Fans attending the parade have been urged to use public transportation due to street closures and limited public parking.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have announced the time and date they’ll commemorate their World Series title, but not all fans are thrilled about the choice as they hoped for a more accessible option on the weekend.
The Dodgers announced on October 29, 2024, that they will commemorate their World Series title with a parade in Downtown Los Angeles and a special ticketed celebration at Dodger Stadium on Friday, November 1.
Selected media houses will broadcast both events in full. However, due to timing, logistics, and expected traffic, fans will need to choose between attending the parade or the stadium celebration.
Other fans have taken to social media to voice their frustration over the parade’s unusual timing and date, wondering why it wasn’t scheduled on a weekend. One parent questioned, “Why on Friday?! Why not Saturday?! My kid is at school. This is not cool.”
Dodgers player Jacob Fenton, 9, is pumped during the opening day ceremonies for Tustin Western Little League in Orange County on February 21, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
Dodgers player Jacob Fenton, 9, is pumped during the opening day ceremonies for Tustin Western Little League in Orange County on February 21, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
Another busy user lamented, “Can y’all change it to Saturday, we have work in [sic] Friday 😭,” while a frustrated fan echoed, “FRIDAY MORNING??? We got work.”
Others who were hoping for more wrote, “We deserve 2 parades!!! FRIDAY AND SATURDAY!!!!” One fan worried about the logistics, expressing “Traffic is gonna [sic] be CRAZY.”
Fans react as Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers rounds third base after hitting a solo home run against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on April 3, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Fans react as Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers rounds third base after hitting a solo home run against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on April 3, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Others, however, speculated that the Friday parade might have sentimental meaning. “Friday is Fernando’s birthday,” noted one user, and another added, “On Fernando’s birthday 🥲💙💙.”
Fernando Valenzuela laughs as he puts on a Dodger jersey for the pre-game ceremonies of the game between the Colorado Rockies and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, on September 29, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
Fernando Valenzuela laughs as he puts on a Dodger jersey for the pre-game ceremonies of the game between the Colorado Rockies and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, on September 29, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
The fans were referring to former Dodgers player, Fernando Valenzuela. He was a Mexican baseball pitcher who died on October 22, 2024, in Los Angeles, California.
Fernando Valenzuela during Los Angeles Dodgers vs St. Louis Cardinals MLB playoff game, in Los Angeles, California, October 9, 1985 | Source: Getty Images
Fernando Valenzuela during Los Angeles Dodgers vs St. Louis Cardinals MLB playoff game, in Los Angeles, California, October 9, 1985 | Source: Getty Images
Now, fans eager to attend the parade will need to make adjustments to fit it into their schedules. Set to begin at 11 a.m. PT at Gloria Molina Grand Park, near City Hall on Spring Street, the parade will be launched by Mayor Karen Bass.
Fans watch as Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers makes his way to the stage during DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on February 3, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Fans watch as Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers makes his way to the stage during DodgerFest at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on February 3, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The 45-minute route will start at 1st Street, down Grand Avenue, and end at the intersection of 5th and Flower Streets, as Dodgers team members ride on double-decker buses.
The Los Angeles Dodgers Championship parade route, from a post dated October 29, 2024 | Source: Instagram/dodgers/
The Los Angeles Dodgers Championship parade route, from a post dated October 29, 2024 | Source: Instagram/dodgers/
After the parade, Dodger Stadium will host a special ticketed event starting around 12:15 p.m. Parking at the stadium will open at 8:30 a.m., with gates allowing entry by 9 a.m.
Fans can purchase food and team merchandise, and in-stadium entertainment will begin early, including live parade coverage on the DodgerVision scoreboards.
Fans and players sit on the infield to view the fireworks display over Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, on July 4, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Fans and players sit on the infield to view the fireworks display over Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, on July 4, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
All stadium rules, including restrictions on signs, bags, and other non-permitted items, will be enforced. Fans should remember that streets will be closed and parking will be limited so they can use public transport to get to these locations.
Dodger fans celebrate their team defeating the Yankees in Game 2 of the World Series at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on October 26, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Dodger fans celebrate their team defeating the Yankees in Game 2 of the World Series at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on October 26, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Fortunately, fans unable to attend in person can catch full coverage of Friday’s events on TV, beginning at 9:30 a.m. SportsNet LA and local channels—CBS 2, NBC 4, KTLA 5, ABC 7, KCAL 9, and Fox 11—will all broadcast the celebration. Radio listeners can tune in on AM 570 for live coverage as well.
The parade and special ticketed events are in honor of the Dodgers clinching the 2024 World Series title. They made a remarkable comeback from a 5-0 deficit to defeat the New York Yankees 7-6 at Yankee Stadium, concluding the series with a 4-1 victory.
The Dodgers turned a challenging game around during the fifth inning, capitalizing on the Yankees’ fielding errors to equalize the score. Their strong bullpen and pitching staff played a crucial role in keeping them competitive throughout the match.
This victory marks the Dodgers’ second World Series title in five years, following their win during the shortened 2020 season. After winning the championship, fans began celebrations in East Los Angeles, with fireworks and street takeovers adding to the excitement.
Now, Dodgers fans are looking to see if the parade and the special ticketed events will honor Valenzuela, a legendary pitcher and one of the most iconic figures in Major League Baseball (MLB) history who died at 63.
Fernando Valenzuela attends the Opening Day ceremonies before a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on March 30, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Fernando Valenzuela attends the Opening Day ceremonies before a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on March 30, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
The MLB Network confirmed Valenzuela’s passing on Tuesday, October 22, on X, formerly Twitter, while the Dodgers mourned the loss of their former teammate. His death came just weeks after he took a break from his role in the Dodgers’ broadcast booth.
In a statement shared on X on October 3, the Dodgers explained that Valenzuela stepped away from his broadcasting duties to focus on his health and that his family had requested privacy. They also said he planned to return for the 2025 season.
Before Valenzuela stepped away from his broadcasting duties, reports surfaced about his hospitalization. On October 1, Mexican reporter David Faitelson shared on X that Valenzuela had been admitted to a hospital. He noted that little was known about Valenzuela’s condition, as the family chose to keep the details private.
When news of Valenzuela’s death spread online, fans began gathering at Dodger Stadium to honor his memory and celebrate his legacy. Many left flowers, jerseys, candles, and Mexican flags at the stadium’s entrance on Vin Scully Avenue.
Rey Casillas, 58, one of the fans who paid their respects to Valenzuela, spoke about the late icon’s impact. He said Valenzuela wasn’t just a baseball player; he brought people together and revitalized the culture in 1981, especially in the Dodger Stadium and Chavez Ravine area.
Fernando Valenzuela signs autographs for fans at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California on April 24, 1981 | Source: Getty Images
Fernando Valenzuela signs autographs for fans at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California on April 24, 1981 | Source: Getty Images
Casillas called Valenzuela a “once in a lifetime” figure, comparing him to Shohei Ohtani for his ability to attract a huge fan base. He also said Los Angeles should feel proud of Valenzuela’s influence on baseball and how he represented the Dodgers.
Fernando Valenzuela warms up before a Major League Baseball game in 1981 | Source: Getty Images
Fernando Valenzuela warms up before a Major League Baseball game in 1981 | Source: Getty Images
Besides the fans, Mexican-American actor Mario Lopez, a well-known Dodgers supporter, expressed his grief on social media, “63 is way too young….”
Lopez shared that Valenzuela was the reason he became a Dodgers fan, admiring his major accomplishments at just 18. He described the late icon as both a great player and a community leader.
Valenzuela’s rise to fame began when he was signed by the Dodgers in 1979, after being discovered by scout Mike Brito in his hometown of Navajoa, Mexico.
He shot to fame in 1981, earning both the NL Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards. He also led the Dodgers to a World Series victory.
Fernando Valenzuela pitches for the Los Angeles Dodgers during an MLB game at Dodger Stadium in the 1988 season | Source: Getty Images
Fernando Valenzuela pitches for the Los Angeles Dodgers during an MLB game at Dodger Stadium in the 1988 season | Source: Getty Images
Known for his unique pitching style, Valenzuela captured the hearts of fans in Los Angeles and around the world, giving rise to the phenomenon known as “Fernandomania.”
Over the years, Valenzuela’s influence extended beyond the field, as he continued to make a lasting impact in the U.S. In 2015, he became a U.S. citizen, a milestone he kept private.
Jaime Jarrín, the Dodgers’ longtime Spanish-language broadcaster who worked alongside Valenzuela for over a decade, noted, “He likes his privacy very much. He takes care of that privacy very well.”
Fernando Valenzuela receives the USCIS Outstanding Americans by Choice award in front of over 2,100 new U.S. citizens at Dodger Stadium on August 29, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Fernando Valenzuela receives the USCIS Outstanding Americans by Choice award in front of over 2,100 new U.S. citizens at Dodger Stadium on August 29, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Former Dodgers owner Peter O’Malley expressed pride in Valenzuela’s connection to the country while highlighting his strong ties to Mexico. “He’s lived here and raised his family here and enjoyed living here. He’s proud, and I salute him for it,” said O’Malley.
Fernando Valenzuela speaks to the crowd during a Legends of Dodger Baseball pre-game ceremony at Dodger Stadium on July 20, 2019 | Source: Getty Images.
Fernando Valenzuela speaks to the crowd during a Legends of Dodger Baseball pre-game ceremony at Dodger Stadium on July 20, 2019 | Source: Getty Images.
In August 2023, the Dodgers officially retired Valenzuela’s No. 34 jersey, cementing his legacy as a cultural icon. At the ceremony, he expressed his gratitude, “It never crossed my mind that this would ever happen.”
He continued, “Like being in the World Series my rookie year, I never thought that would happen. I didn’t think this would happen, because first of all you have to be in Cooperstown. It really caught me by surprise. It’s hard to put into words what this means.”
Fernando Valenzuela waves to fans as the Dodgers retired his jersey number on Friday, August 11, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Fernando Valenzuela waves to fans as the Dodgers retired his jersey number on Friday, August 11, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also paid tribute to Valenzuela’s enduring influence, “Fernando’s legacy, his impact, is going to last forever.” He emphasized how the Mexican athlete’s rise was a “perfect storm” for the city of Los Angeles and its Latino community, noting that “Fernandomania” might never be replicated.
Fernando Valenzuela throws the ceremonial first pitch before a Dodgers vs. Rockies game at Dodger Stadium on September 19, 2010 | Source: Getty Images
Fernando Valenzuela throws the ceremonial first pitch before a Dodgers vs. Rockies game at Dodger Stadium on September 19, 2010 | Source: Getty Images
Valenzuela’s influence extended beyond the field, inspiring countless Latino players and fans. He will be remembered as a true legend in the sport.
