Page 447 - 2020 Angels Media Guide

ANGEL STADIUM

After an Aug. 31, 1964 groundbreaking ceremony, Anaheim Stadium, as it was originally known, was completed
in 1966 at a cost of $24 million. The facility’s centerpiece was a giant A-frame scoreboard standing 230 feet high
and was the source of the stadium’s nickname.
With a seating capacity of 43,250, Anaheim Stadium was built with “Convenience, Comfort and Courtesy” in
mind. Narrow foul territory areas and quickly rising decks gave fans an up-close view of the action. Gradually-
inclined ramps, escalators, wide aisles and helpful ushers as well as three surrounding free ways, 26 entrance lanes
and 28 exit lanes added to the Big A’s accessibility.
Anaheim Stadium under went construction to enclose the stadium in 1979 for additional seating to accom-
modate the Rams’ football games. Seating capacity was increased to 64,593 for baseball and more than 70,000
for football. A total of 108 executive style boxes were added to surround the rear of the Club Level. In addition to
the Stadium Club, there were two other private dining areas designed for groups — the Stadium Pavilion and the
Football Press Box.
Apr. 10, 1964 — Anaheim City Council accepts letter of intent in special joint session of Council of Orange County
Board of Supervisors, but Supervisors decline to join Anaheim in financing and constructing stadium. City Council unan-
imously votes to “Go it Alone.” Contractor Del Webb pledges to complete stadium before April 1966 and proceeds with
plans, at his own risk, pending final decision of Council. Council authorizes City Manager and City Attorney to draw up lease
agreement with Angels and contract for construction of stadium.
Aug. 8, 1964 — Anaheim and Angels sign 35-year lease for stadium. club history
Aug. 25, 1964 — Purchase of 150 acres completed. By resolution, City Council officially names stadium “Anaheim
Stadium.”
Aug. 26, 1964 — Anaheim and Del Webb Construction sign contract for construction of stadium to seat about 50,000
at maximum cost of $16 million.
Aug. 31, 1964 — Groundbreaking for construction of stadium. Angels owner Gene Autry, Del Webb and Anaheim
Mayor Odra Chandler shoveled soil in a clearing surrounded by orange groves and corn fields.
Aug. 26, 1965 — Structural steel construction of stadium completed.
Sept. 2, 1965 — Decision made to open with 43,204 seating capacity .
Oct. 1, 1965 — Stadium grass planted.
Oct. 15, 1965 — Last concrete poured.
Nov. 15, 1965 — Installation of seats begins.
Nov. 23, 1965 — Compaction and grading of parking lot begins.
Dec. 8, 1965 — Model of scoreboard is unveiled; Standard Oil Company to finance $1 million, 230-foot, A-frame
scoreboard structure in left field.
Dec. 29, 1965 — Placement of light towers; work on scoreboard begins.
Apr. 9, 1966 — Anaheim Stadium opens in Angels exhibition vs. San Francisco Giants.

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