Metallica, the heavy metal band from California, is currently performing a 24-show residency at the Las Vegas Sphere. During a performance of "Wherever I May Roam," the band paid tribute to Angel Stadium by displaying "The Big A" on the Sphere's large video screen. The video featured a train traveling through Anaheim, with Angel Stadium visible on the left side of the screen. Above the stadium's name, a Metallica billboard was prominently displayed.
It is unclear why Metallica chose to highlight Angel Stadium, given that the band originated in Oakland and has never performed at the venue, although they played in smaller clubs near Anaheim in 1982. The band has had a connection with Angels fans for nearly two decades, as "Enter Sandman" was played during pregame introductions at Angel Stadium throughout the 2000s. This song was typically played after "Calling All Angels" by Train and followed by "Spirit in the Sky" by Norman Greenbaum. However, "Enter Sandman" was removed from the pregame lineup in the mid-2010s, while the other two songs remain part of the festivities.
The Angels franchise is currently undergoing significant changes after Arte Moreno sold a majority stake to Stan Kroenke and his group, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, for a record $4 billion. Moreno's 23-year ownership included periods of success and struggles, with the team experiencing the longest active playoff drought in baseball, missing the postseason for the twelfth consecutive year and finishing below .500 for the eleventh time in a row. Fans had been vocal about their dissatisfaction, often chanting "Sell the team" during games. The sale is expected to be finalized by the end of the first quarter of next year, with Kroenke's team tasked with revitalizing the franchise.