Arlington Stadium Photos [Archive]

sflnyc

10-04-2007, 03:21 PM

Couldn't find any old threads dedicated to Arlington Stadium, so I figured I would start one with the photos that I have.

First photo is of the original Turnpike Stadium in 1969, capacity of 10,000.

They were trying to watch costs so much when the stadium was expanded for the 1972 arrival of the Rangers that they built a massive bleacher section with 16,000 seats, almost half of the stadium's 35,000 capacity. As a result, the stadium looked very disjointed to me whenever I watched Yankees - Rangers games on TV. Upper Deck was added later in 1978 bringing capacity up to 41,097. Many publications and sites say the Upper Deck expansion was in 1979, but the Rangers drew crowds of 37-40,000 in 1978 including 40,078 against the Yankees on Opening Day.

First photo is of the original Turnpike Stadium in 1969, capacity of 10,000. You can see the seating set-up was like the cookie cutters (Shea, Busch II, etc.) with the circular second level surrounding the field level seats. Stadium was expanded in 1970 to seat 20,000.

Second photo is during 1971 when the stadium was under construction for the expansion.

Third photo is a packed house during the 1970's before the 1978 Upper Deck. Notice the signature left field scoreboard with the Texas silhouette on it.

Fourth photo is from April 25, 1982 against the Brewers in front of a crowd of 36,866. Charlie Moore is about to step to the plate in the top of the 8th against Danny Darwin with the Brewers leading 7-6.

Enjoy!

Gary Dunaier

10-04-2007, 03:39 PM

Couldn't find any old threads dedicated to Arlington Stadium . . .
I've already posted these in the "my ballpark photos" thread, but it's good to have separate threads devoted to individual ballparks, so I'll re-post them here.

http://www.ballparks.com/baseball/american/arling01.jpg

http://www.ballparks.com/baseball/american/arling02.jpg

http://www.ballparks.com/baseball/american/arling03.jpg

http://www.barryhowe.com/images/pastbb_images/arlington2.jpg

http://www.barryhowe.com/images/pastbb_images/arlington8.jpg

Gary Dunaier

10-04-2007, 03:45 PM

First photo is of the original Turnpike Stadium in 1969, capacity of 10,000.

http://baseball-fever.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=29988&stc=1&d=1191532820

What's interesting about Turnpike Stadium, as shown in the photo, is the grassy areas beyond first and third. It looks to me that you could have just gone there and watched the game for free! In fact, I notice scattered groups of fans doing just that.

Mario Mendoza...HOF Lock

10-04-2007, 08:21 PM

Here's another old pic courtesy of Digital Ballparks

http://www.digitalballparks.com/Arlington8.html

stlfan

10-04-2007, 09:50 PM

I find this blurb about Arlington Stadium from Andrew Clem's site very interesting.

"only the third base side of the grandstand was moveable, meaning that the football gridiron was supposed to lie at an angle of about ten degrees from the right field foul line. (Just like Riverfront Stadium.) By the way, the front edge of the huge bleachers was 11 feet above the ground, whereas the highest part of the back edge of the swivelable lower portion of the main grandstand was about twice that high, just as in all stadiums of this "PSCSLD" design. Whenever the lower portions of the grandstand were swiveled around for football games, a large number of seats in the bleachers would be obstructed."

That is very odd and in my opinion poor design, planning and construction. Are there any photos out there showing Arlington Stadium in this football configuration? I have never seen any and I am highly interested in seeing some.

Another odd thing is that it was originally built as a minor league park and built in a way that partially followed the cookie-cutter design. The strangest part of the design being that half of each "PSCSLD" was constructed as seen in the 1969 Turnpike Stadium photo. I guess they built it with the intention of being able to be fully built to a major league facility using the cookie-cutter design.

Danielh41

10-05-2007, 05:19 AM

I must have been to at least a hundred games at Arlington Stadium, but I never saw it in its football configuration.

I was watching Black Hawk Down not too long ago, and at the beginning of the movie, they flashed the date October 3, 1993 on the screen. That was the date of the very last game ever played at Arlington Stadium (which I attended). I watched that movie, thinking that I was enjoying a baseball game while these soldiers were going through hell in Somalia...

PeteU

10-05-2007, 07:27 AM

What's interesting about Turnpike Stadium, as shown in the photo, is the grassy areas beyond first and third. It looks to me that you could have just gone there and watched the game for free! In fact, I notice scattered groups of fans doing just that.

I'd say they probably had an outer gate to protect against freeloaders. They might have just sold grassy berm seating, as is popular in some minor league parks these days.

PeteU

10-05-2007, 07:34 AM

I find this blurb about Arlington Stadium from Andrew Clem's site very interesting.

"only the third base side of the grandstand was moveable, meaning that the football gridiron was supposed to lie at an angle of about ten degrees from the right field foul line. (Just like Riverfront Stadium.) By the way, the front edge of the huge bleachers was 11 feet above the ground, whereas the highest part of the back edge of the swivelable lower portion of the main grandstand was about twice that high, just as in all stadiums of this "PSCSLD" design. Whenever the lower portions of the grandstand were swiveled around for football games, a large number of seats in the bleachers would be obstructed."

That is very odd and in my opinion poor design, planning and construction. Are there any photos out there showing Arlington Stadium in this football configuration? I have never seen any and I am highly interested in seeing some.

It is odd, but you'd think the view from the new swiveled sideline seating for football would have been better and much closer than if the baseball bleachers had been used as the sideline seating instead, so I guess you could say it was a fair trade-off in the end.

I notice there's a similar issue of a blind sport for football configurations at Candlestick Park, too. The seats where the old right field corner was near the foul poul are obscured when the lower deck stands are brought out for the sideline seats in football. I don't think they even sell them for football. One of the uncommon circumstances in modern era stadiums where seats were sold for baseball but not for football--usually it was the other way around.

machinehead11

10-05-2007, 08:05 AM

These pics bring back great memories. I went to dozens of games when I lived in Grand Prairie, and was sad to see the stadium demolished. Although their current ballpark is awesome, I still miss the original a lot.

sflnyc

10-05-2007, 02:20 PM

This color postcard was taken the same day as the packed house B&W photo above. You can tell by the Presentation of the Flag? ceremony behind second base and the shadows on the field.

Also, looked in my 1983 Sporting News Dope Book (off topic, there's a book title that's not P.C. anymore) and the General Admission Bleachers were even bigger than I thought (18,838 seats)

17,425 Field & Mezzanine
5,021 Plaza Level (Upper Deck)
18,838 General Admission
41,284 Total Capacity

bnbusser

10-05-2007, 06:40 PM

Danielh41

10-05-2007, 08:13 PM

I just uploaded about 180 photos of old arlington stadium to my site. Most photos show the demolition of the park. Clubhouses, luxury boxes, concourse shots etc. The park was a mess in 94 just a mere 8 months after the Rangers left.

http://ballparks.phanfare.com/album/438320

click on slideshow for a tour and music

Great slideshow. It made me sad to see the stadium in its demolition stages. Once the last season ended, I had thoughts about trying to get the seat where I had been for Nolan Ryan's 7th no-hitter, but I never followed through with it...

bnbusser

10-05-2007, 09:57 PM

Great slideshow. It made me sad to see the stadium in its demolition stages. Once the last season ended, I had thoughts about trying to get the seat where I had been for Nolan Ryan's 7th no-hitter, but I never followed through with it...

I actually was back in Dallas on business when I took those photos. I drove to Texas from So. Cal where I lived. I loaded up my truck for the drive back. 4 stadium seats, a concession stand sign, a turnstile from the old park, a case of 1993 media guides and a ton of programs. Plus all the photos.

Jaybird

10-07-2007, 07:45 AM

It is odd, but you'd think the view from the new swiveled sideline seating for football would have been better and much closer than if the baseball bleachers had been used as the sideline seating instead, so I guess you could say it was a fair trade-off in the end.

I notice there's a similar issue of a blind sport for football configurations at Candlestick Park, too. The seats where the old right field corner was near the foul poul are obscured when the lower deck stands are brought out for the sideline seats in football. I don't think they even sell them for football. One of the uncommon circumstances in modern era stadiums where seats were sold for baseball but not for football--usually it was the other way around.

I noticed that Andrew Clem also stated that, for football, Arlington Stadium would lay out the football field where the bleachers were the sideline seats. Eventually, the football tenants, the University of Texas-Arlington Mavericks, would move back to campus for their games. UTA dropped football in the 1980's.

Jaybird

10-07-2007, 07:48 AM

bnbusser

10-09-2007, 09:32 PM

Does anyone have a closeup picture of the Arlington Stadium scoreboard that had the map of Texas on it? The map on the scoreboard was used to batting orders, balls, strikes, and outs. If you do, thanks.

This is as close a pic of the scoreboard as I could find....

sflnyc

10-09-2007, 10:34 PM

Does anyone have a closeup picture of the Arlington Stadium scoreboard that had the map of Texas on it? The map on the scoreboard was used to batting orders, balls, strikes, and outs. If you do, thanks.

Sorry, but the best I have is what I posted in Post #1. I like the picture in Post #16. Must look like it's from the 1970's.

burroughsmvp

08-01-2009, 10:09 AM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2515/3777580249_4193c2b597_o.jpg

Arlington Stadium Child

09-06-2009, 10:50 PM

I grew up at the Old Arlington Stadium, just check out the Screen Name.

Though not considered one of the prettier stadiums, it was home to me and it was MLB.

Had a lot of great times out there and I miss it a ton.

The traditions,the fans, the characters, non of which were really carried over to The Ballpark in Arlington.

Had a ton of bandwagon fans that first year and many people that go to games today never set foot into Arlington Stadium. These people, to a very limited extent, don't really know what Texas Rangers baseball and going to games is all about.

For the 7th inning stretch, there were no announcements to tell you to get up and join in and sing Take Me out to the Ballgame. They just got up and started dancing to the Cotton Eyed Joe.

The atmosphere at Arlington Stadium was always festive, fun and affordable. Today, there are so many bells and whistles and corporate sponsors.

The Dot Race used to be on the screen only for all three laps. Now it is only 2 laps on the screen and no matter which color is leading, they all start at the same time out of the left field gate.

Anyways, before digital stitching with digital cameras, I took several myself with my old 35mm Pentax K1000.

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/9428/img0726pbo.jpg

Arlington Stadium Child

09-06-2009, 11:28 PM

These are some I found before I got my K-1000 for my birthday in 1986.

They were taken on June 21, 1986.

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/9623/rangersas19861.jpg

http://img240.imageshack.us/img240/1360/rangersas19863.jpg

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/3160/rangersas19866.jpg

Arlington Stadium Child

09-18-2009, 12:21 AM

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/3189/arlingtonstadiumlfbleaclf9.jpg

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/8937/arlingtonstadium2no1.jpg

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/2662/arlingtonstadium1xe4.jpg

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/7219/scoreboardwfireworksux0.jpg

Arlington Stadium Child

09-18-2009, 12:27 AM

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/5928/arlingtonstadium1.jpg

ChineseDemocracy

09-18-2009, 12:52 AM

That scoreboard is a gas.

natron20

09-18-2009, 06:25 AM

Was this game played in hell?

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/5928/arlingtonstadium1.jpg

nyce475

09-18-2009, 08:51 AM

I have to say that scoreboard is right up there with my other all time favorites:

Comiskey Park, Shea Stadium and the all time King - The Green Monster at Fenway!

PurpleMustReign

09-18-2009, 09:49 AM

Was this game played in hell?

ROFL... :rofl:

Awesome pics. Thanks for sharing!! Its too bad we can't do like a video game and play one game in these old stadiums.

HollandsComet

09-18-2009, 09:00 PM

I seem to remember watching the Royals play the Rangers on TV the first year they were in Arlington, and there was just that small bleacher section in dead centerfield before it was blackened to become the batter's eye after AS was expanded. Anyone have any pics of that, or even when it was known as Turnpike Stadium before the Rangers moved to Texas? Would be interesting to compare and contrast...

Arlington Stadium Child

09-28-2009, 10:41 PM

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/5928/arlingtonstadium1.jpg

Here is one I found on Google Search.

It is from around 1981.

I don't ever remember the Chevy Texas Favorites sign being red.

I wish that there was more of the scoreboard in this shot though.

Will try to get over to the Fort Worth Public Library to get some pictures of Turnpike Stadium and see if there are some of Arlington Stadium that I haven't seen yet.

Arlington Stadium Child

09-29-2009, 10:34 PM

Here is one that I just won on Ebay.

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/1093/arlingtonstadiumnewstad.jpg

Here is one that I am planning on winning on Ebay.

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/1093/arlingtonstadiumnewstad.jpg

Arlington Stadium Child

10-09-2009, 12:56 AM

http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/3699/arlingtonstadiumnew3.jpg

Another one from that slide collection.

Aviator_Frank

10-09-2009, 10:09 AM

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/8937/arlingtonstadium2no1.jpg

From this aerial angle it looks like the field is installed backwards.

Very interesting architecture!

J.R.

10-10-2009, 01:21 PM

The spartan nature of this facility is shocking, especially when compared to the lavish Texas Stadium down the road in Irving.

MLB has been sucking hind teat in Dallas since day one.

Arlington Stadium Child

10-12-2009, 09:28 PM

From this aerial angle it looks like the field is installed backwards.

Very interesting architecture!

I am not sure I understand what your perspective is in that you think that the field is backwards.

Here are a couple of more from some Ebay Auctions.

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/3764/arlingtonstadiumnew5.jpg

http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/42/arlingtonstadiumnew4.jpg

Arlington Stadium Child

10-12-2009, 10:16 PM

http://www.fortwortharchitecture.com/oldftw/turnpikestadium.jpg

Here is one from prior to the Rangers moving into Turnpike Stadium.

http://www.fortwortharchitecture.com/oldftw/construct/spurswork.jpg

Here is one of, KC Chiefs and Dallas Tornado Soccer Owner, Lamar Hunt. His Tornados played games at Turnpike Stadium in 1970 and 1971

http://blitzmagonline.com/userfiles/image/LamarHunt.jpg

Gary Dunaier

10-13-2009, 12:47 AM

I am not sure I understand what your perspective is in that you think that the field is backwards.

He meant "backwards" in the sense that there appear to be more seats in the outfield than behind home plate.

burroughsmvp

10-13-2009, 08:31 PM

There were more seats in the outfield when the Rangers first started playing there. Approx 18,800 bleachers... and just less than 17,000 box seats.
The upper deck behind the plate was added in '78, adding more than 5000 seats. Still more were added in the early 80s when every other aisle in the lower deck infield was filled with seats.

Arlington Stadium Child

10-13-2009, 09:18 PM

MVP, Where did you get that pic of Jeff Burroughs from what looks like 1975 or 1976 Picture Day?

Do you have anymore?

I am trying to compile a collection of 1970's pictures of Rangers Players and Arlington Stadium to compliment my Rangers Highlights CD that I made for Ranger Tailgate Parties.

burroughsmvp

10-14-2009, 11:37 AM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2613/4011322301_cfb5c2fce6.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3484/4011322127_aebee42eef.jpg

Here are a couple of more. I have others (of other players) but not readily available. I'll try to get them and get them scanned in the coming weeks.

Arlington Stadium Child

10-14-2009, 10:31 PM

Thanks!!! Those are awesome. Keep 'em comin!! I love the 1970's pics of the Rangers!! Especially 1972-74 uniforms.

In 1975, the piping and trim became thicker. I still like them but the 72-74 uniforms were a little more streamlined. After, the piping and trim made everyone look a lot shorter.

Arlington Stadium Child

10-14-2009, 10:38 PM

Here are a few more from the Pre-1972 Season getting the park ready for Opening Day.

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/4585/arlingtonstadiumnew6.jpg

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/2380/arlingtonstadiumnew7.jpg

PowerAlley21

10-24-2009, 01:52 PM

Here are a few more from the Pre-1972 Season getting the park ready for Opening Day.

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/2380/arlingtonstadiumnew7.jpg

You know you're in the '70s when you can go up to the concourse for the 7th inning stretch and grab a pack of cigerettes from the vending machine! (Last photo right)

Arlington Stadium Child

10-24-2009, 09:27 PM

That's awesome!!! I was waiting for someone else to say something about that. It's funnier when someone else says something about it too.

johnfre

10-26-2009, 03:39 PM

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/5928/arlingtonstadium1.jpg

" Well we need to cover the bullpen, gotta keep the players out of the sun and from fans throwing stuff at 'em. Whatda we got around here that we could use? Hell ya, aluminum siding will do the job just fine."

One park I never saw a game in, wish I could've.

Arlington Stadium Child

10-29-2009, 06:36 PM

It was a great place to watch a game. LF was full of drunks and real baseball fans.

There was always someone getting kicked out of those bleachers for smoking dope, drinking underage or fighting with other fans.

Fighting was usually started by Yankees, Red Sox, Tigers, Brewers or White Sox fans.

I think I was kicked out a total of three times.

Had my first kiss beginning in the LF Bleachers way back in 7th grade too.

GOOD TIMES!!!!!

machinehead11

10-30-2009, 01:16 AM

I miss Arlington Stadium so much. I went to many games there as a kid, and I even got kicked out of one in 1992. It was the only game Nolan Ryan ever got ejected from, vs. the A's. He threw an inside pitch to Willie Wilson. The pitch didn't hit him, but he griped anyway and walked toward Nolan. Rich Garcia, who is quite possibly the worst ump in history, immediately threw Nolan out of the game, which prompted those of us in the bleachers to throw our drinks, nacho plates, and ice cream helmets, among other debris, onto the field. Well, I got caught and was promptly escorted out. But man, what a great memory!

I love The Ballpark, but Arlington Stadium will always be missed by me.

Arlington Stadium Child

10-30-2009, 09:31 AM

I was at that game. Wilson complained that Ryan had cut him off going into 3rd the last time he was on base. He started talking smack to him at 3rd out to the mound after hitting a triple.

Toby Harrah had just recently taken over as manager.

Ryan was starting to labor pretty good and Harrah was looking to take him out.

Rangers were only down a couple of runs. Anyway, when it came time for Wilson to come up, Harrah had seen enough and started to walk out to the mound. As soon as he got there, Ryan told him to go back to the dugout because he wasn't finished yet.

Basically he said, Get your ass back in there! I ain't lettin this POS show me up in my state.

I remember it took like 20 minutes to get all the trash off of the field. I was sitting with my friend and his mom. She had season tix right even with the bag at third and 2nd about 4 or 5 rows up.