Dodger Stadium Facts for Kids (2024)

Dodger Stadium and Downtown Los Angeles

Dodger Stadium is a baseball park and the home of the Los Angeles Dodgers. It was built in 1962, making it one of the oldest ball parks. (Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts and Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois are older.) It is also one of the largest baseball park in seating capacity.

Dodger Stadium was constructed from 1959 to 1962 at a cost of $23 million dollars. A neighborhood called Chavez Ravine had to be torn down to build the stadium. The Los Angeles Angels rented from the Dodgers from 1962 through 1965, before moving to Anaheim Stadium. The Angels called the ballpark Chavez Ravine Stadium.

Over five million people have seen a game in Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers have won four World Series while playing in the stadium, in 1963, 1965, 1981 and 1988.

There was talk of tearing down the stadium to build a football stadium, but that did not happen.

Contents

  • Features
    • Design
    • Location
    • Seating
    • Center field dimension and playing surface
  • Images for kids
  • See also

Features

Design

Stairs to upper deck

Dodger Stadium was one of the last baseball-only facilities built before the dawn of the multi-purpose stadium. It was built near the convergence of several freeways near downtown Los Angeles, with an expansive parking lot surrounding the stadium. With the construction of many new MLB ballparks in recent years, it is now the third-oldest park still in use, and the oldest on the West Coast.

Dodger Stadium offered several innovative design features. One of these was a covered and screened section of dugout-level seats behind home plate. Dodger owner Walter O'Malley was inspired to incorporate this feature into the Dodger Stadium design after having seen it at Tokyo's Korakuen Stadium during the Brooklyn Dodgers' postseason goodwill tour of Japan in 1956. The original dugout seating area was replaced by more conventional box seating in a 1999 renovation, but this feature has been replicated at Progressive Field in Cleveland and Angel Stadium of Anaheim.

Two of Dodger Stadium's most distinctive features are the wavy roof atop each outfield pavilion and 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.

Terraced landscaping in parking lot

A unique terraced-earthworks parking lot was built behind the main stands, allowing ticketholders to park at roughly the level of their seats, minimizing use of ramps once inside. The stadium was also designed to be earthquake-resistant, an important consideration in California, and it has withstood several serious earthquakes.

Dodger Stadium was originally equipped with two large Fair Play electronic scoreboard units above the left- and right-field pavilions. The right-field board displayed in-game information. The left-field board displayed scores of out-of-town games and other messages. Smaller auxiliary scoreboards were installed at field level on the box seat fences beyond the first- and third-base dugouts during the inaugural 1962 season. The left-field message board was replaced by a Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Vision video board in 1980. The field-level auxiliary scoreboards were replaced by larger units installed on the facade of the Loge (second) seating level in 1998; these, in turn, were replaced by a video ribbon in 2005. Field-level out-of-town scoreboards were installed on the left- and right-field walls in 2003.

Strobe lights were added in 1999; they flash when the Dodgers take the field, after a Dodger home run, and after a Dodger win.

Hall of retired numbers

In addition to those of Don Drysdale, Sandy Koufax, and Don Sutton, the retired numbers of Pee Wee Reese, Jackie Robinson, Duke Snider, Tommy Lasorda, Walter Alston, Roy Campanella and Jim Gilliam are mounted on the club level facade near the left field foul pole. On April 15, 2017, to mark the 70th anniversary of Robinson's major league debut, the Dodgers unveiled a bronze statue of the player in the stadium's left-field plaza. The 800-pound sculpture depicts Robinson sliding into home plate as a rookie.

The Dodgers devote significant resources to the park's maintenance. For example, it is repainted every year, and a full-time crew of gardeners maintain the site. No plans are in the works to replace it. Renovations were made in 1999 and again in 2004 that initially added additional field level seats, particularly behind home plate where previously the only person seen there was scout Mike Brito, in his trademark Panama hat, tracking pitch speeds with a radar gun. After some criticism of the sightlines with these new seats, they were replaced with box seats.

Location

View of downtown and the Palos Verdes Peninsula

Dodger Stadium and
the Los Angeles skyline, 1987

Think Blue sign in the mountains north of Dodger Stadium, a homage to the nearby Hollywood Sign.

Built on top of the historic Los Angeles neighborhood 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. Due to dry summers in Southern California, rainouts at Dodger Stadium are rare. Prior to 1976, the Dodgers were rained out only once, against the St. Louis Cardinals, on April 21, 1967, ending a streak of 737 consecutive games without a postponement. On April 12, 1976, the second home rainout ended a streak of 724 straight games. April 19–21, 1988 saw three consecutive rainouts, the only time consecutive games have been rained out at Dodger Stadium. No rainouts occurred between April 21, 1988 and April 11, 1999 – a major league record of 856 straight home games without a rainout. That record has since been broken, with no rainouts since April 17, 2000, 1,373 consecutive games through September 25, 2016.

Seating

Dodger Stadium is the only current MLB park (excluding the most recently built parks) that has never increased its capacity. It has historically held 56,000 fans, due to a conditional-use permit limiting its capacity. Every time the Dodgers add seats, they always remove an equal number of seats in the upper deck or in the pavilion to keep the capacity the same. Through the sale of standing room only tickets, the Dodgers' 2009 home opener drew 57,099 fans, the largest crowd in stadium history. Following a number of incidents in the early 1970s in which fans showered Cincinnati Reds left fielder Pete Rose with beer, bottles, cups, and trash, the sale of beer was discontinued in both pavilions. Beer sales were reinstated in the right field pavilion in 2008, when that section was converted into the All You Can Eat Pavilion. Fans seated in that section can eat unlimited hot dogs and peanuts and also have access to free soft drinks. There is a charge for beer.

With the retirement of the original Yankee Stadium and Shea Stadium in 2008, the park claimed the title of being the largest capacity stadium in the Majors.

As of 2010, there are a total of 2,098 club seats and 68 luxury suites. Both of these amounts will increase once the renovations are complete.

Due to renovations made in the 2012–2013 offseason, the current maximum capacity of Dodger Stadium is less than 56,000, although the team's president, Stan Kasten, refuses to provide an exact number. A 53,393 attendance is considered a sellout. The high water mark since the renovations is 56,800 in Games 3,4 and 5 of the 2008 NLDS. The team's 2013 media guide and website still report the capacity as 56,000. The record attendance for the Dodgers was in the 2007 season, with 3.86 million in total attendance.

Center field dimension and playing surface

Dodger Stadium in 2002

For various reasons, Dodger Stadium has long enjoyed a reputation as a pitchers' park. At first, the relatively deep outfield dimensions were a factor, with the power alleys being about 380 feet. Home plate was moved 10 feet toward center field in 1969, but that move also expanded foul ground by 10 feet, a tradeoff which helped to offset the increased likelihood of home runs caused by the decreased field dimensions. Also, during evening games, as the sun sets, the surrounding air cools quickly due to the ocean climate, becoming more dense. As a result, deep fly balls that might otherwise be home runs during the day instead often remain in play becoming outs. The park has been home to 12 no-hitters, while players have hit for the cycle just twice in Dodger Stadium.

Recently, Dodger Stadium has been more neutral with respect to home runs. The stadium does depress doubles and triples quite a bit, due to its uniform outfield walls and relatively small "corners" near the foul poles. However, the extremely short outfield walls near the foul poles also make some balls that would bounce off the wall in other parks go for home runs. With some expansion of the box seat area and the removal of significant foul territory, the ballpark has become more neutral, favoring neither pitchers nor hitters. Baseball-Reference's Park Factor measurement of 102 for the 2006 and 2007 seasons is evidence of this.

Although the distance to center field has been marked at 395feet since 1973, it is still actually 400 feet (120m) to center, as has been the case since 1969. The two 395-foot signs erected in 1973 are to the left and right of dead center. However, curvature of the fence between the posted distance signs is not exactly radial from home plate, thus the distance from home plate directly to center field is most likely 5 feet farther than the posted 395 feet (120m). As of 2012, distance to center field is indicated 395 feet (120m), and is located virtually exactly at the center field point.

With the opening of Citi Field and the demolition of Shea Stadium in 2009, Dodger Stadium became the only stadium with symmetrical outfield dimensions remaining in the National League and only one of four total in Major League Baseball. The other three symmetrical fields are Kansas City's Kauffman Stadium, Toronto's Rogers Centre, and Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, all in the American League.

Pitchers such as Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, Don Sutton, Fernando Valenzuela, and Orel Hershiser became superstars after arriving in Los Angeles. The pitcher's edge is also evident in the fact that 12 no-hitters have been thrown in the stadium, including two perfect games (by the Dodgers' Sandy Koufax in 1965, and by Dennis Martínez of the former Montreal Expos in 1991). Bo Belinsky threw the first ever no-hitter in Dodger Stadium on May 5, 1962 while pitching for the Los Angeles Angels (that club referred to the park as "Chavez Ravine".)

The park's significant advantage was eroded somewhat since 1969, in general because MLB rules were changed after the "Year of the Pitcher" to lower the maximum height of the pitcher's mound, and more specifically because the Dodgers moved the diamond about 10 feet (3 m) towards center field. This also gave the fielders more room to catch foul balls, so there was some tradeoff. Following the 2004 season, the stadium underwent a renovation which significantly reduced the amount of foul territory. Seats were added which were closer to home plate than the pitcher's mound, the dugouts were moved 20 feet closer to the field, and previously open space down the foul lines was filled with new seats.

Images for kids

  • Dodger Stadium seat removal, 2005 offseason.

  • The new all-you-can-eat buffet in the right-field pavilion

  • Dodger Stadium during a post-game "fireworks night" promotion, showing the new HD screens in place of the old rectangular video board and scoreboard

  • Tommy Lasorda's Trattoria, an Italian restaurant in the right field concourse at Dodger Stadium, a product of the minor 2014 renovations

  • Statue of Jackie Robinson at Dodger Stadium

  • Dodger Stadium and Downtown Los Angeles

  • Dodger Stadium hosts the 2009 World Baseball Classic. The top of a ten-story elevator shaft bears the World Baseball Classic logo.

  • Dodger Stadium upper seating on 6/15/18 vs. the San Francisco Giants.

  • Dodger Stadium Express bus at Dodger Stadium

See also

Dodger Stadium Facts for Kids (18) In Spanish: Dodger Stadium para niños

All content from Kiddle encyclopedia articles (including the article images and facts) can be freely used under Attribution-ShareAlike license, unless stated otherwise. Cite this article:

Dodger Stadium Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.

Dodger Stadium Facts for Kids (2024)

FAQs

Dodger Stadium Facts for Kids? ›

Dodger Stadium is a baseball park and the home of the Los Angeles Dodgers. It was built in 1962, making it one of the oldest ball parks. (Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts and Wrigley Field

Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field /ˈrɪɡli/ is a baseball stadium on the North Side of Chicago, Illinois. It is the ballpark of Major League Baseball's Chicago Cubs, one of the city's two MLB franchises.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Wrigley_Field
in Chicago, Illinois are older.) It is also one of the largest baseball park in seating capacity.

What is a fun fact about Dodger Stadium? ›

One of the true cathedrals of baseball, Dodger Stadium has hosted more than 147 million fans since it opened its doors in 1962. The club topped the 3.85 million mark in 2007, which stands as the all-time franchise record.

What makes Dodgers Stadium special? ›

It is the largest seating baseball stadium in the country holding 56,000. It is the third oldest stadium in baseball, behind Wrigley Field and Fenway Park. It is home to the world famous Dodger Dog. Originally they were served grilled, but in a cost cutting measure in the nineties they were steamed.

How old is the Dodgers stadium? ›

Dodger Stadium is a baseball stadium in the Elysian Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. It is the ballpark for Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers. Opened in 1962, it was constructed in less than three years at a cost of US$23 million (US$232 million in 2023).

How large is Dodgers Stadium? ›

The Oakland Athletics have the biggest MLB stadium at this time. The Los Angeles Dodgers rank second in capacity at 56,000.

Why are they called the Dodger? ›

According to the club, the name originated in 1896 as the Brooklyn Trolley Dodgers. Heavy construction of electric trolley tracks in front of Eastern Park caused fans to dodge the trolleys to reach the park. Those fans became known as Trolley Dodgers and the team took on the name, which was shortened to Dodgers.

Why are Dodgers Stadium seats yellow? ›

Reserve Level represents the landscape all around the stadium with a sea foam green. Loge Level represents the sandy beaches of Southern California with it's light orange. Field Level represents the bright sunny days in Los Angeles with its yellow seats.

Why is Dodgers Stadium the best? ›

Dodger Stadium is a modern marvel of engineering and design. Built in 1962, it is one of the oldest ballparks in Major League Baseball (MLB). With its great history, beautiful setting and electric atmosphere, Dodger Stadium is a must-see for any sports fan.

What are the Dodgers known for? ›

Los Angeles Dodgers, American professional baseball team based in Los Angeles that plays in the National League (NL). The team has won seven World Series titles and 24 NL pennants. Founded in 1883, the Dodgers were originally based in Brooklyn, New York, and were known as the Atlantics.

What is Dodger Stadium called now? ›

Later years. During the years when the expansion Los Angeles Angels were tenants of the Dodgers (1962 through 1965), the Angels referred to the stadium as "Chavez Ravine Stadium" or simply "Chavez Ravine". Los Angeles City Council designated the property as "Dodgertown" in October 2008.

Does Dodgers Stadium have a roof? ›

Two of Dodger Stadium's most iconic design features are the wavy roof atop each outfield pavilion and the top of a 10-story elevator shaft boasting the "Dodger" logo, rising directly behind home plate at the top of the uppermost seating level.

How many cars can the Dodgers Stadium hold? ›

The 56,000-seat Dodger Stadium has parking for 16,000 automobiles on 21 terraced lots adjacent to the same elevations as the six different seating levels. At the gates, more than 188 million fans have watched Dodger games at Dodger Stadium over 61 years, an average of more than 2.95 million fans per season.

What stolen land was Dodgers Stadium built on? ›

Known today as Chavez Ravine, the 315 acres of land between the San Gabriel Mountains and downtown Los Angeles were once home to three predominantly Mexican American neighborhoods: Palo Verde, La Loma and Bishop.

How many floors are in Dodgers Stadium? ›

Dodger Stadium originally consisted of five colorful seating levels, plus the Dugout Box seats behind the home plate area, which were sunken into the field. The other levels shown are the Field, Loge, Club, Reserved and Top Deck.

Is Dodger Stadium bigger than Angels? ›

Dodger Stadium is the largest stadium in baseball with a maximum capacity of 56,000.

How many fans does Dodgers Stadium hold? ›

1) Dodger Stadium – 56,000

The third-oldest stadium in MLB, Dodger Stadium has the biggest capacity by far. It was completed in 1962, four years after the Los Angeles Dodgers swapped New York for south California.

What are some random facts about the Dodgers? ›

Key Takeaways:
  • 01The Dodgers were originally known as the Brooklyn Grays.
  • 02The Dodgers are one of the oldest professional sports teams in the United States.
  • 03The Dodgers have won a total of six World Series titles.
  • 04The Dodgers have produced numerous Hall of Fame players.
May 10, 2024

Are babies free at Dodgers Stadium? ›

Child Tickets

Children 3 and under can enter the stadium free, provided they sit on a parent's or guardian's lap. Should the parent or guardian want a child aged 3 and under to have their own seat, a ticket must be purchased.

How many fans does Dodger Stadium hold? ›

The 56,000-seat Dodger Stadium has parking for 16,000 automobiles on 21 terraced lots adjacent to the same elevations as the six different seating levels. At the gates, more than 188 million fans have watched Dodger games at Dodger Stadium over 61 years, an average of more than 2.95 million fans per season.

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