While this is the third season since MLB reverted back to playing a balanced scheduled for all teams, it marked the first of having Rivalry Weekend.
All games played from May 16-18 were grouped into that umbrella, with a classic matchup between the New York Mets and New York Yankees in the Subway Series arguably serving as the headliner. Particularly with it marking Juan Soto’s first time back at Yankee Stadium since signing his record-setting contract with the Mets.
The Los Angeles Dodgers hosted their geographic rival, Los Angeles Angels, for the annual Freeway Series at Dodger Stadium.
“Obviously, the geography lends itself to a rivalry. Different leagues, but very familiar with that club. Have a lot of respect for Ron Washington,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before the series opener. “Obviously, it’s obviously always exciting when Mike Trout is playing I’m not sure how well they’re playing, but I like where we’re at right now.”
The Dodgers of course have a storied rivalry with the San Francisco Giants, and the Yankees from their shared time in New York, and more recently with the San Diego Padres as well.
Meanwhile, the Padres and Seattle Mariners have manufactured a rivalry of sorts by establishing the “Vedder Cup” as an ode to Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder. He once was a resident of both Seattle and San Diego. The winner of the season series will earn a trophy, featuring a guitar provided by Vedder himself.
The Mariners and Padres playing at Petco Park were part of 11 Interleague series during MLB Weekend.
Although gimmicky in some cases, the stretch of three days seemingly peaked the interest of fans.
The inaugural Rivalry Weekend drew a combined attendance total of 1,608,475 across 45 games. That amount was good for MLB’s best weekend attendance and average (35,744) before Memorial Day Weekend since May 18-20, 2012.
Dodgers attendance for MLB Rivalry Weekend
The Freeway Series at Dodger Stadium drew 148,354 in announced attendance over the weekend. Only the series opener had an attendance below 50,000. The high mark came Sunday, with a crowd of 51,997.
They saw the Angels complete their first three-game sweep of the Dodgers since June 11-13, 2010, which also was played at Dodger Stadium.
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