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Angel Stadium
Home of the Los Angeles Angels
In 1960, Gene Autry developed the Los Angeles Angels baseball team. Several years later, plans were announced for a new stadium to house the Angels, which would be built in Anaheim and known as Anaheim Stadium. Construction began on 140 acres, in 1964, under the architectural guidance of N. Herzberg and R. Stern and the building expertise of Del E. Webb Company. Opening Day was held in April 1966 after 2 years of construction. Even after work stoppage and strikes, Angel Stadium of Anaheim opened on time and instantly became known as the 'Big A' because of the presence of an A-frame scoreboard that stood 230 ft. tall with a $1 million halo.
In 1979, the stadium underwent it's first renovation project as it welcomed the NFL's Los Angeles Rams. The stadium was enclosed, more seats were added to increase the capacity to 65,158 and a new scoreboard was installed to replace the 'Big A,' which was moved out to the parking lot. In 1997, the Disney Company purchased the Angels and so began the next renovation project.
Through the years, Angel Stadium of Anaheim has undergone a lot of changes. From earthquake damage to the loss of the Rams to St. Louis in 1995, not all changes have been positive. However, renovations moved forward through 1997, at which time parts of the stadium still remained closed. The capacity was down to 33,000 while 20,000 seats were being replaced by bleachers. In addition, fans can now enjoy a 'California Spectacular,' which features erupting geysers and a cascading stream on a mountainside, which is covered by real trees. The outside of the stadium underwent it's own improvements with the construction of two large Angel baseball hats just outside the entrance. The stadium has been the site of the 1967 and 1989 All Star Games. And, in 2002, the World Series came to Anaheim.
In 1996, the city of Anaheim and the Angels came to an agreement in which the Angels will remain in the city until 2018. In 1997, a renaming agreement was reached with Edison International Power in which the stadium became known as Edison International Field. The newly renovated stadium opened in April 1998 with many amenities, including Pepsi Perfect Game Pavilion, dugout level seating and three restaurants. After the 2003 baseball season ended, Edison International and the Anaheim Angels ended their agreement, which brought to the stadium back to it's former name - the Angel Stadium of Anaheim. After an original construction cost of $24 million and $118 million in renovations, Angel Stadium of Anaheim is poised and ready for the future.
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