Dodger Stadium – Overview

Los Angeles can be considered one of the meccas of entertainment in the United States. Part of that mass media entertainment industry is sports, and Los Angeles capitalized on that love of sports with the Dodger Stadium.

Dodger Stadium is the third oldest MLB ballpark in America and the oldest ballpark west of the Mississippi. It will be an excellent addition to your trip for catching a game, visiting a historic venue, and taking in the views of L.A.

 

Overview

  • Dodger Stadium holds 56,000 guests: Dodger Stadium has never increased its capacity, but it has sold standing room only ticket sales to increase the number of guests attending a game. This is how the Dodgers’ home opener in 2009 drew over 57,000 attendees. Dodger Stadium is the largest baseball stadium by seat capacity.
  • 130 acres of parking: There is a good amount of parking available for guests. 130 acres is enough parking space for 16,000 cars.
  • Dodger Stadium allows guests to enter early: Guests can enter the stadium two hours prior to the game. During this time, fans can watch early batting practice from Field Level.
  • Parking gates open two and a half hours prior to the game: There are options for guests to park at Dodger Stadium and have time to watch the previously mentioned early batting practice. However, public transportation is also available.
  • ADA standards upheld and then some: Dodger Stadium follows all ADA guideline and service animals are admitted at Dodger Stadium. Accessible parking and seating can be found at the stadium, and shuttle services can be used if necessary. Assistive devices are available for those that are visually or hearing impaired. If you are a guest with a service animal, you may bring your service animal as long as it is on a leash or harness and with you at all times.
  • Smoke-free facility: There are specific sections for smoking. Electronic smoking devices are subject to some restrictions as well.
  • Stadium tours are available: These tours are offered to give fans a unique experience when visiting. This Dodger Stadium tour allows fans to venture into restricted areas and see the ballpark in a new light. Keep in mind that tours are not available on home game days.
  • Benefits for groups of 15 or more: There are benefits to visiting Dodger Stadium with a group of 15 or more. Groups will receive special pricing when buying tickets for a game, and many of the dining options found in Dodger Stadium will happily accommodate groups.
  • Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation: Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation, or “LADF,” is the charity team of the Dodgers. Since 1995, they have been working tirelessly to help improve the lives of underserved youth in the Los Angeles area. During your visit, you may see the LADF hard at work raising funds via a 50/50 Raffle, Silent Auction, Ribbon Board Messages, or a vehicle donation program.
  • Ketel One Club: Open to all in the right-field concourse is the Ketel One Club. Guests can go to the Ketel One Club to view game-used bats from nearly every All-Star that has worn a Los Angeles Dodgers uniform.
  • Fireworks: On Fridays, once games are over, fans are welcomed onto the field to enjoy a fireworks display. However, if the game goes past 10:45 p.m., fans will not be allowed on the field and fireworks may be canceled.

 

Tips

  • Parking is available in advance and at the gate. Cars and motorcycle parking is $15 in advance or $25 at the gate. If you want preferred parking, it will be $40 in advance or $50 at the gate.
  • You don’t have to drive to Dodger Stadium because public transportation is an option. Taxis can drop off and pick up guests at Lot G. Buses will also drop off guests at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Elysian Park Avenue. The bus routes that will take guests to these stops are 1, 2, 3, and 4.
  • If you have a bike, you can lock it up at Dodger Stadium. Moving towards a greener approach, it is no surprise that the stadium has multiple areas to lock up those who wish to visit using a bike. There are seven areas total to chain your bike.
  • Follow bag dimension restrictions to avoid problems. Bags and backpacks should not exceed 16” by 16” by 8” in size.
  • Outside food, yes. Outside beverages, no. You are allowed to bring food from outside the stadium inside. However, you are not allowed to bring outside beverages into Dodger Stadium unless you have a medical need or it is a baby bottle.
  • Professional camera equipment is not permitted, but still and video cameras are allowed in Dodger Stadium. However, these devices should be for personal use only. Guests are prohibited from taking photographs or videos of game action.
  • Save yourself the hassle and avoid unknowingly bringing unpermitted items to Dodger Stadium. Items that are prohibited inside the stadium include coolers, thermoses, inflatable items, banners and flags, noisemakers, laser pointers, cannabis, pets, fireworks, musical instruments, and drones.

 

Trivia

  • In recent years, Dodger Stadium has made a push to go green. In order to be more environmentally cautious and energy efficient, Dodger Stadium has installed new water valves, low-flush fixtures, waterless urinals, hand driers to eliminate paper waste, automatic faucets to control water flow, and new power and lighting.
  • The first statue erected at Dodger Stadium was of Jackie Robinson on April 15, 2017. This statue commemorates the 70th anniversary of breaking the color barrier of the MLB. Jackie Robinson, No. 42, was the first African American professional baseball player. His inclusion in the sport was an important role in ending segregation in sports. The statue is located in the left field reserve plaza, which is the area of Dodger Stadium that sees the most guest traffic.
  • Vin Scully, announcer for the Dodgers since they were still in Brooklyn, is also forever part of Dodger Stadium. Scully was added to the Ring of Honor in 2017. According to fan rankings over the years, Scully is considered to be one of the greatest sports broadcasters of all time. When it was his final season behind the microphone, Scully was the announcer for nearly all Dodger home games.
  • You may hear Dodger Stadium referred to as “pitcher’s ballpark.” This stadium has seen twelve no-hitters throughout the years. Two of those no-hitters were perfect games.
  • By 2022, a gondola could be finished to help with public transportation to the stadium. The plan is to have a functional gondola connecting Union Station and Dodger Stadium. Cabins aim to hold 40 passengers maximum. Trips will likely cost $25 per person.