This Southern California ball park has long been a favorite for both fans and players. Kidzworld's got the inside scoop on the home of the Los Angeles Dodgers!
History
In the late '50s, former Dodger owner Walter O'Malley decided to move the Brooklyn Dodgers down to Southern California. O'Malley decided to put a massive stadium in the Los Angeles neighborhood Chavez Ravine because the land was on a hill that overlooked downtown L.A. The stadium was originally called Chavez Ravine since the Dodgers shared the venue with the California Angels. When the Angels moved out in 1965, the stadium was changed to Dodger Stadium and has stayed the same since.
Pack crowd at Dodger Stadium
Unique Features
Dodger Stadium is the fourth oldest MLB park. Despite its age, it is one of the most popular sports venues in major league baseball. In 2003 survey, players voted Dodger Stadium as the best playing surface in the league. One of the best features of the field is the 360 degree views of Los Angeles. The wavy roof on top of each outfield pavilion is one of the park's most distinctive features. In 1999 the park added strobe lights that flash when the Dodgers take the field and after every Dodger home run and win. And, true to Southern California form, there are palm trees throughout the ball park including in the outfield. In 2008, the Dodgers announced that the stadium will soon receive a $500 million renovation. A Dodger museum will be added along with restaurants and shops.
Dodger Stadium
Great Moments
Dodger Stadium has played host to a variety of special events. Some of the more notable baseball events played there include: the 1980 MLB All Star Games, the 1984 Olympic Summer Games' baseball events and hosted eight World Series! Dodger Stadium will also host the World Baseball Classic in 2009. On top of baseball, Dodger stadium has hosted many notable concerts including: The Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, Dave Matthews and Madonna. Pope John Paul II delivered Mass there in 1987. Scenes from movies like The Naked Gun, Superman Returns, The Fast and Furious, Transformers and Fantastic Four were filmed at Dodger Stadium.
Fun Facts
- Dodger Stadium's seating capacity is 56,000.
- Dodger Stadium sits on 300 acres of land and has over 3,400 trees.
- Dodger Stadium cost $23 million to build when it opened in 1962.
- Dodger Stadium's slogan is "Blue Heaven on Earth".
- Dodger Stadium has had over 115 million fans watch baseball games over the past 46 years.
- Dodger Stadium is consistently near the top of attendance. Eight of the top 25 NL single-season attendance marks have been set at Dodger Stadium.
- Dodger Stadium was built to be earthquake-resistant.
