Angel Stadium

Angel Stadium

Home to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Anaheim, CA

Date Opened: April 19, 1966- Chicago White Sox 3, Los Angeles Angels 1

Capacity: 45,054

Games Attended:

April 21, 2005 Angels vs. Cleveland Indians 6-5

April 25, 2005 Angels vs. Oakland Athletics 1-0

Location & Accesibility (0-5): 3

Located in sunny Orange County where the weather is almost always perfect, Angel Stadium is less than three miles east of the Disneyland Parks. The Honda Center, where hockey's Ducks play, a concert hall, and various restaurants are located just across the parking lot.

Historic Value (0-5): 5

Originality (0-5): 3

Angel Stadium is now the fourth oldest park in Major League Baseball. It has been home to six American League Division Series, six American League Championship Series, and the 2002 World Series, in which the Angels defeated the San Francisco Giants. The park will be hosting its third All-Star Game this summer. Other historic events in Angel Stadium include; two Nolan Ryan no-hitters, Reggie Jackson's 500th home-run, Mickey Mantles last career game winning home-run. In 1997 Disney took a large enough ownership interest in the club to begin renovations on the park, removing seats behind the outfield wall. Along with a more open feel artificial rocks and geysers were added. Many movies have used Angel Stadium as well including Disney's Angels in the Outfield.

Fans (0-5): 4

I find most fans from Los Angeles quite annoying (Lakers and Dodgers) but I really enjoyed the people at Angel Stadium. There were large crowds at both games we went to, including a regular season record, at the time, for the Sunday afternoon game when the Angels faced division rivals the Oakland A's.

Fun Factor (0-5): 4

Though Disney doesn't own the team anymore it seems as if they have left a lasting mark. Not only does water shoot out of the fountains in the outfield but fireworks to do! The team store was quite impressive as well. And you can't forget about the Angel Girls.

Concessions & Restaurants (0-5): 2

It may have been that I was just too poor to afford stadium food at the time of this trip but I can not remember any unique foods or restaurants.

My own Subjectivity (0-5): 4
My first Major League experience took place in this park so I will always remember it, especially going down to field level to watch a walk-off home run in extra innings. This place may be more magical than Disneyland. Oh and did I mention the beautiful weather?

Total Score (0-35)= 25

Criteria for "The Ballpark Series" can be found here.

And here is why I love baseball stadiums!