Dodgers' Godzilla-themed final home game breaks attendance record
The Los Angeles Dodgers' final home game of the 2026 season, themed around the upcoming film 'Godzilla Minus Zero,' drew a record 53,027 fans and helped the team surpass its annual attendance record. The event featured actor Ryunosuke Kamiki throwing the first pitch and a Godzilla drone show, while the Padres won 4-2. The film, directed by Takashi Yamazaki, is set for release on November 6 and has received strong early reviews.
Key points
- The Dodgers' final home game on September 28, 2026, was themed around 'Godzilla Minus Zero' and drew 53,027 fans, breaking the team's 2026 attendance record of 4,034,219.
- Actor Ryunosuke Kamiki, who stars in the film, threw out the first pitch, and a Godzilla-themed drone show was held after the game.
- The San Diego Padres defeated the Dodgers 4-2 in the match.
- The Dodgers have won the National League West division title for the fifth consecutive season and are seeking a third straight World Series title.
- 'Godzilla Minus Zero' is set for theatrical release on November 6, 2026, and has received positive early reviews at the New York Film Festival.
Background
The Dodgers have been two-time defending World Series champions and have won the National League West division title for five straight seasons. The film 'Godzilla Minus Zero' is a sequel to the 2023 Oscar-winning 'Godzilla Minus One,' directed by Takashi Yamazaki. The previous film won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects on a budget of $15 million.
How outlets are covering it
The Hollywood Reporter focused on the massive attendance and promotional success of the Dodgers' Godzilla-themed game, noting the record-breaking numbers and fan enthusiasm. Rotten Tomatoes and TheWrap emphasized the critical reception of 'Godzilla Minus Zero,' with Rotten Tomatoes highlighting its visual spectacle and emotional depth, while TheWrap noted its similarities to previous sequels. Variety discussed the film's potential for a Best Picture Oscar nomination, citing Yamazaki's comments and the Academy's increasing recognition of genre films.
Why it matters
The event highlights the intersection of sports and entertainment, demonstrating how major film promotions can drive record attendance and fan engagement. The strong critical reception and potential Oscar recognition for 'Godzilla Minus Zero' underscore the growing prestige of Japanese kaiju films in the global market.
What to watch
The Dodgers will face the winner of the Wild Card match-up between the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies in the MLB playoffs. 'Godzilla Minus Zero' will be released theatrically on November 6, 2026, and is expected to be a contender for the Best Visual Effects Oscar.
- ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’: Dodgers Giveaway Draws Lines for Final Home Game The Hollywood Reporter
- Godzilla Minus Zero First Reviews: Bigger, Bolder, and Somehow More Visually Impressive than Minus One Rotten Tomatoes
- ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’: This New Godzilla Movie Is Missing Something Very Important The Daily Beast
- ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ Review: One of the Great Godzilla Sequels, but Not One of the Great Godzilla Films TheWrap
- ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ Sets Sights on Best Picture Oscar Nomination: ‘If the Possibility Is Not Zero, It’s Hard Not to Have a Little Bit of Hope’ Variety
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