History of Dodger Stadium in Timeline
Dodger Stadium, located in Los Angeles, California, is the home of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Opened in 1962, it is the oldest MLB ballpark west of the Mississippi River and the third-oldest overall. Constructed in under three years for $23 million, it boasts the largest seating capacity of any baseball stadium worldwide. Known as a 'pitcher's ballpark,' Dodger Stadium has witnessed 13 no-hitters, including two perfect games, contributing to its rich baseball history and status as a significant landmark.
1912: Fenway Park is Older
In 1912, Fenway Park in Boston was already open. Dodger Stadium is third-oldest overall, after Fenway Park (1912) and Wrigley Field (1914).
1914: Wrigley Field is Older
In 1914, Wrigley Field in Chicago was already open. Dodger Stadium is third-oldest overall, after Fenway Park (1912) and Wrigley Field (1914).
1949: Federal Housing Act
In 1949, the Federal Housing Act provided funds for the city of Los Angeles to seize land for the Elysian Park Heights public housing project, which later became the site of Dodger Stadium.
1953: Norris Poulson Elected Mayor
In 1953, Norris Poulson was elected mayor of Los Angeles, leading to a shift in political climate that diminished support for public housing projects like Elysian Park Heights.
1956: O'Malley Inspired by Dugout Seats in Tokyo
In 1956, Dodger owner Walter O'Malley was inspired by covered dugout-level seats at Tokyo's Korakuen Stadium, leading him to incorporate a similar feature into the Dodger Stadium design.
June 3, 1958: Voters Approve Baseball Referendum
On June 3, 1958, Los Angeles voters approved a "Taxpayers Committee for Yes on Baseball" referendum, allowing the Dodgers to acquire 352 acres of Chavez Ravine from the city.
September 17, 1959: Ground Broken for Dodger Stadium
On September 17, 1959, ground was broken for Dodger Stadium, initiating the construction process that involved significant earthmoving and the burying of an elementary school.
1961: Dodgers Played at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Through 1961, while Dodger Stadium was under construction, the Dodgers played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which could seat over 90,000 people.
1962: Home of the Los Angeles Angels
From 1962, Dodger Stadium was also the home of the Los Angeles Angels until 1965.
1962: Dodger Stadium Opens
In 1962, Dodger Stadium opened in Los Angeles. Constructed in under three years, it became the home of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
1962: Original Scoreboards Installed
In 1962, Dodger Stadium was originally equipped with two large Fair Play electronic scoreboard units above the left- and right-field pavilions.
1962: Original Color Scheme Consisting of Yellow, Light Orange, Turquoise, and Sky Blue
In 1962, the original color scheme consisting of yellow, light orange, turquoise, and sky blue was implemented.
March 21, 1963: Sugar Ramos wins WBC and WBA featherweight titles
On March 21, 1963, Ultiminio "Sugar" Ramos won the WBC and WBA featherweight titles from Davey Moore in ten rounds at Dodger Stadium. Roberto Cruz also won the WBA Junior Welterweight title.
1963: Hosted World Series
In 1963, Dodger Stadium hosted the World Series.
1963: Dodgers win World Series at Dodger Stadium
In 1963, the Dodgers won the World Series over the New York Yankees, sweeping the Yankees by winning game 4 by a score of 2–1. This remains the only time the Dodgers ever clinched a World Series at Dodger Stadium as of 2024.
1964: Jim Fregosi hits for the cycle
In 1964, Jim Fregosi hit for the cycle at Dodger Stadium.
1965: Hosted World Series
In 1965, Dodger Stadium hosted the World Series.
1965: Sandy Koufax pitches perfect game
In 1965, Sandy Koufax of the Dodgers pitched a perfect game at Dodger Stadium.
1966: Hosted World Series
In 1966, Dodger Stadium hosted the World Series.
April 21, 1967: First Rainout
On April 21, 1967, the Dodgers experienced their first rainout against the St. Louis Cardinals, ending a streak of 737 consecutive games without a postponement.
1968: MLB changes to favor batting and diamond moved
Following the 1968 "Year of the Pitcher," MLB issued league-wide changes to favor batting, including lowering the height of the pitcher's mound, and the Dodgers moved the diamond about 10 feet towards center field.
August 5, 1969: Willie Stargell hits home run out of Dodger Stadium
On August 5, 1969, Willie Stargell of the Pittsburgh Pirates hit a 507-foot home run off the Dodgers' Alan Foster that completely cleared the right field pavilion and struck a bus parked outside Dodger Stadium.
1969: Home plate moved at Dodger Stadium
In 1969, home plate was moved 10 feet toward center field at Dodger Stadium, which also expanded foul ground by 10 feet.
May 8, 1973: Willie Stargell hits home run out of Dodger Stadium
On May 8, 1973, Willie Stargell hit a 470-foot home run off Andy Messersmith that landed on the right field pavilion roof at Dodger Stadium.
1973: Signs erected in Dodger Stadium
In 1973, two 395-foot signs were erected to the left and right of dead center in Dodger Stadium.
1974: Hosted World Series
In 1974, Dodger Stadium hosted the World Series.
1975: Elton John's concerts
In 1975, on October 25 and 26, Elton John performed two sold-out concerts at Dodger Stadium, widely regarded as two of his most famous shows.
1975: Seats Installed
In 1975, seats were installed, and were in use until 2005.
April 12, 1976: Second Home Rainout
On April 12, 1976, the second home rainout ended a streak of 724 straight games.
1977: Hosted World Series
In 1977, Dodger Stadium hosted the World Series.
1978: Hosted World Series
In 1978, Dodger Stadium hosted the World Series.
1979: Fleetwood Mac's music video recording
In 1979, Fleetwood Mac's music video for the song "Tusk" was recorded and filmed at the empty Dodger Stadium.
1980: Hosted Major League Baseball All-Star Game
In 1980, Dodger Stadium hosted the Major League Baseball All-Star Game.
1980: Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Vision Video Board Installed
In 1980, the left-field message board was replaced by a Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Vision video board.
1981: Hosted World Series
In 1981, Dodger Stadium hosted the World Series.
1984: Dodger Stadium hosts baseball competition of 1984 Summer Olympic Games
Dodger Stadium hosted the baseball competition of the 1984 Summer Olympic Games.
1984: Hosted Exhibition Baseball During Summer Olympics
In 1984, Dodger Stadium hosted exhibition baseball during the Summer Olympics.
April 21, 1988: Consecutive Rainouts
April 19–21, 1988 saw three consecutive rainouts.
1988: Hosted World Series
In 1988, Dodger Stadium hosted the World Series.
1988: Dodgers win Game 7 of the NLCS
Until 1988, Dodger Stadium had never hosted a seventh game of a postseason series. The Dodgers won Game 7 of the 1988 National League Championship Series over the New York Mets, 6–0.
1991: Dennis Martinez pitches perfect game
In 1991, Dennis Martinez of the Montreal Expos pitched a perfect game at Dodger Stadium.
1992: Baseball games postponed due to Los Angeles riots
In 1992, baseball games from April 30 to May 3 against the Montreal Expos were postponed at Dodger Stadium due to the 1992 Los Angeles riots.
July 16, 1994: The Three Tenors performance
On July 16, 1994, The Three Tenors — José Carreras, Plácido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti — gave a one-night-only show at Dodger Stadium as a part of celebrations for the 1994 FIFA World Cup. The event was watched by a billion people worldwide.
September 21, 1997: Mike Piazza hits home run out of Dodger Stadium
On September 21, 1997, Dodger catcher Mike Piazza hit a 478-foot home run off Frank Castillo of the Colorado Rockies that landed on the left field pavilion roof at Dodger Stadium.
1997: Dodger Stadium park factor
From 1997 to 1999, Dodger Stadium decreased offense by 6%, making it the most pitcher-friendly park in MLB during this period.
1998: Loge Level Scoreboards Installed
In 1998, the field-level auxiliary scoreboards were replaced by larger units installed on the facade of the Loge seating level.
April 11, 1999: No Rainouts
No rainouts occurred between April 21, 1988, and April 11, 1999.
May 22, 1999: Mark McGwire hits home run out of Dodger Stadium
On May 22, 1999, St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Mark McGwire cleared the left field pavilion with a 483-foot home run off the Dodgers' Jamie Arnold at Dodger Stadium.
1999: Dodger Stadium park factor
From 1997 to 1999, Dodger Stadium decreased offense by 6%, making it the most pitcher-friendly park in MLB during this period.
1999: Dugout Seating Area Replaced
In 1999, the original dugout seating area at Dodger Stadium was replaced by more conventional box seating.
April 17, 2000: No Rainouts
Since April 17, 2000, there have been no rainouts.
2000: Oracle Park Opened
In 2000, Oracle Park in San Francisco opened. It was the first MLB stadium since the initial construction of the original Yankee Stadium to be built using 100% private financing, and the last until Oracle Park opened.
2001: Strobe Lights Added
In 2001, strobe lights were added to Dodger Stadium; they flash when the Dodgers take the field, after a home run, and after a win.
2003: LED Video Displays Upgraded
Between 2003 and 2005, Dodger Stadium was upgraded with LED video displays.
2003: Out-of-Town Scoreboards Installed
In 2003, field-level out-of-town scoreboards were installed on the left- and right-field walls.
2004: Field level seats installed at Dodger Stadium
Following the 2004 season, the Dodgers' then-owner Frank McCourt installed 1,600 high-priced field level seats, shrinking Dodger Stadium's foul territory from 30,000 square feet to 20,000 square feet.
2005: Dodger Stadium seating capacity
As of 2005, Dodger Stadium was the only current MLB park that had never increased its seating capacity due to a conditional-use permit limiting it to 56,000.
2005: Major Renovations Announced
At the conclusion of the 2005 season, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced major renovations to Dodger Stadium during the subsequent off-season.
2005: LED Video Displays Upgraded
Between 2003 and 2005, Dodger Stadium was upgraded with LED video displays.
2005: Dodger Stadium ranked as balanced park by MLB
From 2005 to 2007, MLB ranked Dodger Stadium as a balanced park, with an exactly average park factor.
2006: Video Ribbon Board Installed
In 2006, the Loge level scoreboards were replaced by a video ribbon board.
2007: Dodger Stadium ranked as balanced park by MLB
From 2005 to 2007, MLB ranked Dodger Stadium as a balanced park, with an exactly average park factor.
2008: Dodger Stadium returns to original status as a pitchers' park
From 2008 to 2010, Dodger Stadium returned to its original status as a pitchers' park, decreasing total offense by 7%.
2008: High attendance at NLCS Games
In 2008, a high water mark attendance of 56,800 was recorded in Games 3, 4, and 5 of the NLCS at Dodger Stadium since the renovations.
2008: Beer sales reinstated in right field pavilion
In 2008, beer sales were reinstated in the right field pavilion at Dodger Stadium when that section was converted into the All You Can Eat Pavilion, offering unlimited hot dogs, peanuts, and free soft drinks to fans seated in that section.
2008: $412 Million Project Announced
In 2008, the Dodgers announced a $412 million project to build a Dodger museum, shops, and restaurants around Dodger Stadium.
2008: Dodger Stadium Area Given Own Zip Code
In 2008, the Los Angeles City Council voted to give the Dodger Stadium area its own zip code, 90090, and a new name, Dodgertown.
2008: Dodger Stadium becomes largest capacity ballpark
In 2008, with the retirement of the original Yankee Stadium and Shea Stadium, Dodger Stadium became the largest capacity ballpark in the Majors.
2008: Upper Levels Renovation Planned
In the 2008-2009 off-season, renovations were planned for the upper levels of Dodger Stadium, including restroom upgrades, new concession stands, earthquake retrofitting, and new HD monitors. However, these were postponed.
July 2009: Dodger Stadium Area Given Own Zip Code
As of July 2009, the Dodger Stadium area was given its own zip code, 90090, and a new name, Dodgertown.
2009: Hosted Semifinals and Finals of World Baseball Classic
In 2009, Dodger Stadium hosted the semifinals and finals of the World Baseball Classic.
2009: Orlando Hudson hits for the cycle
In 2009, Orlando Hudson hit for the cycle at Dodger Stadium.
2009: Renovations Put on Hold
In 2009, renovations to the upper levels of Dodger Stadium were put on hold due to the World Baseball Classic, the divorce of Frank and Jamie McCourt, and a weak economy.
2009: Dodgers' home opener draws record crowd
In 2009, through the sale of standing room only tickets, the Dodgers' home opener drew 57,099 fans, which was the largest crowd in stadium history.
2009: Dodger Stadium becomes only stadium with symmetrical outfield dimensions in National League
In 2009, with the opening of Citi Field and the demolition of Shea Stadium, Dodger Stadium became the only stadium with symmetrical outfield dimensions remaining in the National League.
2010: Club seats and luxury suites at Dodger Stadium
As of 2010, Dodger Stadium had 2,098 club seats and 68 luxury suites, with plans to increase these numbers after renovations, while still complying with its conditional-use permit.
2010: Dodger Stadium returns to original status as a pitchers' park
From 2008 to 2010, Dodger Stadium returned to its original status as a pitchers' park, decreasing total offense by 7%.
2012: Dodger Stadium maximum capacity reduction due to renovations
Due to renovations made in the 2012-2013 offseason, the current maximum capacity of Dodger Stadium is less than 56,000.
2012: Renovations Led by Janet Marie Smith
Following the sale of the Dodgers in 2012, Janet Marie Smith was brought in to lead renovation efforts to Dodger Stadium, which included new video boards, clubhouses, and improved facilities.
August 3, 2013: Hosted Soccer Tournament
On August 3, 2013, Dodger Stadium hosted a soccer tournament featuring the Los Angeles Galaxy, Real Madrid, Everton, and Juventus.
2013: Renovations Put in Place
Between the 2013 and 2014 seasons, more renovations were put in place.
2013: Extensive Renovations Completed
In 2013, extensive renovations to Dodger Stadium were completed, including new HD video and scoreboards, a new sound system, wider concourses, improved restrooms, and a children's playground.
2013: Dodger Stadium capacity reported in media guide and website
In 2013, the Dodger Stadium media guide and website still reported the stadium capacity as 56,000, despite renovations.
January 25, 2014: Dodger Stadium hosts NHL game
On January 25, 2014, Dodger Stadium hosted its first National Hockey League game between the Los Angeles Kings and the Anaheim Ducks as part of the 2014 NHL Stadium Series, with the Ducks winning 3–0.
2014: Dodger Stadium Improved
Between the 2013 and 2014 seasons, Dodger Stadium was the beneficiary of improvements such as wider concourses in the pavilions, new restaurants "Think Blue Bar-B-Que" and "Tommy Lasorda's Trattoria", dedicated team store buildings replacing the tents that previously served as team stores, bullpen overlooks with overlook bars, and tree relocation at the top of the stadium.
2014: Hosted NHL Stadium Series Game
In 2014, the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks played a regular season game at Dodger Stadium as part of the NHL Stadium Series.
May 12, 2015: Giancarlo Stanton hits home run out of Dodger Stadium
On May 12, 2015, Giancarlo Stanton of the Miami Marlins hit a 478-foot home run over the left-field roof off Mike Bolsinger at Dodger Stadium.
November 15, 2015: Dodger Stadium hosts Cricket All-Stars Series game
On November 15, 2015, Dodger Stadium hosted the third and final game of the Cricket All-Stars Series 2015, featuring retired cricket players and legends Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne.
April 15, 2017: Jackie Robinson Statue Unveiled
On April 15, 2017, to mark the 70th anniversary of Robinson's major league debut, the Dodgers unveiled a bronze statue of Jackie Robinson in the stadium's left-field plaza.
2017: Hosted World Series and World Baseball Classic
In 2017, Dodger Stadium hosted the World Series and the semifinals and finals of the World Baseball Classic.
2017: Research on the marine layer effect at Dodger Stadium
In 2017, researchers concluded that Dodger Stadium's marine layer effect on flyball distance was close to zero, despite some estimations of its impact.
2018: Hosted World Series
In 2018, Dodger Stadium hosted the World Series.
2018: FanGraphs notes shrinking foul territory
In 2018, FanGraphs noted that many other teams had been shrinking their foul territory, although Dodger Stadium still has less foul territory than most MLB ballparks.
2018: Blue Strobe Lights Added
In 2018, blue strobe lights were added to Dodger Stadium.
July 13, 2019: Paul McCartney Freshen Up tour
On July 13, 2019, Paul McCartney performed at Dodger Stadium as part of his Freshen Up tour, with Ringo Starr and Joe Walsh as guest performers.
July 23, 2019: $100 Million Renovation Presentation
On July 23, 2019, a press conference was held to present the $100 million renovation to Dodger Stadium, which includes a center field plaza with a children's playground and the relocation of the Jackie Robinson statue.
October 3, 2019: Consecutive Games
As of October 3, 2019, there have been 1,471 consecutive games.
2020: Dodger Stadium hosts World Series viewing event
During the 2020 World Series, Dodger Stadium staff set up two 60 ft high HD video screens in the parking lot and allowed up to 950 cars to enter for each game at a charge of $75 per car, broadcasting audio play-by-play over an FM station.
2020: Jackie Robinson Statue Moved
In 2020 the Jackie Robinson statue was moved as part of renovations.
2020: Dodger Stadium hosts ALDS games
In 2020, Dodger Stadium hosted all games between the Houston Astros and the Oakland Athletics in the American League Division Series due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020: Renovations Completed, Koufax Statue Unveiling Delayed
In 2020, renovations to Dodger Stadium were completed; however, the unveiling of Sandy Koufax's statue was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
September 30, 2021: Fernando Tatís Jr. hits home run out of Dodger Stadium
On September 30, 2021, Fernando Tatís Jr. hit a ball out of Dodger Stadium off the top of the left field pavilion roof.
November 8, 2021: Dodgers announce 2021 Holiday Festival
On November 8, 2021, the Dodgers announced the "2021 Dodger Holiday Festival" event, which was held most nightly from November 26 to December 31, and included an ice skating rink, scenic and light displays, food and beverages, and photos with Santa Claus.
June 18, 2022: Sandy Koufax Statue Unveiled
On June 18, 2022, the Dodgers unveiled a bronze statue of Sandy Koufax in the centerfield plaza, next to the statue of Jackie Robinson.
September 11, 2022: Lady Gaga's The Chromatica Ball concert
On September 11, 2022, Lady Gaga's sold-out concert at Dodger Stadium as part of The Chromatica Ball (2022) was filmed for a concert film released in May 2024.
2022: Dodger Stadium's night-game home run park factor
From 2022 to 2024, Dodger Stadium's night-game home run park factor was 126, inflating home runs by 26%, the second-highest in MLB.
2022: Dodger Stadium ranked as a balanced park by MLB
From 2022 to 2024, MLB ranked Dodger Stadium as a balanced park once again, inflating home runs by 22%.
2022: Hosted Major League Baseball All-Star Game
In 2022, Dodger Stadium hosted the Major League Baseball All-Star Game.
July 21, 2024: Shohei Ohtani hits home run out of Dodger Stadium
On July 21, 2024, Shohei Ohtani hit a ball 473 feet out over the right field pavilion into the center field plaza at Dodger Stadium.
2024: Dodgers clinch World Series at Dodger Stadium
As of the 2024 season, the 1963 World Series remains the only time the Dodgers ever clinched a World Series at Dodger Stadium.
2024: Record paid attendance at Dodger Stadium
Dodger Stadium achieved a record paid attendance during the 2024 season with 3,941,251 spectators.
2024: Dodger Stadium's night-game home run park factor
From 2022 to 2024, Dodger Stadium's night-game home run park factor was 126, inflating home runs by 26%, the second-highest in MLB.
2024: BetMGM states Dodger Stadium's centerfield distance
In 2024, BetMGM stated that Dodger Stadium's 395-feet centerfield distance was the third-shortest in baseball, behind only Fenway Park and Oracle Park.
2024: Hosted World Series
In 2024, Dodger Stadium hosted the World Series.
2024: Cost of Construction Adjusted for Inflation
In 2024, the original US$23 million construction cost of Dodger Stadium, which opened in 1962, is equivalent to US$239 million when adjusted for inflation.
2025: Center field distance indicated at Dodger Stadium
As of 2025, the center field distance of 395 feet is indicated at straight away center field at Dodger Stadium.
2028: Dodger Stadium designated to host baseball for 2028 Olympic Games
Dodger Stadium is currently designated to host baseball for the 2028 Olympic Games with Angel Stadium.
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