Angel Stadium History

Renovations to Anaheim Stadium began Oct. 1, 1996, reverting the 30-year old structure back to a baseball-only facility. On Sept. 15, 1997, the renovated stadium's new name was announced: Edison International Field of Anaheim. On Dec. 29, 2003, the Angels announced the stadium would be renamed Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Total cost for the stadium renovation was estimated at $100 million and the project was completed in time for the Anaheim Angels Opening Day, April 1, 1998.

Anaheim Stadium had been the home of the Angels since their move from Los Angeles following the 1965 season. The stadium opened April 9, 1966, as the California Angels hosted the San Francisco Giants in an exhibition game. The franchise's first American League game was April 19, 1966 vs. the Chicago White Sox. The Los Angeles Angels played at Wrigley Field in 1961 and Chavez Ravine from 1962-65.

The original Anaheim Stadium seated 43,204 (later 43,250). The stadium underwent construction in 1979-80 for additional seating to accommodate the Los Angeles Rams of the NFL. Upon completion in 1981, the stadium seated 65,158 (later 64,593) for baseball. The Rams left Anaheim for St. Louis, MO in 1995. The new Angel Stadium of Anaheim has a seating capacity of approximately 45,603 for the Los Angeles Angels. (Image: Anaheim Stadium 1989)

The following organizations were involved in implementing the transition of Anaheim Stadium into Angel Stadium of Anaheim: Walt Disney Imagineering, which served as the manager of the design and construction of Angel Stadium of Anaheim; HOK Sports Facilities Group and Robert A.M. Stern Architects, which were responsible for the architectural planning, design and renovation; and Turner Construction, which directed and provided construction services.

Inside Angel Stadium