Dodger Stadium… Bringing Baseball to Angelenos Since 1962
The moving of the Brooklyn Dodgers to Los Angeles for the 1958 season signaled a new chapter in professional baseball as cities on the west coast were establishing franchises of their own. While the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum hosted the Los Angeles Dodgers the first few years, a magnificent new stadium designed by architect Emil Praeger was being constructed in the rugged Elysian Hills.
One can imagine the excitement in the air local residents felt when the groundbreaking ceremony took place on September 19, 1959. However, constructing the stadium was not without its challenges. The topography of the area presented unique challenges that were overcome only by the grit and determination of the almost 400 workers from Vinnell Constructors. Tasked at bringing baseball to the City of Angels, these hardworking individuals battled geographical obstacles to create a structure beautifully integrated into the natural terrain. On April 10, 1962, Dodger Stadium hosted its first game to the delight of 52,564 fans… Unfortunately, the Dodgers lost to the Cincinnati Reds 6-3.
As much as we love and enjoy America’s pastime, the Coalition for Responsible Equitable Economic Development (CREED LA) especially loves and supports the many environmentally-responsible construction projects throughout Los Angeles that not only have a positive impact on the local community, but support LA’s working families as well.