Dodgers' Triple-A Team A Hot Ticket With Manny Coming Into Town

By Don Muret, Staff Writer, SportsBusiness Journal

Ramirez Will Play Four Games With Triple-A Team This Week

The Triple-A PCL Albuquerque Isotopes expect to generate an additional $200,000-300,000 in ticket revenue this week during Dodgers LF Manny Ramirez' four-game stint with the club, according to team Owner Ken Young. Ramirez, suspended 50 games after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs, is eligible to return July 3 to the Dodgers and is using this week to get back in game shape. The Isotopes are reaping the benefits and have sold 18,000 tickets in the 3 1/2 days since the parent team confirmed Ramirez' rehabilitation schedule, Young said. Isotopes Park has 11,000 permanent seats and an outfield berm for 2,600 with standing-room space in the stands if needed, Young said. "We have a good shot at drawing 13,000-14,000 for each game," he said. "That doesn't happen too often midweek. We would have been lucky to do 6,500. These crowds will double that." Young also co-owns Ovations Food Services, the Isotopes' concessionaire, and anticipates food and drink sales should increase with the bigger crowds. Concession per caps have been running $12 a game this season, he said. The Isotopes' front office plans to have some fun with Ramirez in town, with ticket takers wearing "Manny wigs," he said.