Focus on Dodgers

LOS ANGELES –The good thing about LA is that there are different sports to enjoy all year-round. Even if you’re not a sports lover, you simply won’t be able to resist being where the action is. And characteristic of LA, action is everywhere.

Although traffic is not as bad as the notorious 405 Freeway (or parking lot), the drive on the I-5 North can get pretty nasty, especially when there’s a Los Angeles Dodgers game. The Golden State freeway leading to the stadium gets packed. Automobiles of varied sizes and shapes seem like ants making their way to the anthill. And it was also a hill the fans were making their way to: Chavez Ravine, where the Home of the Dodgers is located. And it’s well worth the trek, if only to delight one’s self with the breath-taking view of downtown Los Angeles.

Outside the stadium are more than 3,400 trees covering 300 acres of the beautiful landscape. The sprawling parking area can accommodate 16,000 vehicles. Everything is clean and organized. And that undoubtedly adds to the appeal of this famous sports landmark here in LA.

The 41-year old Dodgers Stadium, however, does not only boast of beauty; it also lays claim to a rich history. The vision began with Dodger president Walter O’Malley in 1950’s. Together with architect Emil Praeger, they set to work on what would become the marker of West Coast expansion to Major League Baseball.

However, it’s not all baseball in the Dodger Stadium. Non-baseball events held here include the mass celebrated by Pope John Paul II on Sept. 16, 1987, and concerts of entertainers like The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Bee Gees, Simon and Garfunkel, Elton John, David Bowie, Eric Clapton, U2, Dave Matthews Band, and Michael Jackson.

The stadium opened its doors on April 10, 1962. Since then, Dodger Stadium has hosted eight World Series. It was also the site of the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in 1980 and the Olympic Games’ baseball competition in 1984.

Since its launch, more than 110 million fans have watched the games at the 56,000-seat Dodger Stadium. And fan support is greatly appreciated by the Dodgers. During each season, some days are designated as Fan Appreciation Day. It’s the Dodgers’ way of thanking the fans for coming out to support their team year after year. There is 30% off on all Dodger merchandise.

But there is more to Fan Appreciation Day than the sale in the Dodger shops. Everyone awaits the raffle draw at the end of the game where, last year, one of the major sponsors, Toyota, gave away a brand new 2004 4Runner. Other prizes included vacation trips for two and accommodations in some hotels in Las Vegas.

With the California sun at its peak, the open air stadium becomes a beach-like atmosphere where fans come out and subject themselves to roasting under the sun. Girls wear tank tops and shorts, while the guys take their shirts off. Smart fans bring suntan lotion, taking advantage of the summer rays.

As if the sights to behold within the crowd weren’t enough to make the viewing and understanding of the game a tad complicated, Dodgers even come up with side events that would entertain the crowd during the dull parts of baseball: beach balls are continuously passed around throughout the innings.

An inning can be really dragging without homers to put the fans on their feet. Action in baseball is not as exciting as the other fast-paced sports. But one interesting thing about the sport is that managers and coaches, no matter how old or out of shape, still have to wear the tight uniform. (Now that would really force them to be in shape!)

To enhance the over-all fan experience, a DodgerVision video board and cutting-edge control room were added to the facilities of the stadium two years ago. While players pitched and batted, their pictures and greatest feats are flashed on the screen, along with different trivia questions which fans were encouraged to answer.

With the Los Angeles Lakers bowing out early from this year’s NBA season, Los Angelenos quickly turned to the Dodgers for affirmation, inspiration and hope. This season’s attendance is forecasted to surpass last season’s 3,138,624 people who came out to watch at the Dodger Stadium.

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