Arte Moreno is on the news right now, albeit for some bad reasons! While his name has often emerged for making bad decisions and failing to recognize the right talent, Moreno is now facing criticism for making another decision regarding the Angel Stadium. Moreno’s Angels have extended the lease for the Angel Stadium in Anaheim up to 2032. Ever since the Angels’ general manager, Bill Stoneman, resigned after the great 2009 season, the problems started as Moreno hired a chairman and president who did not have any baseball experience. But there’s more.

While Arte Moreno tried to bring back the glory days for the Los Angeles Angels through some good signings, the organization was gradually rotting down from top to bottom, be it Moreno’s decision to extend the lease of the Angel Stadium or his failure to identify the right talents. On February 6, a top MLB insider, Bill Shaikin, shared the news on his X handle: “Angels say they have extended their Angel Stadium lease. The lease would have expired in 2029; Angels exercised the option to extend through 2032.” So, basically, the lease was about to end in 2029; however, it got extended to 2032, but the main problem is that the stadium has gotten older and broken down too.

And that’s the reason why the fans have also stopped going to the Angel Stadium in the most number. Many keep lambasting Arte Moreno for making another poor decision, who had been a hated figure already. Moreno’s failure to adjudge and hire talented individuals caused roadblocks for the club, further driven by the wrong coach and scout choices, which eventually led to never getting the best out of them. The Angels failed to leave a significant mark, as they finished 63-99 in the American League West, failing to make it to the playoffs. Thus, given the consistent failures of the Los Angeles Angels in recent times, fans are outraged by this lease extension. 

Fans unhappy with the stadium’s lease extension by the Angels  

While Arte Moreno and others seem excited to announce the lease extension of the Angels’ stadium in Anaheim, fans have different views. The stadium is quite old and has broken down in some places; however, this current extension indicates minimal chances of Moreno trying to build a new stadium in the next few years. One fan clearly expressed his disappointment by saying that the stadium is basically a dump yard. The Angel Stadium is one of the oldest stadiums currently used in the majors; however, it has received very negligible renovations since its introduction 32 years ago, thus being deemed unfit by many fans.

Another X user shares his criticism over Moreno’s decision to extend the stadium’s lease. There are no lines at the ticket booth, which shows poor attendance due to the stadium’s lack of renovation. Another fan agrees, mentioning that the franchise itself seems incompetent to build a winning roster. Now, the lease extension is another failure for the club.

One fan posted on his X handle, questioning the intent of the Angels to build a new stadium, which can bring more audience. Given the condition of the Angels stadium, which is quite old and has been breaking down, building a new one would not only create a positive mindset among everyone but would also influence them to visit the new stadium and enjoy the games, which could offer a major boost to their roster and performance gradually.

The Angel Stadium has been one of the dated stadiums, and the audience numbers have gone down drastically. It is indeed true that a great stadium attracts more people, and the Angel Stadium fails here massively. Another user on X took a dig at the Angels, highlighting about only a few fans who may come to enjoy the game, while most of the others wouldn’t. Over the past 15 years, the Angels neither made it above the lower half in terms of league attendance numbers nor performed anything exceptional. So, what can the fans expect?

Well, a curious commenter seems curious to know about the bridge that was presumed to connect the Angel Stadium to the Honda Center. However, as per reports, Anaheim Ducks’ owner, Henry Samueli, is planning to construct one at OCVibe, which is a 100-acre entertainment area with massive residential and commercial development. The $4 billion project might soon start and would surround the NHL team’s Honda Center.

Is there anything that the Los Angeles Angels will try to bring back audiences in large numbers again and also improve the roster for the club? Do you think that Moreno made the right decision to extend the lease? Do share your thoughts in the comment below.