As a connoisseur of baseball parks, I was impressed with the recently-renamed Angels Stadium. Since it has become a baseball-only park and the team has become part of the Disney conglomerate, the park has had a major face-lift. As a baseball fan however, I found myself at times disgusted at how the Angels staff makes the game almost an afterthought and concentrates on other entertainment.
The park is within three miles from many of the Disney-area hotels. It is a quick drive or a long walk to the stadium. I don't know if Anaheim's transit system stops here.
The park in its current configuration is quite attractive. What was once a generic stadium has become as close as it could to a modern nostalgia park like Camden Yards or The Jake. For instance there is a scoreboard in the rightfield wall. In left-center there is a new fiberglass rock formation with waterfall and fountains, which looks almost like a small version of Disney’s Splash Mountain. The seats are still at points far from the action. I had pretty decent seats along the first base side (in the 200 level), but it was still more like being at the old Vet than like those other parks I mentioned. The concourse on this level is open and airy with plenty of walking room and various concessions stands. The 200s concourse wraps all the way around the stadium, and fans can stand on the concourse behind the outfield stands or even behind the waterfall (there are a few breaks in the "rocks").
A skill zone can be found on this concourse deep in right field. Batting, pitching and running games are open for people of all ages.
There is what looks like a gorgeous (if expensive) indoor/outdoor restaurant right behind the plate. I would guess this is club seating or is rentable to those with special functions. For those on a budget or just out for a regular ballpark experience, there are a number of dining possibilities. The usual fare is available; I saw Mexican in the right field area, but I opted for the Chinese Express. Another chain located throughout the park is the L.A.-area Carl Jr.’s.
As for the baseball experience, what was annoying for me was all the non-baseball spectacle. After the line-ups were announced and the National Anthem was performed, the "defensive lineup" was read, with fireworks going off. Then, in the quickest possible fashion, the umpires were announced, without the umps names or numbers (yes, umpires have uniform numbers) displayed anywhere. I am the type of fan who thinks knowing who’s calling the game is very important. For that matter, there were red fireworks set off during the "rockets’ red glare" line of the Anthem. Again, more spectacle than simple baseball.
Angels Field is great for keeping the wayward fans or easily distracted children entertained. It is an attractive ballpark and fun. As a baseball fan though, I was let down.