Red, White and Let’s Go Blue: Fourth of July at Dodger Stadium

This past Friday, I had the pleasure of seeing a personally moving fireworks display at the conclusion of my cousin's graduation from Agoura Hills High School. Yes, a high school graduation ended with fireworks. In the greater Los Angeles area, you can find fireworks displays at events year-round. On the Fourth of July, though, the numerous choices for fireworks throughout the city make for a difficult decision. One of the better options in the city offers a unique holiday experience: fireworks at Dodger Stadium.

The Game

On July 4 at 6:10pm, the Los Angeles Dodgers take on the New York Mets in the first of a four-game series at Dodger Stadium in Chavez Ravine. Though as of this writing, both teams find themselves with sub-.500 records and next-to-last in their divisions, any game at Dodger Stadium can be fun. If for no other reason, seeing the formerly Brooklyn-based Dodgers battle the current Queens resident Mets brings out a little nostalgic rivalry. Granted, it's not the Giants, but there's still some friction there. In addition, most Dodgers games bring out a strong opposing-team fan base, as many Angelenos hail from elsewhere. Mets fans are a fun, vocal bunch, and should be in attendance in full force. So no matter the outcome of the game, a hopefully balmy evening watching sometime rivals clash while feasting on a Dodger Dog or a fish taco makes for the perfect prelude to the holiday festivities.

After The Game

Once the game ends, the celebration begins with fans having a chance to set foot where many can only dream to go. After the field is cleared, the security staff opens the gates at the bottom of certain aisles, allowing fans to walk out into the outfield at Dodger Stadium. Bring a blanket or towel, stake out a spot, and sit on the outfield grass for the show. Just seeing the stadium from that point of view is breathtaking, and fulfills many a baseball fan's childhood fantasies. That would be enough, but you also have the long, spectacular fireworks display the Dodgers offer, set to music piped over the center field speakers. The Dodgers put on a fantastic show, and there are few better ways to spend the holiday.

But Why Wait?

However, you don't have to take my word for it, nor do you have to wait for the Fourth of July to roll around. The Dodgers offer fireworks night every Friday, so you can take your spot in the same outfield once patrolled by the great Duke Snider, and ooh and aah at one of the best displays in Los Angeles.

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The Say Hey Kid, the Athlete I Most Want to Meet

Sources:

Baseball-reference.com

Sports.yahoo.com

Rivalries around the League

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