5 Things I Bet You Didn’t Know About Dodger Stadium

Let’s root, root, root for the home team at Dodger Stadium. The baseball landmark is beloved by many, but did you know these 5 things about Dodger Stadium?

This post is sponsored by Smart & Final, the official grocery outlet of the LA Dodgers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

It’s time for Dodger baseball! This week I was invited to my very first game at Dodger Stadium to watch the Dodgers take on the Angels as part of the Freeway Series. This crosstown rivalry set my heart into a tailspin. Thankfully, I was in good company that understood this Anaheim native was rooting for the home team and HER home team.

I brought my adorable niece, and we headed towards Dodger Stadium for what turned out to be a magical day at the ball park.

Keep reading to find out why!

5 Things I Bet You Didn’t Know About Dodger Stadium

1. Dodger Stadium’s architecture is modeled after Disneyland’s Tomorrowland.

Bless my Disney loving heart. Dodger Stadium’s architects modeled the stadium after their magical neighbor to the south. The Happiest Place on Earth, Disneyland, opened in 1955 and Dodger Stadium wasn’t long behind.

Take note of the roofline zig zag, which looks very Autopia-esque. The now retro design is still magical, with hints at Dodger history preserved. Rows of original seats are still available. Plus, the main seating currently features the 1962 color scheming with 4 rows of symbolically painted seating.

• Field level seats are as yellow as the California sunshine.
• Loge seating is orange to represent the sandy beaches.
• Reserve seats are sea foam green to pay homage to the gorgeous landscape around the stadium.
• And Top Deck seats are blue for the ocean and skies. Thankfully those are sunny skies allowing for very few rain delays in Dodger history.

Did you know the original concept called for Dodger Stadium to be a drive-in? The idea was that guests would drive in, park behind the seats, and enjoy the film from the stadium seating. However, the idea was scraped out of safety concerns. The stadium is built into a hill, after all!

2.You can take a tour of the stadium before the game.

Perfect for any baseball fan or history buff, Dodger Stadium offers pre-game tours during the regular season. The 45-minute tour takes you throughout the stadium, providing a rich history of the team.

On the tour, you’ll tour Club Level Memorabilia Hall, Lexus Dugout Club, a luxury box, the trophy rooms, Dodger Interview Room, and get a chance to check out batting practice (batting practice not scheduled for 12:10 or 1:10 PM games).

I have to admit that seeing Jackie Robinson’s jersey is truly something special. Any baseball fan will get a kick out of hearing the well-informed tour guide detail the swings, strikes, and home runs of the team’s history.

That year the Dodgers switched their color to green in hopes it would break the streak? Ehh, didn’t do much so back to Dodger blue.

There are funny ancedotes like the Dodgers’ organist who got ejected from the game and the Papal visit that lead to a successful year for the team.

Check out unique Dodgers historical pieces like a signed home plate from the first game in the new stadium and the key to the stadium that reads Dodgers on one side and Angels on the reverse.

Tickets for the Pre-Game Stadium Ticket:

Purchase your Dodger Stadium tour tickets here. Tickets do sell out so I would recommend picking them up in advance.

3. Dodger Stadium will undergo $100-million renovation.

Recently announced, Dodger Stadium will undergo $100-million renovations during the offseason. This will ensure they’re ready for the 2020 All-Star Game!

The renovations will include more concessions, additional seating in the “home run seat” section, a kid area in center field, beer garden, and musical performance space. The stadium will also offer access around the entire stadium from each level.

The Dodgers own Hall of Fame of sorts, “The Legends of Dodger Baseball”, will have a new permanent home. A Sandy Koufax statue is in the works.

It is Hollywood’s stadium.

It wouldn’t be a Los Angeles team without a little Hollywood glamour, now would it?

Can you name any movies filmed at Dodger Stadium? Try these popular flicks:

• Sandlot
• Transformers
• For Love of the Game
• Moneyball
• Fast & the Furious

You can bring your own food into the stadium.

It’s not a baseball game without the snacks! But did you know you can bring your own food into Dodger Stadium? It’s the stadium’s best kept secret…until now!

To get ready for the game, I headed to my local Smart & Final, the official grocery partner of the LA Dodgers. I had my official Game Day Checklist filled with fan favorites.

Cracker Jacks, Popcorn, Peanuts, and Big League Chew gum — all baseball classics definitely made their way into my cart.

I also stocked up on some healthier grocery items like First Street Hummus & baby carrots. To-go salads with a fork included, pre-cut fruit, and bottled water also were some of my favorite purchases.

You can stock up on your own game day items at Smart & Final. Click below to download the checklist!

I carried all of my baseball game essentials in a Smart & Final insulated tote and was ready to go! The aisles of Smart & Final are packed with a wide variety of choices, from Dodger dogs to cotton candy, there are some considerations on what’s allowed at Dodger Stadium. Read the policy on bottles, cans, and outside beverages here.

I love that I was able to save on food and snacks at Smart & Final! Short on time? Order online!

Seeing Dodger Stadium in person was so much fun! The vintage vibe, impressive history, and bring-your-own concessions from Smart & Final make it a stadium all baseball fans need to experience!

Do you have a favorite baseball stadium? Share it in the comments!