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The Bad News Bears movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was The Bad News Bears filmed?

1976

City Locations

Los Angeles, CA (USA)

Location Types

Storefront, Cafe, Office, Restaurant

Location Styles

Retreat, Southwestern, Dated/50's-60's-70's, Building Dated/Retro, Craftsman

About The Bad News Bears

Step onto the field of the 1976 sports comedy classic, The Bad News Bears, an exceptional fusion of fun for all ages and sophisticated viewing that has ever been presented. Directed by esteemed filmmaker Michael Ritchie, this delightfully unconventional movie features a strong ensemble cast including Walter Matthau, Vic Morrow, Tatum O'Neal, Joyce Van Patten, and others.

The film is brought to life by Matthau's performance as the unforgettable Morris Buttermaker, an alcoholic ex-baseball pitcher who steps up to coach the Bears — a youth baseball team composed of misfit players. The young athletes, initially excluded from other teams due to a lawsuit, find a unique coach in Buttermaker. His disinterest quickly turns to dedication following their first crushing loss, leading to an inspiring transformation of the team.

With the addition of two unexpected recruits, Amanda Whurlizer (Tatum O'Neal) and Kelly Leak (Jackie Earle Haley), the Bears find their stride, gaining skill and self-belief. A climactic championship game against the Yankees sets the stage for ultimate underdog drama, filled with escalating tension, tough competition, and important lessons learned.

The Bad News Bears is more than just a baseball movie; it’s a tale about the importance of fair play, teamwork, and the spirit of perseverance against all odds. A testament to its timeless narrative and stellar performances, the film was recognized with a BAFTA nomination for Best Actor for Walter Matthau and won the Best Comedy Written Directly for the Screen award from the Writers Guild of America.

The Bad News Bears Locations

The Bad News Bears was primarily filmed in and around Los Angeles, particularly within the San Fernando Valley. This region, rich with diverse landscapes and iconic landmarks, was an authentic backdrop for the film's memorable scenes.

The baseball field where the scrappy team played is situated in Mason Park on Mason Avenue in Chatsworth. It's here that the Bears, sponsored by the real local company "Chico's Bail Bonds", brought their underdog story to life. The council chamber at Los Angeles City Hall also appeared, adding a touch of civic grandeur to the film.

One unforgettable scene, the preseason league party, was shot at what is now a Panda Express on Devonshire St in Chatsworth. The team's first practice occurred at Flooky's Bat-A-Ball on Ventura Blvd in Sherman Oaks. Lastly, the engaging air hockey scene between Amanda and Kelly was filmed at the Bonanza Arcade on Reseda Blvd in Tarzana, which is now a family-owned tailoring business.

A trip to these filming locations offers a unique journey through Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley. While some sites have changed over time, the spirit of the film remains. Fans can immerse themselves in the world of The Bad News Bears, exploring local attractions, parks, and landmarks along the way. Whether you're a movie enthusiast or a lover of Los Angeles' diverse neighborhoods, a tour of these locations certainly promises a worthwhile adventure.

The first play scene in The Bad News Bears

Mason Park, 10500 Mason Ave, Chatsworth, CA 91311, USA

In an effort to resolve a lawsuit, the Little League decides to incorporate a new team — the Bears. This team is assembled from the least-skilled players in the entire league, making them the underdogs from the onset. Shunned by the more competitive teams and their equally competitive parents, the Bears are clearly the outsiders. Their inaugural game is a disaster, with the score at a staggering 26-0. The team fails to record even a single out, leading to their coach, Buttermaker (Walter Matthau), forfeiting the game.

This iconic scene was filmed in Chatsworth at Mason Park, which is a quaint neighborhood park featuring a baseball diamond, playgrounds, and an indoor gymnasium. Interestingly, the park retains much of its appearance from the filming, offering a sense of nostalgia for fans of the film. In addition to its sports facilities, Mason Park also offers a unique medieval play experience that caters to children of all ages and abilities. The site remains unchanged, just as it appeared in the movie.

The park is open to the public, making it easily accessible for fans wanting to recreate the magic of The Bad News Bears. Take US-101 N from downtown Los Angeles to reach this iconic filming location; the drive will take approximately 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can opt for public bus transportation, which may involve several transfers, and extend the travel time to about 3 hours.

Preseason league party scene in The Bad News Bears

Panda Express, 20515 Devonshire St, Chatsworth, CA 91311, USA

Two individuals enter the Pizza Hut, where the party is being held. In this scene, Buttermaker (Walter Matthau) sits alone at a table and a woman approaches him, asking about the color choice for the team's uniform. This interaction triggers an angry response from Buttermaker, who then confronts Bob Whitewood (Ben Piazza), expressing his disappointment at merely being a coach.

The setting — a pizza place bustling with activity — contrasts sharply with Buttermaker's solitude, underscoring his position as an outsider. The memorable scene unfolds at what is now a Panda Express in Chatsworth. This location serves as the backdrop for a preseason league party, adding a distinct flavor to the narrative. This fast-food chain, known for its Chinese standards, including some health-conscious options, has maintained much of its appearance since filming. However, the distinctive billboard that was visible behind the restaurant in the movie is no longer there.

To experience this iconic filming location, make your way to the Panda Express by taking US-101 N from downtown Los Angeles. Moreover, Mason Park is conveniently located nearby, just a short 7-minute walk away. While the billboard may be gone, the restaurant and its surroundings still evoke a sense of nostalgia, making it a must-visit site for fans of The Bad News Bears.

The practice scene in The Bad News Bears

Flooky's Bat-A-Ball, 14661 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403, USA

The team is seen practicing their hitting at batting cages, but their coach, Buttermaker (Walter Matthau), is noticeably detached. His lack of engagement and fading enthusiasm for his role as a coach is evident, adding a layer of tension to the narrative.

This scene was filmed at an area that was once 14661 Ventura Blvd, in Sherman Oaks. Unfortunately, the original location no longer exists and a commercial building now occupies the spot. Despite this, the surrounding area still retains the same ambiance that fans of the movie would recognize.

Sherman Oaks, nestled in the beautiful San Fernando Valley, is a sought-after neighborhood renowned for its tranquil suburban lifestyle and abundant amenities. Enclosed by bustling freeways, it houses several shopping malls, including the open-air Sherman Oaks Galleria.

To reach this iconic filming location from Los Angeles, take US-101 N from N Main St. Follow US-101 N to Sepulveda Blvd in Sherman Oaks. Take exit 17 from US-101 N. Continue on Sepulveda Blvd to your destination. Chatsworth is conveniently located just a 20-minute taxi or car ride away. Alternatively, there are public bus options available for transportation.

Buttermaker recruits Amanda scene in The Bad News Bears

Corner Of N. Mapleton Drive And W. Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90077, USA

Recognizing the team's dismal performance, Buttermaker (Walter Matthau) recruits a couple of unlikely prospects. The first recruit is Amanda Wurlitzer (Tatum O'Neal), a fiery, quick-witted pitcher with skills honed under Buttermaker's tutelage in her early years.While she initially attempts to persuade Buttermaker that she has abandoned baseball. However, she eventually discloses that she has secretly kept up with her practice.

The scene was shot at N. Mapleton Drive and Sunset Blvd intersection. The location still looks much the same today as during filming, making it an exciting spot for fans to visit. Here, you can find the iconic stop sign featured in the scene.

Visitors should also take a stroll down Sunset Blvd while they're in the area. This famed boulevard is synonymous with the classic Hollywood lifestyle and has been the subject of several famous films, including its namesake film. During the 1980s, the famous Sunset Strip emerged as the epicenter of the thriving rock and metal scene, and to this day, it remains renowned as a vibrant hub of Hollywood's nightlife.

You have two choices to get to the site: by car or by public bus. If you're driving, it will take about 25 minutes from downtown Los Angeles using the US-101 N, Santa Monica Blvd, and W Sunset Blvd route. Alternatively, you can take public transportation. This would involve riding a bus with a few transfers until you reach the Sunset / Carolwood stop. From this stop, your destination is only a short 5-minute walk away.

Amanda & Kelly play the air hockey scene in The Bad News Bears

Tarzana Cleaners and Tailoring, 5540 Reseda Blvd, Tarzana, CA 91356, USA

The memorable scene unfolds, featuring the local troublemaker, Kelly (Jackie Earle Haley), known for his smoking habit and mini Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Not only is Kelly the neighborhood's best athlete, but he also has a knack for Air Hockey, which he demonstrates at the Bonanza Arcade when Amanda (Tatum O'Neal) approaches him. Here, Amanda settles a bet to recruit Kelly for their struggling baseball team.

This notable scene was filmed at 5540 Reseda Blvd, in Tarzana, California. Regrettably, the original arcade center no longer exists; instead, you'll find Tarzana Cleaners and Tailoring, a family-run business with over 20 years of experience. Despite this change, Tarzana still offers plenty to fans.

While in Tarzana, consider visiting the Tarzana Recreation Center; this facility features a gymnasium, which doubles as an auditorium, and an array of outdoor amenities. You'll find barbecue pits, lighted basketball courts, a lighted baseball diamond, a children's play area, picnic tables, and lighted volleyball courts, offering plenty of opportunities for recreation and relaxation.

To reach this location from downtown Los Angeles, take US-101 N towards Ventura. Exit at Reseda Blvd from US-101 N and drive to your destination. Additionally, it's just a short journey from Sherman Oaks and Chatsworth - only a 30-minute bus ride or approximately a 15-minute drive by taxi or personal vehicle.

Conclusion

The Bad News Bears (1976) is a sports comedy that offers more than laughs. Directed by Michael Ritchie, the film provides a scathing examination of competitiveness in American society through the lens of a Little League baseball team.

The central characters in the film are a collection of unpolished, disheartened children pushed into the competitive arena due to political influence. The youthful actors offer persuasive performances, accurately depicting their characters' trepidation and resolve. Walter Matthau stands out with his restrained yet captivating portrayal of a hesitant coach grappling with his flaws while endeavoring to mold a cohesive team from an assorted group of underdogs.

The film was primarily shot in the picturesque San Fernando Valley, with key scenes filmed at landmarks like the Skatelab Skatepark and Barone’s Famous Italian Restaurant. Ritchie effectively uses these locations to enhance the film's visual appeal and cultural authenticity.

The Bad News Bears has made a significant contribution to the movie industry. It's not just a sports film or a comedy; it's a social commentary that resonates deeply with audiences. Its unique blend of humor, social commentary, and compelling performances make it a classic. The film's locations add to its visual appeal and serve as cultural landmarks, making them worth a visit for film enthusiasts.