Angel Stadium of Anaheim

Lore & Background

The landmark 'Big A' sign, which originally served as a scoreboard support in left field, is located near the eastern boundary of the parking lot. The halo located near the top of the 230-foot (70 m) tall, 210-ton sign once blinked on and off after dark on game days when the Angels won (both at home and on the road) a practice broadcaster Victor Rojas was known for referring to by saying 'Light that baby up!' after a victory. The halo would remain on without blinking when they lost. Since at least the 2023 season, the halo remains lit at all times, although it shines brighter when the Angels win.

In Their Own Story

The California sun beats down on the grass as the crowd begins to hum, a low vibration rising from the bleachers. An old fan adjusts his cap, eyes fixed on the iconic 'Big A' sign atop the roof, a beacon of memory against the clear blue sky. The crack of the bat echoes through the valley, sending a line drive toward right field, and for a fleeting second, time stops in Anaheim.

Reader's Guide

Angel Stadium and its surrounding parking lot are roughly bounded by Katella Avenue to the north, the Orange Freeway to the east, Orangewood Avenue to the south, and State College Boulevard to the west. ARTIC (Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center) servicing the Metrolink Orange County Line and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner is located nearby on the other side of the State Route 57 and accessed through the Douglass Road gate at the northeast corner of the parking lot.

Did You Know?

• The stadium hosted the MLB All-Star Game three times in 1967, 1989, and 2010, as well as the World Series in 2002.
• The stadium also served as the home of the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL) from 1980 to 1994.
• The stadium has been a longtime venue for the AMA Supercross Championship, which has been held at the venue since 1976.
• The stadium houses the studios and offices of the Angels' owned and operated flagship radio station, KLAA (830 AM).

Historical Origins and Franchise Relocation

Construction started in 1964, creating a permanent residence for the Los Angeles Angels franchise following their move from Los Angeles after the 1965 season. Established in 1961, the Angels were the first Major League Baseball team to originate within California, unlike the Dodgers and Giants who moved from New York. Before settling in suburban Anaheim on former agricultural land, the team played their inaugural season at Wrigley Field in Los Angeles and then rented Chavez Ravine Stadium until 1966. Originally christened Anaheim Stadium upon opening, the venue later became Edison International Field in 1997 before adopting the current Angel Stadium name after the 2003 season.

The Big A Landmark and Age

The venue is widely recognized by its unofficial nickname, The Big A, a term popularized by Herald Examiner Sports Editor Bud Furillo. Although the halo now remains illuminated constantly since the 2023 season, it shines more brightly during wins. Beyond its signage, the ballpark holds significant historical weight as the fourth-oldest active stadium in Major League Baseball, ranking behind only Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, and Dodger Stadium among currently operating venues.

Diverse Events and Cultural Impact

Beyond professional baseball, the grounds have hosted a diverse array of major cultural and sporting spectacles. The Los Angeles Rams called this stadium home for fourteen years between 1980 and 1994, necessitating structural expansions to accommodate football crowds. Religious gatherings have been equally prominent, hosting Billy Graham crusades, Greg Laurie’s Harvest Crusades, and large Eid al-Fitr prayer services. Additionally, the stadium has welcomed the MLB All-Star Game three times and hosted the World Series in 2002.

Stadium Design and Operational Logistics

The field dimensions were determined through scientific study to balance pitching and hitting conditions based on air density at typical game times. Operational logistics include housing the studios for flagship radio station KLAA within the facility itself. For fans traveling from various communities along the route, convenient access is provided via the nearby ARTIC train station, which services Metrolink and Amtrak lines through the Douglass Road gate at the northeast parking corner.