Angels Opt Out Of Lease, May Look For New SoCal Home

ANAHEIM (CBSLA) - The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim officially opted out of their lease with the Orange County city Tuesday, reviving speculation over whether the team will stay put or seek a new Southern California home.

In a statement, club president John Carpino announced the Angels were exercising their option to terminate the stadium lease.

"As we look to the future, we need the ability to continue to deliver a high-quality fan experience beyond what the original lease allows. It is important that we look at all our options and how we can best serve our fans now and in the future," Carpino said.

A team spokesperson told the Los Angeles Times the current lease had a Tuesday deadline for opting out or the franchise would be forced to wait until 2028 for the next opportunity.

Since its opening in 1966, Angel Stadium is the fourth-oldest major league ballpark behind Boston's Fenway Park, Chicago's Wrigley Field and Dodger Stadium, according to The Times.

Anaheim city spokesman Mike Lyster said in a statement, "We look forward to many great years of Angels baseball in Anaheim."

Mayor Tom Tait was critical of the team's lease proposals during negotiations four years ago, prompting the team to ultimately call off negotiations.

The Angels previously considered moves to neighboring Southern California cities, most notably Tustin. The team has played at the city-owned Angel Stadium since it opened in 1966.

(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)