| Angel Stadium of Anaheim Anaheim, California |
Tenants: California/Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels (AL 1966-present);
Los Angeles Rams (NFL 1980-1994)
Groundbreaking: August 31, 1964
1st American League Game: April 19, 1966 (White Sox 3, Angels 1)
1st NFL Game: September 7, 1980
Last NFL Game: December 24, 1994
Surface: Natural Grass
Construction: Del Webb Company (1964-66), Turner Constriction Co. (1997-99 renovation)
Architect: HOK Sport (renovation)
Cost: $24 million (1966), $118 million (1999 renovation)
Owner: City of Anaheim
NickNames: The Big A, The Big Ed (1997-2003)
Baseball seating capacity: 43,250 (1966), 64,593 (1979), 33,851 (1997), 45,050 (1999)
Playing Field Dimensions:
Foul lines: 333 ft (1966), 330 ft (1997)
Right field alley: 375 ft (1966), 374 ft (1974), 370 ft (1989)
Left field alley: 375 ft (1966), 374 ft (1974), 370 ft (1989), 387 ft (1998)
Center Field: 406 ft (1966), 404 ft (1974), 400 (1998)
Deepest center field at corner: 406 ft (1998)
Fences:
Right field, 18 feet high (scoreboard wall, 1998)
Left & Center, 8 feet high (1966)
Corners, 4.5 feet high (1966)
Hosted World Series: 2002
Hosted All Star Game: 1967, 1989, 2010
Los Angeles Rams (NFL 1980-1994)
Groundbreaking: August 31, 1964
1st American League Game: April 19, 1966 (White Sox 3, Angels 1)
1st NFL Game: September 7, 1980
Last NFL Game: December 24, 1994
Surface: Natural Grass
Construction: Del Webb Company (1964-66), Turner Constriction Co. (1997-99 renovation)
Architect: HOK Sport (renovation)
Cost: $24 million (1966), $118 million (1999 renovation)
Owner: City of Anaheim
NickNames: The Big A, The Big Ed (1997-2003)
Baseball seating capacity: 43,250 (1966), 64,593 (1979), 33,851 (1997), 45,050 (1999)
Playing Field Dimensions:
Foul lines: 333 ft (1966), 330 ft (1997)
Right field alley: 375 ft (1966), 374 ft (1974), 370 ft (1989)
Left field alley: 375 ft (1966), 374 ft (1974), 370 ft (1989), 387 ft (1998)
Center Field: 406 ft (1966), 404 ft (1974), 400 (1998)
Deepest center field at corner: 406 ft (1998)
Fences:
Right field, 18 feet high (scoreboard wall, 1998)
Left & Center, 8 feet high (1966)
Corners, 4.5 feet high (1966)
Hosted World Series: 2002
Hosted All Star Game: 1967, 1989, 2010
| Source Credits --------------------------------------- Recommended Reading List Click on title for more info Anaheim Angels : A Complete History by Ross Newhan Take Me Out to the Ballpark: An Illustrated Guide to Baseball Parks Past & Present by Josh Leventhal, Jessica M. Macmurray Fodor's Baseball Vacations: Great Family Trips to Minor League and Classic Major League Ballparks Across America by Bruce Adams America's Ballparks by Kenneth Hogan Ballparks of North America: A Comprehensive Historical Reference to Baseball Grounds, Yards and Stadiums, 1845 to Present by Michael Benson Storied Stadiums: Baseball's History Through Its Ballparks Curt Smith |
Angel Stadium has been the home of the Angels since their move from Los Angeles. In 1964, ground was broken for Anaheim Stadium and in 1966,
the then-California Angels moved into their new home after having spent four seasons renting Dodger Stadium (referred to during Angels games as
Chávez Ravine Stadium) from the Dodgers.
The stadium was built on a parcel of about 160 acres (0.65 km2) of flat land originally used for agricultural purposes in the southeast portion of
Anaheim. Consistent with many major-league sports stadiums built in the 1960s, it is located in a suburban area, though one that is host to major
tourist attractions.
The field dimensions (333 feet instead of 330, for example) were derived from a scientific study conducted by the Angels. Based on the air density
at normal game times (1:30 pm and 8 pm), the Angels tried to formulate dimensions that were fairly balanced between pitcher, hitter and average
weather conditions. The Angels tinkered with those dimensions several times, expanding or contracting parts of the outfield by a few feet here
and there, to try to refine that balance.
None of this seemed to matter to their Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan, who threw two of his record seven no-hitters in this ballpark, and racked
up 2,416 of his 5,714 career strikeouts in a mere eight seasons with the Angels (Ryan stats from The Sporting News Baseball Record Book). One of
them, on June 1, 1975, was his fourth, which tied Sandy Koufax's career record, one Ryan would eventually supplant.
the then-California Angels moved into their new home after having spent four seasons renting Dodger Stadium (referred to during Angels games as
Chávez Ravine Stadium) from the Dodgers.
The stadium was built on a parcel of about 160 acres (0.65 km2) of flat land originally used for agricultural purposes in the southeast portion of
Anaheim. Consistent with many major-league sports stadiums built in the 1960s, it is located in a suburban area, though one that is host to major
tourist attractions.
The field dimensions (333 feet instead of 330, for example) were derived from a scientific study conducted by the Angels. Based on the air density
at normal game times (1:30 pm and 8 pm), the Angels tried to formulate dimensions that were fairly balanced between pitcher, hitter and average
weather conditions. The Angels tinkered with those dimensions several times, expanding or contracting parts of the outfield by a few feet here
and there, to try to refine that balance.
None of this seemed to matter to their Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan, who threw two of his record seven no-hitters in this ballpark, and racked
up 2,416 of his 5,714 career strikeouts in a mere eight seasons with the Angels (Ryan stats from The Sporting News Baseball Record Book). One of
them, on June 1, 1975, was his fourth, which tied Sandy Koufax's career record, one Ryan would eventually supplant.
In the late 1970s, Los Angeles Rams owner Carroll
Rosenbloom brokered a deal by which the Rams would
move from Los Angeles to an expanded Anaheim
Stadium. To add more seats (eventually about 23,000)
for football games, the stadium was enclosed, with the
mezzanine and upper decks extended completely
around the playing field. An elevated bank of bleachers
was built in right field, and temporary seats were
placed underneath, to be pulled out for football games.
Another bank of bleachers was built in left field. As a
result, the view of the local mountains and State
Highway 57 was lost.
Additionally, the Big A scoreboard support that stood
in left field and was the inspiration for the stadium's
nickname was moved 1,300 feet (400 m) to its present
site in the parking lot, adjoining the Orange Freeway
beyond the right-field stands; its usage changed from
scoreboard to electronic marquee advertising
upcoming events at the stadium. A black and white
scoreboard/instant replay video board was installed
above the newly constructed upper deck seats in left
field, but was later deemed inadequate, especially
during day games (in 1988 the scoreboard was replaced
by a Sony Jumbotron color video board, with black and
white matix scoreboards installed above the right field
upper deck and the infield upper deck).
Rosenbloom brokered a deal by which the Rams would
move from Los Angeles to an expanded Anaheim
Stadium. To add more seats (eventually about 23,000)
for football games, the stadium was enclosed, with the
mezzanine and upper decks extended completely
around the playing field. An elevated bank of bleachers
was built in right field, and temporary seats were
placed underneath, to be pulled out for football games.
Another bank of bleachers was built in left field. As a
result, the view of the local mountains and State
Highway 57 was lost.
Additionally, the Big A scoreboard support that stood
in left field and was the inspiration for the stadium's
nickname was moved 1,300 feet (400 m) to its present
site in the parking lot, adjoining the Orange Freeway
beyond the right-field stands; its usage changed from
scoreboard to electronic marquee advertising
upcoming events at the stadium. A black and white
scoreboard/instant replay video board was installed
above the newly constructed upper deck seats in left
field, but was later deemed inadequate, especially
during day games (in 1988 the scoreboard was replaced
by a Sony Jumbotron color video board, with black and
white matix scoreboards installed above the right field
upper deck and the infield upper deck).
The changes did not sit well with Angels fans. As originally built,
no seat was further than 109 feet from the field. However, most
of the new center field seats were too far from the action. Also,
while the expanded capacity allowed the Angels to set
attendance records that still stand today, on most occasions even
crowds of 40,000 were swallowed up by the environment.
The expansion was completed in time for the 1980 NFL season,
and the Rams played in Anaheim Stadium from then until their
move to St. Louis after the 1994 season.
The January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake caused the Sony
Jumbotron to collapse onto the upper deck seats beneath it. No
injuries were caused, as the stadium was unoccupied when the
earthquake occurred in the predawn hours of a national holiday
(Martin Luther King, Jr. Day). The monitor was reinstalled directly
on the back of the upper deck stands.
The Disney era
In 1996, The Walt Disney Company, a minority owner of the team
since its inception (the stadium is located less than three miles
east of Disneyland and across from the Honda Center, the home
venue of the then Disney-owned Mighty Ducks of Anaheim),
gained enough support on the board to effectively take control of
the team. Soon afterward, the Angels and the city of Anaheim
agreed to a new deal that would keep the Angels in Anaheim until
2031, with an option to leave the facility after the 2016 season.
As part of the deal, the stadium underwent an extensive
renovation, returning the stadium to its original role as a
baseball-only facility. Before the 1997 baseball season, the section
behind the outfield wall was demolished. Disney briefly
considered moving the Big A scoreboard to its original location,
but decided against such a move, citing costs, as well as the fact
that the Big A had become a Southern California landmark in its
parking lot location.
Despite the fact that much of the stadium was still a hard-hat
zone, the demolition and construction being only half-completed,
the Angels played their 1997 season in Anaheim. Fans were
greeted by a restored view of the San Gabriel and Santa Ana
Mountains, the Brea Hills, and the 57 freeway beyond the outfield.
Work that didn't interfere with game play continued throughout
the 1997 season, with major renovations resuming in the winter
of 1997. These included the installation of outfield bleacher
pavilions, a video display board and an out-of-town scoreboard
below the right field seats. All of the multicolored seats were
replaced by green seats. The exterior of the stadium was also
renovated. The concrete structure and ramps were painted a
combination of green and sandstone. Much of the facade of the
stadium was torn down to create a more open feeling for visitors.
The most notable feature of the renovation, however, was a
"California Spectacular" in which geysers erupt and a stream
cascades down a mountainside covered with real trees, artificial
rocks behind the left-center field fence, and new bullpens.
Fireworks shoot out of the display at the start of games, after
every Angel home run and after every Angel win (they had been
shot off from a parking garage before then).
no seat was further than 109 feet from the field. However, most
of the new center field seats were too far from the action. Also,
while the expanded capacity allowed the Angels to set
attendance records that still stand today, on most occasions even
crowds of 40,000 were swallowed up by the environment.
The expansion was completed in time for the 1980 NFL season,
and the Rams played in Anaheim Stadium from then until their
move to St. Louis after the 1994 season.
The January 17, 1994 Northridge earthquake caused the Sony
Jumbotron to collapse onto the upper deck seats beneath it. No
injuries were caused, as the stadium was unoccupied when the
earthquake occurred in the predawn hours of a national holiday
(Martin Luther King, Jr. Day). The monitor was reinstalled directly
on the back of the upper deck stands.
The Disney era
In 1996, The Walt Disney Company, a minority owner of the team
since its inception (the stadium is located less than three miles
east of Disneyland and across from the Honda Center, the home
venue of the then Disney-owned Mighty Ducks of Anaheim),
gained enough support on the board to effectively take control of
the team. Soon afterward, the Angels and the city of Anaheim
agreed to a new deal that would keep the Angels in Anaheim until
2031, with an option to leave the facility after the 2016 season.
As part of the deal, the stadium underwent an extensive
renovation, returning the stadium to its original role as a
baseball-only facility. Before the 1997 baseball season, the section
behind the outfield wall was demolished. Disney briefly
considered moving the Big A scoreboard to its original location,
but decided against such a move, citing costs, as well as the fact
that the Big A had become a Southern California landmark in its
parking lot location.
Despite the fact that much of the stadium was still a hard-hat
zone, the demolition and construction being only half-completed,
the Angels played their 1997 season in Anaheim. Fans were
greeted by a restored view of the San Gabriel and Santa Ana
Mountains, the Brea Hills, and the 57 freeway beyond the outfield.
Work that didn't interfere with game play continued throughout
the 1997 season, with major renovations resuming in the winter
of 1997. These included the installation of outfield bleacher
pavilions, a video display board and an out-of-town scoreboard
below the right field seats. All of the multicolored seats were
replaced by green seats. The exterior of the stadium was also
renovated. The concrete structure and ramps were painted a
combination of green and sandstone. Much of the facade of the
stadium was torn down to create a more open feeling for visitors.
The most notable feature of the renovation, however, was a
"California Spectacular" in which geysers erupt and a stream
cascades down a mountainside covered with real trees, artificial
rocks behind the left-center field fence, and new bullpens.
Fireworks shoot out of the display at the start of games, after
every Angel home run and after every Angel win (they had been
shot off from a parking garage before then).
The field dimensions of the renovated stadium became
somewhat asymmetrical, with the 8-foot high fence in right
center field (which earlier hid the football-only bleacher section)
replaced by a 19-foot high wall which contains a scoreboard
displaying out-of-town scores of other games. A plaza was built
around the perimeter of the stadium, and inside are statues
depicting longtime Angel owner and chairman Gene Autry and
Michelle Carew, daughter of former Angel Rod Carew, who died
of leukemia at the age of 17.
The main entrance includes two giant Angels hats complete with
New Era tags on the sweatband (including one indicating the
hats' size: 649½). The hats were originally blue and featured the
Angels' "winged" logo designed by Disney for the 1997 season, and
were repainted red and decorated with the present-day halo
insignia for the 2002 season.
Naming Rights
In 1998, the stadium was renamed Edison International Field of
Anaheim after local utility Edison International reached a deal
giving it naming rights over the stadium for 20 years, and during
this time, the stadium was referred to as the Big Ed. However,
after the 2003 season, Edison International exercised its option
to exit the sponsorship deal. On December 29, 2003, the Angels
announced that from then on the stadium would be known as
Angel Stadium (in full, Angel Stadium of Anaheim), although locals
still refer to the stadium as Anaheim Stadium, and its original
nickname The Big A was restored. Despite efforts to cover them
up with the Angels' halo insignia, Edison's insignia can still be
found on the ends of seating rows throughout the ballpark.
Notable baseball events at Angel Stadium
The stadium was host to the 1967 MLB All-Star Game (the first
All-Star Game to be played on prime-time television, although
two All-Star Games were played at night during World War II), and
again in 1989. Angel Stadium will host the 2010 All-Star Game.
Angel Stadium during the World Baseball Classic.
It hosted five American League Division Series (2002, 2004, 2005,
2007, and 2008) and five American League Championship Series
(1979, 1982, 1986, 2002, and 2005). Most notably, it hosted the
2002 World Series, which the Angels won in dramatic fashion over
the San Francisco Giants, finally winning one for their late and
long-time owner, "Singing Cowboy" Gene Autry (and for his
widow and business partner Jackie, who is also honorary
president of the American League).
somewhat asymmetrical, with the 8-foot high fence in right
center field (which earlier hid the football-only bleacher section)
replaced by a 19-foot high wall which contains a scoreboard
displaying out-of-town scores of other games. A plaza was built
around the perimeter of the stadium, and inside are statues
depicting longtime Angel owner and chairman Gene Autry and
Michelle Carew, daughter of former Angel Rod Carew, who died
of leukemia at the age of 17.
The main entrance includes two giant Angels hats complete with
New Era tags on the sweatband (including one indicating the
hats' size: 649½). The hats were originally blue and featured the
Angels' "winged" logo designed by Disney for the 1997 season, and
were repainted red and decorated with the present-day halo
insignia for the 2002 season.
Naming Rights
In 1998, the stadium was renamed Edison International Field of
Anaheim after local utility Edison International reached a deal
giving it naming rights over the stadium for 20 years, and during
this time, the stadium was referred to as the Big Ed. However,
after the 2003 season, Edison International exercised its option
to exit the sponsorship deal. On December 29, 2003, the Angels
announced that from then on the stadium would be known as
Angel Stadium (in full, Angel Stadium of Anaheim), although locals
still refer to the stadium as Anaheim Stadium, and its original
nickname The Big A was restored. Despite efforts to cover them
up with the Angels' halo insignia, Edison's insignia can still be
found on the ends of seating rows throughout the ballpark.
Notable baseball events at Angel Stadium
The stadium was host to the 1967 MLB All-Star Game (the first
All-Star Game to be played on prime-time television, although
two All-Star Games were played at night during World War II), and
again in 1989. Angel Stadium will host the 2010 All-Star Game.
Angel Stadium during the World Baseball Classic.
It hosted five American League Division Series (2002, 2004, 2005,
2007, and 2008) and five American League Championship Series
(1979, 1982, 1986, 2002, and 2005). Most notably, it hosted the
2002 World Series, which the Angels won in dramatic fashion over
the San Francisco Giants, finally winning one for their late and
long-time owner, "Singing Cowboy" Gene Autry (and for his
widow and business partner Jackie, who is also honorary
president of the American League).
Famous individual baseball milestones attained here include Mickey Mantle's last game-winning home run,
Nolan Ryan's striking out of nine straight Boston Red Sox, Reggie Jackson's 500th career home run, Rod
Carew's 3,000th career base hit, Vladimir Guerrero's 400th career home run, and George Brett's 3,000th
career base hit.
Angel Stadium hosted several games during Round 2 of the 2006 World Baseball Classic.
Several major motion pictures were shot here. The final sequence of The Naked Gun: From the Files of
Police Squad! (1988) features an electronically-manipulated Reggie Jackson trying to shoot Queen Elizabeth
II. Exteriors were shot at the ballpark, but most baseball scenes were shot at Dodger Stadium. The Disney
remake of Angels in the Outfield (1994) prominently uses the ballpark, however, the interior shots were
filmed at the Oakland-Alameda Coliseum due to damage from the 1994 Northridge earthquake. The stadium
served as a stand-in for Candlestick Park for filming of The Fan (1996 film) and a scene from Deuce Bigalow:
Male Gigolo also was filmed there. Air Bud: Seventh Inning Fetch also shot scenes in the ballpark.
Nolan Ryan's striking out of nine straight Boston Red Sox, Reggie Jackson's 500th career home run, Rod
Carew's 3,000th career base hit, Vladimir Guerrero's 400th career home run, and George Brett's 3,000th
career base hit.
Angel Stadium hosted several games during Round 2 of the 2006 World Baseball Classic.
Several major motion pictures were shot here. The final sequence of The Naked Gun: From the Files of
Police Squad! (1988) features an electronically-manipulated Reggie Jackson trying to shoot Queen Elizabeth
II. Exteriors were shot at the ballpark, but most baseball scenes were shot at Dodger Stadium. The Disney
remake of Angels in the Outfield (1994) prominently uses the ballpark, however, the interior shots were
filmed at the Oakland-Alameda Coliseum due to damage from the 1994 Northridge earthquake. The stadium
served as a stand-in for Candlestick Park for filming of The Fan (1996 film) and a scene from Deuce Bigalow:
Male Gigolo also was filmed there. Air Bud: Seventh Inning Fetch also shot scenes in the ballpark.