Dodger Stadium Game Guide | Access, Tickets, Seating & Shohei Ohtani [2026]
A complete guide to watching a Los Angeles Dodgers game—the team of Shohei Ohtani—at Dodger Stadium. From how to get there (the Union Station shuttle and parking), buying tickets, choosing seats, and the bag policy, to Ohtani highlights, we cover what first-time visitors need to know, along with Japanese-guided game tours.
* Information is current as of 2026. Schedules, prices, rules, and game dates may change. Please check official sources before your visit.
Dodger Stadium and Shohei Ohtani
Opened in 1962, Dodger Stadium is one of MLB's oldest and most storied ballparks, seating about 56,000. It is the home of the Los Angeles Dodgers—the team of Shohei Ohtani, who in 2024 became the first player in MLB history to record a 50 home run / 50 stolen base season. Perched on a hill near Downtown with mountain views beyond the outfield, it is an especially popular destination for visitors from Japan.
Game-Day Essentials
1. Getting There
- Shuttle
- The free Dodger Stadium Express from Union Station is convenient. It runs from about 90 minutes before the game through the end of the 2nd inning, with return service until about 45 minutes after the final out. It is free with a valid same-day game ticket (board at Union Station's west side).
- Parking
- General (assigned on arrival) and Preferred (choose an area in advance) parking are available; buying in advance is recommended. Lots open about 2 hours before game time.
- Taxi / Uber / Rental car
- There is no train station directly at the stadium, so the shuttle, rideshare, or a rental car are the realistic options. Traffic is very heavy right after the game.
2. Buying Tickets
- Where to buy
- MLB.com, StubHub, and SeatGeek accept international cards; sites like KKday offer Japanese-language support.
- Delivery
- Tickets are mobile by default—save them in the MLB Ballpark app on your phone. Will Call (paper pickup) is in parking lots B, G, N, and P.
- Popular games
- Ohtani giveaway days (e.g., bobblehead days) and certain matchups can sell out early, so secure tickets once your dates are set.
3. Choosing Seats
- Close to Ohtani
- For an up-close view of at-bats and defense, seats above the first-base dugout are popular.
- Day-game heat
- For day games, infield seats on the 3rd level (RESERVE) and above tend to be shaded and more comfortable.
- Atmosphere
- The outfield sections offer the most lively, unified cheering—choose based on your budget and what you want to see.
4. Bag Policy
- Allowed
- A clear, single-compartment bag (about 30×30×15 cm / 12×12×6 in or smaller), or a small non-clear fanny pack/clutch (about 13×20×5 cm / 5×8×2 in).
- Not allowed
- Backpacks, large bags, and suitcases are not permitted. Keep your belongings to a minimum for smooth entry.
5. Enjoying Shohei Ohtani
- Giveaway days
- Ohtani bobblehead giveaway days (e.g., July 8 and August 22, 2026) are especially popular, and a special shuttle may run on those days.
- Watch practice
- Some tickets include a pre-game tour so you can watch batting practice and warm-ups.
- Ohtani around town
- Beyond the stadium, Ohtani murals dot the city—such as the giant “LA Rising” in Little Tokyo—making a fun add-on to a game.
Tips to Enjoy the Game
Los Angeles has a big day-night temperature gap, and night games can get chilly—bring a light jacket. For day games, prepare for sun and heat.
The stadium is large and traffic peaks after the game. If you're uneasy about driving or it's your first visit, a Japanese-guided game tour with ticket arrangements and round-trip hotel transfers is reassuring.
Enjoy the Game with a Japanese-Speaking Guide
Dreams Come Tours offers tours that support your Dodgers game experience in Japanese—from arranging tickets and round-trip hotel transfers to guiding you to the ballpark. You can also add a Dodger Stadium visit or an Ohtani mural tour before or after the game. Enjoy the game without worrying about the language or getting around, even on a first trip to Los Angeles.
Related pages
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What's the easiest way to get to Dodger Stadium?
A. The free Dodger Stadium Express shuttle from Union Station is convenient (free with a valid same-day game ticket). If you're uneasy about driving, a Japanese-guided tour with round-trip transfers is recommended.
Q. Can I buy tickets from Japan?
A. Yes—MLB.com, StubHub, and SeatGeek accept international cards, and sites like KKday offer Japanese support. Tickets are usually mobile, saved in the MLB Ballpark app.
Q. Which seats are close to Ohtani?
A. Seats above the first-base dugout are popular for an up-close view. For day-game heat, 3rd-level (RESERVE) infield seats and above tend to be shaded.
Q. What size bag can I bring?
A. Only a clear single-compartment bag (about 30×30×15 cm) or a small fanny pack/clutch (about 13×20×5 cm). Backpacks and large bags are not allowed.
Q. What does the game tour include?
A. Ticket arrangements, round-trip hotel transfers, and Japanese guidance to the ballpark. It can be combined with a Dodger Stadium visit or an Ohtani mural tour.