Dodgers’ spring training revenue drops

The revenue at Camelback Ranch has dropped 20% since the Dodgers and Chicago White Sox opened their spring training complex in Phoenix two years ago, according to documents filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court on Wednesday.

The Times reported this week that the Dodgers figure to lose at least $27 million this season in ticket, parking and concession revenue because of the steep decline in attendance at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers lost revenue in spring training too, although the specific amount is unknown because the Dodgers and White Sox do not split all revenue on a 50-50 basis, according to the court filing.

Still, the Dodgers accounted for the vast majority of the Camelback Ranch revenue decline from last spring to this one. Attendance for Dodgers games at Camelback Ranch dropped 17% this season; attendance for White Sox games dropped 2.6%, according to Cactus League statistics.

Total Camelback Ranch revenue fell from $6.15 million in 2009 to $5.35 million last year and $4.89 million this year, according to the court filing. Revenue from tickets fell 10% over that time, although the Dodgers and White Sox eliminated the parking fee after the inaugural season and added a $2 facility fee to each ticket.

Merchandise sales fell 30%, concession sales fell 18% and sales of premium tickets — those $90 seats that included “cool, scented towels” — fell 85%. The Dodgers and White Sox eliminated most premium seating after the initial spring at Camelback Ranch.