Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14
George C. Page Stadium
1 LMU Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90045
Year Opened: 1983
Capacity: 1,200
Behold The Blue Monster in The Lions Den
There is certainly no shortage of college baseball in Southern California. From L.A. to Orange County eight major collegiate programs take to the diamond. Southern California certainly is not lacking when it comes to young baseball talent. LMU has produced its share of baseball talent, amassing six conference championships along with eight appearances to the NCAA Regionals with one College World Series appearance in 1986.
Food & Beverage 2
As you would expect of a small venue the concession options are limited to your basic fare. Options include a 1/4 lb Lion Dog ($3, $7 Value Combo includes bottled water/soda and chips), bacon wrapped dogs ($4.99), hamburger ($4.29, + .99 with cheese, + $1.49 with bacon), bbq pulled beef on ciabatta ($4.29). Fries, nachos, and your basic snacks (popcorn, pretzel, peanuts, churros, sunflower seeds, chips, and candy) and Coke products are also available.
Atmosphere 3
Because of Page Stadium’s small seating capacity, chances are you will be within earshot of everyone inside the yard. The crowd here doesn’t seem to be so overbearing that visiting teams should feel intimidated. That does not stop the home fans from making their feelings known to the umpires should they feel a call does not go their way.
The page also offers a nice neighborhood feel. Though located close to several major thoroughfares, the only thing in sight beyond the outfield walls are trees and housing.
Neighborhood 4
LMU is located nearby L.A. International airport so lodging should not be a problem. There are several dining spots nearby Lincoln Blvd. Tower Pizza is a popular spot among students. If you want to hit up a nearby tourist spot, drive 5-10 minutes east of campus along Manchester Blvd toward Randy’s Donuts. You really can’t miss the familiar 23-foot donut that’s made appearances in a few productions, as well as Randy Newman’s music video I Love L.A.
If you’re not looking to spend too much on dining, there’s always that SoCal favorite nearby LAX on Sepulveda Blvd, In N Out, where many a local has gone to see what a hamburger is all about. Venice Beach and Santa Monica are also a short drive from LMU.
Fans 3
Though you should not expect large droves of fans, the fans that do show up are a supportive bunch. College baseball is pretty much an afterthought for fans in Southern California due largely in part to the vast entertainment options. Having three major league teams located from L.A. to San Diego could also be a factor. Don’t expect the loud, rabid feel that you might get from other college baseball venues throughout other parts of the country.
Access 4
There are two main entrances to the campus. One entrance is located just off of Lincoln Blvd while the other entrance goes through a residential neighborhood via Loyola Blvd. If arriving from LAX or points south, you will want to drive along Manchester Blvd and head north on Loyola. Not only will this street lead you directly inside the campus, but this entrance will also lead you closer to the yard rather than driving around a long windy road from the Lincoln Blvd entrance.
LMU charges for parking on campus, Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (except University Holidays). All fans attending games during those hours will be required to register and pay for parking. There is no charge on Saturday and Sunday.
There is one entrance to Page Stadium. In front of the entrance is Pride Park. Pride Park features a scaled-down baseball infield, recognizing alumni and friends of LMU as well as a concrete bench surrounding the infield paying tribute to memorable players and moments in LMU baseball.
Return on Investment 3
The price of admission is about what you would pay for most collegiate baseball games. However, there is a $2 purchase charge per ticket regardless of whether you buy them online or at the box office. Ticket prices are $10/$12 for reserved adult seats behind home plate and $8/$9 for reserved child/senior. General admission adults behind the dugouts are $8/$10, GA child/senior $6/$7.
Extras 3
To be honest, the extras here aren’t much at all. There isn’t a video board that gives fans replays or in game stats. However, you will find along the right field wall tributes noted in blue to the years LMU teams that made NCAA playoff appearances, with the 1986 College World Series highlighted in red.
Along the left field wall are three retired uniform numbers. The numbers honor #44 Billy Beane, #54 Tim Layana, a member of the 1986 CWS team who played parts of three seasons with the Reds (1990-91) and Giants (1993), and #10 Jerry Stone.
Where the score gets a bump is the sight of The Mikos Blue Monster. Yes, folks, The Blue Monster is a replica of that famous Green Monster, or MON-STAH, in Boston’s Fenway Park. The Monster is a gift from LMU alum Paul Mikos, complete with a manual scoreboard and an out-of-town scoreboard, just like its Green cousin in Boston.
Final Thoughts
As you descend upon your journey to hit up as many ballparks on your ballpark bucket list, when passing through L.A., you will want to make it a point to visit Page Stadium and catch an LMU game. Its proximity to LAX makes it easy to access. With the many baseball options in the L.A. and Southern California region, chances are great you will be able to knock out a few other collegiate (and perhaps MLB action, depending on the time of visit) venues from your bucket list of baseball yards, all in one trip and maybe the same day.
Oh yeah, in case I forgot to mention, if you are a true baseball fan, you will want to say hi to The Blue Monster.
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