Media from around the motorcycle industry congregated today at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA., today to discuss the newest addition to the Monster Energy Supercross Series. Feld Media (owners of the series) were on hand to brief the media with a preview of the conversion plans from baseball field to a world class supercross location.

“Today marks a historic day not only for Monster Energy Supercross, but Dodger Stadium as well,” said Todd Jendro, Senior Director of Operations for Feld. “This venue has a historic past and will now welcome 150 of the best riders on the planet. We feel that given the iconic image of Dodger Baseball and Dodger Stadium that it is the perfect fit to host an event of this caliber.”

Los Angeles Dodgers’ Chief Revenue Officer Michael Young welcomes Monster Energy Supercross to Dodger Stadium (Photo: VitalMX)

In what will prove to be a massive change of scenery in Chavez Ravine, 550 truckloads of dirt will converge on the weekend of January 22nd to build a supercross track in the historic digs of the Dodgers.

“We did the initial site visit a year ago,” added Dave Prater, Director of Supercross. “When surveying a potential facility, we check out everything to see if it will work logistically ranging from the press box to the paddock. Dodger Stadium has one of the most valuable fields in the country and we are honored to be welcomed with open arms.”

Ryan Villopoto was on hand to show that he’s nearing a clean bill of health and ready to compete.
(Photo: VitalMX)

Flanking Prater was none other than Ryan Villapoto, showing signs of health after a season ending injury this year. “It’s always a different track no matter the stadium,” Villopoto said. “It really comes down to the dirt as some is really soft while others are really hard. If it is anything like the dirt we have at other rounds in California, it should be good. I’m really looking forward to the season coming up and I feel like I’m going to be more ready than I’ve ever been before.”

Known supercross fan, and Chief Revenue Officer for Dodger stadium Michael Young was on hand to receive a custom Thor jersey from the Feld staff. A welcome sign of gratitude for allowing the Monster Energy Supercross series to make a stop at his facility. Hopeful of a crossover between the sports, Young said “I’m excited to expose this venue to millions of supercross fans across the world that have never had the opportunity to come to Dodger Stadium and hopefully convert them into baseball fans. This is an amazing sport and the growth of supercross is staggering, particularly in a time when many sports are shrinking.”

Finally, those in attendance were offered a walk on the grass, footsteps typically reserved for only the best baseball players in the world. Assistant Director of Turf and Grounds at Dodger Stadium was also on hand to guide the media through the process of laying dirt down over the delicate sod. While this process is fairly complex and dangerous, his trust is complete with the capable hands of Feld’s supercross staff. “I have all the confidence in the world in the Feld Motor Sports crew,” said Hansen. “All we have to worry about is replacing the actual grass once the dirt is removed and from what I’ve been told, (Feld) is the best in the world at what they do so my anxiety level is extremely low.”