Share
this

Progress In Blue Heaven

Official Review by Drew Cieszynski, Stadium Journey Regional Correspondent

In recent years, the Dodger Stadium experience had declined. The 50th anniversary of the stadium seemed to heading more towards a funeral rather than a celebration. Attendance was dropping, fans felt unsafe, and the product on the field was not indicative of the storied franchise.

Well, $2 billion will change a lot of things. The new ownership group, which includes former Los Angeles Laker Magic Johnson, resulted in fans no longer feeling blue. Attendance is up, security is enhanced, and the front office is making acquisitions to keep the team competitive. Now in its 50th year, Dodger Stadium remains one of the most iconic venues in all of baseball.

Constructed from 1959 through 1962, it is one of the few stadiums that was privately financed during construction. Its cost of $23 million seems like a relative bargain considering the cost of modern venues today.

The Dodgers have not always called Dodger Stadium home. After moving from Brooklyn and awaiting construction to complete, the team played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (1958-1961), which could seat over 80,000 fans.

The stadium is located in Chavez Ravine, which makes it one of the more unique in baseball. So many stadiums are built in a flat downtown area or on a waterfront, but this stadium was built into a hillside. It offers amazing views of the surrounding area, including the 3,400 trees across the 15 acres.

Though it is now 50 years of age, the stadium has somehow never changed its capacity of 56,000, currently the largest in all of baseball.

Food & Beverage    2

The signature item at Dodger Stadium is the Dodger Dog, which will cost fans $5.00. While this remains one of the single most mentioned food items in all of sports, I'm still struggling to find what all of the hoopla is about. The Dodger Dog appears to be nothing more than your everyday inexpensive hot dog on your everyday/inexpensive white bun. What's worse is that they are kept in a warming vat, so the purchasing fan has no idea how fresh their hot dog really is. With so many great variety of encased meat these days, it is beyond me why anyone would recommend this to any other fan.

If you are going to purchase a 'dog, at least go for the all-beef Super Dodger Dog ($6), Wetzel Dog ($6), Veggie Dog ($6), Polish Sausage ($6.75), or Picante Dog for $5.75. The is also a stand called "Loaded Dogs" that has a variety of options for $7.50. These include the Doyer Dog (chili, nacho cheese, pico de gallo, jalapenos), Tailgate on a Plate (beans, bbq, and fixins), Frito Pie Dog (chili, cheese, and Fritos), Big Kid Dog (mac and cheese topped with fritos) , and The Heater (with buffalo wing sauce and blue cheese cole slaw).

Some other common ballpark items include nachos ($6.25), peanuts ($5.75), cracker jacks ($3.75), popcorn ($4.50 or get a souvenir size for $6.50), soft pretzel ($4.25), cotton candy ($5.50), knife & fork sloppy joe ($8), funnel cake ($8), and churro ($4).

If you're hungry for some Mexican, try the beef or chicken burrito for $7.75 or a Nacho Camacho's Supreme $8.75 (sour cream, beans, nacho cheese, guacamole, and pico de gallo).

Dodger Stadium does include an extensive dessert menu as well. They offer cookie ice cream sandwiches ($5.25), M-M frozen lemonade ($5), ice cream malts ($4.50), and ice cream served in mini souvenir Dodger helmets ($4.75).

There is a substantial ICEE stand called Mix It Up that allowed fans to purchase a large cup for $6.50 and mix a variety of ICEE flavors. A refill is then only $3.

Coke products are available for $5.25 (large), $6.25 (extra large), or $7.25 for a souvenir cup. Bottled water is also available (small for $4 and large for $6).

There is also an option to purchase tickets for the all-you-can-eat pavilion for $30-$40. This fee allows you to get a seat in the outfield and sample as much of the food as you'd like.

Draft beer prices seem to run at $6.25 (small), $8.00 (regular), and $10.25 (large) for your common domestic beers such as Bud, Coors, and Miller. You'll add $1.00 for their "premium" options such as Gordon Biersch, Heineken, Shocktop, Tecate, Dos Equis, Corona. If you want a 24 ounce beer poured into a cup, you'll pay $12.50 for domestic and $13.25 for premium.

Many of the everyday cocktails are $9.00, wine is $7.50, and margaritas are $11.00.

Atmosphere    4

On the outside of the stadium and throughout the concourse, you'll find murals of all of the Dodgers current players as well as many from the past, evoking great memories of Dodger baseball. This sets an early tone of Dodger Stadium being one of the great places of baseball.

Once inside, fans will hear the the PA system announced "It's time for Dodger baseball," just before the players run onto the field.

Throughout the game, there are subtle promotions and entertainment, such as the good old-fashioned blooper reel. The "massive speaker in centerfield" is a dying phenomenon these days, but despite the antiquated sound system, the fans really seem to react everytime music pumps out of it.

You'll spot a celebrity here and there, but it seems that many of the fans are more concerned about the game here than they might be at other Los Angeles events. The stadium certainly gets extremely loud anytime that the Dodgers get a runner or base or are primed to make a key out. When a Dodger's player hits a homerun, the outfield pavilion strobe lights will flicker and the fans will erupt in cheers.

Neighborhood    2

As previously mentioned, the stadium is atop a hill and unfortunately sits somewhat alone. It is surrounded by some beautiful scenery in the form of Elysian Park and the San Gabriel Mountains. If hiking is one of your hobbies, you may find that to be a fun pre or post game activity.

Some other notable nearby items include the LA Police Academy, which could come in handy if any crowd control is needed after a big Dodgers win, and Chinatown is just minutes away and proves to be a good stop whether a tourist or a local.

Unfortunately, I wasn't comfortable venturing into any of the local restaurants as many of them had bars over the windows. While the stadium is near Sunset Blvd, unfortunately it is a bit away from the more exciting parts, so be sure to drive down a bit before stopping.

Fans    3

Regardless of the game I attend, the fans are easily among the loudest I've witnessed anywhere. They were passionately cheering for their team during every play.

Despite having 68 luxury suites and several celebrities at the game, the Dodger fans still make this experience about baseball. All fans seem to be there to cheer on their team rather than to be seen.

Unfortunately, sometimes this support gets a bit too deep-seated and emotions run high. While I do enjoy their enthusiasm, it has given the stadium a reputation as one of the more unsafe in baseball. Security has definitely been elevated over the past two seasons, but even with the additional presence, I do urge visiting fans to proceed with caution.

Access    1

The stadium is located in Chavez Ravine, and surrounded by the rather large Elysian Park. The stadium can be easily accessed from the 5, the 110, or the 101. Of course, being just a few minutes north of downtown Los Angeles, you'll be sure to encounter hordes of traffic at all hours of the day.

If and when you do conquer the traffic make it to "the Ravine," you'll encounter some vast parking lots (16,000 spots) that will cost you $10.00. The spots are extremely tight and the pavement looks as if it has not been resurfaced in quite some time. Tailgating is not allowed and alcohol is strictly prohibited in the parking lots.

The walk to the stadium from your parking spot could take up to 15 minutes as guards often have to stop fans at crosswalks for oncoming traffic.

Be aware of your gate number as you are approaching the stadium as you must enter the gate specific to your section. You could be sent to the opposite side of the stadium if you are not paying attention. This wouldn't be such a big deal if the terrain was flat, but keep in mind that this is on a ravine, and you'll encounter many challenging hills and staircases on some rather steep inclines along the way.

Once inside the stadium, plan your bathroom breaks well in advance. The restrooms are extremely small and cramped. Although they utilize "trough" urinals in the men's room, the limited size is not conducive to moving patrons in and out quickly.

Unfortunately, this is one of the few remaining stadiums that you cannot "walk." Many fans fulfilling their stadium journeys love to walk the concourses and see the field from multiple vantage points. Stadiums often have different food options in different areas and certain memorable aspects in the stadium that aren't always near your purchased seat. This is easily my biggest frustration with the stadium. Those in the upper concourse cannot access the lower levels and those in the outfield pavilion areas seem stricken from the scenic views of the upper levels. I do understand that this could be to prevent fans from gawking at any celebrities that may be attending any given game, but from preventing fans that are in attendance for baseball purposes from getting more intimate with the stadium is just plain unfair.

Lastly, I believe that the biggest miss as far as access is that lack of a Metro stop. Sure, they do offer the "Dodger Stadium Express," which is a bus you can catch at Union station. With a ticket, your fare is free, and without it's a mere $1.25. Optimally, a metro train stop would be near the stadium so that fans can easily and quickly get in and out.

Return on Investment    3

Ticket prices vary depending on whether they are advance purchase or game day. Unfortunately, there are over 70 different ticket prices listed at the box office, so I cannot list all of them here.

The best value is definitely the top deck, where fans have the cheapest tickets and some of the best views of the surrounding areas, including the San Gabriel Mountains. Premium seats have a face value of up to $285.00 and can get you close to the action and all celebrities that may be in the crowd.

The pavilions in the outfield also offer some great values. Tickets here are usually around $18-$20, but can be part of an all-you-can-eat promotion for $30-$40.

Parking, ticket, and food prices do seem reasonable by MLB standards. Any fan can take in the experience for under $40. Unfortunately, it will likely take a few visits before you can see the entire park from all of the vantage points due to the lack of access.

Extras    3

One of the biggest extra points in all of the MLB goes to Dodger Stadium. If you are parking or sitting in a top level, you can get some rather unbelievable views of the downtown Los Angeles skyline. If the smog is out on break, you can even get beautiful views as far as the Pacific Ocean.

In the past, in the mountains north of the stadium, fans could spot a "Think Blue" sign, a common symbol of the ballpark. While it has the same number of letters as the world-renowned Hollywood sign, it's blue color gives it a little pop among the green and brown colors of the mountains. Unfortunately, a recent wind storm damaged the sign and it appears to be on the disabled list.

The stadium was not always known as Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers had a roommate in the form of the now Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for a little over three years in the early 60's. During this time, it was simply referred to as Chavez Ravine.

Eight World Series have passed through the gates at Dodger Stadium as well as the Olympics (1984), the World Baseball Classic (2009) and MLB All-Star games (1980).

One last comment here. The scoreboard shows the umpire "jersey" numbers. My biggest question here is why? Can the Dodgers not find better use of the scoreboard space than umpire numbers?

Final Thoughts

Dodger Stadium is now the third oldest park in the MLB, second oldest in the National League (Wrigley Field), and oldest on the West Coast. Despite its age, it continues to be a gem that all baseball fans long to see.

Certainly, the Dodgers need to update the menu and urge their fans to be more accommodating to visitors and each other, but an opportunity to attend a Dodgers game should not be passed by.

With phenomenal nearby facilities such as the STAPLES Center, the Home Depot Center, and the Rose Bowl, it seems time for some renovations to the parking lot, concessions, and stadium itself. Hopefully the new ownership group is swift with such changes and baseball fans can enjoy Dodger Stadium for another 50 years.

Follow Drew's travels through via username @big10drew on Twitter & Instagram.

Great experience overall! What a great stadium even considering it was built in 1962! Grab a Dodger

Great experience overall! What a great stadium even considering it was built in 1962! Grab a Dodger Dog, see the stars in the stands and enjoy some of the best baseball in SoCal! Always great weather too!

by LIVEfrom718 | Jun 25, 2010 05:56 AM

Definitely have mixed feelings on this place the stadium is beautiful and the background view is bre

Definitely have mixed feelings on this place the stadium is beautiful and the background view is breathtaking. But on the otherhand Dodger Dogs way way way overated. Also I still have a personal vendetta against security there kicked me out of the game for "supposedly" throwing stuff at a Braves fan are you serious. May someday give it another chance but dont know quite yet.

by pderrick | Jul 24, 2010 10:28 AM

Compared to some of the other reviews on this site - I found this one to be more of an advertisement

Compared to some of the other reviews on this site - I found this one to be more of an advertisement for local eateries than for the ballpark. Does not give me a feel of the stadium or what a gameday experience would be for a fan.

by bullock0404 | Jul 31, 2010 01:12 PM

Good point. We\'ll be out with a more robust review of Dodger Stadium before the end of the season.

Good point. We'll be out with a more robust review of Dodger Stadium before the end of the season.

by paul | Aug 03, 2010 08:50 AM

Since the Dodgers are a famed ballclub I think a visit to Dodger Stadium is a must for every basebal

Since the Dodgers are a famed ballclub I think a visit to Dodger Stadium is a must for every baseball fan. But... the Dodgers show hardly anything on the field that reminds the fans to their Brooklyn past, except for the sign attached to the restaurant in the right field stands that commemorates the 1955 WS title (it shows the B that was on the Brooklyn cap) and the frozen drinks stand that uses the nickname of legendary catcher Roy Campanella. In the clubhouse however there are various pictures and even a big display that shows items from their Brooklyn days (the home plate of Ebbets Field and the WS bat (instead of the trophy that the WS winner gets nowadays) and an original jersey of Gil Hodges). As a Brooklyn Dodgers fan, I was glad to see that they showed something of their Brooklyn past in the clubhouse. But it would be nice if this would be shown a bit more around the playing field as well.

Because it was one of the first modern MLB ballparks, it may be considered a nice piece of architecture. But to be honest I think that the stadium itself is nothing special. I have read that LA fans take some pride in the fact that it is the third oldest ballpark in MLB. But that is not strange when they have torn down cathedrals like Yankee Stadium, Tiger Stadium and Comiskey Park.

Regarding the food. Everybody seems to love Dodgerdogs. I don't understand the hype. I didn't like them at all. I guess it is a matter of taste.

Anyhow, as a baseball crazed person I had to do the tour. And that is something that I can recommend. I enjoyed every minute of it. A must do for baseball fans.

by yankeebiscuitfan | Sep 16, 2010 10:45 AM

Dodger stadium was never known as \"Chavez Ravine Stadium.\" When the Angels played there, they cal

Dodger stadium was never known as "Chavez Ravine Stadium." When the Angels played there, they called it "Chavez Ravine" (without the word "Stadium"). But the park actually had two names during that period, because the Dodgers continued to call it "Dodger Stadium."

by dmanray | Nov 11, 2010 03:51 PM

Dodger Stadium has many layers

This just scratches the surface drew. Maybe we can meet up for a game someday to reveal some of the layers. Helps to have made a few visits in the o'Malley years and even in the fox & mcCourt era - jury still out in the Guggenheim era. Mix in a few day games, a SF series, an inter league game w NYY, BOS, ANA or similar and a Ho-hum marlins series.

by xtytan | Aug 02, 2012 12:20 AM

Dodger Stadium

You are SPOT ON with the Dodger Dog comments. I don't get it at all. I still think the Dodger Dog is THE most OVERRATED signature food in SPORTS! I love the colors of the stadium, don't like the DARK concourse and you can't see the game from the concourse. Sure more excitement at a Dodger game then a Dbacks game that's for sure. You were dead on about Dbacks fans sitting back and taking things in. Another term for that is DULL. I love my Dbacks but after going to all but ONE other park, it is one DULL experience at Chase Field.

Just found your site so I wll read up on more of your reviews. Great Job.

by Dbacker | Aug 03, 2012 02:14 PM

Visit Again

I strongly recommend you do another review for Dodger Stadium this season. With renovations and a competitive team the rating for this ballpark will be much higher.

by jerd | Feb 21, 2013 07:01 PM

Back in 2013

Our hope is to re-review every MLB park in 2013, so we should be back to give it a new assessment. I hope you'll write a crowd review as well and share your experiences...Thanks

by paul | Feb 21, 2013 08:23 PM

You must be a Stadium Journey member to post a comment.

Already a member? Sign in or Create a Stadium Journey Account

-- OR --