Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred made it official this week, announcing that Dodger Stadium will play host to the 2020 All-Star Game, the first time it has hosted the mid-season classic since 1980.
“There were really three important things that distinguished the Dodger bid,’’ Manfred said during a Dodger Stadium news conference. “First of all, we thought Los Angeles would be a great place to showcase the young stars in our game. Secondly is where we are today. Dodger Stadium is one of our iconic stadiums and it’s particularly appropriate that we bring an All-Star Game here.
“The third factor is one that (Dodger President/CEO) Stan Kasten mentioned to me once or twice during the process, and that was that there hadn’t been an All-Star Game here in Los Angeles since 1980, so it’s time for us to be back here.’’
On Tuesday, team co-owner Earvin “Magic’’ Johnson tweeted, “We as the Dodgers ownership group are extremely excited to host the 2020 MLB All-Star Game. I know Los Angeles is going to make this the best All Star yet.’’
The Washington Nationals will host this year’s All-Star Game, and the Cleveland Indians will host in 2019.
The All-Star Game was most recently played in Southern California in 2016, when it was held at Petco Park in San Diego. The Angels hosted the game in Anaheim in 2010.
