Dodger Stadium
Frustrated in his efforts to build a new stadium in Brooklyn, Walter O’Malley decided to move the Dodgers to Los Angeles in 1958. It was not until June 3, 1958, when Los Angeles voters approved a “Taxpayers Committee for Yes on Baseball” referendum, that the Dodgers were able to acquire 352 acres of land from the city with the proviso that the team finance construction of the stadium. Construction began September 17, 1959. While the stadium was being built, the team played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Dodgers finally played in their new home before 52,564 fans on Opening Day, April 10, 1962. Dodger Stadium was designed by O’Malley and NY based architect and engineer, Emil Praeger with design support from LA based Edward Fickett who gave the building a uniquely Southern California 1960s “modern” style. It was the first privately financed ballpark since Yankee Stadium in 1923.
Los Angeles, Los Angeles County
Photographer: John Bare