Forget swiping right — single Angelenos are looking to catch more than just a fly ball this season.
Fed up with the “superficial” and “shallow” world of dating apps, hopeful romantics are flocking to Dodger Stadium to join “Drafted,” a high-octane singles series that aims to turn “free agents” into a permanent roster.
The brainchild of Jillian Pfeiffer — a die-hard Dodgers fan who spent 10+ years striking out on the apps —Drafted is the ultimate pivot for those tired of digital ghosting. The concept is simple.
Singles buy tickets to sit in a designated Drafted “singles” section during a Dodger game, where everyone is fair game to mingle, chat, and hopefully spark a connection.
The events have exploded in popularity, with wait lists reportedly topping 200 women per game, turning stadium into one of LA’s hottest dating scenes.
Unlike a typical night out, these events consist of three acts: a pregame party at a bar with icebreakers and drinks, the game itself, and an after party at a bar or club. The pregame ticket costs about $30, and a ticket to the game plus after party (dubbed Drafted After Dark) are a little over $100.
The hours-long pregame bash at a local brewery, where attendees even use bingo-style cards and conversation prompts to eliminate the dreaded “sixth-grade dance” energy where nobody makes the first move. And if you’re not great at putting yourself out there, not to worry — everyone has their photo put up on a board for all to see.
From there, the “prospects” head to a dedicated section in the Pavilion bleachers, where singles can switch seats to be next to whoever catches their eye between innings.
Since launching in 2024, Drafted has expanded into a full-blown social circuit, hosting events not just at Dodgers games, but also at LAFC matches, yacht parties and themed nights across the city.
“[Drafted clients] are looking for real relationships,” Pfeiffer told the LA Local. “This isn’t just casual dating.” She’s not just the founder; she’s a success story. Pfeiffer met her now fiance at one of the very first Drafted meet ups.
She’s not the only one found love through Drafted. “We have a couple who had a baby,” Pfeiffer said. “They’re the sweetest family. We have another engaged couple, and several couples who have moved in together, live together and are planning a future together.”
At their last event at the end of March for Opening Day weekend at Dodger Stadium, about 100 people were in attendance. The next Drafted singles event, which is scheduled on April 25 for the Dodgers versus Cubs game, is sold out — as is the May 16 event for female tickets. In an effort to have an equal ratio of men to women, ticket quantities are limited by gender.
Drafted is also hosting an “All-White Singles Yacht Party” in Long Beach on May 24, promising a high-seas twist on modern romance, complete with cocktails, curated crowds and a strict dress code.
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