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Anaheim is more than Disneyland. Located south of Los Angeles, this Orange County city has sports teams worth checking out. The Anaheim Ducks play at the Honda Center whereas the Los Angeles Angels play at Angel Stadium. As a Dodger fan, I avoided attending Angels games. After all, they are technically located in Anaheim so we do not take lightly to calling them the Los Angeles Angels. Nonetheless, I stumbled across tickets and attended a game. The stadium and fans blew me away and though I will never be changing out my blue for their red, I loved every minute of the game. Since I was skeptical, I had to share every reasons to attend a game at Angel Stadium in Anaheim.
1. The History
Everyone loves a good Disney story. Usually they involve a prince coming to save a princess or the story of a sports team overcoming the odds. Did you know Disney had a hands-on role with sports teams? Specifically, the Mighty Ducks and the Anaheim Angels.
According to a 2015 article in the Los Angeles Times, The Walt Disney Company had ownership in both of these Anaheim based teams.
After the 1992 movie The Mighty Ducks, Disney founded the NHL team by the same name. It has undergone different ownership since then and the name has changed slightly to the Anaheim Ducks. The next time you watch this movie, you can think of the Stanley Cup winning team with Disney to thank for its birth.
In addition to the hockey team, Disney also dabbled in the Major League of Baseball. In 1996, they purchased the Anaheim Angels, as it was named then. The team won a World Series Championship under this ownership before Disney sold the team and the name was changed to include “Los Angeles”.
We have Disney to thank for the movie Angels in the Outfield, which was premiered in 1994. Though it was a remake of a 1951 film by the same name, it is an interesting turn of events that Disney would later own the team by the same name.
2. The Stadium
We have Disney partially to thank for the new Angel Stadium. The exterior spans baseballs and bats along with two massive Angel caps. I am not sure if it was these add-ons that made the stadium look so big, but I was taken aback when I approached the stadium. It loomed overhead and seemed way bigger than any stadium I have ever been to.
According to a 2021 article on MLB.com, Angel Stadium is the fourth oldest ballpark in the Major League of Baseball. Based on the other stadium tours I have taken, the Red Sox’s Fenway Park is the oldest ballpark. Wrigley Field is a close second and my favorite Dodger Stadium is the third oldest ballpark still standing. As many times as we have toured ballparks and stadiums, I never knew that Angel Stadium was the fourth oldest. But, unlike the three oldest ballparks which have remained relatively the same, Angel Stadium has undergone several changes.
One thing that has remained is the Big A. As you drive down the 57 (Orange Freeway), this is sure to catch your eye. The A features a halo and lets you know you have arrived at Angel Stadium.
One other notable trademark of the Angel Stadium we see today is the rock waterfall in center-field. According to a USA Today review of the stadium, Disney dubbed this the California Spectacular. It is a focal point when Mike Trout hits a home run and fireworks shoot into the air.
Click here to read more about the history of Angel Stadium.
3. The Fans
As a Dodger fan, I thought we are loud and dedicated. Angels fans blew me away. The entire stadium is filled with red caps and gear. Their energy is electric and even I can admit: contagious.
4. Mike Trout
I have never seen a stadium go absolutely crazy for a player before. When Mike Trout stepped up to bat, the entire stadium cheered. People hold their breath as he swings, anxiously awaiting to cheer for a homerun.
We were lucky enough to see Trout hit a homerun and the excitement to follow. The crowd erupted in incomparable applause.
In my opinion, and seemingly the opinion of most people, Mike Trout is one of the greatest baseball players right now. If you have the chance to see him play, you are able to witness part of the legacy he is forming. The Angels love him and it seems his competitors respect him.
5. The Food
Though I was not hungry when we first arrived, I know my weakness for stadium food. Nothing beats a hotdog or hamburger with a cold drink. We found out our seats included the Diamond Club which was outfitted with several food and bar options.
When the people next to us got hamburgers, we could not resist. The Legendary House Blend Burger is made with cheese, secret sauce (think Thousand Island), and other goodies. They also came with fries and ranch – my favorite! It was pricey – over $20. I would pay for it all over again because it was a top 10 burger of my life.
In the eighth inning I began craving some soft serve ice cream. As if reading my mind, we ended up getting free ice cream since the Diamond Club was starting to close up for the night. The vanilla bean ice cream was unbeatable.
The game we attended had a Ohtani Snow Glob giveaway. As a result, the entire stadium was decorated for Christmas in June. With a Christmas Tree outside, and garland and poinsettias making the field festive, the food also had a festive touch.
Click here to see a complete list of all giveaways for this season.
We also acquired sugar cookies towards the end of the night. We were already full so I wrapped them in a napkin and snuck them in my purse (I have no shame!). They were amazing with my coffee the next morning.
Click here for a full list of stadium dining and location guides at the stadium.
6. The Drinks
An iced cold beer is a necessity at a ball game. Grab a cold water, cocktail or anything else that makes you happy and sip it as you watch Mike Trout up to bat.
7. The Experience
Attending a game at Angel Stadium in Anaheim gave me a new appreciation for the team and their facility. I learned a lot about the history of the team and the different eras of their ownership. The stadium was not at all what I imagined, and ended up being one of my favorite ballparks. Thank you, Disney. On top of all this, the fans are what blew me away the most. The pure joy and dedication they have for their team, and Mike Trout in particular was inspiring.
8. The Location
The Los Angeles Angels play their home games in Orange County. The stadium is a mere 10 minute drive to Disneyland, the main attraction in Anaheim. Even though “Los Angeles” is in their name, the stadium is located over 45 minutes from downtown Los Angeles. Being located in Orange County, the stadium is within driving distance of the nearby Santa Ana, Irvine, and City of Orange. We drove in from Huntington Beach for the game in under 45 minutes.
Bonus: The Diamond Club
The Lexus Diamond Club is located behind home plate. The first feature we became privy to was in-seat service. You never have to leave your seat or miss a second of the game since the staff comes to you.
With a menu to choose from, you can order directly from your seat or you can visit the club box. There is a buffet where you can eat to your heart’s desire. On the night we attended, there were charcuterie boards, a carving station, and tacos, to name a few.
We could not commit to all of the food in the buffet and we were craving the hamburgers. We sat at the bar and ordered our food and beer. The bartenders were attentive and went above and beyond to accommodate their guests.
In addition to the seating area and bar inside, there is also an outdoor patio. With tables and chairs to choose from, you can sit on the patio with your friends while watching the game. This is a great way to stretch out your legs and get a different view of the stadium.
Are you craving this special experience? Click here to read more about the Lexus Diamond Club and buy your tickets now.
Interested In A Tour?
Private and public tours of the stadium are offered. I have previously taken a tour of Dodger Stadium and learned fun facts about the team and stadium. I imagine the tours are just as informative and historic, here. According to the Angels’ official website, the 75-minute tour includes walking onto the field, sitting in the dugout, a glimpse into the visitors clubhouse, and a peek into the conference press rooms, suites, and booths.
Click here to book your tour of Angel Stadium.
Whether you are planning a trip to Anaheim or are just looking to experience a different ballpark, I hope you enjoyed reading about this stadium. The only thing better than visiting these spots and enjoying them is getting to share them with friends and family. Please comment if you have been to a game at Angel Stadium in Anaheim and tell me how you liked it.
I am always open to recommendations. If you have any favorite spots in Anaheim please share them below!
Cheers!
