BY MELISSA HECKSCHER >LA.COM

It's spring, the sun is out - baseball season definitely has arrived. Tonight, the Dodgers play an exhibition game against the World Series champion Boston Red Sox at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. After that, it's all about Dodger Stadium. On Sunday, they move home to meet the Sox again. At 1 p.m. Monday is the home opener against the archrival San Francisco Giants. So to all those Dodger fans out there - this year, why not do it right? You know, sit in the Dugout Club instead of the nosebleed seats; order a martini instead of a beer; arrive in time for batting practice instead of spending the first three innings in traffic. Need help finding your way around? Here is LA.COM's guide to Dodger Stadium.

CHEAPEST SEATS

>Top deck. (Cost: $9; $11 day of game). If you want a bird's-eye view of the action, this is the place to be. Sure, you'll have to buy a pair of binoculars with the money you save on the ticket, but who cares?

MOST EXPENSIVE SEATS

>The Dugout Club. (Cost: $500-$650). It's as close as you can get to the players without actually being on the team. Dugout Club seats also include access to the lounge and restaurant, with an all-you-can-eat buffet and a VIP entrance that's shared with the Dodger players.

WHERE TO SIT IF YOU WANT TO MINGLE WITH THE DODGER WIVES

>In the Loge Level behind home plate. This is where Dodger wives and visiting team family members generally are seated.

BEST PLACE TO SIT IF YOU WANT SHADE

>The Club Level. Club Level seats ($65; $75 day of game) are beneath a cement overhang that makes a perfect umbrella for those sunny summer days.

BEST WAY TO GET GOOD SEATS WITHOUT SACRIFICING A MORTGAGE PAYMENT

>StubHub (www.stubhub.com): The only MLB-backed ticket site, Stubhub.com is where season ticket holders go to sell their unwanted seats.

SEATS MOST LIKELY TO IMPRESS YOUR FRIENDS

>The Dugout Club: Yeah, private suites are cool, but there's nothing quite like sitting close enough to see the sweat dripping from Russell Martin's helmet.

SEATS WHERE YOU'RE MOST LIKELY TO GET YOUR BUTT KICKED IF YOU'RE A GIANTS FAN

>The Pavilion: Prohibition doesn't dampen the energy of this crowd - and those not rooting for the home team may want to keep their allegiances to themselves. Or sit elsewhere.

BEST PLACE TO TAKE YOUR DATE

>The Stadium Club: Face it - not everyone wants to dine on Dodger Dogs and cotton candy. For them, the Stadium Club offers gourmet meals, a full bar and a panoramic window view of the field. For the most part, you have to have a season ticket to gain entrance, but those interested in "trying out the club" may be able to visit by making advance reservations. Call (323) 224-1400.

BEST PLACE TO HAVE DINNER AND DRINKS AFTER THE GAME

>The Westin Bonaventure Hotel: Not only might you see one of the visiting players hanging out there after the game (they often stay there when they're in town), but the Bonaventure is home to L.A.'s only revolving cocktail lounge, the Bona Vista Lounge. (The Westin is at 404 S. Figueroa St., downtown L.A., (213) 624-1000.)

Melissa Heckscher (310) 540-5511, Ext. 329;
melissa.heckscher@dailybreeze.com