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 baseball 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 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 selections 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 also located around the stadium, including the Ketel One Botanical Bar along the outer concourse, featuring drink specials throughout the season. Standard beer choices 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.
Atmosphere 4
As fans approach the home plate entrance, they are greeted by two oversized helmets. 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.
Rally Monkey, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey
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. 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 3
The fans at Los Angeles Angels games are among the most welcoming in baseball. Times 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 have not had much reason to come out in droves as in seasons past. Despite the team’s struggles the Angels remain in the middle of the pack averaging just over 30,000 a game.
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.
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 use.
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 $15, making an outing for an Angels game one of the most affordable in the league. With the Halos continuing to struggle on the field, games for even prime opponents such as the Yankees, Red Sox, and even the Dodgers have become affordable with prices starting as low as $15.
Extras 4
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 scored by the Angels.
The stadium also features various theme nights and giveaways throughout the year for fans to get involved, and the bricks outside the grand entrance are arranged in the shape of a baseball infield, creating a unique photo spot for fans.
Final Thoughts
Greetings from SoCal, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey
Due to recent issues between the City of Anaheim and Angels owner Arte Moreno, plans to turn over ownership of Angel Stadium to the team owner are dead. Perhaps possibly into the foreseeable future, do not expect any entertainment and housing developments surrounding the Big A. While the City of Anaheim and the Angels continue to work out their differences and a state audit is looming, for the time being, the Angels will remain through at least 2029 with opt-out options through 2038.
Angel Stadium is the 4th oldest yard in the bigs behind Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, and Dodger Stadium. It has gone through its share of changes. From being enclosed in 1979 to accommodate the Rams to its return to its current form as a baseball-only park, compared to other yards of the post-Camden era, Angel Stadium could use some updates.
Though showing its age, Angel Stadium is still quite serviceable. Yes, it lacks the bells and whistles of most present-day yards and you won’t find any pre and post-game entertainment options within the vicinity such as those in Atlanta and St. Louis.
While Angel Stadium lacks most of the present-day amenities beyond the on-field action, its size makes sure that you’re never too far from the action.
As the season winds down and the Halos struggles continue, this is a great time for ballpark travelers to catch a game or two without adding further damage to your travel budget.
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