Angel Stadium

[Chisox73]

One of the ballparks that have changed drastically over the years is Angel Stadium of Anahiem.

The park opened in 1966 and has undergone dramatic renovations in 1979-80,and in 1996.Let us know what your favorite version of the stadium is.

Here's 3 different versions of Angel Stadium over the years.hope you enjoy.


This is how the stadium looked arond 1970.Note the original 230 foot high Big 'A' scoreboard.



The Big 'A' during the 1980s.The stadium was enclosed when the LA Rams moved to Anaheim in 1980.


This is Angel Stadium today.

[Bluesteve32]

The old Big A scoreboard is now out in the parking lot, next to the Orange (57) Fwy and used as a message board. However, when the Angels win, the halo is once again lit up at night.

[Seattle1]

I went to a game there during the summer of 1988. I don't remember if the big A scoreboard was still there.

[riverfrontier]

I remember the place in its original configuration in the 70s, with the big 'A' right out in left field. We'd pass it often on the freeway, and it was sort of a landmark. I'd have to say that's my favorite version of it.

[redbuck]

I'd have to say without even thinking about it for more than a second or two, the current version by far.

It really is a wonderful park now. Say what you want about it being Disney-fied, but I love it. It's a little different from many of the retro parks, which is good. I love looking out at a crystal clear blue sky and the field is remarkable now. It maintains its classic look but is now a terrific place to watch a game. There are some seats that aren't that great but it really is a great park. LA has two wonderful parks, and no Dodger fan would admit it but Angel Stadium is one hell of a facility. The best, no, but good yes.

[relic52]

Original Big A

The original Big A was a wonderful ballpark. I saw my first doubleheader there against Detroit when it opened in 1966. I was lucky enough to see the 15 inning All-Star game of 1967 (temporary bleachers were placed beyond the right and left field seats - I was at view level on the 1st base side). I saw Mantle hit a homerun to center in 1967 - jumped off his bat - saw Ryan pitch many an amazing ball game from 1972 on. He was fast like nothing I've seen since.

The scoreboard was remarkable and during it's day state-of-the-art. Along with the Astrodome, it was the first to have animated graphics (hand clapping, etc.). Sing-along lyrics were electronically displayed to 'Take Me Out To The Ballgame' and 'California Angels A-OK.'

As a backdrop from the first baseside, the scoreboard framed an impression of the field like none other. I feel very lucky to have these baseball moments.

Announcer Dick Enberg coined the phrase after every Angel win - "And The Halo Shines Tonight!"

[Chisox73]

Wonderful memories there relic52.

[redsoxfansg]

new park

I like the new park better. I live in San Diego and get to go up there for a game every once and a while. If you have actually been to the park you would know how much nicer it is than the old one. I liked the big A as the scoreboard but it is still there in the parking lot so it is ok.

[Alibi Ike]

Having never seen any of the configurations in person, I would have to say that my favorite was the original version too--but that is only because of the big A.

The new disney-fied version is almost as good, but i would love to the A beyond the left-field fence--thats the only thing that the new versions loses points for. I like what they did with it otherwise.

[riverfrontier]

relic52, nice stories. I saw my first AL game there, in the original configuration. Dad took us to see the Tigers. That's about the only way we could get him to an AL park. He didn't care for left coast teams. Good ol' dad. Taught us well.
I still have the Angels program with Mickey Rivers on the cover in a 'bandit' mask with a couple of bases in his hands, and Tom Veryzer's autograph.

[W_Marone]

The only thing I dont like about the Halo's Disney park is how there are those rock formations in the back, but next to them is just that green stuff, roof/floor? I think it would be amazing if they expanded on that Rock stuff out past the outfield.

[jrh31584]

The original configuration looks unfinished, the second configuration looks like a football stadium, and the current version is my favorite, but still could use a few changes.

The only thing I dont like about the Halo's Disney park is how there are those rock formations in the back, but next to them is just that green stuff, roof/floor? I think it would be amazing if they expanded on that Rock stuff out past the outfield.

Such as this. I also prefer for parks to have the seats be one of the team colors.

[relic52]

I still have the Angels program with Mickey Rivers on the cover in a 'bandit' mask with a couple of bases in his hands...

I have it too!!! Rivers was a trip. When he'd get to first base, he'd begin limping around like he was hurt or something - like he wouldn't be able to run. LOL

[Jake83]

The Big A is a decent staduim probably when ranked it would be right in the middle. Staduim has character and can be one of the loudest staduims in baseball.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

I can only tell from the pictures. Todays version is far best.

Together with Dodger Stadium it is the only MLB stadium where I have seen a couple of games.

IMO it is beautiful and the atmosphere is great. I like the concourse around the stadium.