Last Visit: July, 2018
It is MLB’s 4th oldest yard behind Fenway Park, Wrigley Field and Dodger Stadium. When it comes to ballpark longevity that’s some lofty company. However if we lauded ballparks based on years of service then Oakland Coliseum, opened two years after then Anaheim Stadium would also be looked at with such fondness.
That’s not to say Angel Stadium’s days are past it’s prime.
Opened as Anaheim Stadium in 1966 as a baseball only facility, it would be given the nickname The Big A because of it’s A-shaped scoreboard topped with a halo that was placed behind left field.
The arrival of the Rams would create the enclosure of Anaheim Stadium thus forcing the Big A scoreboard to be moved to the parking lot by the 57 freeway. The scoreboard would serve as a message board for advertising and upcoming events.
After 15 seasons the Rams would move on to St. Louis and after the 1996 season Anaheim Stadium would receive another major facelift, this time tearing down much of the structure from the football expansion.
Fan sentiment asked for the Big A to be placed back to it’s original outfield location. Team officials had also considered but cited costs for not moving back the Big A.
Completed in time prior to the 1998 season before it’s current title of Angel Stadium the yard would be named Edison International Field.
With the stadium being restored to it’s baseball only status Edison Field would feature what was dubbed as the California Coastline with the area beyond the outfield lined with water geysers and rock features, highlighted by an A-shaped rock.
Fans entering through the main plaza will see an infield layout made up of bricks lined in the exact configurations of an actual infield. Also there fans are greeted by 2 oversized Angels hats.
Even with the “Disneyfication” the enhancements made prior to the 1998 season restored the baseball yard feel. The removal of the football seats restored the baseball park feel for The Big A, as some fans still affectionately call it.
Since it’s facelift, 18 teams have moved into new digs, including 2 who had yards built in the 90s not long AFTER Camden Yards. Because of that, ballpark chasers visiting Angel Stadium and the surrounding area may have a feeling that the yard is dated.
Though a short drive from the House of Mouse the surrounding area does not offer much in regards to pre and postgame dining and entertainment. One thing fans need to keep in mind when walking through the sea of cars in the parking lot surrounding the yard is Angel Stadium opened during a time when the general population was moving away from the city center and getting around by automobile was a necessity especially in Southern California.
The views beyond Angel Stadium don’t offer much aside from the sight of the Honda Center and the 57 Freeway.
The lack of any vast dining and entertainment options or the so-called ballpark neighborhood feel should not detract from the fact that Angel Stadium, though showing it’s age in certain parts is still a functional park to enjoy a game.
It is hoped that the Angels will remain in Anaheim through at least 2050. Be it at their current yard or possibly a new stadium the Angels, along with the neighboring Anaheim Ducks are looking to develop their surrounding venues with a housing, dining and entertainment district, The OC Vibe.
For more perspective check out Ballpark Ratings and This Great Game as well as our Stadium Journey gameday experience guide. Also check out my photo gallery below.
Journey's With Drei-Mart 