The Dan Patrick Show: Covino & Rich – "A Safe, Affordable Time in Anaheim"

Date: February 25, 2026
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network

Episode Overview

This episode features Covino & Rich discussing the controversy sparked by Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno’s alleged comments downplaying winning as a top priority for the team's fans. The hosts, joined by their team, debate whether affordability and safety should really trump a desire for winning in sports fandom—particularly in a competitive market like Los Angeles. The discussion weaves in relatable analogies, humorous jabs, and fan perspectives while diving deep into the broader topic of professional sports as both business and entertainment. The episode also touches on trending topics like major league ticket pricing, team loyalty, and memorable moments from the world of sports and pop culture.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Arte Moreno’s “Mystery Survey” & Angels Priorities

[05:20 – 12:34]

• The big news centers on Angels owner Arte Moreno allegedly citing a survey showing “winning isn’t a top five priority” for Angels fans; instead, affordability and safety top the list.

• The hosts are incredulous, questioning the existence of this survey:

  • “Survey, that’s not...I’m throwing up the air quotes saying survey, because people are like, what survey?” [05:21–05:25, B]
  • Echoes from the crew and jokes about Pablo Torre investigating it reinforce doubts.

• They agree that in professional sports, “winning” should usually be a fan’s foremost concern.

  • “It’s sports. It’s why we watch. It’s why we invest. It’s why we root.” [06:44, B]
  • “Winning is the name of the game.” [07:15, D]

2. Affordability vs. Competitiveness: The Angels in LA’s Market

[09:35 – 14:31]

• The hosts play devil’s advocate, examining rising costs in sports and family entertainment:
  • Is there value in being the "affordable alternative" when other teams (like the Dodgers or Lakers) price out many families?
  • Candid stories about choosing budget options growing up (GoBots vs. Transformers, Knott’s Berry Farm vs Disneyland), likening the Angels to the more affordable—but less glamorous—option.
    • “I guess what I’m doing is I’m calling the Angels GoBots and generic wrestling figures.” [12:02, D]
  • Danny G. shares: “We went to opening night a few seasons ago and it was $950 for the day—tickets, parking, food…Random Tuesday? $700 easy.” [13:05, C]

3. Fan Experience: Is Winning Always #1?

[14:31 – 24:55]

• The hosts and callers agree—fans “understand” but don’t necessarily “like” the implication that winning isn’t crucial.
  • Reference to “counter-programming” (offering alternatives to mainstream or premium experiences).
  • Good-natured debate about what really matters most in sports fandom:
    • “You still want the illusion that your team is going to be competitive. If that’s not part of the priority, then it…sort of makes you not want to watch.” [11:40, B]
  • Jokes about stadium amenities—food, bathrooms, safety—vs. team competitiveness.

4. Ticket Price Comparisons: Dodgers vs. Angels

[18:05 – 19:17 | 36:04 – 36:54]

• Rich crunches numbers: “Field level Mets at Dodgers: $300 per, upper deck $80. Angels—field level $120, upper deck $25. That’s a third of the price.” [18:22, D; 36:28, D]
• Discussion about the market for “casual” fans, family experiences, or transplants in LA who want to catch their old team without breaking the bank.
  • “If you’re a fan of an out of town team, where do you rather go with your kids?” [18:05, D]

5. Fans’ Emotional Reactions & Perceptions

[20:00 – 24:55]

• Owning up to the need for “the illusion” of competitiveness—fans want to believe their team is at least trying to win.
  • “You are the best I ever had. That’s what you wanna hear.” [19:47, B]
  • “There’s no honesty in sports ownership press conferences! Fans want to hear their team is trying to win.” [20:28, D]
• The team pokes fun at the “top five” priorities—what could possibly outrank winning?
  • “If winning isn’t top five, what’s left—a good bathroom, food, T-shirt cannons?” [25:30, D]

6. Relatable Analogies & Personal Stories

[14:31 – 15:09 | 37:08 – 39:48]

• Childhood tales of getting the “budget” or “off-brand” experience.
  • “Gobots were the stocking stuffers. Transformers for Christmas Day.” [39:11, B]
• Caller Matt (SoCal): “Even the Padres now feel like they’re trying to compete with the Dodgers. But Angel Stadium…they’re just casually staying afloat.” [39:48, B]

7. Broader Ticketing Controversies & Trends

[16:10 – 16:55 | 26:16 – 26:40 | 34:13 – 34:14]

• News about Green Bay Packers limiting season ticket resales and Lakers ticket price increases.
• “There’s a lot of ticket stories today…Ticket prices up, team priorities shifting.” [26:16, B]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Competitive Drive:
  • “You’re oddly annoyingly competitive where there’s no chill. So it takes the fun away from it.” [07:50, B]
  • “Maybe I just want to win all the time. Be happy I’m your co-host—I want to beat the ass of every other show.” [08:19, D]
• Fan Sentiment:
  • “Love the stadium experience and the fact I can afford to go, but I still want to see my team win, obviously.” [21:03, C]
• Harsh Reality:
  • “Imagine being on a team that doesn’t care about winning. No one wants to hear that.” [15:40, B]
• Business vs. Passion:
  • “At the beginning, middle, and end of the day, it’s still a business…But not everyone has Four Seasons/Dodgers money.” [22:31, B]
• Wry Observation:
  • “If you’re just concerned about T-shirt cannons, you’re basically the Savannah Bananas…there to entertain but not to compete against the field.” [24:36, B]

Important Segment Timestamps

• [05:20 – 12:34]
  Main debate: Angels owner claims fans don't prioritize winning; introduction and breakdown.
• [14:31 – 15:09]
  Childhood affordability analogies: GoBots, Knott’s Berry Farm, and generic wrestling figures.
• [18:05 – 19:17 | 36:04 – 36:54]
  Side-by-side Dodgers vs. Angels ticket price analysis.
• [21:03]
  Fan comments: “Love the stadium experience…but I still want my team to win.”
• [26:16 – 26:40 | 34:13 – 34:14]
  Other ticketing controversies (Packers, Lakers).
• [39:48]
  Caller Matt from SoCal describes the Angels' current “afloat” status.

Tone & Style

In classic Covino & Rich style, the episode is driven by friendly banter, sarcasm, and competitive spirit. The hosts seamlessly weave in pop-culture references, sports business realities, and relatable family anecdotes. There’s open skepticism about ownership narratives, genuine empathy for working-fan families, and a clear underlying belief that in sports, winning matters—whether owners acknowledge it or not.

Summary Takeaway

The episode dissects the Los Angeles Angels’ controversial fan survey claim, sparking a lively discourse on what fans truly value: experience, affordability, or winning. The hosts acknowledge the financial realities for families but remain clear—fans crave the hope and thrill of supporting a winner, and being told otherwise stings, regardless of how polished the ballpark or how cheap the tickets. The conversation ultimately highlights the delicate—and often clumsy—balancing act between sports as business and as passionate fandom.