Bad News Bears (1976) Filming Locations – Chatsworth, San Fernando Valley

The Bad News Bears, the beloved classic film from 1976 featuring stars such as Walter Matthau, Tatum O’Neal, and Vic Morrow, was shot on location in Chatsworth, California.

The movie tells the story of a grizzled and alcoholic former minor-league baseball player, Morris Buttermaker (played by Matthau), who is recruited to coach a team of misfit Little League players known as the Bad News Bears. The team includes players with a range of personal and behavioral issues, from a smart-mouthed troublemaker to a shy boy with asthma. With Buttermaker’s unorthodox coaching methods and the players’ newfound determination, they embark on a wild and entertaining journey to compete in the championship game.

Bad News Bears was not only a commercial success, but it also became a cult classic and inspired a series of sequels and a 2005 remake. The movie’s comedic charm and heartwarming moments have made it a favorite among audiences of all ages. And, of course, Chatsworth, California has become a landmark for fans of the film who want to visit the location where their favorite scenes were filmed.

Where is the Pizza Hut seen in the film?

The building that once housed the Pizza Hut restaurant featured in the movie is still standing today and has since been repurposed as a Panda Express. It is located across the street from the baseball field at the intersection of Devonshire Street and Mason Avenue in Chatsworth, California.

It’s interesting to note how the building has undergone a transformation from a popular pizza place to a fast-food restaurant. Despite the change in its use, the building’s unique architecture and prominent location remain recognizable to those who remember it from the movie. It serves as a nostalgic reminder of the film’s setting and is a testament to the enduring charm of this classic sports comedy. MAP IT!!

Where was the Bonanza Arcade, featured in the movie?

The Bonanza Arcade was located approximately 7 miles away from the baseball field. The arcade was actually set up at The Gelsons Market Place, which can be found at 5540 Reseda Boulevard in Tarzana, California. Tarzana is also known for being the home of Tarzan the ape man.

Out of all the stores that were featured in the movie, only Gelson’s Market Place still remains in Tarzana, California. In fact, it can be seen in the background of some shots in the movie. Gelson’s is known for being one of the highest-priced supermarkets in the USA, and this reputation is reflected in its appearance in the movie. In certain scenes, the store’s distinctive yellow and green signage can be seen in the background, adding to the movie’s sense of time and place. MAP IT!!

In the scene below, you can catch a glimpse of the old Builders Emporium. This now-defunct chain of stores was a popular destination for do-it-yourself enthusiasts before Home Depot came on the scene. Builders Emporium was the first chain of stores dedicated to providing all the tools and supplies that homeowners needed to tackle their own home improvement projects.

Although Builders Emporium is no longer in business, its legacy lives on in the hearts of those who remember the excitement of finding everything they needed to complete their projects in one place. The store’s presence in the movie adds to its nostalgic appeal, serving as a reminder of a bygone era of home improvement retail.

Where is the Baseball Field seen in the film?

The production of the movie utilized Mason Park, which is located at on Mason Avenue in Chatsworth, California, as the stand-in location for the baseball field seen in the film.

Mason Park, which covers an area of approximately 76 acres, is a popular location for a variety of outdoor activities, including soccer, basketball, tennis, and of course, baseball. The park features several sports fields and courts, as well as picnic areas, playgrounds, and walking trails.

In Bad News Bears, Mason Park’s baseball field served as the primary filming location for the team’s practices and games. The iconic scenes of the Bears playing their rivals, the Yankees, and the climactic championship game were all filmed on this field.

Today, visitors to Mason Park can still see the baseball field that was used in the movie and even play a game of baseball themselves. The park is a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike and is a fitting tribute to the enduring legacy of this classic sports comedy.

Come, bring a bat and a ball and play on the same grass as the Bad News Bears did back in 1976. MAP IT!!

Looks almost the same as it did 45 years ago!

Thank you “gwendolyn” for the tip!  (Got a Tip?)

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‘Bad News Bears’

Filming Dates: Sep 1974 – Oct 1975

When: 04/07/1976, Paramount Pictures

Starring: Walter Matthau, Tatum O’Neal, Vic Morrow,

Tips Provided By: Gwen, Cody, Casey

First Published: Aug 22, 2016, 11:20

Behind The Scenes | It Was Filmed Here | Where Was It Filmed?