Look, I love tech. I spend my days diving deep into the latest silicon, the most insane displays, and software that delivers truly intuitive experiences. But sometimes, just sometimes, tech policies create frustrating barriers that make you question the intent. This week, that gut punch came from Dodger Stadium, specifically regarding their new Dodgers digital tickets policy.
Meet Errol Segal, an 81-year-old Dodgers fan. He's not just any fan; this man has been a season ticket holder for fifty years. Half a century. He's seen legends come and go, celebrated championships, and has a lifetime of memories tied to that stadium. But he missed Opening Day this year because he uses a flip phone.
A flip phone.
The Dodgers have gone exclusively digital for season tickets, making Dodgers digital tickets the only option. No paper. No exceptions. Errol, who isn't exactly fluent in the latest iOS or Android updates, found himself locked out. He feels "'thrown under the bus' and discriminated against," a sentiment I fully understand. This policy has drawn significant criticism, as reported by various news outlets like the LA Times.
The Cost of Digital Exclusivity: The Dodgers Digital Tickets Problem
The push for digital is understandable. It's efficient, cuts printing costs, and streamlines entry. For most of us, pulling up a QR code on our latest smartphones is second nature. It's fast, it's convenient, and it usually just works.
But here's the kicker: this slick convenience leaves some folks completely out in the cold.
Errol Segal isn't just a perfect example; he's the poster child for the digital divide we keep talking about. He's not anti-tech; he just hasn't adopted the smartphone lifestyle. He shouldn't be forced to adopt a smartphone lifestyle. His flip phone does what he needs it to do. It makes calls. It's reliable.
The Dodgers' policy essentially says: if you don't have a smartphone, you don't get to be a season ticket holder, effectively mandating Dodgers digital tickets for all. That's a pretty harsh upgrade requirement for someone who's been loyal for five decades.
Examining the Anti-Scalping Justification
Online discussions show sympathy for Errol, but some folks are pushing back. Some say, "He could just get a smartphone," or "His family could help him." And sure, those are options, but they shouldn't be requirements for a loyal fan.
One interesting take I saw on Hacker News suggests this digital-only policy for season tickets, and thus Dodgers digital tickets, might be an anti-scalping move. The idea is that it makes it harder for professional resellers to buy up blocks of season tickets and flip them for profit. That's a valid concern for any major sports team. Scalping is a real problem, and teams want to ensure tickets go to real fans at fair prices.
However, the crucial point is this: the Dodgers still print single-game paper tickets at the stadium box office.
The inconsistency is glaring: if single-game paper tickets can be printed, why not for loyal season ticket holders? The anti-scalping argument for season tickets makes some sense, but the inconsistency here is glaring. It feels less like a bulletproof anti-scalping move and more like a blanket policy that didn't consider its most loyal users.
The Human Cost of Going Digital
This isn't just about baseball. It's about how our increasingly digital world impacts anyone who isn't, or can't be, fully plugged in. We talk about "seamless experiences" and "frictionless transactions" in tech all the time. But sometimes, that push for seamlessness creates massive friction for a significant portion of the population.
It's not just the elderly, either. Consider those whose phone battery dies on the way to the game, or who cannot afford the latest smartphone, or simply prefer not to carry a mini-computer everywhere. These aren't edge cases; they're real people struggling with the implications of Dodgers digital tickets.
The Dodgers have a responsibility to their fans, especially the ones who've supported them for decades. Errol Segal isn't asking for a custom app or a VR experience; he just wants to get into the stadium with the tickets he's paid for.
Putting People First: Empathy in Dodgers Digital Tickets Policy
This isn't a tech problem; it's a policy problem. Look, any decent ticketing system could whip up a physical pass or a scannable card for Errol. We're not talking rocket science here. The Dodgers could easily offer a physical pass option for season ticket holders who request it – especially for their most loyal, long-standing fans. Imagine a dedicated window for printing season passes on game day, or even a sleek physical card that scans just like a digital ticket. It's not about reinventing the wheel; it's about remembering who's actually using the wheel.
The fact that they can print single-game tickets but won't for season ticket holders like Errol shows a lack of empathy and foresight. It's a choice, not a technical limitation.
Policy-makers, like the Dodgers, need to remember that "progress" shouldn't mean leaving people behind. We need tech policies that actually include everyone, not just the smartphone-wielding crowd. The Dodgers need to fix this for Errol Segal, and for every other fan who just wants to enjoy the game without having to buy a new piece of hardware just to access their Dodgers digital tickets. It's a matter of respect for their most loyal supporters.
