Photos: Big changes at Dodger Stadium

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When Dodger Stadium opened in 1962, it was gem of modern architecture, capturing in steel and concrete the cool, Kennedyesque spirit of the time. You can just imagine the cast of “Mad Men” cheering in the stands, or better yet, having a gin and tonic in the Clubhouse. The ballpark was also notable for its setting, perched on an Elysian Park hilltop with  commanding views of downtown L.A. and the San Gabriel Mountains.

But the stadium, once so cutting edge, is now the third oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball, and fans have complained for years about the venue’s shortcomings: long lines at bathrooms and concession stands, cramped public spaces, shoddy cellphone and WiFi service, and a general feeling that Dodger Stadium lacked the bells and whistles of a new generation of ballparks, from Baltimore to San Diego. More recently, safety concerns have also cast a cloud over the ballpark. There were complaints about rowdy fans, and then came the 2011 beating of a Giants fan in the parking lot.

The new ownership team of the Dodgers wants to banish those memories with upgrades to the stadium, bringing this gem of mid-20th Century architecture into the 21st Century and emphasizing a family-friendly vibe at Chavez Ravine. Changes range from bigger public spaces at the entrances to the stadium to more restrooms and concession stands to state of the art scoreboards.

But how many of the renovations will still not be completed when the players take to the field for opening day. Just this past Tuesday, platoons of construction workers were hustling to complete their work, and big parts of the ballpark like the Top Deck entrance, were still very active construction zones.

Opened in 1962, Dodger Stadium, has a "retro-coo" feel, but it's the third oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball. The Dodgers new owners have sunk upwards of a $100 million dollars into the stadium's renovation.
Opened in 1962, Dodger Stadium, has a “retro-cool” feel, but it’s the third oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball. The Dodgers new owners have sunk upwards of a $100 million into the stadium’s renovation. (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)

More photos and audio from Dodger Stadium below:

In the days and hours before Friday night's first game at the stadium (the first regular season game is Monday) workers rushed to finish the mammoth project. When I told one worker I didn't know how they were going to finish in time, his reply was "We don't know either, but the overtime pay is great."
In the days and hours before Friday night’s first game at the stadium (the first regular season game is Monday) workers rushed to finish the mammoth project. Will they finish in time? “We don’t know,” said one worker,”but the overtime pay is great.” (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)
One big problem with Dodger Stadium before renovation, was the tight public spaces, so the architects have taken out some seats and widened the concourses around the ballpark.
One big problem with Dodger Stadium was the tight public spaces, so the architects have taken out some seats and widened the concourses around the ballpark. (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)
There's also much new technology at the renovated Dodger Stadium. That includes new and larger high-definition video boards, a better sound system and beefed up cellphone and Wi-Fi service.
There’s also a lot of new technology at the renovated Dodger Stadium, including new and larger high-definition video boards, a better sound system and beefed up cellphone and Wi-Fi service. (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)
The stadium seats 56,000 people. During renovations the only people you see sitting n them are visiting officials and journalists getting advance tours of the park and hard working construction workers taking a break.
The stadium seats 56,000 people. During renovations the only people you see sitting in them are visiting officials and journalists getting advance tours of the park and hard working construction workers taking a break. (The original image is no longer available, please contact KCRW if you need access to the original image.)