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Building History

Built on six-acres in the coastal town of Venice, the Vernon Tigers of the Pacific Coast League relocated to this 7,000-seat facility for most games during the years 1913-1914. Grandstands holding 3,000 fans and bleachers for 4,000 were erected in 1913 for $12,500. Parking for 80 cars was set aside, making this an early stadium planned to accommodate autos. In 1915, when the team relocated back to Vernon, north of Los Angeles, team owner, Eddie Maier, scion of a Los Angeles brewing clan, dismantled Venice Park, and, for $7,500, reassembled it back in Vernon. Maier located his team's home field in two small towns that allowed the sale of alcohol, Venice and Vernon, enhancing his revenues.

Maier rushed construction work on Venice Park to an unheard-of extent. Work began on 02/04/1913, and was completed in about five weeks. A note in the Los Angeles Times stated: "Work was yesterday started in the new home of the Tigers at Venice, and assurance is given by the contractor that the park will be completed in time for the formal opening the last Thursday in March. President Maier and manager Hogan were present yesterday to witness the ground-breaking." (See "Many Games by White Sox Team," Los Angeles Times, 02/05/1913, pt. III, p. 3.) At the completion of construction, Los Angeles Times wrote: "That this marvel of a field, handsome grand stand and bleachers and all the other trimmings, including two fine clubhouses, could be established in a month, was beyond even the veterans." (See "Venice Team Has First Work on New Grounds," Los Angeles Times, 03/18/1913, pt. III, p. 2.)

The Venice fans never embraced the Tigers, and, due to poor attendance at Venice Park, the team returned to its old arrangement playing both Washington Park (home of the Los Angeles Angels) and at Vernon Park #1 on 07/19/1915.

Building Notes

Venice Park, the home of the Pacific Coast League's Venice Tigers baseball club, occupied a site on the southwest corner of Virginia Avenue and Washington Boulevard, (today known as South Venice Boulevard and Abbot Kinney Boulevard).

The first game played at Venice Park was an exhibition match between the Venice Tigers and the Chicago White Sox, in 03/26/1913. (See "Venice Boosters Will Launch Rooters' Club," Los Angeles Times, 05/23/1913, part III, p. 3.) The White Sox won, 7-4 before 5,000 fans in Venice's new park. (See Harry A. Williams, "White Sox Knock Spots off Venice Tiger Team," Los Angeles Times, 03/27/1913, pt. III, p. 4.)

PCAD id: 9824