Diamondbacks Owner Makes Dodgers Fans Behind Home Plate Change Clothes

A group of Dodgers fans learned on Friday that when they’re taking in a game on the road against the Arizona Diamondbacks, they better follow the dress code.

Seated in a suite directly behind home plate, the group was visible on the game’s television broadcast. That apparently irked Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick, who gave the Dodgers fans the option to either change clothes or move to a seat where they wouldn’t be on display for fans watching on television.

As the game went on, their decision became apparent. Ushers were seen bringing in some Diamondbacks gear to the fans, who paid between $3,250 to $3,500 to sit behind home plate. Later Ken Kendrick himself showed up and was seen having an animated discussion with the fans.

After the incident, Deadspin reached out to the Arizona Diamondbacks to learn why the team made the Dodgers fans change clothes. The team responded:

“Due to the high visibility of the home plate box, we ask opposing team’s fans when they purchase those seats to refrain from wearing that team’s colors. During last night’s game, when Ken Kendrick noticed the fans there, he offered them another suite if they preferred to remain in their Dodger gear. When they chose to stay, he bought them all D-backs gear and a round of drinks and requested that they abide by our policy and they obliged.”

The incident made the rounds on the internet on Saturday, with the team drawing some criticism for its attempts to control fans who clearly shelled out a lot of money for an early season game.

But Ken Kendrick’s gambit to make the Dodgers fans change clothes may have worked out for the Diamondbacks. Arizona’s pitcher dominated the Dodgers, scattering six hits and winning in a shutout. Maybe the pitchers were inspired by seeing unanimous support for the team behind the plate.