Long Beach approaches Angels about new stadium

LONG BEACH, Calif. (AP) — Long Beach officials have approached the Los Angeles Angels about building a downtown ballpark near the waterfront.

Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia told the Los Angeles Times that discussions are “very preliminary” and that they are exploring many options for a 13-acre parking lot adjacent to the convention center.

The Angels opted out of their lease at Angel Stadium in Anaheim in October. The Anaheim City Council voted in January to extend the lease by one year through 2020. Both sides continue to explore options on remaining in Anaheim, but team President John Carpino said in a statement that they are exploring all options for a new or renovated ballpark.

The Angels have also explored building a stadium in Los Angeles, Carson, Irvine and Tustin, but to no avail. Angel Stadium in Anaheim opened in 1966 and is the fourth-oldest ballpark in the major leagues. The Angels have sold at least 3 million tickets in the 16 seasons since Arte Moreno bought the team in 2003.