Dodger Stadium to receive a US$100m facelift

The Los Angeles Dodgers have unveiled plans for a US$100m upgrade to their 56-year-old Dodger Stadium, which will include a new main entry gate and an almost two-acre landscaped fan plaza that will bring the game to this new entry via video and LED boards, plus a new sound system.

The Dodgers unveiled the host of renovations and stadium improvements for 2020 during a recent press conference.

The facelift includes:

• Creation of Centerfield Plaza: The new Centerfield Plaza will create a stadium “front door” with almost two acres of unique food offerings, entertainment and kids areas, retail locations, sponsor activations, more social and standing room areas and greater access for those with special needs. A new kids play area will be constructed just beyond the wall in straight-away centerfield, and fans will be able to enjoy the game from above of a newly-constructed batters eye wall. The new Centerfield Plaza will pay homage to Dodger history with statues and a permanent home for the “Legends of Dodger Baseball” plaques..
• Pavilion Renovations: Renovations to the Left and Right Field Pavilions will include new restrooms, enclosed bars with views into the bullpen, the creation of standing room areas at the top of each pavilion, enhanced ADA seating and “home run seats” just beyond the outfield wall.
• Sandy Koufax Statue: The Dodgers will honour Hall of Fame left-handed pitcher Sandy Koufax with a statue, the second at Dodger Stadium following the dedication of the Jackie Robinson statue in 2017. Both statues will reside in the Centerfield Plaza, as the Robinson statue will be re-located from the Left Field Reserve.
• New Elevators and Bridges: Elevators are currently under construction in the Right and Left Field Plazas to help move fans easily to and from this new Centerfield Plaza. Additionally, bridges will be constructed to connect the new pavilion standing room decks to the rest of the stadium for a 360-degree connection around the park’s perimeter. These new elevators and bridges will also provide easier access to the Dodger Stadium Express stop in Lot G through the Centerfield Plaza.
• New Sound System: A new sound system will replace the current speaker tower and provide an enhanced audio experience to fans on all levels of the ballpark with more directed sound inside the stadium.

Stan Kasten, Dodgers’ President and CEO, said:

We want to stay traditional with regard to baseball, but we also want to have up-to-date renovations for the next generation of fans.

While most of the works will be completed by opening day, the new statue of Koufax will be formally dedicated at some point during the season.

Kasten said of the renovations, which will commence in November:

We’re going to take every minute we need to get it done, but it’s going to be done by opening day.

These developments follow hot on the heels on a series of renovations, service expansions and stadium improvements completed at Dodger Stadium in recent years, as outlined below:

2019 Upgrades and Amenities

The Top of the Park store at Dodger Stadium has been remodelled for a modern shopping experience for Dodger fans. Also at the Top of the Park, fans will notice two new additions to the Bank of America Retired Numbers plaza, five-foot microphones for Vin Scully and Jaime Jarrín.

The Dodgers have also increased the number of Self Service Concession Kiosks throughout the ballpark to expedite ordering at concessions stands.

In addition, four Ashley HomeStore chairs have been installed to create ‘Home Sweet Home Seats’ on the Loge Level at Dodger Stadium, where fans can enjoy the game from after entering to win at participating Ashley HomeStore locations.

Fans will also notice signage and activations from new Dodger partners, such as UCLA Health, Q CELLS and Blue Shield of California.

F&B at Dodger Stadium

All beverages at Dodger Stadium will come with recyclable drinkable lids, and the Dodgers and Levy have moved to using paper straws, which will be available only upon request from guests.

Levy Restaurants and Executive Chef Ryan Evans have updated Dodger Stadium’s menu for 2019 too:

Summer Green Salad: Chopped romaine w/ baby spinach, diced cucumbers, sliced radishes, feta crumble, either pecans or walnut w/ a creamy mint dressing. Available near sections Field 5, Loge 132 and Reserve 10.

Esquite: Corn in a cup topped with mayo, cheese and topped with spicy aioli. Available near sections Field 22 and 23, and Top Deck 6.

Dodger Sausage: Stadium exclusive al pastor seasoned sausage stuffed with pineapple chunks grilled to perfection topped with pineapple salsa and cilantro-lime crema. Available near sections Field 10, Loge 133, and Reserve 4.

Four Taco Plate: Four chicken or beef tacos on corn tortillas topped with onion & cilantro served with chips and salsa. Available near sections Field 10 and Reserve 13.

Beyond Meat Burger: Plant based grill burger patty on a brioche bun topped with herb mayo, lettuce, tomato, onions. Available near sections Field 47 and Reserve 29.

Chicken Burrito Bowl: Marinated pollo asado, black beans, pico de gallo, salsa roja, on a bed of rice. Available near Loge 137 and Reserve sections 23 and 24.

Going Yard: A 16.5-inch jalapeño cheddar sausage topped with grilled onions, roasted corn, and avocado relish, drizzled with sour cream. Available near sections Field 10, Loge 133, and Reserve 4.

California Roll Bowl: Imitation crab, sriracha aioli, edamame, carrots, cucumbers, all in a bed of sushi rice. Available on the Field Level near section 45.

2018 Upgrades and Amenities

The seats at the club level have been restored to Walter O’Malley’s original 1962 colour scheme of red, blue and yellow. Beyond just the colour scheme, the original 1962 wooden planks have been restored and now match the original seat backs from the stadium’s opening. The seat bottoms have been reupholstered as well, with new foam and fabric, still matching the original painted scheme.

Fans entering on the LF Club Level will now pass a new reception lobby area, as well as a new display case with rotating current team memorabilia. They will also find a new ticketed option in the Field Level Drinkrail seats. These stools provide a unique view and experience on the Field level.

The Jim Beam Bourbon Bar now joins Tommy’s Trattoria in the RF Plaza, the Bourbon Bar uniquely offers the refreshing Jim Beam Highball Cocktail, Other Mixed Bourbon Cocktails, as well as a special Levy offering of Bourbon Glazed Wings.

Levy and the Los Angeles Dodgers introduced the new On Deck Circle on Field, Loge and Reserve levels. The On Deck Circle offers a constantly rotating menu of unique food and beverage designed around the food culture of both Los Angeles and visiting team’s city.

Bud & Burgers, fresh off its opening along the third base line on the Field Level, has also opened a concession stand at the RF Reserve Plaza.

2017 Upgrades and Amenities

The first sculpture in Dodger Stadium history, appropriately depicting Jackie Robinson, was unveiled on the left field reserve level plaza area (Lot B) on April 15, 2017, marking the 70th anniversary of Robinson breaking the colour barrier in Major League Baseball (MLB).

The reconfiguring of the ring road in centerfield has been enlarged in order to improve circulation and create a new premium lot “H” between the Historic 76 Station and the centerfield transit road.

New premium seating was installed outside of the Dugout Club and Baseline Clubs. USB power was also installed in each seat. These seats, located in original foul territory at Dodger Stadium, are now blue in colour to match the field wall from 1962.

In an effort to continually improve access to Dodger Stadium and improve ridership on the METRO bus lines service, the pedestrian loading area in centerfield has been reconfigured to provide a dedicated area with uniform pedestrian lighting.

As part of Dodger Stadium’s continued commitment to greening the surrounding park, additional landscaped islands of olive trees, palm trees and the native succulent plants of the region have been planted at either end of the transit street.

Levy and the Los Angeles Dodgers created an exciting new menu that truly celebrated the Pride of Baseball. New Executive Chef Ryan Evans plans to take the game day experience to a new level for all Dodger fans with new fan favorites and authentic local flavors.

The Dodgers welcomed the new Budweiser-branded concession stand located down the third base line. This Bud & Burgers stand serves the newest culinary creation inspired by fans: the Dodger Burger. With the world famous Dodger Dog grilled to perfection on top of a delicious patty, this is a can’t-miss item for the 2017 season! In addition, Budweiser has created a simulated batting experience by the left field Bud bar that encourages fans to swing for the fences at every home game.

Dodger fans can also enjoy the new King’s Hawaiian Grill, opened in the Left Field Plaza, where they can enjoy a special menu featuring a pulled pork Dodger Dog, pulled pork sliders, lava wings, smoked pork nachos and much more. The popular Think Blue BBQ has come to the Reserve Level in right field, adjacent to the kid’s area.

Dodger fans will see a number of new memorabilia displays including a gallery adjacent to the Vin Scully Press Box including Vin Scully’s headset and other objects from his broadcast booth during his final season with the Dodgers. The club level is also home to a new display case at the left field entry that features game worn jerseys from Dodger greats including Jackie Robinson, Sandy Koufax and others. Fans with tickets on field, loge and club and anyone with a season ticket can access these areas.

The right field baseline club, also known as the Ketel One Club, is home to a display featuring game used bats from nearly every All-Star that has worn the uniform of the Los Angeles Dodgers. This display is open to anyone in the right field concourse and faces the bullpen overlook in right field. You do not need a ticket to the baseline club to view this display.

Groups will find new areas to enjoy Dodger baseball. A new mini-suite has been constructed inside the Stadium Club on the right field club level to host groups of 15. The loge level party boxes, which can host groups of 12 to 16, have been given a new look and improved surroundings. Areas on the field level concourse near each foul pole have been created for groups of 15 to 60. The areas have standing room, bar stools and high top tables.

All of the suites on the club level have also been renovated, as has the Lexus Dugout Club dining area. Members of the Dugout Club will find new food items dotting the menu throughout the season.

For further information on the latest developments, as well as the recently completed renovations at Dodger Stadium, go to: https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/ballpark/stadium-upgrades

Images, courtesy: MLB / Los Angeles Dodgers

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