The upcoming addition of Olympic baseball to the illustrious history of Dodger Stadium marks an exciting new chapter for this iconic venue. Opened in 1962, Dodger Stadium stands as the third-oldest active ballpark in Major League Baseball, and over the years, it has witnessed countless moments in baseball history as well as significant events in the realms of culture and sports.
In just a few years, this famed stadium will host baseball as part of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles (https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/dodger-stadium-to-host-olympic-baseball-games-in-2028). This event is poised to be recognized as one of the most remarkable non-MLB occurrences at Dodger Stadium. To illustrate its storied legacy, let’s take a look at some notable events that have taken place there, presented in reverse chronological order:
World Baseball Classic Championships: 2009 and 2017
In 2009, the championship game of the World Baseball Classic unfolded at Dodger Stadium. Team Japan successfully defended their title, securing a 5-3 victory against Team South Korea. While this was not part of Major League Baseball, several star players contributed to the thrilling matchup. For instance, Yu Darvish took the mound, allowing a game-tying run in the ninth inning but ultimately became the winning pitcher after Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki delivered a crucial two-run single in the tenth frame.
Fast forward eight years to the 2017 championship, which again graced Dodger Stadium. This time, Team USA triumphed over Team Puerto Rico with a commanding score of 8-0, claiming their first-ever Classic title. The team showcased a powerful lineup, with Marcus Stroman shining on the mound, pitching brilliantly until the seventh inning and earning the tournament's Most Valuable Player distinction.
Pope John Paul II's Mass: 1987
Long before Pope Leo XIV made headlines, Pope John Paul II visited Los Angeles, including a memorable stop at Chavez Ravine. During his visit, he conducted two Masses, one of which attracted an astonishing crowd of 63,000 attendees at Dodger Stadium, marking the highest attendance in the stadium's history. The second Mass was held at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum, where he addressed over 100,000 people.
Olympic Exhibitions: 1984
Baseball made its debut as an official Olympic sport during the 1992 Barcelona Games, but it was first showcased as a demonstration sport during the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. A strong USA team featuring future Major League stars like Mark McGwire, Barry Larkin, and Will Clark was favored to win, but Japan surprised everyone by taking home the victory in the final match (as this was a demo sport, no medals were awarded).
The Beatles' Penultimate Concert: 1966
As a legendary venue that has hosted numerous iconic musical performances, Dodger Stadium holds a special place in music history. It was here that The Beatles performed their second-to-last concert, before wrapping up their touring days at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. The fervor surrounding Beatlemania was so intense that the band had to make their exit from the stadium in an armored car, a fascinating anecdote recounted by the legendary Vin Scully 50 years later (https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/video/scully-remembers-the-beatles-c1108493183).
Giant International Ski Show and Grindelwald Ski Swap: 1963
Imagine witnessing skiers defying gravity in a baseball venue! Surprisingly, Dodger Stadium hosted an international ski show in 1963, complete with a 165-foot ski jump set up near the right-field foul pole. This event featured two jumping competitions, showcasing athletes like Olympian Gene Kotlarek, captivating audiences with a display of skill and daring that was completely outside the norm for a baseball park.
