July 20, 2009

Ballpark Roadtrip: Citizens Bank Park

It is commonly referred to by locals simply as "The Bank" or "C.B.P.". Citizens Bank Park opened on April 3, 2004, and hosted its first regular season baseball game on April 12 of the same year, with the Phillies losing to the Cincinnati Reds, 4–1.
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June 19, 2009

Ballpark Roadtrip: Oriole Park at Camden Yards

When Oriole Park at Camden Yards opened on April 6, 1992, a new era of Major League Baseball began. It replaced Memorial Stadium that opened in 1954 when the St. Louis Browns moved to Baltimore and took the name of previous franchises that played in Baltimore.

The park was brand new, but still old-fashioned. State-of-the-art, yet quaint. At less than a day old, it was already a classic.
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July 17, 2008

Ballpark Roadtrip: Great American Ball Park

Located on the winding banks of the Ohio River in downtown Cincinnati, Great American Ball Park serves as the home of the Cincinnati Reds, baseball's first professional franchise.

It opened in 2003, replacing Cinergy Field (formerly Riverfront Stadium), their home field from 1970 to 2002. The park's name comes from Great American Insurance Group. Great American Ball Park was built by the architectural firms HOK Sport (now Populous) and GBBN at a cost of approximately US$290 million. Read more

June 19, 2008

Ballpark Roadtrip: Angel Stadium of Anaheim

After spending their first five years of existence playing at Wrigley Field and Chavez Ravine, the Angels landed in their new home in Orange County.

After an Aug. 31, 1964 groundbreaking ceremony, Anaheim Stadium, as it was originally known, was completed in 1966 at a cost of $24 million. The facility’s centerpiece was a giant A-frame scoreboard standing 230 feet high and was the source of the stadium’s nickname.

With a seating capacity of 43,250, Anaheim Stadium was built with “Convenience, Comfort and Courtesy” in mind. Narrow foul territory areas and quickly rising decks gave fans an up-close view of the action. Gradually- inclined ramps, escalators, wide aisles and helpful ushers as well as three surrounding freeways, 26 entrance lanes and 28 exit lanes added to the Big A’s accessibility.

Since opening the doors for its first exhibition game Apr. 9, 1966, Angel Stadium has played host to some of the Club’s memorable events including seven Western Division clinching games (1979, 1982, 1986, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2014), three All-Star Games (1967, 1989 and 2010) and the 2002 World Series, including the Angels’ Game 7 victory over the San Francisco Giants to clinch the franchise’s first championship.

Angel Stadium has also seen several individual Halos leave their indelible marks on the game of baseball. Whether it be the four Angels no-hitters, Rod Carew’s 3,000th hit, Reggie Jackson’s 500th home run, Don Sutton’s 300th win or Albert Pujols’ 600th home run, Angel Stadium has housed some of Major League Baseball’s most prestigious accomplishments.

Presently, Angel Stadium sits as baseball’s fourth-oldest ballpark, trailing only Boston’s Fenway Park, Chicago’s Wrigley Field and Los Angeles’ Dodger Stadium.

Affectionately known as “The Big A”, Angel Stadium has seen over 119 million fans pass through its gates since 1966, including a current stretch of 17 consecutive seasons of three million fans, a streak only the Angels and Yankees have achieved since 2003.

Anaheim Stadium underwent construction to enclose the stadium in 1979 for additional seating to accom- modate the Rams’ football games. Seating capacity was increased to 64,593 for baseball and more than 70,000 for football. A total of 108 executive style boxes were added to surround the rear of the Club Level. In addition to the Stadium Club, there were two other private dining areas designed for groups — the Stadium Pavilion and the Football Press Box.

At that time, the Big A board was preserved and moved to the edge of the parking lot adjacent to the Orange Freeway behind the right field area.

When the Rams left for St. Louis, Anaheim Stadium’s primary tenant remained the Angels, who originally signed a 35-year contract (through 2001). Renovations began Oct. 1, 1996, to revert the 30-year old structure back to a baseball only facility and the ballpark was renamed Edison International Field. The total cost for the stadium renovation was estimated at $100 million and the project was completed in time for the Angels' Opening Day, Apr. 1, 1998.

New enhancements were added all around the ballpark but perhaps the most noticeable is the center field waterfalls and rock formation that come together to form an “A”. Settled inside the waterfall’s rapids are water geysers that originally shot water into the air whenever an Angels player hit a home run.

Other unique features of Angel Stadium include terraced bullpens in the outfield, widened concourses, new restroom and concession areas, family-oriented seating sections, state-of-the-art club-level and dugout-level suites, a youth-oriented interactive game area and landscaped courtyards (with statues in remembrance of Gene Autry and Michelle Carew).

Nestled in the corner of the Angel Stadium parking lot is one of the ballpark’s most recognizable features, “The Big A” message board. With the completion of Anaheim Stadium in 1966, the facility’s centerpiece was a giant A-frame scoreboard standing 230 feet high. At the time, it was the largest scoreboard ever constructed and became the source of the stadium’s nickname.

The Big A’s original home was just beyond the left field wall where it served as the facility’s main scoreboard for over a decade. When the stadium underwent construction to accommodate the Los Angeles Rams in 1979, The Big A was preserved and moved to its current location in the southeastern corner of the parking lot, adjacent to the 57 freeway. Contractors used a 125-ton crane and two large dollies to move the structure over 1,200 feet across the stadium lots.

The Angels have long utilized The Big A to celebrate each of the club’s victories. After every Angel win, both home and road, the 70-foot wide halo atop the Big A is illuminated for fans both inside the ballpark and out to see. It is customary for the halo to remain lit until dawn of the day following a victory. The Angels are one of the few sports franchises whose post-victory tradition signals a win to all within sight of their facility.
Since its construction in 1966

The Big A has undergone several modifications and facelifts. The scoreboard’s original color palette was all white with a gold halo before becoming green, gold and beige when the stadium was renamed Edison Field. In February, 2002, with the club switching their uniform scheme back to red as the primary color, the Big A was painted red and beige.

Angel Stadium of Anaheim

Fans walk from the parking lot towards Angel Stadium of Anaheim for a baseball game between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on June 16, 2008. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Angel Stadium of Anaheim

An oversized helmet sits outside Angel Stadium of Anaheim before the baseball game between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on June 16, 2008. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Angel Stadium of Anaheim

The exterior of Angel Stadium of Anaheim before the baseball game between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on June 16, 2008. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Angel Stadium of Anaheim

The rocks and video board at Angel Stadium Angel Stadium of Anaheim before the baseball game between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on June 16, 2008. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Angel Stadium of Anaheim

Fans eat in the picnic area in center field of Angel Stadium in Anaheim before the baseball game between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on June 16, 2008. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Angel Stadium of Anaheim

A look from third base side of Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., before the baseball game between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on June 16, 2008. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Angel Stadium of Anaheim

The grounds crew prepares the field at Angel Stadium of Anaheim in Anaheim, Calif., before the baseball game between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on June 16, 2008. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Angel Stadium of Anaheim

A view from the right field corner at Angel Stadium of Anaheim before the baseball game between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on June 16, 2008. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Angel Stadium of Anaheim

Real fans of the team sit and wait for of the baseball game between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on June 16, 2008. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Angel Stadium of Anaheim

Fans start to slowly gather in Angel Stadium of Anaheim before the baseball game between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on June 16, 2008. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Angel Stadium of Anaheim

New York Mets David Wright bats in a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on June 16, 2008. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Angel Stadium in Anaheim

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Vladimir Guerrero bats in the baseball game between the New York Mets on June 16, 2008. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Angel Stadium of Anaheim

New York Mets closer Billy Wagner pitches in the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on June 16, 2008. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Angel Stadium of Anaheim

Garret Anderson hangs outside a gate at Angel Stadium in Anaheim before a baseball game between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on June 17, 2008. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Angel Stadium of Anaheim

The right field gate at Angel Stadium in Anaheim before a baseball game between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on June 17, 2008. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Angel Stadium of Anaheim

The ramps outside the upper level at Angel Stadium in Anaheim before a baseball game between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on June 17, 2008. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Angel Stadium of Anaheim

The home plate gate at Angel Stadium in Anaheim before a baseball game between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on June 17, 2008. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Angel Stadium of Anaheim

The hat outside is a size 649 ½ Angel Stadium in Anaheim before the baseball game between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on June 17, 2008. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Angel Stadium of Anaheim

The Big A outside of Angel Stadium of Anaheim before the baseball game between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on June 17, 2008. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Angel Stadium of Anaheim

Los Angeles Angels players stretch on the field before the baseball game against the New York Mets at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on June 17, 2008. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Angel Stadium of Anaheim

The right field seats at Angel Stadium in Anaheim before the baseball game between the New York Mets and the Angels on June 17, 2008. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Angel Stadium of Anaheim

New York Mets starter Johan Santana fires a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on June 17, 2008. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Angel Stadium of Anaheim

New York Mets Jose Reyes looks frustrated after he is taken out of the baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on June 17, 2008. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Angel Stadium of Anaheim

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim starter John Lackey pitches in the first inning of a baseball game between the New York Mets on June 17, 2008. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Angel Stadium

New York Mets 1B Carlos Delgado and Los Angeles Angels Garret Anderson stand at 1B during a baseball game at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California on June 17, 2008. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Angel Stadium

New York Mets manager Jerry Manuel takes All-Star shortstop out of the game after coming up limping after beating out a base hit in the first inning in a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on June 17, 2008. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Angel Stadium

Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Sciascia comes out to dispute a call during a baseball game against the New York Mets on June 17, 2008. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Angel Stadium of Anaheim

The grounds crew work on the field before the baseball game between the New York Mets and the Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on June 17, 2008. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Angel Stadium of Anaheim

New York Mets starter Johan Santana journeys in from the bullpen before the baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium in Anaheim on June 17, 2008. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Angel Stadium of Anaheim

The sun peaks through an opening at Angel Stadium in Anaheim during the baseball game between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on June 17, 2008. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Angel Stadium of Anaheim

New York Mets closer Billy Wagner enjoys the action from the dugout during a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on June 16, 2008. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Angel Stadium of Anaheim

New York Mets 2B Luis Castillo heads towards the dugout during the baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on June 17, 2008. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Angel Stadium of Anaheim

The New York Mets Fernando Tatis appears on big screen in a baseball game against the Angels at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif. on June 17, 2008. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)

 

Ballpark: C - Felt like an imitation of Dodger Stadium and other concrete donuts from the 1960's. Stadium renovated for the Rams in the 1980's really reminded me of RFK and Shea with palm trees. The Big “A” is now in the parking lot along the highway. Green seats are great with fans dressed in red. A waterfall and rocks in the outfield. That's baseball to me!
Fans & Atmosphere: D - Dodger fans only in red, no fans in their seats at the start or at the end of the game, need to beat traffic. Some of the fans are not there for the game, too busy on cell phones and gambling. Lots of Big A’s. Some die hard fans who stopped after the game to say hello and chat.
Food: C - Tried their version of a Dodger dog. It's a hot dog! Looked around for something unique and no signature food was available. Angel hair pasta maybe?
Mascot: D - Disney left the park with it’s characters years ago. They still show the rally monkey video whose time has come and gone. No mascots stuffed animals to bring home.
Staff: B - Very friendly staff. Security was nice and ushers were curious what a Met fan was doing in Anaheim. Well the Angels were playing the Mets. Security was nice when I walked around taking photos.
Team Tradition: D - Looked for a Hall of Fame or something to honor teams history. Wanted to see some Bo Belinsky, Dean Chance and Clyde Wright stuff. The exterior of the park is decorated with full scale banners of stars John Lackey, Torii Hunter, Chone Figgins and Vladimir Guerrero. Statue outside of Gene Audrey and a large Angels helmet.
Location: C - I stayed in Los Angeles and drove there for a few games. Google maps said less than an hour drive...it lied. Bad idea on my part was that traffic was a horror show. Met a friend there who lived in Anaheim and they were late for the game. Have no idea what there is to do in Anaheim? No bars or restaurants nearby.
Photos taken June 17-18, 2008 using a Canon EOS 30D Digital SLR with a EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Standard Zoom Lens, EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens.

August 17, 2007

Ballpark Roadtrip: RFK Stadium

The stadium was opened in October 1961 as the District of Columbia Stadium (D.C. Stadium for short). The stadium was renamed in January 1969, for U.S. Senator and presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, who had been assassinated in Los Angeles the previous June.

The announcement was made by Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall on January 18, in the last days of the Johnson Administration.

As attorney general in the early 1960s, Kennedy's Justice Department played a role in the racial integration of the Redskins. Along with Udall, Kennedy threatened to revoke the team's lease at the federally-owned stadium until it promised to sign African American players.

The expansion Washington Senators of the American League played at RFK Stadium from 1962 through 1971. They played their first season in 1961 at Griffith Stadium, now the site of the medical center for Howard University.

In its ten seasons as the Senators' home field, RFK Stadium was known as a hitters' park. Slugger Frank Howard hit a number of tape-measure home runs in his career, a few of which landed in the center field area of the upper deck.

The seats he hit with his home runs are painted white, rather than the gold of the rest of the upper deck. Left fielder Howard came to the Senators from the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1965.

He also hit the last home run in the park's original tenure, in the sixth inning on September 30, 1971.

With two outs in the top of the ninth, a fan riot turned a 7–5 Senators lead over the New York Yankees into a 9–0 forfeit loss, the first in the majors in 17 years. The Senators only had one season over .500, in 1969 with Hall of Famer Ted Williams at the helm, and never made the postseason.

The stadium hosted the All-Star Game twice, in 1962 (first of two) and 1969, both won by the visiting National League. President Kennedy threw out the first ball at the 1962 game.

The Senators' final game was at RFK on Thursday night, September 30, 1971, with less than 15,000 in attendance. Rains from Hurricane Ginger threatened the event, but the game proceeded.

Fan favorite Frank "Hondo" Howard hit a home run (RFK's last until 2005) in the sixth inning to spark a four-run rally to tie the game; the Senators scored two more in the eighth to go up 7–5, but the game was forfeited (9–0) to the Yankees after unruly fans stormed the field with two outs in the top of the ninth.

Subsequent efforts to bring baseball back to RFK, including an attempt to attract the San Diego Padres in 1973, and a plan to have the nearby Baltimore Orioles play eleven home games there in 1976, all failed.

The former was derailed by lease issues with the city in San Diego, and the latter was shot down by commissioner Bowie Kuhn, who wanted to bring one of four expansion teams instead.

The expansion for 1977 was later reduced to two teams, Toronto and Seattle, and the next wasn't until 1993.
Formerly the Montreal Expos, the Washington Nationals of the National League played their first three seasons (2005–2007) at the stadium, while Nationals Park was under construction.

RFK Stadium is the fourth-oldest active stadium in the majors, behind Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, and Yankee Stadium.
Unlike the Senators era, as the Nationals' home field, RFK was known as a pitchers' park.

RFK Stadium

RFK Stadium is seen from the parking lot along East Capitol St. NE. in Washington D.C. on Sept. 17, 2007. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



RFK Stadium

Statue of former Washington Senators owner Clark Griffith. Griffith owned the Washington Senators from 1920 until his death in 1955. Griffith was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1946. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



RFK Stadium

A few fans come to watch batting practice before the baseball game against the New York Mets and Washington Nationals at RFK Stadium in Washington D.C., Sept. 17, 2007. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



RFK Stadium

A few fans come to watch batting practice before the baseball game against the New York Mets and Washington Nationals at RFK Stadium in Washington D.C., Sept. 17, 2007. (Gordon Donovan)



RFK Stadium

Beautiful day and evening for a baseball game in our nation's capital which has seen two teams leave already. So why another? (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



RFK Stadium

The visitors' bullpen is just awful. Mets bullpen coach Guy Conte walked off when he saw me coming. (Gordon Donovan)



RFK Stadium

No objects on the ledge. Just in case someone comes, we don't want to drop anything. Look at all of the Met fans! (Gordon Donovan)



RFK Stadium

Former Los Angeles Dodger pitcher Don Sutton does some preparations in the Nationals broadcast booth before the game against the New York Mets. For some reason he's in the Hall of Fame. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



RFK Stadium

A view of RFK Stadium from the upper level in right field. I wonder if the Olympic Stadium in Montreal is as big as a dump as this place is? (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



RFK Stadium

The seats in the upper level are painted caution yellow and still probably the original wooden ones when the stadium was built. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



RFK Stadium

A view of RFK Stadium from behind home plate. This was one of the highest and steepest upper levels I ever been on. I wish I brought a wide angle lens. I probably could see the Atlantic Ocean from this height. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



RFK Stadium

A view of RFK Stadium from behind home plate. This was one of the highest and steepest upper levels I ever been on. I wish I brought a wide angle lens. I probably could see the Atlantic Ocean from this height. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



RFK Stadium

A view of a baseball game between the New York Mets and Washington Nationals at RFK Stadium in Washington D.C., Sept. 17, 2007. You cannot sit down because of all the heads in the way. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



RFK Stadium

New York Mets starting pitcher Tom Glavine is on the mound tonight in a photo from behind home plate seats. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



RFK Stadium

New York Mets starting pitcher Tom Glavine is on the mound tonight in a photo from behind home plate seats. (Gordon Donovan)



RFK Stadium

A look down the right field line of the cookie cutter ballpark from the early 1960's. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



RFK Stadium

A look down the right field line of the cookie cutter ballpark from the early 1960's. (Gordon Donovan)



RFK Stadium

There are these little openings on the second level where cameras are placed for TV broadcasts. Here is one in left field, they have a TV deal? Good thing the Orioles suck. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



RFK Stadium

View from seats behind the home team dugout in a baseball game against the New York Mets and Washington Nationals at RFK Stadium in Washington D.C., Sept.17, 2007. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



RFK Stadium

A Mets fan is abused by the Presidents as they pose for photos with fans after completing the Presidents Race. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



RFK Stadium

A Mets fan is abused by the Presidents as they pose for photos with fans after completing the Presidents Race. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



RFK Stadium

There are these little openings on the second level where cameras are placed for TV broadcasts. Here is one in left field, they have a TV deal? Good thing the Orioles suck. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



RFK Stadium

A view of a baseball game between the New York Mets and Washington Nationals from yellow wooden seats in the last row of the upper deck at RFK Stadium in Washington D.C., Sept.17, 2007. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



RFK Stadium

I must be full of energy to walk around this big concrete donut or I don't ever plan to attend another event here. I still have another year of Shea. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



RFK Stadium

A view of a baseball game between the New York Mets and Washington Nationals from yellow wooden seats in the last row of the upper deck at RFK Stadium in Washington D.C., Sept.17, 2007. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



RFK Stadium

A bank of lights that barely light the field at RFK Stadium in Washington D.C., during a baseball game against the New York Mets and Washington Nationals on Sept.17, 2007. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Ballpark: F - This team left Montreal to come to this dump? Did you hear about the two versions of the Washington Senators that left this city in 1960 and 1971? They are now the Twins and Rangers. Hopefully the new park will be much better than this stadium. Glad I made it here before they moved to the new ballpark.
Fans & Atmosphere: F - Place is a dump and an expansion team plays here. Did not meet anybody who was a Senators fan.
Just Orioles fans who hate the owner and hate driving to Baltimore. More New Yorkers who came to see the Mets play over the weekend.
Food: F - What's the signature food here? "HUH?" A hot dog is safe here, said one usher. Tried the pulled pork from the barbecue grill with sides. These must have been leftovers from when the Redskins played here.
Mascot: B - Okay, the Presidents Race was fun, ripping off Milwaukee's Sausage Race. But Screech needs some help from former Orioles fans.
Staff: C - Ushers were nice allowing me to walk around and telling to sit in certain locations to get my shots. Hot dog vendors had ankle bracelets from courts. Staff worth no uniforms, hard to tell who was an employee or on work furlough from the D.C. Public Defender's office.
Team Tradition: D - Remember that two franchises have split this town already. The Expos history was left in Montreal. The Nationals are considering themselves a new franchise and honoring DC's baseball legacy. Can't wait for Casey Cox bobblehead night. "Washington: First in war, first in peace, and last in the American League." Now last in the National League East.
Location: D - My God, what in hell did I drive through to get here? Where's the bridge back to Maryland?

Photos taken Aug. 17, 2007, using a Canon EOS 30D Digital SLR with a EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Standard Zoom Lens.

July 24, 2007

Ballpark Roadtrip: Dodger Stadium

The ballpark's rich history began with Dodger President Walter O'Malley's foresight six decades ago. In 1957, O'Malley lobbied for a new stadium to be built for his Brooklyn club, but when a deal could not be reached, the Dodgers made the unprecedented move to California.

In September of that year, the city of Los Angeles agreed to give 300 acres of land to the Dodgers in exchange for the deed to Wrigley Field in Los Angeles and their commitment to construct a 50,000-seat stadium.

While Dodger Stadium was being built, the Dodgers played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum through 1961, before the true Opening Day- April 10, 1962 - when the Dodgers finally played in their new home before 52,564 fans.

The 56,000-seat Dodger Stadium, the first privately financed ballpark since Yankee Stadium in 1923, is a reflection of the careful study Walter O'Malley put into this seminal project.

Dodger Stadium was designed by O'Malley and New York based architect and civil engineer, Emil Praeger with support from Los Angeles based Edward Fickett, FAIA, a fourth generation California native and prolific architect who brought a regional flare to the engineering feat that is Dodger Stadium. Praeger designed the stadium so that each entry is at grade -- from the Top Deck to the Field level seats.

The 21 terraced entrances on the six different seating levels presents a unique vertical circulation along the landscaped plazas around the stadium perimeter and each section of seating has parking immediately adjacent the entrance.

There is parking for 16,000 cars on site, carved as the stadium is, into the hillside of Chavez Ravine. Fickett's contribution of style and color gives the building a uniquely Southern California 1960's "modern" style.

The stadium was originally designed to be expandable to 85,000 seats by expanding the upper decks over the outfield pavilions; the Dodgers have never pursued such a project.

Dodger Stadium was also the home of the Los Angeles Angels (now Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim) from 1962 through 1965. To avoid constantly referring to their landlords, the Angels called the park Chavez Ravine Stadium (or just "Chavez Ravine"), after the geographic feature in which the stadium sits.

Dodger Stadium

It was a five minute walk from the parking lot to the ballpark entrance. This is as bad as Shea Stadium when you had to park at Flushing Meadows Park. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Dodger Stadium

The entrance of Dodger Stadium from Stadium Way up the hill leads you to the upper deck behind home plate. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Dodger Stadium

One of the most distinctive features in Dodger Stadium is the top of a 10-story elevator shaft bearing the Dodger logo rising directly behind home plate at the top of the uppermost seating level. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Dodger Stadium

The seats that were removed had been in use since 1975 and helped give the stadium its unique "space age" feel with a color palette of bright yellow, orange, blue, and red. The new seats are in the original (more muted) 1962 color scheme consisting of yellow, light orange, turquoise, and sky blue. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Dodger Stadium

A view from the top of the steps leading to the field shows the top of the Dodgers dugout. The Dodgers celebrated 50 years in Los Angeles in 2007. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Dodger Stadium

Retired uniform numbers of former Dodger greats Sandy Koufax (32) and Jackie Robinson (42). Both players are enshrined in Cooperstown. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Dodger Stadium

Home plate from Ebbets Field in Brooklyn. The Dodgers have been playing in Dodger Stadium (45 seasons) as long as they did in historic Ebbets Field. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Dodger Stadium

A World Series trophy and World Championship bats are displayed with scorecards from Championship seasons. World Series trophies were not awarded until 1967. (Photo: Gordon Donovan) (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Dodger Stadium

Old mounted photos from the earliest years of the Dodgers. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Dodger Stadium

Built in the Los Angeles community of Chavez Ravine in Solano Canyon, the stadium overlooks downtown Los Angeles and provides views of the city to the south, the green tree-lined hills of Elysian Park to the north and east, and the San Gabriel Mountains beyond the outfield pavilions. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Dodger Stadium

Los Angeles certainly likes its signs on the side of hills. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Dodger Stadium

The Jackie Robinson Conference Room for important business decisions in Hollywood. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Dodger Stadium

A view of the field at Dodger Stadium from the upper level as a member of the grounds crew keeps busy. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Dodger Stadium

The beautiful soft toned colored seats of Dodger Stadium that were brought back to the park's original look by current ownership. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Dodger Stadium

The walkway on the club levels with the names of all the players who have worn a Dodger uniform is inscribed on the walls. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Dodger Stadium

The seats in the upper deck. Fans wearing Dodger colors stand out more unlike in St. Louis and Cincinnati. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Dodger Stadium

One of the not so modern facilities in the upper level of Dodger Stadium. Is that a faded Dodger Blue painted on the stalls? (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Dodger Stadium

A view of an empty Dodger Stadium as a groundskeeper trims the grass on a small tractor. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Dodger Stadium

A coffee table complete with baseballs in one of the Dodger suites. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Dodger Stadium

A view of the beautiful old stadium from the upper level on the first base side. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Dodger Stadium

Sorry I ate the Dodger Dog before I took the photo. Lovely ledges in these box seats to eat off. They get hot as the sun reflects off them. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Dodger Stadium

The stairs leading up to the stadium in left field and third base side. During construction, a local elementary school (Palo Verde) was simply buried and sits beneath the parking lot northwest of third base. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Dodger Stadium

New York Mets players stretch before a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, July 20, 2007. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Dodger Stadium

The New York Mets play the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, July 21, 2007. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Dodger Stadium

The scoreboard shows the final score after the New York Mets beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-1 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, July 20, 2007. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Dodger Stadium

A view down the right field line before the New York Mets play the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, July 21, 2007. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Dodger Stadium

The celebrity seating behind home plate before the baseball game between the New York Mets against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, July 21, 2007. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Dodger Stadium

A loyal Mets fan attends the baseball game between the New York Mets against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, July 21, 2007. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Dodger Stadium

The Think Blue sign high above the parking lot at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, July 20, 2007. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Dodger Stadium

The outside of Dodger Stadium is decorated with stars from today and yesterday as the team celebrates 50 years in Los Angeles in 2007. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Dodger Stadium

New York Mets 1B coach Ricky Henderson shows the last digits of six to a fan asking him how many stolen bases he had in his career (1406) during a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, July 20, 2007. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Dodger Stadium

The New York Mets play the Dodgers on July 21, 2007. Dodger Stadium is currently the fourth-oldest ballpark in MLB, after Fenway Park in Boston (1912) and Wrigley Field in Chicago (1914) and RFK Stadium in Washington DC (1961). (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Dodger Stadium

Beautiful night for a baseball game between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, July 20, 2007. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Dodger Stadium

Another one of Dodger Stadium's most distinctive features is the wavy roof atop each outfield pavilion. Saw this some many times on the Game of the Week as a kid, seemed surreal to actually see it. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)



Dodger Stadium

Please use the handrail when walking down the steep stairs of the upper levels. (Photo: Gordon Donovan)


Ballpark: B - In great shape despite being the fourth oldest stadium in Major League behind Fenway Park, Wrigley Field and RFK Stadium (which is being replaced next year). Pulled up and was told where to park, walked for five minutes to the stadium and had to take the elevator down to the field level. The stadium was renovated back to its original look, the new seats are in the original (more muted) 1962 color scheme consisting of yellow, light orange, turquoise, and sky blue. Gorgeous from upper level behind home plate. The baseline seating sections have been converted into retro-style "box" seating, adding leg room and a table to place food and beverages on. Could hear Mets 1B Rickey Henderson coach talk about himself from seats.
Fans & Atmosphere: A - Dodger Blue everywhere! Great crowds by the third inning and everyone listens to the game on the radio heading home. Everyone loves Nomar Garciaparra, too bad he is done at 33 years old. Fans are still wearing Eric Gagne jerseys. Was told to go back to New York a dozen times. Fans love the team. Met one guy who rooted for both the Angels and Dodgers, huh? His buddy originally from Long Island asked me to explain why you cannot do that. Lost cause.
Food: B - Had a Dodger dog. It's just a hot dog! But why did I eat four of them? They were good. All-you-can-eat buffet in the right-field pavilion, seats are awful there.
Mascot: NA - No mascot for the Brooklyn Dodgers of Los Angeles. Maybe Tommy Lasorda in a strange kind of way or Vin Scully?
Staff: B - Friendly security and vendors. One staff member tried to take my photo for the Dodgers website who did understand that I did not want a photo. I had a better camera than him and was there taking photos. Ballpark tour was very good, better than most teams' attempts and took you on field and dugouts.
Team Tradition: A - Honors the long history of the Dodgers going back to the early Brooklyn days. No player's number is retired unless they are inducted in the Hall of Fame. Great stuff all around the stadium to check out. Many photos from Brooklyn days I never seen before. Jerseys of Hall of Famers hung outside the Dodger locker room.
Location: B - Chavez Ravine in Solano Canyon, the stadium overlooks downtown Los Angeles and provides views of the city to the south, the green tree-lined hills of Elysian Park to the north and east, and the San Gabriel Mountains beyond the outfield pavilions. I stayed in Little Tokyo near downtown, a ten minute drive to park.

Photos taken July 20-21, 2007, using a Canon EOS 30D Digital SLR with a EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Standard Zoom Lens.