Angel Stadium of Anaheim Facts for Kids

Angel Stadium of Anaheim

Angel Stadium of Anaheim is a famous baseball park located in Anaheim, California. It is the home field for the Los Angeles Angels baseball team. The stadium first opened its doors in 1966. Over the years, it has been known by several different names. It was originally called Anaheim Stadium.

A Look Back: Stadium History
- Early Days and First Games
- Changing Names Over Time
What Makes Angel Stadium Special?
- The "Big A" Sign
- The Center Field Rockpile
More Than Just Baseball
- Football Games
- Other Big Events
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A Look Back: Stadium History

Angel Stadium has a rich history. It was built in the 1960s for the California Angels baseball team. Construction began in 1964 and finished in 1966. The stadium was designed to be a modern home for baseball.

Early Days and First Games

The very first game played at the stadium was on April 9, 1966. It was an exhibition game between the Angels and the San Francisco Giants. The first official Major League Baseball game was played on April 19, 1966. The Angels played against the Chicago White Sox.

Changing Names Over Time

The stadium has had several names since it opened.

From 1966 to 1997, it was known as Anaheim Stadium.
In 1998, it became Edison International Field of Anaheim. This name lasted until 2003.
Since 2004, it has been called Angel Stadium of Anaheim. This name connects it directly to the Angels baseball team.

What Makes Angel Stadium Special?

Angel Stadium is known for some unique features. These make it a fun place to watch a game.

The "Big A" Sign

One of the most famous parts of the stadium is the "Big A" sign. This huge, 230-foot tall sign used to stand in the outfield. It was a scoreboard and also had a halo on top that lit up after Angels wins. Today, the "Big A" stands in the parking lot. It is a landmark that welcomes fans to the stadium.

The Center Field Rockpile

In center field, there is a special area called the "California Spectacular" or "Rockpile." This area features artificial rocks, trees, and waterfalls. It is designed to look like a natural California landscape. When the Angels hit a home run, the waterfalls spray, and fireworks light up the sky. It is a very exciting moment for fans.

More Than Just Baseball

While Angel Stadium is famous for baseball, it has hosted many other events.

Football Games

For many years, the stadium was also home to a professional football team. The Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL) played their home games here from 1980 to 1994. The stadium was designed to be able to host both baseball and football games.