Dodgers buy into class system in raising prices for 2014 tickets

Success has its costs.

The Dodgers put their 2014 season tickets up for sale Thursday, and this time it is going to cost more to return to Dodger Stadium. In some places, a lot more.

The Dodgers said more than 45,000 seats are increasing by less than $3, but they are making it more costly for the premium tickets. Like a little bit of the Staples Center approach.

Though general admission parking remains unchanged, premium season parking increases from $300 to $400 for the season. Front-row seats between the bases go up by $30 (from $80 to $110), and rows 2 through 8 increase by $20 ($80 to $100).

The Dodgers essentially have created a new, elite section in the midst of existing stadium levels.

The Dodgers did not make anyone available to discuss the price increases.

Season ticket prices start at $574 on the top deck and up to $9,020 for the front row in the field box.

There is a new enticement: For a limited time, those buying 2014 season tickets will have the right to purchase tickets for this year’s National League division and championship series. Sorry, no World Series opportunity.

Tickets on the loge level are increasing by no more than $3, and tickets on the reserve level are increasing up to $2 a pop. Left-field pavilion tickets increase by either $1 of $2, and the all-you-can-eat tickets in the right-field pavilion are up $2 per ticket.

Top deck seats start at $7, up from $5.

In a prepared statement, Dodgers President and CEO Stan Kasten said: “Most Dodger tickets have not increased in price in the last two seasons as we looked to first prove to our fans that this ownership group was committed to putting the best possible team on the field, providing a first-class fan experience at the stadium and performing meaningful outreach in the community.

“We’ve made great strides in demonstrating that, and with these necessary adjustments and the support of our fans, we will continue to put all of our efforts into upgrading the team and the stadium and producing a championship-caliber organization.”