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's MLB's oldest ballpark west of the Mississippi and third-oldest overall. Constructed in under three years for $23 million, it boasts the largest seating capacity of any baseball stadium globally. Known as a "pitcher's ballpark", Dodger Stadium has witnessed 13 no-hitters, including 2 perfect games, adding to its rich baseball history.

1912: Fenway Park Opened

In 1912, Fenway Park in Boston opened and is older than Dodger Stadium. Dodger Stadium is the oldest ballpark in MLB west of the Mississippi River, and third-oldest overall.

1914: Wrigley Field Opened

In 1914, Wrigley Field in Chicago opened and is older than Dodger Stadium. Dodger Stadium is the oldest ballpark in MLB west of the Mississippi River, and third-oldest overall.

1949: Federal Housing Act

In 1949, the federal Housing Act provided funds for the city of Los Angeles to use eminent domain to seize land for the Elysian Park Heights public housing project, which later became the site for Dodger Stadium.

1953: Norris Poulson elected mayor.

In 1953, the election of Norris Poulson as mayor of Los Angeles led to a shift in the political climate, causing proposed public housing projects like Elysian Park Heights to lose support.

1956: O'Malley Inspired by Korakuen Stadium

In 1956, Dodger owner Walter O'Malley was inspired by a covered and screened seating section at Tokyo's Korakuen Stadium during the Brooklyn Dodgers' postseason goodwill tour of Japan, leading him to incorporate a similar feature into the Dodger Stadium design.

June 3, 1958: Dodgers Acquired Chavez Ravine Land

On June 3, 1958, Los Angeles voters approved a referendum allowing the Dodgers to acquire 352 acres of Chavez Ravine from the city, paving the way for the construction of Dodger Stadium.

September 17, 1959: Ground Broken for Dodger Stadium

On September 17, 1959, ground was broken for the construction of Dodger Stadium.

1961: Dodgers Played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum

From 1958 through 1961, while Dodger Stadium was under construction, the Dodgers played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which had a capacity in excess of 90,000 people.

1962: Los Angeles Angels Became a Tenant

From 1962, Dodger Stadium was the home of the Los Angeles Angels through 1965.

1962: Dodger Stadium Opens

In 1962, Dodger Stadium opened as the home of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Constructed in less than three years, it marked a new era for baseball in Los Angeles.

1962: New Seats Color Scheme

In 1962, The new seats were installed in the original (more muted) color scheme consisting of yellow, light orange, turquoise, and sky blue.

1962: Original Scoreboards Installed

In the inaugural 1962 season, Dodger Stadium was originally equipped with two large Fair Play electronic scoreboard units above the left- and right-field pavilions, along with smaller auxiliary scoreboards at field level.

March 21, 1963: Boxing Match at Dodger Stadium

On March 21, 1963, Ultiminio "Sugar" Ramos won the WBC and WBA featherweight titles from Davey Moore in ten rounds at Dodger Stadium; also on the card, Roberto Cruz won the WBA Junior Welterweight title.

1963: Hosted the World Series

In 1963, Dodger Stadium hosted the World Series.

1964: Jim Fregosi Hits for the Cycle

In 1964, Jim Fregosi hit for the cycle at Dodger Stadium, marking the first time this feat had been accomplished at the stadium.

1965: Hosted the World Series

In 1965, Dodger Stadium hosted the World Series.

1965: Sandy Koufax Throws Perfect Game

In 1965, Sandy Koufax of the Dodgers threw a perfect game at Dodger Stadium.

1966: Hosted the 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: "Year of the Pitcher" Changes

Following the 1968 "Year of the Pitcher", MLB implemented league-wide changes to favor batting, including lowering the pitcher's mound, and the Dodgers moved the diamond about 10 feet towards center field, resulting in more home runs.

August 5, 1969: Willie Stargell Home Run

On August 5, 1969, Willie Stargell hit a 507-foot home run off the Dodgers' Alan Foster that cleared the right field pavilion and struck a bus parked outside Dodger Stadium.

1969: Home Plate Moved

In 1969, home plate at Dodger Stadium was moved 10 feet toward center field, which also expanded foul ground by 10 feet.

1969: Center Field Distance

Since 1969, the actual distance to center field at Dodger Stadium has been 400 feet, though marked at 395 feet.

May 8, 1973: Willie Stargell Home Run

On May 8, 1973, Willie Stargell hit a 470-foot home run off Andy Messersmith that landed on the right field pavilion roof and bounced into the parking lot at Dodger Stadium.

1973: Distance Signs Erected

In 1973, two 395-foot signs were erected to the left and right of dead center, despite the actual distance to center field being 400 feet since 1969.

1974: Hosted the World Series

In 1974, Dodger Stadium hosted the World Series.

1975: Original Seats Installed

In 1975, the original seats were installed which helped give the stadium its unique "space age" feel with a color palette of bright yellow, orange, blue, and red.

1975: Elton John Concerts

On October 25 and 26, 1975, Elton John performed two sold-out concerts at Dodger Stadium; these are widely regarded as two of his most famous shows.

April 12, 1976: Second Rainout

On April 12, 1976, the second home rainout ended a streak of 724 straight games.

1977: Hosted the World Series

In 1977, Dodger Stadium hosted the World Series.

1978: Hosted the World Series

In 1978, Dodger Stadium hosted the World Series.

1979: Fleetwood Mac's "Tusk" Music Video Filmed

In 1979, Fleetwood Mac's music video for the song "Tusk" was recorded and filmed at the empty Dodger Stadium.

1980: Hosted the Major League Baseball All-Star Game

In 1980, Dodger Stadium hosted the Major League Baseball All-Star Game.

1980: Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Vision Installed

In 1980, the left-field message board at Dodger Stadium was replaced by a Mitsubishi Electric Diamond Vision video board.

1981: Hosted the World Series

In 1981, Dodger Stadium hosted the World Series.

1984: Hosted Exhibition Baseball at the Summer Olympics

In 1984, Dodger Stadium hosted exhibition baseball during the Summer Olympics.

1984: Dodger Stadium Hosts Baseball at 1984 Olympics

In 1984, Dodger Stadium hosted the baseball competition of the Summer Olympic Games.

April 21, 1988: Consecutive Rainout

April 19–21, 1988 saw three consecutive rainouts, the only time consecutive games have been rained out at Dodger Stadium.

1988: Hosted the World Series

In 1988, Dodger Stadium hosted the World Series.

1988: Dodgers Win Game 7 of NLCS

In 1988, the Dodgers won Game 7 of the National League Championship Series over the New York Mets, 6–0, marking the first time Dodger Stadium hosted a seventh game of a postseason series.

1991: Dennis Martinez Throws Perfect Game

In 1991, Dennis Martinez of the Montreal Expos threw a perfect game at Dodger Stadium.

1992: Games Postponed Due to Riots

In 1992, baseball games from April 30 to May 3 against the Montreal Expos at Dodger Stadium were postponed due to the 1992 Los Angeles riots, with makeup games held later in the season.

July 16, 1994: The Three Tenors Concert

On July 16, 1994, The Three Tenors — José Carreras, Plácido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti — gave a one-night-only show at Los Angeles' Dodger Stadium. It was watched by a billion people worldwide.

September 21, 1997: Mike Piazza Home Run

On September 21, 1997, Dodger catcher Mike Piazza hit a 478-foot home run off Frank Castillo of the Colorado Rockies, landing on the left field pavilion roof and skipping into the parking lot.

1997: MLB Park Factor Database

According to MLB's park factor database, in 1997 Dodger Stadium decreased offense by 6%, making it the most pitcher-friendly park in MLB.

1998: Field-Level Scoreboards Replaced

In 1998, the field-level auxiliary scoreboards at Dodger Stadium were replaced by larger units installed on the facade of the Loge seating level.

April 11, 1999: End of Rainout Streak

No rainouts occurred between April 21, 1988, and April 11, 1999 – a major league record of 856 straight home games without a rainout.

May 22, 1999: Mark McGwire Home Run

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.

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; this was achieved by deflating doubles (by 21%) and triples (by 45%).

1999: Original Dugout Seating Replaced

In 1999, the original dugout seating area at Dodger Stadium was replaced by more conventional box seating during a renovation.

April 17, 2000: No rainouts since 2000

Since April 17, 2000, there have been no rainouts since, setting a major league record of 1,471 consecutive games through October 3, 2019.

2000: Oracle Park Opened

In 2000, Oracle Park in San Francisco opened. It was the first MLB stadium since the original Yankee Stadium to be built using 100% private financing, which was the first since Dodger Stadium's construction.

2001: Strobe Lights Added

In 2001, strobe lights were added to Dodger Stadium; they flash when the Dodgers take the field, after a Dodger home run, and after a Dodger win.

2003: LED video displays upgrade

Between 2003 and 2005, Dodger Stadium upgraded with LED video displays. The large main video display measures 27 feet (8.2 m) high by 47 feet (14 m) wide.

2003: Field-Level Scoreboards Installed

In 2003, field-level out-of-town scoreboards were installed on the left- and right-field walls at Dodger Stadium.

2004: Field Level Seats Installed

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 MLB park that had never increased its seating capacity due to a conditional-use permit limiting it to 56,000.

2005: Dodgers Renovations

At the conclusion of the 2005 season, the Los Angeles Dodgers made major renovations during the subsequent off-season.

2005: LED video displays upgrade

Between 2003 and 2005, Dodger Stadium upgraded with LED video displays. The large main video display measures 27 feet (8.2 m) high by 47 feet (14 m) wide.

2005: Dodger Stadium Ranked as Balanced Park

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 at Dodger Stadium were replaced by a video ribbon board.

2007: Dodger Stadium Ranked as Balanced Park

From 2005 to 2007, MLB ranked Dodger Stadium as a balanced park, with an exactly average park factor.

2008: Stadium Returns to Original Status

From 2008 to 2010, Dodger Stadium returned to its original status as a pitchers' park, decreasing total offense by 7%.

2008: Beer Sales Reinstated in Right Field Pavilion

In 2008, beer sales were reinstated in the right field pavilion, which was converted into the All You Can Eat Pavilion, offering unlimited hot dogs, peanuts, and free soft drinks, with beer available for purchase.

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 Receives New 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: Attendance at NLCS Games

In 2008, the attendance at Games 3, 4, and 5 of the NLCS reached a high water mark of 56,800 since the renovations at Dodger Stadium.

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 Major League Baseball.

2008: Upper Levels Renovation Planned

In the 2008–2009 off-season, the upper levels of Dodger Stadium were planned to be renovated to match the repairs and improvements made to the field level.

July 2009: Dodger Stadium Area Receives New Zip Code

As of July 2009, the Dodger Stadium area was assigned its own zip code, 90090, and a new name, Dodgertown.

2009: Renovations Put on Hold

Due to the 2009 World Baseball Classic hosted at Dodger Stadium, upper level renovations were put on hold. The divorce of Frank and Jamie McCourt, as well as a weak economy, were also reasons for the postponement.

2009: Hosted the 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 in Dodger Stadium, marking only the second time this feat had been accomplished at the stadium.

2009: Largest Crowd in Stadium History

In 2009, the Dodgers' home opener drew 57,099 fans through the sale of standing room only tickets, marking the largest crowd in Dodger Stadium history.

2009: Dodger Stadium Outfield Dimensions

With the opening of Citi Field and the demolition of Shea Stadium in 2009, Dodger Stadium became the only stadium with symmetrical outfield dimensions remaining in the National League.

2010: Club Seats and Luxury Suites

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: Stadium Returns to Pitcher's Park

From 2008 to 2010, Dodger Stadium returned to its original status as a pitcher's park, decreasing total offense by 7%.

2012: Dodger Stadium Renovations

Dodger Stadium underwent renovations in the 2012-2013 offseason, resulting in a maximum capacity of less than 56,000, although the exact number was not disclosed.

2012: Renovations Begin

Following the sale of the Dodgers in 2012, renovations to Dodger Stadium began. New video boards, clubhouses, and weight rooms were installed, and restrooms, concession stands, sound system and batting cages were improved.

August 3, 2013: Hosted a soccer tournament

On August 3, 2013, Dodger Stadium hosted a soccer tournament featuring the Los Angeles Galaxy, Real Madrid, Everton, and Juventus.

2013: Additional Renovations Initiated

Between the 2013 and 2014 seasons, additional renovations were put in place at Dodger Stadium, enhancing the fan experience.

2013: Dodger Stadium Capacity Reported in Media Guide and Website

In 2013, Dodger Stadium's media guide and website still reported the capacity as 56,000, despite renovations reducing the maximum capacity.

2013: Renovations Completed

In 2013, the extensive renovations to Dodger Stadium were completed, including new HD hexagonal video and scoreboards, a new sound system, wider concourses, more standing room viewing areas, improved restrooms, and a children's playground.

January 25, 2014: NHL Game at Dodger Stadium

On January 25, 2014, Dodger Stadium hosted its first National Hockey League game between the Los Angeles Kings and the Anaheim Ducks as a part of the 2014 NHL Stadium Series, with the Ducks winning 3–0.

2014: Dodger Stadium Beneficiary of Improvements

In 2014, Dodger Stadium benefited from 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: Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks Played Regular Season 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 Home Run

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: 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 led by 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. The statue was made by sculptor Branly Cadet.

July 2017: Classic West Concert

In July 2017, Dodger Stadium hosted the Classic West concert. The first night featured The Eagles in their first full concert (after the 2016 death of founding member Glenn Frey), with Deacon Frey and Vince Gill as new members, as well as supporting acts The Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan. The second night featured Earth, Wind & Fire, Journey and Fleetwood Mac.

2017: Hosted the World Series and World Baseball Classic

In 2017, Dodger Stadium hosted the World Series, as well as the semifinals and finals of the World Baseball Classic.

2017: Research on the Marine Layer Effect

In 2017, research suggested that while the marine layer has a statistically significant effect on flyball distance in some parks, Dodger Stadium's marine layer effect was close to zero.

2018: Foul Territory

FanGraphs noted in 2018 that many other teams had been shrinking their foul territory, although Dodger Stadium still has less foul territory than most MLB ballparks.

2018: Hosted the World Series

In 2018, Dodger Stadium hosted the World Series.

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, including a 2-acre center field plaza with a children's playground, the relocation of the Jackie Robinson statue, and a display honoring the Legends of Dodger Baseball, along with a sports bar and a beer garden.

October 3, 2019: No rainouts since 2000

Since April 17, 2000, there have been no rainouts since, setting a major league record of 1,471 consecutive games through October 3, 2019.

2020: Dodger Stadium Hosts ALDS Games

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dodger Stadium hosted all games between the Houston Astros and the Oakland Athletics in the 2020 American League Division Series.

2020: World Series Viewing at Dodger Stadium

In 2020, Dodger Stadium set up HD video screens in the parking lot to accommodate local fans for World Series games, charging $75 per car with a limit of 6 occupants; no food or drink was sold, and alcohol was prohibited.

2020: Robinson Statue Relocation

In 2020, as part of renovations, the Jackie Robinson statue was moved to the centerfield plaza at Dodger Stadium, where the Sandy Koufax statue would later be placed.

2020: Renovations Completed; Koufax Statue Unveiling Delayed

In 2020, the renovations to Dodger Stadium were completed, including new elevators and escalators and a new stadium center main entrance. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the unveiling of the Sandy Koufax statue was delayed two years.

September 30, 2021: Fernando Tatís Jr. Home Run

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 nights 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. The statue was also made by Cadet.

September 11, 2022: Lady Gaga's The Chromatica Ball Concert Filmed

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.

2022: Dodger Stadium Home Run Park Factor

From 2022 to 2024, Dodger Stadium's night-game home run park factor was 126, the second-highest in MLB, indicating a 26% inflation of home runs.

2022: Dodger Stadium Ranked as a Balanced Park

From 2022 to 2024, MLB ranked Dodger Stadium as a balanced park once again. Although the stadium depresses walks and most types of hits, it inflates home runs by 22%.

2022: Hosted the Major League Baseball All-Star Game

In 2022, Dodger Stadium hosted the Major League Baseball All-Star Game.

2023: Elton John's Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour Finale

In 2023, Elton John's final three concerts in North America as part of the Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour (2018–2023) were held at Dodger Stadium, the final of which was live-streamed on Disney+, and added to their library for replay.

May 2024: Release of Lady Gaga's Chromatica Ball Concert Film

In May 2024, the concert film of Lady Gaga's The Chromatica Ball (2022) concert was released through HBO and its streaming service, Max.

July 21, 2024: Shohei Ohtani Home Run

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 win remains the only time the Dodgers ever clinched a World Series at Dodger Stadium.

2024: Dodger Stadium Home Run Park Factor

From 2022 to 2024, Dodger Stadium's night-game home run park factor was 126, meaning the stadium inflated home runs by 26%, the second-highest in MLB.

2024: Dodger Stadium 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 the World Series

In 2024, Dodger Stadium hosted the World Series.

2024: Cost of construction adjusted for inflation.

In 2024, the original 1962 construction cost of US$23 million was equivalent to US$239 million when adjusted for inflation, highlighting the significant investment in the stadium.