Swiping right is out; instead, singles in Los Angeles are stepping up to a new take on dating this baseball season.
Fed up with the “superficial” nature of dating apps, many hopefuls are heading to Dodger Stadium. “Drafted” is a lively singles event series designed to transform these singles into long-term relationships.
Conceived by Jillian Pfeiffer, a devoted Dodgers enthusiast with a solid background in app development, Drafted offers a fresh alternative to the frustrations of online dating. The idea? Singles grab tickets for a special “singles” section during games where mingling is encouraged.
The initiative has taken off, with reports of a waiting list exceeding 200 women for each game. As a result, the stadium has quickly become a trendy spot for dating in LA.
Unlike your average night out, each event unfolds in three parts: there’s pre-game festivities at a bar with mixers and drinks, then the game itself, followed by an after-party at another venue. Tickets for the initial gathering hover around $30, while the entire experience including the game and after-party runs just over $100.
During the pre-game celebration at a nearby brewery, guests engage with bingo-style cards and conversation prompts, alleviating that awkward “first dance” vibe where no one knows how to start a chat. If you’re shy about putting yourself out there, don’t be concerned; everyone’s pictures go up for all to see.
From there, participants move to a reserved section of the bleachers, where they can switch seats mid-game to sit next to whoever catches their interest.
Since kicking off in 2024, Draft has blossomed into a fully-fledged social experience, hosting events not only at Dodgers games but also LAFC matches, yacht parties, themed nights around the city, and much more.
Jillian Pfeiffer notes, “[Drafted clients] are looking for a real relationship. This isn’t just a casual date.” Her own journey is a success story as well; Pfeiffer met her fiancé during one of the draft gatherings.
She’s not alone in finding love through these events. Pfeiffer shared, “My wife and I just had a baby. We have another couple engaged, and several others are living together and planning their futures.”
The final event of the opening weekend at Dodger Stadium saw about 100 attendees. The next singles gathering, set for April 25 between the Dodgers and Cubs, is already sold out, just like the May 16 event exclusively for women. To maintain balance, ticket sales are limited by gender.
Furthermore, Draft is organizing an “All White Singles Yacht Party” in Long Beach on May 24, featuring a unique spin on modern romance, complete with cocktails, a curated crowd, and a stringent dress code.
