Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — The Vivid Seats Speakeasy, tucked away under the Right Field Pavilion at Dodger Stadium, is a hidden gem that offers fans a nostalgic retreat amidst the modern excitement of baseball. This speakeasy was highlighted by a recent piece in the Los Angeles Times written by Sam Farmer. With its cozy capacity for 99 people, the bar combines the thrill of the game with the charm of a bygone era, creating a unique and intimate experience for Dodgers fans.
Entering the speakeasy feels like stepping into a secret world. Located behind a door guarded by ushers and next to a prominent display of Tommy Lasorda artifacts, the entrance itself is designed to be a delightful surprise. In fact, the place was originally planned to be called simply “Tommy’s.” But I guess Vivid Seats money came calling and that was the end of that.
As Dodgers executive Janet Marie Smith, the nation’s foremost ballpark designer, explained to the Times, “When you’re out there as a fan and you see those lockers, we wanted it to be, ‘Oh cool, locker, locker, locker, locker…’ and then, ‘Oh, there’s a blank one,’ and you walk through the blank one and you’re in this little surprise speakeasy.” This clever design adds to the allure and exclusivity of the speakeasy, making it a special treat for those who discover it.
Inside, the ambiance is a blend of vintage and modern, with Midcentury Modern furniture and ball-shaped gold chandeliers hanging from the ceiling like exploding fireworks. The walls are adorned with poster-sized, black-and-white photos of legendary manager Tommy Lasorda, giving the place a nostalgic feel.
The speakeasy’s menu is more upscale than typical ballpark fare, offering items like blackberry bruschetta, cheese fondue, and shrimp cocktail. The premium spirits include a range of bourbons, priced from $15 to $48 per glass, catering to fans looking for a more refined dining experience. One might wonder why you’d shell out good money for a seat at the game only to spend the rest of your time at a bar, but who am I to judge?
One of the unique features of the speakeasy is its view of the visitors’ bullpen. Fans can watch pitchers warm up from a ground-level perspective, though there is no direct view of the game. The live action is instead displayed on TVs over the bar. As season-ticket holder Todd Renfro of Lakewood describes in the Times piece, “They only allow a certain number of people in here, so even if you have a reservation you can wait in line for a long time during the game waiting for it to clear out a little bit so you can get in. This is nice and cool and dark a little bit, so on hot summer days we’ll stay in here in the air conditioning the whole game.”
The speakeasy was part of the center-field plaza built before the 2020 season. Due to the pandemic, many fans are still discovering it for the first time. The reservation system, secured by season-ticket holders using points acquired through spending on food and merchandise, adds to the exclusivity of the experience. The space was initially designed with elements like old-time music and a 1970s TV showing replays of classic games, though these features have since been phased out due to technical issues.
Smith reflects on the evolution of the speakeasy, telling the Times, “I’ve learned over the years that not everything works the way you hope it would. As long as we had our sort of geeky techie friend in there to fix the TV every time it stopped working, life was good. But I guess he couldn’t sit in the bar forever.”
The Vivid Seats Speakeasy at Dodger Stadium is a testament to the enduring charm of baseball’s past, offering fans a unique and nostalgic way to enjoy the game. Whether it’s sipping a premium bourbon, enjoying gourmet snacks, or simply soaking in the vintage ambiance, the speakeasy provides a hidden oasis of history and comfort amidst the excitement of the ballpark.
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