Elena Bosch For me and my family, our love for baseball runs deep. We spend weekends at little league games and weeknights under the major league ballpark lights. For as long as I can remember, Angel Stadium has only been a 15 minute drive from my house. I’ve celebrated birthdays and anniversaries, and this year, we kicked-off summer with the Angels “reopening” day.
Angel games are a great, family-friendly outing but preparing a trip to Angel Stadium can be tricky. To help you plan for your next trip, I put together my top 5 tips for heading to an Angel Game.
Choose Your Seats Wisely
Summer day games at the Big A can be excruciating in the sun. No lie. If you’re going to a day game, check the weather, bring lots of sunblock and try your best to avoid buying tickets along the first baseline to avoid the sun if you can.
However, evening games in Orange County are perfect but can be quite busy. Opt for an aisle seat for two important reasons. First, it allows you convenient access for potty breaks and snack runs. Second, if you’re in a section on the first floor, it makes for an easy break down to the field in between innings when kids run down to try to catch a ball from their favorite outfielder.
Like many MLB stadiums, Angels Stadium launched a mobile ticket entry through the MLB Ballpark and it’s highly recommended for use as your contactless ticket option. You download your game tickets in the MLB Ballpark app prior to arriving and simply show staff your ticket after security check. Added bonus, you can buy food and drink with the app too!
Save Money on Souvenirs
Check out the promotion calendar before buying tickets to save money on souvenirs. Nearly all giveaways are kid-friendly but be sure to get to the stadium early. Promotion days are very popular game days and giveaways are usually limited to the first few thousand kids or so.
You can also commemorate special occasions like your child’s first game or birthday with a free online fan certificate. For fans that remember you can get these certificates from guest services, know that due to the pandemic, Angel Stadium is only offering these certificates online.
For a special treat, splurge on the Junior Angels Kids Club membership receive a clear backpack, four youth ticket vouchers, youth face mask, and more for only $18. The small price pays for itself alone in tickets and your little one will be stoked to take home affordable memorabilia of their own.
What To Pack Before the Game
Kids make visiting any destination a little more challenging. Before you pack your diaper back, check the recently updated Angel Stadium Security Guidelines, which may make things even trickier.
Don’t worry. Guests can still bring food as long as it can fit in a one-gallon freezer bag. You can also bring factory-sealed water bottles or sports drinks. And of course, if you have babies, you can bring bottles.
However, Angels Stadium Bag Policy is strict. Bags, backpacks and other carriers are no longer permitted. You can bring a diaper bag or medical bag, such as a bag for your pump or other device as well as a clear bag or backpack. You and your family will be asked to go through a metal detector. The line is much quicker if you can travel without a diaper bag.
Note, that while you are allowed to bring a stroller or a wheelchair, you may be requested to go through an alternative screening and may be asked to park your stroller. If you require assistance, it’s highly recommended you call guest services ahead of your visit to make arrangements as front gate staff may not always be on hand to immediately provide support.
For pumping parents, if you need to pump, you can visit first aid for a private place. You should be prepared to bring your own small cooler to store your pumped milk.
Plan to Get to the Stadium Early
Sports fans have waited a long time to enjoy a game in person with no restrictions and tickets are going fast. We live just a few miles from the ballpark and it took nearly an hour to find parking on reopening day, though we have come out to games prior and traffic was much more bearable. Nevertheless, staff advised that on weeknight games when the first pitch is usually around 6:38 p.m. that gates open at 5 p.m. and try to get there early for packed games.
In addition, tailgating is permitted near the Big A in the parking lot, however alcohol is not. If you’re looking for a great lunch option, Golden Road Brewery, Karl Straus and many other restaurants are walking distance from the park. For a more affordable, family-friendly option, we usually choose to eat hotdogs on the tailgate of my husband’s truck and bring peanuts and cracker jacks for the game.
From time to time, my family would head to the park early enough to catch batting practice, which usually starts about two hours before the first pitch. However, due to the pandemic, fans are currently not allowed to watch batting practice. I highly recommend taking your little ones to watch the big guys hit homers right out of the park once restrictions are lifted. If you’re lucky, you may even get a chance to meet your favorite player.
Stay Late for Fireworks
If your kids are old enough to go to bed late on the weekends, I highly recommend staying after the games on Saturday nights to catch the firework show. If you opt to leave before the fireworks, you can still catch a partial view of the show on the north and east side of the park.
In past seasons, the fireworks show was often accompanied by live music, an entertainment option I hope comes back for this season. It truly made for an immersive experience for all fans.
The Angels have been playing very well this season so far and if you haven’t seen Shohei Ohtani live in action yet, I truly recommend you get out and do so. He’s fun to watch as both the Angels ace pitcher and ferocious left-handed batter. However, whether the Angels win or lose, it’s sure to be a good time at the Big A.
If you’re still waiting to make it out to a game or may just keep sitting this season out, you can still cheer for the Angels at Home, with fun, family friendly activities you can do anywhere.
