"Did they defer that renovation money?" - MLB fans react to Dodger Stadium undergoing a $100,000,000 renovation

Dodger Stadium is presently undergoing a $100 million renovation that will make the iconic venue one of the most environmentally sustainable and fan-friendly ballparks in the world. The improvements would create a more modern power and waste management infrastructure. They would reportedly also include better seating and car-parking facilities for the fans and newly built underground team areas.

MLB insider Doug McKain of Dodgers Nation posted a short video clip on X showing the extensive construction work that is currently going on inside the arena. However, fans mostly took a sarcastic view of the estimated $100 project with their replies on the post.

The video showed the entire outfield of Dodger Stadium has been stripped down and filled with giant mounds of dug-up earth and large stacks of steel columns laid over it instead. There were massive cranes and excavators at work on the playing field while a large section of land along the foul lines on both sides has been cleared out to create underground areas that are likely cater to the teams.

Fans shared their reactions to the images shared by Doug McKain on X.

"Did they defer that renovation money?" one fan asked.

"Are they gonna defer the renovation till 2050?" asked another fan.

"Word is they are deferring paying the builders until 2050," another fan remarked.

The jibes from fans at the Los Angeles Dodgers continued to pour in social media.

"How much of that $100m is deferred?" a fan asked.

"Is the payment deferred till 2067?" another one posted.

"They won’t have to pay until 2035," said one fan.

The Dodgers had signed Shohei Ohtani to a 10-year, $700 million contract at the start of the 2024 season, with almost the entire sum set to be paid to the player after the end of his tenure. Ohtani posted a historic first season with the team as they ran away with the World Series title. The Dodgers added two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell in this off-season, but the majority of his pay will be deferred.

Dodger Fest set to be held at different location than Dodger Stadium

Dodger Fest will not be held inside Dodger Stadium this year due to the renovation project (Image Source: Imagn)

The Los Angeles Dodgers began the renovation of their home stadium right after the end of the 2024 World Series. The massive construction project that is going on inside the arena is expected to be ready for the start of the 2025 season.

This means that Dodger Fest, the annual fan festival organized by the franchise, will have to take place at a different venue other than Dodger Stadium. The event is scheduled to be held on February 1, but the venue has not been confirmed.

A similar issue arose in 2020 when the stadium was undergoing redevelopment of the pavilions and the construction of a new centerfield plaza. On that occasion, the event was held on the parking lots of the arena instead of the playing field of Dodger Stadium.