sportsEvent

Dominican Winter Baseball League (LIDOM)

Where baseball is religion and every game is a party

WhenOctober to January

WhereSanto Domingo, South

CostRD$200-2,500 (US$3-43)

FrequencyAnnual

Type

Sports

When

October to January

Duration

4 months (regular season + playoffs)

Location

Santo Domingo

Cost

RD$200-2,500 (US$3-43)

Frequency

Annual

Attendance

10,000–15,000 per game

Family friendly

Yes

First held

1951

Local name

Liga de Béisbol Invernal (LIDOM)

Best arrival

6:30 PM for 7:30 PM games

What to wear

Your team's colors!

Food highlights

Pica pollo (fried chicken)EmpanadasPresidente beerChicharrón

Warnings

Licey vs. Águilas games sell outStadium gets loud

What to bring

Cash for food/drinksTeam merchandise

The overview

About LIDOM Winter Baseball

Baseball isn't just a sport in the Dominican Republic, it's a cultural identity. The Liga de Béisbol Invernal de la República Dominicana (LIDOM) showcases this passion from October through January, with six teams competing for the national championship before the winner represents the DR in the Caribbean Series.

The Dominican Republic has produced more MLB players per capita than any other country, and many return home to play winter ball. Combined with top prospects, the level of play is exceptional. But the real attraction is the atmosphere, a LIDOM game is part sporting event, part concert, part family reunion, and entirely Dominican.

On the day

The LIDOM Experience

A LIDOM game is an experience unlike anything in American baseball:

Music non-stop: Live merengue bands and DJ's play between (and sometimes during) at-bats
Dancing in the stands: Fans dance to merengue and dembow throughout the game
Food and drinks: Fried chicken, empanadas, chicharrón, and cold Presidente beer from vendors
Passionate fans: Dominican baseball fans are among the most passionate in the world
Affordable: General admission tickets start at just RD$200 (about US$3)
Star players: You might see current or future MLB stars in the lineup

Good to know

Tips for Attending a Game

Here's how to make the most of your LIDOM experience:

Estadio Quisqueya in Santo Domingo is the main venue, hosting Tigres del Licey and Leones del Escogido games
Licey vs. Águilas is the biggest rivalry, these games sell out; buy tickets in advance
Sit in the "sol" (sun/general admission) section for the most authentic fan experience
Games usually start at 7:30 PM: arrive by 6:30 to find good seats and soak up the atmosphere
It's safe: Stadiums have security and the atmosphere is family-friendly
Pick a team: Ask your taxi driver or hotel staff which team to root for; they'll have strong opinions.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

When is the LIDOM baseball season?

The LIDOM regular season runs from mid-October through late December, followed by a round-robin playoff in January. The Dominican Series (championship) takes place in late January or early February, and the winner represents the DR in the Caribbean Series. Games are played almost every night, with doubleheaders on some days.

How much do LIDOM tickets cost?

LIDOM tickets are very affordable. General admission ("sol" or "general") starts at RD$200-300 (about US$3-5). Reserved seats cost RD$500-1,500 (US$9-26). Premium box seats and VIP areas can cost RD$2,000-5,000 (US$35-87). Tickets for Licey vs. Águilas rivalry games are more expensive and harder to get, buy in advance for these marquee matchups.

Which LIDOM team should I support?

The two most popular teams are Tigres del Licey (blue, based in Santo Domingo) and Águilas Cibaeñas (yellow, based in Santiago). Their rivalry is the most intense in Dominican sports. Other teams include Toros del Este (La Romana), Estrellas Orientales (San Pedro de Macorís), Gigantes del Cibao (San Francisco de Macorís), and Leones del Escogido (Santo Domingo). Ask any Dominican for their recommendation, they'll have a very strong opinion.

Can I see MLB players at LIDOM games?

Yes. Many current and former MLB players participate in LIDOM. Young Dominican prospects play winter ball to develop their skills, while established major leaguers sometimes return to stay sharp or prepare for the upcoming MLB season. The level of play is high, and you might see the next Dominican superstar before they become famous in the US.

Plan your visit