MLB Expands Fan Experience with New 17,500-Sq Ft Office in El Segundo
MLB and Tickets.com opened a new office in El Segundo, California, in April. The office covers 17,500 square feet. Corgan designed the architecture for the space.
MLB bought Tickets.com nearly 20 years ago for $66 million. In 2025, Tickets.com will sell tickets for 22 major-league teams and 78 minor-league teams. They also manage ticket sales for non-baseball events, including theater shows and Chelsea FC matches.
MLB is upgrading its MLB Ballpark app to improve the fan experience at stadiums. Eight teams leverage Go-Ahead Entry, the league’s facial recognition technology, to streamline entry.
Chris Marinak, MLB’s Chief Operations & Strategy Officer, said, “Having this space shows our commitment to creating a great fan experience at the ballpark.” The new office allows MLB to centralize ticketing and meet with partners in the West Coast area.
What strategic advantages does the new MLB office in El Segundo provide for the organization’s ticketing operations?
Interview with Chris Marinak, Chief Operations & Strategy Officer of MLB
News Directory 3: Chris, congratulations on the opening of MLB’s new office in El Segundo! Can you tell us more about why this location was chosen for such an important hub?
Chris Marinak: Thank you! The decision to open our new office in El Segundo was driven by our need to centralize our ticketing operations and improve collaboration with our partners on the West Coast. This location allows us to bring our teams together that were previously distributed across Orange County and Los Angeles, which enhances efficiency and communication.
News Directory 3: The office spans 17,500 square feet and was designed by Corgan. What can you share about the architectural vision behind this space?
Chris Marinak: Corgan has done a remarkable job in creating a workspace that reflects our brand and mission. The design is bright and modern, reminiscent of our main headquarters in New York, and it promotes a collaborative environment. We wanted a space that not only functions well but also inspires creativity and innovation amongst our team.
News Directory 3: With Tickets.com planning to sell tickets for 22 major-league teams and 78 minor-league teams by 2025, what role will this office play in that expansion?
Chris Marinak: Our new office is crucial for supporting that growth. Being able to centralize our ticketing functions here allows us to streamline operations and enhance the overall fan experience. We’ll be able to develop new ticketing solutions and improve our collaboration with teams across all levels.
News Directory 3: You mentioned enhancing the fan experience through your MLB Ballpark app and technologies like Go-Ahead Entry. How does this new office enable those advancements?
Chris Marinak: This office will be a central hub for developing and implementing fan engagement technologies. The enhancements to the MLB Ballpark app and the integration of Go-Ahead Entry for streamlined entry are part of our broader strategy to improve how fans interact with the game experience. Being able to work closely with our tech teams here allows for quicker development and implementation of these initiatives.
News Directory 3: You previously operated from an office in Orange County. What changes do you anticipate with this move to El Segundo?
Chris Marinak: One of the significant changes is the consolidation of our resources. The new office creates a single location where different departments can collaborate more easily. This setup fosters a stronger culture of teamwork and ensures that our initiatives are executed more effectively, ultimately benefiting our fans.
News Directory 3: Lastly, can you highlight some of the unique decor elements in the office that pay homage to baseball history?
Chris Marinak: Absolutely! We’ve adorned some of the walls with retro baseball tickets, which serve as a nod to our rich history. It’s vital for us to honor the heritage of baseball while also focusing on the future. These touches create an inspiring environment, reflecting our commitment to the sport and its fans.
News Directory 3: Thank you, Chris, for sharing these insights into MLB’s exciting new chapter in El Segundo!
Chris Marinak: My pleasure! We’re looking forward to leveraging this new space to enhance the fan experience and further grow the game of baseball.
Previously, MLB operated from an office in Orange County, with teams scattered across L.A. The new location consolidates their efforts and resources.
The top floor of a four-story office complex houses MLB’s new workspace. Though it opened in April, full decoration finished a few months later. The office design is bright and modern, similar to MLB’s main headquarters in New York. Retro baseball tickets decorate some walls.
Marinak stated, “This area came together as a space worth committing to.”