Padres ticket restriction: Dodgers fans iced out in playoff tradition