Stadium History Coming Soon...
Getting There
It's L.A., so you basically have to drive to the game
(-1). Parking can be reasonable
(+1), but only if you buy it in advance
(-1). There are two bus lines that go to the stadium
(+1) as well as a rail line
(+1), but you have to walk quite a bit if you take the train
(-1). Lexus is a sponsor of the Dodgers so you get cheaper preferred parking if you drive one, which seems a bit too much like the rich getting richer
(-1).
Score: 4/10
Tickets and Seating
The Dodgers have tickets that are among the most expensive in baseball
(-1) and the seats are similar to those at
Fenway, which isn't a good thing. Many of the seats don't face home plate, which forces you to crane your neck to see the action
(-1). Seats further down feel really close to the action, though
(+1), and the upper deck doesn't leave you gasping for air like some newer stadiums
(+1).
Score: 5/10
Exterior
Dodger Stadium has one of the most unique locations in baseball. It is built into the side of a hill, which looks fantastic
(+2)! You can't even see the stadium until you're in the parking lot, which makes it's appearance even more epic
(+1). Because it's built into a hill there are lots of stairs, which could be a problem for some. Escalators would be a great upgrade
(-1). The outside architecture is clean and uses Dodger blue tastefully to not distract from the fantastic cliffside venue
(+2).
Score: 9/10
Interior
Dodger Stadium gets extra props for the fact that you can see the game from the concourse throughout most of the stadium
(+2). This is rare for older stadiums. There are fences you can look through the see the action in the bullpen
(+1), which is also rare for older stadiums. Finally, the scenery you can take in from inside the stadium is unmatched by any other MLB stadium sans
Coors Field (+2).
Score: 10/10
Scoreboard
There are two scoreboards at Dodger Stadium
(+1), but they both show the same information
(-1) and aren't large or clear
(-1). They do have an out-of-town scoreboard in the outfield that shows an incredible eight games at a time
(+1) and even though the main scoreboards are small, they are that so to prevent distracting from the scenery around the stadium
(+1).
Score: 7/10
Kid Friendly
There is a small play area for kids
(+1), but it's not enclosed meaning kids won't last very long if it's a typical hot Southern California day
(-1). They do let kids run the bases after Sunday day games
(+1), but there isn't much else for kids to do.
Score: 6/10
Fans
The stadium was pretty empty for a weekend game, even after the many late-arriving fans showed up
(-2). The fans are laid back like they are in
Anaheim (+1), which can be good, but they didn't seem to get too excited during critical points in the game either, other than when a homerun was hit
(-1). There are plenty of knowledgable, long-time Dodgers fans, though, and they can help even out the small crowd
(+1).
Score: 4/10
Ushers and Trading Up
The ushers are laid back
(+1) and there a lot of them
(+1). They are pretty friendly
(+1) and seem to be great fans of the Dodgers
(+1). You can trade up
(+1), but the ushers usually won't let you until much later in the game
(-1).
Score: 9/10
7th Inning Stretch
They use a real organ at Dodger Stadium
(+2)! They play "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" twice
(+2). While it's cool they play the song twice, it would be cooler if they played something specific to L.A. after the first song
(-1).
Score: 8/10
Surrounding Area
There is nothing
(-1), repeat, nothing
(-1) to do around Dodger Stadium after a game. The stadium is in a scenic ravine, but that doesn't leave much room for entertainment outside the game
(-1). There doesn't even seem to be a tailgating contingent like other stadiums that are surrounded by parking lots such as
Miller Park (-1).
Score: 1/10
Final Score: 63/100
