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Dodger Stadium

Coordinates:34°4′25″N118°14′24″W/ 34.07361°N 118.24000°W/34.07361; -118.24000
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Dodger Stadium
Chavez Ravine[1]
Blue Heaven on Earth[2]
Dodger Stadium logo
Dodger Stadium in 2015
Dodger Stadium in 2015
Dodger Stadium is located in the Los Angeles metropolitan area
Dodger Stadium
Dodger Stadium
Location inL.A. metro area
Dodger Stadium is located in California
Dodger Stadium
Dodger Stadium
Location in California
Dodger Stadium is located in the United States
Dodger Stadium
Dodger Stadium
Location in the United States
Address1000Vin ScullyAvenue[3][4]
LocationLos Angeles,California
Coordinates34°4′25″N118°14′24″W/ 34.07361°N 118.24000°W/34.07361; -118.24000
Public transitBus interchangeDodger Stadium Express
from
Union StationA LineB LineD LineJ Line
RosecransJ Line
Harbor FreewayC LineJ Line
ManchesterJ Line
SlausonJ Line
Harbor Gateway Transit CenterJ Line[5]
OwnerGuggenheim Baseball Management
OperatorLos Angeles Dodgers
TypeStadium
Capacity56,000[6]
Record attendance57,098 (Dodgers home opener, April 13, 2009)[7]
Field sizeLeft field– 330 ft (101 m)
Medium left-center– 360 ft (110 m)
True left-center– 375 ft (114 m)
Center field– 395 ft (120 m)
True center field– 400 ft (122 m)
True right-center– 375 ft (114 m)
Medium right-center– 360 ft (110 m)
Right field– 330 ft (101 m)
Backstop– 55 ft (17 m)
SurfaceSanta AnaBermuda grass
Construction
Broke groundSeptember 17, 1959(September 17, 1959)
OpenedApril 10, 1962(April 10, 1962)
Construction costUS$23 million
(US$232 million in 2023[8])
ArchitectPraeger-Kavanagh-Waterbury
Structural engineerWilliam Simpson & Associates Inc.[9]
Services engineerSA Bogen Engineers[10]
General contractorVinnell Corporation[11][12]
Tenants
Los Angeles Dodgers(MLB) (1962–present)
Los Angeles Angels(MLB) (1962–1965)
Website
Dodger Stadium

Dodger Stadiumis abaseballstadiumin theElysian Parkneighborhood ofLos Angeles,California. It is theballparkforMajor League Baseball'sLos Angeles Dodgers.Opened in 1962, it was constructed in less than three years at a cost ofUS$23 million(US$232 million in 2023).[8][11][13]It is the oldest ballpark in MLB west of theMississippi River,and third-oldest overall, afterFenway ParkinBoston(1912) andWrigley FieldinChicago(1914), and is thelargest baseball stadiumin the world by seat capacity. Often referred to as a "pitcher'sballpark ", the stadium has seen 13no-hitters,2 of which wereperfect games.

The stadium hosted theMajor League Baseball All-Star Gamein1980and2022,as well as theWorld Seriesten times (1963,1965,1966,1974,1977,1978,1981,1988,2017and2018). It also hosted the semifinals and finals of the2009and2017World Baseball Classics,as well asexhibition baseballduring the1984 Summer Olympics.The stadium hosted asoccertournament on August 3, 2013, featuring four clubs: the hometown teamLos Angeles Galaxy,and Europe'sReal Madrid,Everton,andJuventus.TheLos Angeles KingsandAnaheim Ducksplayed a regular season game in 2014 as part of theNHL Stadium Series.

The stadium was also the home of theLos Angeles Angelsfrom1962through1965and was referred to asChavez Ravine Stadium(or just "Chavez Ravine" ), after the geographic feature in which the stadium sits.

It is sometimes referred to as "Blue Heaven on Earth," a nickname coined by Dodgers managerTommy Lasorda.[14]

History

[edit]

Construction

[edit]

In the mid-1950s,Brooklyn Dodgersteam presidentWalter O'Malleyhad tried to build adomed stadiumin the New York City borough ofBrooklyn,but was unable to reach an agreement with city officials for the land acquisition, and eventually reached a deal with the city of Los Angeles. The land for Dodger Stadium had been seized from local owners and inhabitants in the early 1950s by the city of Los Angeles, usingeminent domainwith funds from the federalHousing Act of 1949.The city had planned to develop the Elysian Park Heights public housing project, which included two dozen 13-story buildings and more than 160 two-story townhouses, in addition to newly rebuilt playgrounds and schools, and a college.

Before construction could begin on the housing project, the local political climate changed greatly whenNorris Poulsonwas elected mayor of Los Angeles in 1953. Proposed public housing projects such as Elysian Park Heights lost most of their support as they became associated with socialist ideals. Following protracted negotiations, the city purchased theChavez Ravineproperty back from the Federal Housing Authority at a drastically reduced price, with the stipulation that the land be used for a public purpose. It was not until June 3, 1958, when Los Angeles voters approved a "Taxpayers Committee for Yes on Baseball" referendum,[15]that the Dodgers were able to acquire 352 acres (1.42 km2) of Chavez Ravine from the city. Los Angeles forcefully evicted residents from their homes, mainly Hispanics. While Dodger Stadium was under construction, the Dodgers played in the league's largest capacity venue from1958through1961at their temporary home, theLos Angeles Memorial Coliseum,which could seat in excess of 90,000 people.

Los Angeles–basedMike Davis,in his seminal work on the city,City of Quartz,describes the process of gradually convincing Chavez Ravine homeowners to sell. With nearly all of the original Spanish-speaking homeowners initially unwilling to sell, developers resorted to offering immediate cash payments, distributed through their Spanish-speaking agents. Once the first sales had been completed, remaining homeowners were offered increasingly lesser amounts of money, to create a community panic of not receiving fair compensation, or of being left as one of the few holdouts. Many residents continued to hold out despite the pressure being placed upon them by developers, resulting in theBattle of Chavez Ravine,a ten-year struggle by the residents to maintain control of their property, which they ultimately lost.

Dodger Stadium was the first Major League Baseball stadium since the initial construction of the originalYankee Stadiumto be built using 100% private financing, and the last untilOracle Parkin San Francisco opened in 2000. Ground was broken for Dodger Stadium on September 17, 1959. The tops of local ridges were removed, and the soil was used to fill in Sulfur and Cemetery Ravines to provide a level surface for a parking lot and the stadium. A local elementary school (Palo Verde) was simply buried rather than demolished, and sits beneath the parking lot northwest of third base.[16]A total of 8 million cubic yards (6,100,000 m3) of earth were moved in the process of building the stadium. A total of 21,000 precast concrete units, some weighing as much as 32 tons, were fabricated onsite and lowered into place with a specially built crane to form the stadium's structural framework. The stadium was originally designed to be expandable to 85,000 seats by expanding the upper decks over the outfield pavilions; the Dodgers have never pursued such a project.

Frank McCourt era

[edit]
Dodger Stadium seat removal, 2005 offseason.
The formerall-you-can-eat buffetin the right-field pavilion

At the conclusion of the2005 season,the Los Angeles Dodgers made major renovations during the subsequent off-season.[17]

The largest of these improvements was the replacement of nearly all the seats in the stadium. The seats that were removed had been in use since 1975 and helped give the stadium its unique "space age" feel with a color palette of bright yellow, orange, blue, and red. The new seats are in the original (more muted) 1962 color scheme consisting of yellow, light orange, turquoise, and sky blue. 2,000 pairs of seats were made available for purchase at $250, with the proceeds going to charity.

The baseline seating sections have been converted into retro-style "box" seating, adding leg room and a table. Other repairs were made to the concrete structure of the stadium. These improvements mark the second phase of a multi-year improvement plan for Dodger Stadium.

Renovations

[edit]
Aerial view of Dodger Stadium in 2012

Between 2003 and 2005, Dodger Stadium upgraded withLED video displays.The large main video display measures 27 feet (8.2 m) high by 47 feet (14 m) wide.[18]

In 2008, the Dodgers announced a $412 million project to build a Dodger museum, shops, and restaurants around Dodger Stadium. In a press release, the team described the various features of the renovation as follows:

  • Dodger Way – A tree-lined entrance will lead to a landscaped grand plaza where fans can gather beyond center field. The plaza will connect to a promenade that features restaurants, shops and the Dodger Experience museum showcasing the history of the Dodgers in an interactive setting.
  • Green Necklace – The vibrant street setting of Dodger Way links to a beautiful perimeter around Dodger Stadium, enabling fans to walk around the park, outdoors yet inside the stadium gates. This Green Necklace will transform acres of parking lots into a landscaped outdoor walkway connecting the plaza and promenade to the rest of the ballpark.
  • Top of the Park – The Green Necklace connects to a large scale outdoor plaza featuring breathtaking 360° views spanning the downtown skyline and Santa Monica Bay, the Santa Monica and San Gabriel Mountains, and the Dodger Stadium diamond.[19]

In the 2008–2009 off-season, the upper levels of the stadium were supposed to be renovated to match the repairs and improvements made to the field level. The improvements were to include the removal of the trough urinals in the men's restrooms, new concession stands and earthquake retrofitting to the concrete structure. It was also to include the replacement of the outfield scoreboards and monitors with new HD monitors. Due to the2009 World Baseball Classichosted at Dodger Stadium, these renovations were put on hold. The divorce of Frank and Jamie McCourt, as well as a weak economy, were the reasons for the postponement.[20]

To pay for an outstanding loan with the Dodgers former ownerNews Corporation,former ownerFrank McCourtused Dodger Stadium ascollateralto obtain a $250 million loan.[21]

In 2008, the Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to give the Dodger Stadium area bounded by Academy Rd, Lookout Dr. and Stadium Way its own zip code, 90090 (as of July 2009). This also gives the area a new name, Dodgertown. The signs from the former Dodgertown spring training facility inVero Beach, Floridawill likely be integrated into the $500 million project.[22]

New ownership and further renovation

[edit]
Dodger Stadium during a post-game "fireworks night" promotion, showing the new HD screens in place of the old rectangular video board and scoreboard
Tommy Lasorda's Trattoria, an Italian restaurant in the right field concourse at Dodger Stadium, a product of the minor 2014 renovations

Following the sale of the Dodgers in 2012, the team brought in the architect, urban planner, and stadium specialistJanet Marie Smithto lead renovations efforts to the 50-year-old stadium.[23][24]Renovations to Dodger Stadium began in the winter of 2012. Both video boards were replaced with High Definition screens, and new clubhouses and weight rooms were installed. The restrooms, concession stands, sound system and batting cages were also improved and renovated.

Dodgers ownerGuggenheim Partnersinternally discussed moving the Dodgers to a new stadium at aDowntown Los Angelessite proposed by theAnschutz Entertainment Groupto allow anNFL team to build a stadium at the Dodger Stadium site.Guggenheim Partners also considered allowing an NFL team to build a stadium next to Dodger Stadium.[25]The NFL eventually chose to buildSoFi Stadiumin theCity of Inglewood.

The extensive renovations to Dodger Stadium were ready for the 2013 season and included new HDhexagonalvideo and scoreboards, a new sound system, wider concourses, more standing room viewing areas, improved restrooms and a children's playground amongst others.[26]

Between the 2013 and 2014 seasons, more renovations were put in place. Dodger Stadium was the beneficiary of improvements such as wider concourses in the pavilions, new restaurants "Think Blue Bar-B-Que" and "Tommy Lasorda's Trattoria ", dedicated team store buildings replacing the tents that previously served as team stores, bullpen overlooks with overlook bars, and tree relocation at the top of the stadium.[27]

On July 23, 2019, a press conference was held with the presentation of the $100 million renovation to the ballpark, which includes a 2-acre (0.81 ha) center field plaza with a children's playground located between the left field and right field bleachers, the relocation of theJackie Robinson statuefrom the left field entrance to the center field playground, as well as a display honoring the Legends of Dodger Baseball, along with a sports bar and a beer garden.[28]

Also included as part of the renovation were new elevators and escalators which connect the outfield bleachers with the field, loge and reserve levels, a new stadium center main entrance, and the commission of astatue of Sandy Koufaxwhich was to be unveiled next to the statue of Robinson. While the renovations were completed during the delayed 2020 season, due to theCOVID-19 pandemic,the unveiling of Koufax's statue was delayed two years.[29]

Features

[edit]

Design

[edit]
Stairs to upper deck and reserve seats

Dodger Stadium was one of the last baseball-only facilities built before the dawn of themulti-purpose stadium.It was built nearthe convergence of several freewaysnear downtown Los Angeles, with an expansive parking lot surrounding the stadium. With the construction of many new MLB ballparks in recent years, it is now thethird-oldest parkstill in use, and the oldest on theWest Coast.

Dodger Stadium offered several innovative design features. One of these was a covered and screened section of dugout-level seats behind home plate. Dodger owner Walter O'Malley was inspired to incorporate this feature into the Dodger Stadium design after having seen it at Tokyo'sKorakuen Stadiumduring the Brooklyn Dodgers' postseason goodwill tour of Japan in 1956. The original dugout seating area was replaced by more conventional box seating in a 1999 renovation, but this feature has been replicated atProgressive Fieldin Cleveland andAngel Stadium of Anaheim.

Two of Dodger Stadium's most distinctive features are the wavy roof atop each outfield pavilion and the top of a 10-story elevator shaft bearing the Dodger logo rising directly behind home plate at the top of the uppermost seating level.

Landscaping in parking lot

A unique terraced-earthworks parking lot was built behind the main stands, allowing ticket-holders to park at roughly the level of their seats, minimizing use of ramps once inside. The stadium was also designed to beearthquake-resistant, an important consideration in California, and it has withstood several serious earthquakes.

Dodger Stadium was originally equipped with two largeFair Play electronic scoreboardunits above the left- and right-field pavilions. The right-field board displayed in-game information. The left-field board displayed scores of out-of-town games and other messages. Smaller auxiliary scoreboards were installed at field level on the box seat fences beyond the first- and third-base dugouts during the inaugural 1962 season. The left-field message board was replaced by aMitsubishi ElectricDiamond Visionvideo board in 1980. The field-level auxiliary scoreboards were replaced by larger units installed on the facade of the Loge (second) seating level in 1998; these, in turn, were replaced by a video ribbon board in 2006. Field-level out-of-town scoreboards were installed on the left- and right-field walls in 2003.

Strobe lightswere added in 2001; they flash when the Dodgers take the field, after a Dodger home run, and after a Dodger win. In 2018, blue strobe lights were added.

Hall of retired numbers inside the stadium in 2015

Retired numbers

[edit]

In addition to those ofDon Drysdale(53),Sandy Koufax(32), andDon Sutton(20), theretired numbersofPee Wee Reese(1),Jackie Robinson(42),Duke Snider(4),Tommy Lasorda(2),Walter Alston(24),Roy Campanella(39),Jim Gilliam(19),Gil Hodges(14), andFernando Valenzuela(34) are mounted on the club level facade near the left field foul pole. Also honored on the left field line in addition to the retired numbers are broadcastersVin ScullyandJaime Jarrin,and longtime ownerWalter O'Malley.[30]

Statues

[edit]

On April 15, 2017, to mark the 70th anniversary ofRobinson's major league debut,the Dodgers unveiled abronze statue of the historic playerin the stadium's left-field plaza. The 800-pound (360 kg) sculpture, made by sculptorBranly Cadet,depicts Robinson sliding into home plate as a rookie.[31]

On June 18, 2022, the Dodgers unveiled abronze statue of Sandy Koufaxin the centerfield plaza, next to the statue of Robinson, which had been moved there in 2020 as part of renovations. The sculpture, which was also made by Cadet, depicts Koufax's signature leg kick as he goes into his windup.[32]

Location

[edit]
View of downtown and the Palos Verdes Peninsula
Dodger Stadium andDowntown Los Angeles
The former Think Blue sign in the mountains north of Dodger Stadium, was an homage to the nearbyHollywood Sign.

Built on top of the historic Los Angeles neighborhood ofChavez RavineinSolano Canyon,[33]the stadium overlooksdowntown Los Angelesand provides views of the city to the south, the green tree-lined hills ofElysian Parkto the north and east, and theSan Gabriel Mountainsbeyond the outfield pavilions. Due to dry summers in Southern California, rainouts at Dodger Stadium are rare. Prior to 1976, the Dodgers were rained out only once, against theSt. Louis Cardinals,on April 21, 1967, ending a streak of 737 consecutive games without a postponement. On April 12, 1976, the second home rainout ended a streak of 724 straight games. April 19–21, 1988 saw three consecutive rainouts, the only time consecutive games have been rained out at Dodger Stadium.[34]No rainouts occurred between April 21, 1988, and April 11, 1999 – a major league record of 856 straight home games without a rainout.[34]That record has since been broken, with no rainouts since April 17, 2000, 1,471 consecutive games through October 3, 2019[35]

Seating

[edit]

Dodger Stadium has never increased its seating capacity, and was the only current MLB park (through 2005) that had never done so, due to aconditional-use permitthat limits Dodger Stadium's seating capacity to 56,000. Whenever higher-revenue lower seats were added, some in the upper deck or pavilion were removed to keep the number the same.[36]Through the sale of standing room only tickets, the Dodgers' 2009 home opener drew 57,099 fans, the largest crowd in stadium history. Following a number of incidents in the early 1970s in which fans showeredCincinnati Redsleft fielderPete Rosewith beer, bottles, cups, and trash, the sale of beer was discontinued in both pavilions. Beer sales were reinstated in the right field pavilion in 2008, when that section was converted into theAll You Can Eat Pavilion.Fans seated in that section can eat unlimited hot dogs and peanuts and also have access to free soft drinks. There is a charge for beer.[37]

With the retirement of the originalYankee StadiumandShea Stadiumin 2008, the park reigned as the largest capacity ballpark in the Majors.

As of 2010, there are a total of 2,098 club seats and 68 luxury suites. Both of these amounts will increase once the renovations are complete,[when?]with the necessary offset to comply with its conditional-use permit.

Due to renovations made in the 2012–2013 offseason, the current maximum capacity of Dodger Stadium is less than 56,000, although the team's president,Stan Kasten,refuses to provide an exact number.[38]A 53,393 attendance is considered a sellout.[39][40]The high water mark since the renovations is 56,800 in Games 3, 4 and 5 of the2008 NLCS.[41]The team's 2013 media guide and website still report the capacity as 56,000.[6][42]

Dodger Stadium achieved record paid attendance during the 2019 season with 3,875,656 spectators.[43]

Center field dimension and playing surface

[edit]
Dodger Stadium in 2002

For various reasons, Dodger Stadium has long enjoyed a reputation as a pitchers' park. At first, the relatively deep outfield dimensions were a factor, with the power alleys being about 380 feet (120 m). Home plate was moved 10 feet (3.0 m) toward center field in1969,but that move also expanded foul ground by 10 feet (3.0 m), a tradeoff which helped to offset the increased likelihood of home runs caused by the decreased field dimensions. Also, during evening games, as the sun sets, the surrounding air cools quickly due to the ocean climate, becoming more dense. As a result, deep fly balls that might otherwise be home runs during the day instead often remain in play becoming outs. The park has been home to 12no-hitters,while players havehit for the cyclejust twice in Dodger Stadium.

Dodger Stadium became more neutral with respect to home runs.[44]The stadium does depress doubles and triples quite a bit, due to its uniform outfield walls and relatively small "corners" near the foul poles. However, the extremely short outfield walls near the foul poles also make some balls that would bounce off the wall in other parks go for home runs. With some expansion of the box seat area and the removal of significant foul territory, the ballpark has become more neutral, favoring neither pitchers nor hitters. Baseball-Reference's Park Factor measurement of 102 for the 2006 and 2007 seasons is evidence of this.

Although the distance to center field has been marked at 395 feet since 1973, it is still actually 400 feet (120 m) to center, as has been the case since 1969. The two 395-foot (120 m) signs erected in 1973 are to the left and right of dead center.[36]However, curvature of the fence between the posted distance signs is not exactly radial from home plate, thus the distance from home plate directly to center field is most likely 5 feet (1.5 m) farther than the posted 395 feet (120 m).[45]As of 2012, distance to center field is indicated 395 feet (120 m), and is located virtually exactly at the center field point.[citation needed]

With the opening ofCiti Fieldand the demolition ofShea Stadiumin 2009, Dodger Stadium became the only stadium with symmetrical outfield dimensions remaining in the National League and only one of three total in Major League Baseball. The other two symmetrical fields are Kansas City'sKauffman Stadium,andOakland–Alameda County Coliseum,both in the American League.

Dodger Stadium night game on September 11, 2024

Pitchers such asSandy Koufax,Don Drysdale,Don Sutton,Fernando Valenzuela,andOrel Hershiserbecame superstars after arriving in Los Angeles. The pitcher's edge is also evident in the fact that 13no-hittershave been thrown in the stadium, including twoperfect games(by the Dodgers'Sandy Koufax in 1965,and byDennis Martínezof the formerMontreal Exposin1991).Bo Belinskythrew the first ever no-hitter in Dodger Stadium on May 5, 1962, while pitching for the Los Angeles Angels (that club referred to the park as "Chavez Ravine".)

The park's significant advantage was eroded somewhat since 1969, in general because MLB rules were changed after the "Year of the Pitcher"to lower the maximum height of the pitcher's mound, and more specifically because the Dodgers moved the diamond about 10 feet (3 m) towards center field. This also gave the fielders more room to catch foul balls, so there was some tradeoff. Following the2004 season,the stadium underwent a renovation which significantly reduced the amount of foul territory. Seats were added which were closer to home plate than the pitcher's mound, the dugouts were moved 20 feet (6.1 m) closer to the field, and previously open space down the foul lines was filled with new seats.

Historic events

[edit]

1963 World Series

[edit]

The Dodgers won the 1963 World Series over the New York Yankees, sweeping the Yankees by winning game 4 by a score of 2–1. So far, this remains the only time the Dodgers ever clinched a World Series at Dodger Stadium.

1988 National League Championship Series

[edit]

Until 1988, Dodger Stadium had never hosted a seventh game of a postseason series. The Dodgers won Game 7 of the 1988 National League Championship Series over the New York Mets, 6–0.

2020 postseason games

[edit]

In keeping with the decision of Major League Baseball to schedule postseason games for neutral, "bubble" sites in light of theCOVID-19 pandemic,Dodger Stadium hosted all games between theHouston Astrosand theOakland Athleticsin the2020 American League Division Series.[46]

The2020 World Series,which pitted the Dodgers against theTampa Bay Rays,was played in the neutral site ofGlobe Life FieldinArlington, Texas.To accommodate local fans, Dodger Stadium staff set up two 60 ft (18 m) high HD video screens in the parking lot and allowed up to 950 cars to enter for each World Series game. An entrance fee of $75 per car was charged, with no more than 6 occupants per car. Audio play-by-play was broadcast over an FM station. No food or drink was sold, and participants were prohibited from bringing alcohol or "partying away from their car". An estimated 2,000 fans attended each game.[47]

No-hitters in Dodger Stadium

[edit]

(*-Perfect game)

Date Pitcher Team Opponent Box score
May 5, 1962 Bo Belinsky Angels Orioles [1]
June 30, 1962 Sandy Koufax Dodgers Mets [2]
May 11, 1963 Sandy Koufax Dodgers Giants [3]
September 9, 1965* Sandy Koufax Dodgers Cubs [4]
July 20, 1970 Bill Singer Dodgers Phillies [5]
June 29, 1990 Fernando Valenzuela Dodgers Cardinals [6]
July 28, 1991* Dennis Martínez Expos Dodgers [7]
Aug. 17, 1992 Kevin Gross Dodgers Giants [8]
April 8, 1994 Kent Mercker Braves Dodgers [9]
July 14, 1995 Ramón Martínez Dodgers Marlins [10]
June 18, 2014 Clayton Kershaw Dodgers Rockies [11]
August 30, 2015 Jake Arrieta Cubs Dodgers [12]
June 24, 2021 Combined Cubs Dodgers [13]

Home runs out of Dodger Stadium

[edit]

Seven home runs have been hit completely out of Dodger Stadium. OutfielderWillie Stargellof thePittsburgh Pirateshit two of those home runs. Stargell hit a 507-foot (155 m) home run off the Dodgers'Alan Fosteron August 5, 1969, that completely cleared the right field pavilion and struck a bus parked outside the stadium. Stargell then hit a 470-foot (140 m) home run offAndy Messersmithon May 8, 1973, that landed on the right field pavilion roof and bounced into the parking lot. Dodger catcherMike Piazzahit a 478-foot (146 m) home run off Frank Castillo of theColorado Rockieson September 21, 1997, that landed on the left field pavilion roof and skipped under the left field video board and into the parking lot. On May 22, 1999,St. Louis Cardinalsfirst basemanMark McGwirecleared the left field pavilion with a 483-foot (147 m) home run off the Dodgers'Jamie Arnold.On May 12, 2015,Giancarlo Stantonof theMiami Marlinshit a 478-foot (146 m) home run over the left-field roof offMike Bolsinger.[48]On September 30, 2021,Fernando Tatís Jr.hit a ball out of the stadium off the top of the left field pavilion roof.[49]Most recently, on July 21, 2024,Shohei Ohtanihit a ball 473 feet out over the right field pavilion into the center field plaza.[50]

Dodger Stadium hosts the2009 World Baseball Classic.The top of a ten-story elevator shaft bears the World Baseball Classic logo.
Dodger Stadium upper seating on 6/15/18 vs. theSan Francisco Giants.

Notable events

[edit]

Park usage

[edit]

Dodger Stadium has also staged other sporting events such as boxing, a basketball game featuring theHarlem Globetrottersand a ski-jumping exhibition, as well as the baseball competition of the1984 Summer Olympic Gamesand is currently designated to host baseball for the2028 Olympic GameswithAngel Stadium.

Baseball

[edit]

In 1992, baseball games from April 30 to May 3 against the Montreal Expos were postponed due to the1992 Los Angeles riots.Three consecutive days of double headers were held later in the season on July 6 to 8.

Soccer

[edit]

Dodger Stadium hosted a soccer doubleheader on August 3, 2013, part of the2013 International Champions Cup,featuringReal Madridof Spain,Evertonof England,Juventusof Italy andLos Angeles GalaxyofMajor League Soccerin a tournament semi-final. The field dimensions were from the third base side to right field; temporary grass was covered on the pitcher's mound and the infield. The tournament was a semi-final and Real Madrid defeated Everton 2-1 and Los Angeles Galaxy defeated Juventus 3–1.

Date Winning Team Result Losing Team Tournament Spectators
August 3, 2013 United StatesLos Angeles Galaxy 3–1 ItalyJuventus 2013 International Champions Cup 40,681
SpainReal Madrid 2–1 EnglandEverton

Hockey

[edit]

Dodger Stadium hosted its firstNational Hockey Leaguegame between theLos Angeles Kingsand theAnaheim Duckson January 25, 2014, as a part of the2014 NHL Stadium Series.The Ducks won the game 3–0 in front of 54,099 fans. In addition, the rock bandKISSplayed songs before the game and during its first intermission.[51]

Date Winning Team Result Losing Team Event Attendance
January 25, 2014 Anaheim Ducks 3–0 Los Angeles Kings 2014 NHL Stadium Series 54,099

Boxing

[edit]

On March 21, 1963, Ultiminio "Sugar" Ramos won the WBC and WBA featherweight titles from Davey Moore in ten rounds. Moore died days after this fight. Also on the card, Roberto Cruz KO'd Raymundo "Battling" Torres in one round to win the WBA Junior Welterweight title.[52]

Cricket

[edit]

On November 15, 2015, Dodger Stadium hosted the third and final game of theCricket All-Stars Series 2015,featuring many retired cricket players from around the world and led by great cricket legendsSachin TendulkarandShane Warne.Warne's WarriorsdefeatedSachin's Blastersby 4 wickets to sweep the three-game series. The ends were named afterSandy KoufaxandDon Sutton,twoHall of Famepitchers for LA Dodgers.

Olympics

[edit]

Concerts

[edit]

Dodger Stadium has hosted many of the world's top musical artists, includingThe Cure,Kiss,The Rolling Stones,The Beatles,Bee Gees,Elton John,Lady Gaga,Simon and Garfunkel,David Bowie,Green Day,Fall Out Boy,Weezer,Madonna,Beyoncé,Genesis,Guns N' Roses,Eric Clapton,Depeche Mode,U2,Dave Matthews Band,Bruce Springsteenand theE Street Band,Blackpink,Dead & CompanyandMichael JacksonwithThe Jacksons.On October 25 and 26, 1975, Elton John performed two sold-out concerts; these are widely regarded as two of his most famous shows.[57]The Three Tenors — José Carreras, Plácido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti — gave a one-night-only show at Los Angeles' Dodger Stadium on July 16, 1994. It was a watched by a billion people worldwide. In July 2017, it hosted the Classic West concert, of the first night featuredThe Eaglesin their full first concert (after the 2016 death of founding memberGlenn Frey), withDeacon Freyand American country artistVince Gillas new members, as well as supporting actsThe Doobie BrothersandSteely Dan.The second night featuredEarth, Wind & Fire,Journey,andFleetwood Mac.On July 13, 2019,Paul McCartneyperformed at Dodger Stadium as part of hisFreshen Uptour, withRingo StarrandJoe Walshas guest performers. In 2022,Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesiasbecame the first stand-up comedian to perform at Dodger Stadium.[58]Lady Gaga's sold-out concert at the venue on September 11, 2022 as part ofThe Chromatica Ball(2022) was filmed for aconcert filmreleased in May 2024 throughHBOand its streaming service,Max.[59]Elton Johnsold out his final three concerts inNorth Americaas part of theFarewell Yellow Brick Road Tour(2018-2023), the final of which was live-streamed onDisney+,and added to their library for replay. The film won the award forOutstanding Variety Specialat the75th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards,allowing John to become anEGOTrecipient for having won at least oneEmmy,aGrammy,anOscar,and aTony.[60]

In music video

[edit]

Fleetwood Mac's music video for the song "Tusk"was recorded and filmed at the empty stadium in 1979.

In film and TV

[edit]
  • Ashootoutscene in the 1972 filmHickey & Boggs,starringBill CosbyandRobert Culptakes place at Dodger Stadium.[61]
  • The ending of the 1980 film ‘’Condor man’’ took place at Dodger Stadium.
  • The ending of the 1985 filmBetter Off Deadtakes place at Dodger Stadium.
  • The baseball scenes from the firstNaked Gunfilm were filmed at Dodger Stadium, although theCalifornia Angelswere represented as the home team in the film. (The Angels played their home games at "Chavez Ravine" beforeAnaheim Stadiumwas built.)
  • This was the starting point of a popular reality show,The Amazing Racein itsfourth season.
  • The parking lot of Dodger Stadium was used in the2001movieThe Fast and the Furious,in whichBrian O'Conner(Paul Walker) drifts his 1995Mitsubishi Eclipsearound the parking lot. It later reappeared in its2023sequelFast X,in whichDominic Toretto(Vin Diesel) uses his 1970Dodge Charger R/Tto teach his son Brian Marcos (Leo Abelo Perry) to drift, again in the parking lot.
  • Dodger Stadium was used as the model forMetropolis's baseball stadium in the2006filmSuperman Returns.The end of the airplane rescue scene was filmed at Dodger Stadium, and a CGI backdrop for the city was added behind the outfield.
  • The stadium also appeared in the 2003 filmThe Coreduring the scene where the space shuttle takes an unexpected crash landing.
  • In a scene from the 2007 filmTransformers,an empty Dodger Stadium is depicted being hit by the AutobotJazz's protoform, which crashes through the upper deck and lands in the outfield. Though empty, the stadium's lights are on.
  • In the 2010 filmTakers,after fleeing in a helicopter from the initial bank robbery, the crew flies to the parking lot at Dodger Stadium where their escape vehicles are parked. They then blow up the helicopter in the parking lot at Dodger Stadium
  • In the closing scene of the 2012 filmRock of Ages,Dodger Stadium is seen hosting a concert for the rock band Arsenal, fronted by Stacee Jaxx (played byTom Cruise).
  • In a 1963 episode ofMister Edtitled "Leo Durocher meets Mister Ed", Ed offers hitting tips to Dodgers coachLeo Durocherahead of a big game.
  • Curb Your Enthusiasmfilmed there in May 2003.
  • In the 2023 movieCreed III,the championship fight between Adonis Creed and Dame Anderson takes place at Dodger Stadium. In the movie, it is known as the "Battle for Los Angeles."
  • In the 2019 biographical musical fantasy drama filmRocketman,Elton John (played by Taron Egerton) is seen performing at the stadium moments after his suicide attempt in 1975. The stadium was created with computer-generated imagery, along with the fans.
  • The field was featured inSeason 13ofMasterChef.

In gaming

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  • The stadium appears in the 2019 mobile gameMario Kart Touras part of the "Los Angeles Laps" race course.

Holiday Festival

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On November 8, 2021, Dodger organization announced the "2021 Dodger Holiday Festival" event. The event was held nightly from November 26-December 31, with the exception of the following dark days 11/29, 11/30, 12/6, 12/7, and 12/25. The event included an ice skating rink, scenic and light displays, holiday themed food and beverages, and Santa photos for guests.

Other events

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Access

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Dodger Stadium Express bus at Dodger Stadium

The stadium is surrounded by expansive parking lots and before a game, bumper to bumper traffic winds through the hilly streets to reach the stadium from several directions. TheChinatown stationis the nearest station of theLos Angeles Metro Railsystem. From there, it is a little over a mile walk with a pedestrian bridge available at the north end of Yale Street over the110 Freeway.[62]

TheLos Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority(Metro) has two Dodger Stadium Express bus routes that transport fans to and from the stadium during home games. The service is funded by the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee andMetro ExpressLanestoll revenue.

Union Station route

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Buses on the Union Station route run non-stop betweenUnion Stationand Dodger Stadium. Service to the stadium begins operating 90 minutes before the start of the game, with departures every 10 minutes until the 3rd Inning. Buses stop at Center Field and Top Deck. Return service continues until 45 minutes after the final out or 20 minutes after post-game events, with buses departing as they fill.[63]

South Bay route

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Buses on the South Bay route operate between theSouth Bayand Dodger Stadium along theHarbor Transitway,making stops atSlauson,Manchester,Harbor Freeway,Rosecrans,andHarbor Gateway Transit Center.Service to the stadium begins operating two hours before the start of the game, with departures every 20 minutes until the start of the game. Buses stop at Right Field. Return service begins at the end of the 7th inning and continues until 45 minutes after the final out or 20 minutes after post-game events, with buses departing as they fill.[63]

Proposed gondola

[edit]

TheLos Angeles Aerial Rapid Transitis a proposedaerial gondolaconnectingUnion Stationto the stadium with an intermediate station at theLos Angeles State Historic Park.The line will also serveElysian Parkadjacent to the stadium.[64]

See also

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References

[edit]
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  2. ^"Dodger Stadium's New Signage Creates" Blue Heaven "Atmosphere".SignWeb.com.Archived fromthe originalon 29 November 2014.Retrieved19 November2014.
  3. ^Gurnick, Ken (January 29, 2016)."Road to Dodger Stadium to be renamed Vin Scully Avenue".Major League Baseball Advanced Media.Archived fromthe originalon February 1, 2016.RetrievedJanuary 31,2016.
  4. ^Dilbeck, Steve (January 29, 2016)."Council votes unanimously to rename street Vin Scully Avenue".Los Angeles Times.RetrievedJanuary 31,2016.
  5. ^"Dodger Stadium Express".www.metro.net.RetrievedJanuary 10,2022.
  6. ^ab"2014 Dodger Season Tickets Go on Sale"(Press release).Major League Baseball Advanced Media.September 12, 2013. Archived fromthe originalon July 14, 2014.RetrievedOctober 5,2013.
  7. ^Stacie Wheeler (22 January 2012)."50 Years of Dodger Stadium".Dodgers Way.FanSided.Archived fromthe originalon 25 October 2017.Retrieved25 October2017.Record attendance: 1 (April 13, 2009) (Giants)
  8. ^ab1634–1699:McCusker, J. J.(1997).How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda(PDF).American Antiquarian Society.1700–1799:McCusker, J. J.(1992).How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States(PDF).American Antiquarian Society.1800–present:Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis."Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–".RetrievedFebruary 29,2024.
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  10. ^Engineering News-Record.178(2). New York City:McGraw-Hill:62. 1967.{{cite journal}}:Missing or empty|title=(help)
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  24. ^Smith is best known as the driving force behind the massively influential Oriole Park at Camden Yards. She is also responsible for Turner Field in Atlanta and the most recent renovations at Fenway Park.
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  49. ^"Tatis' 42nd HR leaves Dodger Stadium".Major League Baseball.Retrieved30 September2021.
  50. ^"Ohtani's 473-foot moonshot lands 'where people don't go'".Major League Baseball.Retrieved22 July2024.
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  58. ^Wolfe, Chris (8 May 2022)."'Fluffy' makes history, selling out Dodger Stadium for venue's first comedy show ".RetrievedApril 12,2024.
  59. ^Aswad, Jem (May 8, 2024)."Lady Gaga's 'Chromatica Ball' HBO concert special to premiere May 25".Variety.RetrievedJune 14,2024.
  60. ^Rosenbloom, Alli (16 January 2024)."Elton John achieves elite EGOT status with Emmy win for his concert film".RetrievedApril 12,2024.
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Sources

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