Angel Stadium
Team: Los Angeles Angels
Address: 2000 Gene Autry Way
Location: Anaheim, California
Opened: April 19, 1966
Capacity: 45,477
Visited: April 20, 2018
Rating: 9/10
Angel Stadium, home to the Los Angeles Angels, is located in Anaheim, California within close proximity of the Honda Center. Although it opened in 1966, it was renovated in 1998, and is a modern-style ballpark. It is the fourth-oldest Major League Baseball stadium still in use, behind Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, and Dodger Stadium.
The ballpark is located right near the ARTIC (Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center) on the opposite side of State Route 57. Traffic in Southern California is notoriously bad, and getting to Angel Stadium is a breeze. Whether one is driving or taking public transportation, the ballpark is easily accessible. On weekdays, there is an Angels Express train from Los Angeles Union Station to the parking lot of Angel Stadium for only $7 roundtrip.
Angel Stadium offers a variety of options, with the more traditional ballpark foods being outshined by tacos and poke bowls. There are handy A-to-Z food guides located everywhere. The Change Up, located in section 226, is an innovative way to introduce a variety of cuisines through player inspired menus that change each month. Ice cream seems to be quite popular, with long lines from the moment the ballpark gates open until the game is over.
Last time I attended Angel Stadium, I was able to sit in the dugout before the game and spoke with Evan Longoria and Alex Cobb who were playing for the Tampa Bay Rays at the time. A lot has changed since then, but Angel Stadium is the same as I last remember it. While it is one of the older stadiums, there is a wonderful charm to the ballpark and the atmosphere is electric. Prior to the game, the song "Calling All Angels" by Train is played with baseball highlights and that is easily one of my favorite team introductions.
The Angels fans are very friendly, and there are a lot of children and families at the games. Unfortunately, beach balls get tossed around and the wave is attempted throughout various innings. If you've been reading my other reviews, you know how I feel about the wave. Other than that, Angel Stadium is a very family-friendly ballpark and the kindness of the Angels fans is infectious.
In conclusion, Angel Stadium is a fun ballpark to visit and a great place to watch baseball. With the new Japanese two-way player Shohei Ohtani and six-time MLB All-Star Mike Trout, expect the stadium to be filled with fans. And if you're lucky, you might catch one of those beautiful Southern California sunsets as you take in a game. There is nothing more relaxing than that.