Dodger Stadium gets an unexpected name change

The unexpected name change is part of a new naming rights partnership between the Dodgers and UNIQLO, a Japanese apparel retailer. In a joint release, the Dodgers and UNIQLO stated that the retailer will have “naming displays in various stadium locations including above the batter’s eye in center field, on the facade beneath the press box, and on the grass along the baselines” as part of the agreement.

Dodger Stadium was first opened in 1962, making it the third-oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball (behind Fenway Park and Wrigley Field). It has been the home of the Dodgers through 23 division titles, 13 NL pennant victories, and seven World Series titles.

But the Dodgers obviously have very strong ties to the Japanese community, especially with the likes of Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki currently starring on their roster. In addition, the Dodgers have rostered plenty of other Japanese-born players in decades past, including Hideo Nomo, Kazuhisa Ishii, Hiroki Kuroda, and Kenta Maeda.

The Dodgers have also had some noteworthy non-baseball gestures for their Japanese fans over the years. Now the name of a Japanese company has arrived at their stadium (though fans will almost certainly continue to refer to the venue as “Dodger Stadium”).