Dodgers will host All-Stars in 2020

LOS ANGELES — The wait is over.

Major League Baseball’s AllStar Game is returning to Dodger Stadium in 2020 for the first time since 1980, thanks in large part to the upgrades made by the team’s ownership in recent years.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred made the announcement from a platform in center field Wednesday with Dodgers alumni Ron Cey, Tommy Lasorda, Manny Mota, Don Newcombe, Bill Russell and Reggie Smith looking on. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, injured third baseman Justin Turner and closer Kenley Jansen joined them under a hot sun.

Manfred cited three factors in awarding the 2020 edition to Los Angeles: The city offers a “great place” to showcase the game’s younger talent; Dodger Stadium is iconic as baseball’s third-oldest park; and “it’s time for us to be back here.”

The Dodgers played a video showing scenes of the ballpark and city narrated by retired Hall of Fame announcer Vin Scully, who concluded with the line, “This is our home, and we can’t wait.”

Stan Kasten, team president and CEO, donned a blue cap with the insignia “LA ASG 2020.” He touted the franchise’s ability to top 3 million in attendance in recent years as another reason why the Dodgers deserved to host for the fourth time.

“This is the most beautiful venue ever built to play and watch baseball,” Kasten said.