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  • Writer's pictureAndrei Ojeda

Angel Stadium - Los Angeles Angels


Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey


Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86

Angel Stadium 2000 Gene Autry Way Anaheim, CA 92806


Year Opened: 1966

Capacity: 45,050


 

Calling All Angels

Opened for service in 1966, Angel Stadium is the 4th oldest active yard. Still nicknamed The Big A, the moniker came about due to the A-shaped scoreboard topped with a “halo” that was originally placed behind the left field fence.


Many greats have donned an Angel uniform: Nolan Ryan, Don Baylor, Rod Carew, Reggie Jackson, Tim Salmon, Vladimir Guerrero, and current-day stars Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani.


The stadium’s expansion in 1980 to accommodate the arrival of the Rams would find the Big A moving to the parking lot by the 57 Freeway. The stadium’s return to its baseball-only format brought about fan sentiment returning the Big A to its original left field location. Team officials also considered but cited costs for not moving back the Big A. The Big A remains in the parking lot by the freeway and continues providing passing vehicles information and advertisements.


Food & Beverage 4

If you arrive hungry at Angel Stadium, there are ample options though uninspiring. Cheese and pepperoni pizza slices from Oggi’s Pizza and other options from Chronic Taco, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Crafty Dogs, and Cathy’s Cookies are available.


Another solid stop on the food exploration tour is La Rotisserie, featuring their famous herb rotisserie half-chicken meals. Various bars are also located around the stadium, including the Ketel One Botanical Bar along the outer concourse, featuring drink specials throughout the season. Standard beer options range from Coors and Budweiser brand drinks. Traditional ballpark favorites such as hot dogs, burgers, peanuts, and Coke brand soft drinks round out the complete list of options throughout the stadium.


Atmosphere 4

As fans approach the home plate entrance, they are greeted by two oversized helmets. In between the helmets are bricks outlining a regulation-size infield with a pitcher’s mound exactly 60 feet 6 inches from home plate.


The walls inside Angel Stadium are adorned with various images of Angels players, both present and past. Fan shops are located throughout all the various sections of the stadium, and the main concourse wraps around the outfield as well, offering fans a great view of the action from the outfield.


In the center field, the waterfall feature, when operable depending on the local water situation, flows during games over a rock formation in the shape of an “A” that harkens to California’s natural wonders.



During late-game rally situations, the ever-infamous Rally Monkey appears on the big screen to get fans pumped up.


Neighborhood 3

While the area around Angel Stadium isn’t exactly known for stellar pre-gaming, it has evolved over the past few years into a place that fans can go to and still have a good time. Nearby on State College, a TownePlace Suites is there for fans who are traveling just for the game and want to stay close to the action. Karl Strauss Brewing Company and Lazy Dog are located either across the street or a block away.


Downtown Disney is a short drive from the stadium offering a variety of dining and shopping options. Inside Downtown Disney guests can also view the nightly fireworks display that takes place inside Disneyland during the summer months.


Fans 4

The fans at Los Angeles Angels games are among the most welcoming in baseball. Though the team has not experienced a post-season win since 2009 or a playoff appearance since 2014, Angels fans continue to be a supportive bunch averaging close to 3 million per season. As the team continues to struggle, the main attraction on the field is highlighted by Japanese sensation Shohei Ohtani.


Access 4

Angel Stadium is located off the 57 Freeway connecting with most major freeways and the nearby 5. While traffic in and around the stadium isn’t as bad as the famously terrible traffic jams in Los Angeles, it helps to be prepared for the worst. If driving from Los Angeles you may want to leave at least three hours before the first pitch. Southern California traffic is brutal, particularly during rush hour.


Once you get to the stadium, parking is plentiful all around the venue, and fans can also take advantage of the transportation options from the nearby Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center.


As you prepare to enter the stadium you will be happy to know that advanced metal detectors have been installed outside each entrance that allow fans to walk through without having to stop to empty their pockets or have other belongings checked unless you hear the warning sound go off. This is a much-welcomed convenience that every major venue should use.


Return on Investment 4

As the Halos struggles continue tickets can be found on 3rd party sites for as low as $1. Otherwise, box office prices are still a bargain starting at $9 for upper deck sections. For games that may include specific giveaways such as bobbleheads, tickets are still a bargain starting at $12, making an outing for an Angels game one of the most affordable in the league. For certain opponents such as the Yankees, Red Sox, and Dodgers expect a significant hike in ticket prices.


Extras 4

Fans entering from the main gate behind home plate can catch a glimpse of the team’s 2002 World Series trophy on display inside the entrance to the team store behind the field-level seating. Other exhibits featuring individual and team accomplishments over the years can also be viewed in the field and terrace level concourse behind home plate. The center field waterfall also features pyrotechnics that go off during player introductions and after home runs scored by the Angels.



The stadium also features various theme nights and giveaways throughout the year for fans to get involved, and the bricks outside the grand entrance are arranged in the shape of a baseball infield, creating a unique photo spot for fans.


Final Thoughts



Due to recent issues between the City of Anaheim and Angels owner Arte Moreno, plans to turn over ownership of Angel Stadium to the team owner are dead. For the time being and perhaps possibly into the foreseeable future, do not expect any entertainment and housing developments surrounding the Big A, where the Angels will remain through at least 2029 with opt-out options through 2038.


Angel Stadium is the 4th oldest yard in the bigs behind Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, and Dodger Stadium. It has gone through its share of changes. From being enclosed in 1979 to accommodate the Rams to its return to its current form as a baseball-only park, compared to other yards of the post-Camden era, Angel Stadium could use some updates.


Though showing its age, Angel Stadium is still quite serviceable. Yes, it lacks many of the bells and whistles of most present-day yards and you won’t find any pre and post-game entertainment options within the vicinity such as those in Atlanta and St. Louis.


While Angel Stadium lacks most of the present-day amenities beyond the on-field action, its size makes sure that you’re never too far from the action.


As the season winds down and the Halos struggles continue, this is a great time for ballpark travelers to catch a game or two without adding further damage to your travel budget. It may also be one of the last opportunities to catch arguably the game’s most exciting player Shohei Ohtani in his days with the Halos. With his impending days as a heavily sought free agent looming, the excitement “Sho-Time” brings to The O.C. may be coming to an end.


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