Affordable OC Fun: Angel Stadium of Anaheim Tour

It's one thing to sit in the stands and watch out for foul balls, cheer on the players and enjoy a bag of peanuts; it's another to go underground, visit the clubhouse and see the many hallways where famous ballplayers like Mike Trout and Jered Weaver walk, day in and day out.

For sports fans (particularly Angels fans), the Angel Stadium tour is one of Anaheim's best attractions. Not only do you have the opportunity to tour parts of the stadium normally closed off to the general public, but you can do it for only $5 per person! How's that for affordable fun?

My father has lived in Anaheim for 22 years, and has been a devout Angels fan since crossing the California border. This year for his birthday I decided to take him on a stadium tour, and I think it was one of the best gifts I've ever given him. Have you ever seen a 64-year-old man's eyes light up like a kid in a candy store?

Whether you are visiting Anaheim for the first time or have lived here your entire life, whether you're an Angel fan or just a fan of the sport, the Angel Stadium tour is well worth the money.

The tour takes place every Tuesday (with the exception of holidays) at 9:30 a.m, 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. during the off-season. During the season, tours are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays (at the same times) when the team is out of town. Tours are not offered on dates when the Angels have a home game. Reservations are suggested, see here for more info.

What you see on the Angel Stadium Tour

• The tour begins in front of the stadium where you are given a bit of historical information. As you walk inside, you stop at the 2002 World Champion window, where there is currently a special display for their 10-year anniversary; check out the final ball of their 2002 World Series win, caught by Darin Erstad, the original rally monkey, and the World Series trophy.
• The real fun begins as you descend beneath the stadium to tour the Visitor's Clubhouse. Take advantage of this opportunity by relaxing in one of the chairs that some of your favorite ballplayers have no doubt sat in. You'll also get a glimpse of the meet-and-greet room where the press meet and interview players, the showers and the player's cafeteria.
• Then it's up to the Angels' dugout. See where the players house their bats and helmets, and get close enough to the field to smell the freshly cut grass. If you've attended a game as an Angels fan, you'll love getting this close to where the action happens.
• On the last leg of the tour, you'll check out the indoor batting cages, the dugout suites for the high rollers, the umpire's clubhouse, and then head up to the press boxes and press conference room where you've no doubt seen many players interviewed on TV.

The tour takes approximately one hour and 15 minutes. By the time you're through, you'll be much better acquainted with the team and the stadium, and learn a bit of Angels baseball history along the way. Take the whole family – kids will love it too! To book a tour and for more information, click here.