Well respected journalist Ana Mitila Lora writes in the Listin Diario on the politicizing of the Caribbean Series games, with fans divided between those who chant “Que felicidad, Hipolito se va” (What happiness, Hipolito is leaving) and the chorus that chants “Que felicidad, cuatro anos mas” (What happiness, four more years). Lora points out that the big irony is that while this series, which has reportedly cost the country US$2 million, is being sponsored primarily by the government-owned power distribution companies, a great part of the population cannot follow the games on TV because of the marathon blackouts besieging the nation. “With all the money the government owes the generators, it would be interesting to know how much it has invested in the series,” she writes.
On the CDN Miguel Guerrero news program, it was reported that the government purchased 15,000 of the inaugural game tickets for distribution among its employees. Likewise, CDEEE and Edenorte/Edesur employees have received thousands of free tickets. The better seats at the stadium cost US$50 and US$40, while the price of the bleachers was recently reduced to RD$100. In addition to the power companies, the PPH faction backing the re-election of President Mejia is a leading sponsor.