Angel Stadium - Los Angeles Angels
- Andrei Ojeda
- Jun 26
- 6 min read
Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71
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, Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout.
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 with 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 fan favorite Cathy’s Cookies are among the options available.
Another solid stop on the food exploration tour is La Rotisserie, featuring their famous herb rotisserie half-chicken meals. Various bars are 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.
If you should be fortunate to attend a game during one of the team’s themed cultural heritage nights, you may also find some other dining options such as Japanese, Mexican, El Salvadoran or Filipino fare to name a few.
Atmosphere 4
As fans approach the home plate entrance, they are greeted by two oversized helmets complimented with oversized player banners hovering above them. 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 situations when the team needs to rally, 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. Golden Road, Karl Strauss Brewing Company and Lazy Dog are located nearby for pre or post game dining.
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. The last 10 plus years have been rough for fans under the halo. With the team not experiencing a post-season win since 2009, a playoff appearance since 2014 and a winning season since 2015, Angels fans continue to show up, averaging over 2.5 million.
In spite of comments from owner Arte Moreno about winning not being a top 5 priority for the fans, Angels fans still want a winner. The laid back reputation in some circles has been tested as some fans have even taken to protesting current ownership, demanding change in the organization. The boiling point has exceeded its peak.
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 (ARTIC).
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 utilize, ESPECIALLY YOU, Dodger Stadium!
Return on Investment 4
As the Halos struggles continue, tickets can be found on 3rd party sites such as TickPick for as low as $3.
Otherwise, box office prices are still a bargain starting at $7 for upper deck sections. For games that may include specific giveaways such as bobbleheads, tickets are still a bargain starting at $17. Expect a hike in prices when prime teams such as the Dodgers or Yankees are in town with prices starting at $60 on various sites.
Even with the occasional price hike, the price value for an Angels game among the three Southern California MLB venues is the most economical for the traveling fan. As to whether the local fanbase values affordability over a winning product, that’s something you can ask the fans as they’ll be more than happy to discuss the matter with you.
Extras 3
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 hit by the Angels.
The most recent addition to Angel Stadium is the "Level Up" arcade. Located under the right field pavilion, presented by Bandai Namco, this fun filled arcade is free of charge and features classic video games including PAC MAN.
If approaching the “Level Up” arcade from the home plate or right field entrance, along the concourse behind the right field stands is a mural of current Angels players and alumni during their childhood Little League days.
Final Thoughts
Unless the Angels stage a miraculous run as the season’s second half approaches, they will suffer their 11th consecutive losing season. It is currently the franchises longest run of futility.
The current team, along with Arte Moreno’s statement over fans not prioritizing winning, has done nothing to calm the vitriol expressed from the fans towards ownership. As the "Tarps Off" trend has swept across various MLB parks as a rallying plea to the point some teams are selling tickets in a dedicated section, in Anaheim, it has been both a rally plea and a point of protest. Loud chants of “SELL THE TEAM”, such as those previously from Oakland, have been hard to ignore during broadcasts.
From a baseball fan traveler's perspective, affordability is a convenience. While all fans would love an affordable night out at the game, affordability does not diminish the fact that the local fanbase wants to see a winning product. A product that has been missing in Anaheim for over a decade.
