DAY TRIP Dodger Stadium

Dodger Stadium opened in Chavez Ravine in 1962, and with more than 300 landscaped acres and its views of Los Angeles, the Elysian hills and the San Gabriel Mountains, it has always been considered one of Southern California’s landmark attractions.

In a poll taken by Sports Illustrated in 2003, Major League Baseball players rated the field at Dodger Stadium as “the best-quality field” to play on.

An average of more than 2.79 million fans have attended games at Dodger Stadium per season over the last 45 years. In 1978, it became the first ballpark to host more than 3 million fans in a season when the Dodgers drew 3,347,845 in attendance.

In addition to regular-season games, Dodger Stadium has hosted eight World Series, and the Dodgers have won four World Championships — in 1963, 1965, 1981 and 1988.

Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass at Dodger Stadium on Sept. 16, 1987, and entertainers including The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Bee Gees, Elton John, and Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band have performed there.

Renovations to the stadium have been ongoing since 2000, and when they were completed in 2006 a record-setting 3.7-million fans visited Dodger Stadium that year to enjoy the ballpark’s new look.

HOURS:

Gates to the stadium open two hours before the start of the game. Parking lots, Left Field Level and Left Field Pavilion gates open two hours before the start of a game. All remaining gates open 30 minutes later.

ADMISSION

Ticket prices range from $4 to $225 per person per game based on seat location. For a season schedule and to purchase tickets, go to www.losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com.

GETTING THERE

Take the 5 freeway north and exit on Stadium Way. Turn left onto Riverside Drive. Turn left onto Stadium Way. Turn left onto Academy Drive. Enter the Golden State Gate or make another left onto Academy Drive to enter the Academy Gate.

STADIUM TOUR

Dodger Stadium offers a 90-minute Championship Tour to give fans a chance to get behind-the-scenes, visit restricted areas and see the ballpark from a different perspective; visitors may have access to the field, the Dodger dugout, Press Box or the Tommy Lasorda Training Center. Tours involve climbing stairs and ramps; however, all tours are wheelchair-accessible. No tours will be given on game days with start times of 12:10 or 1:10 p.m., or on holidays. Tour hours are 10 and 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Cost is $15 for adults; $10 for military, seniors (55+), and children 14 and under. Special pricing is available for groups of 20 or more. Call (323) 224-1507 or go to the website.

WATCH BATTING PRACTICE

Fans of all ages may want to get to the stadium early to watch the Dodgers take batting practice. Fans can enter the stadium two hours prior to the start of the game with a ticket for any location. At the conclusion of batting practice, fans will be asked to move to the location or level designated on their ticket.

FOOD

No trip to Dodger Stadium would be complete without a famous Dodger dog, and Dodger dog stands are located throughout the stadium. Concession stands offer fans a multitude of choices, including hamburgers, pizza and ice cream. Fans may bring their own food into the stadium as long as there are no bottles, cans, coolers or thermoses.

TEAM STORESDodger Stadium offers authentic merchandise year-round in its Top of the Park Gift Shop and Field and Loge Level Team Stores. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; noon to 5 p.m.

— Sue Thoensen