The Best Ballparks of Major League Baseball

[TwinsTerritory]

On Tuesday evening, I was able to take in the Twins-Blue Jays game from Rogers Centre.  This was my first visit to Rogers Centre, but more importantly it was my final stop on my journey to visit the ballpark of each of the 30 Major League Baseball teams.  Here is my ranking of the 30 ballparks (plus a few extras).  I'd love to hear feedback from those that have taken a similar journey.

 

Before I get to my rankings, below was my very non-analytical criteria.  I have been to some of these stadiums more than once, but for many of them I made only one trip so may have them ranked higher or lower based on where the team was in the standings, how the weather cooperated, or other unique reasons.

 

1. Ballpark architecture--how is the ballpark designed, views of the field, views out of the stadium, concourses, etc.

2. Ballpark neighborhood--where is the ballpark located, activities outside the ballpark, parking

3. Ballpark history--does the ballpark have a historical significance

4. Ballpark atmosphere--does anyone in the stadium actually care about the team

 

Now that you know where I'm coining from, here is my list.

 

1. PNC Park

I have been to this park twice and I love the stadium, the location on the river, and the view.  I've moved around the stadium and have yet to find a bad seat.  It's Target Field in a better location, with a better view.

 

2. AT&T Park

I went to two games on back-to-back days.  Beautiful weather in a great location on the water.

 

3. Fenway Park

I've only been here once, but it was on the 4th of July with a giant flag draped over the green monster and fighter jets overhead during the anthem.  Add in the atmosphere around the park, the history, and the lack of empty seats and it all but makes up for the fact it looks like the concrete may crumble at any time.

 

4. Oriole Park at Camden Yards

I've only been here once, but I loved the ballpark, the location, and the food.  Took a tour before the game and was able to see the workings of a MLB park on game day.

 

5. Wrigley Field

I've been here a couple times with very different experiences.  The first time I froze on a chilly June day in the shade down the first baseline where I couldn't follow the ball in the air.  The next time it was 95 and I was in the bleachers having a great time.  The history and the area around the park sneak this ballpark into the top 5.

 

6. Target Field

I'm sure I'm a little biased, but the actual ballpark itself is as good as any.  The only thing pulling Target Field down is the location.

 

7. Petco Park

Like AT&T, I attended games on back-back days in San Diego and the park is almost as good as Target Field, but with better weather.

 

8. Kaufman Stadium

I've been here a few times and it's great how this stadium has held up over time.  The renovations have grown on me.  Overall, a great place to see a game.

 

9. Safeco Field

The view of Seattle is great and the field is pretty well designed.  The area around the park can be fun.  The determination of the ushers to keep people out of the good seats even when the stadium is empty and it's the bottom of the 8th was interesting.

 

10. Dodger Stadium

Another stadium with some history that has held up over time.  A somewhat different design, but a good view.

 

**10.5.  Old Yankee Stadium

It was crumbling and smelled a little like urine, but there was so much history and it seemed like a real ballpark (vs. the behemoth of a building that replaced it).

 

11. Sun Trust Park

I'm not quite sure why they had to replace Turner Field (other than greed), but Sun Trust was well-done.  The atmosphere was fun.

 

12. Busch Stadium

There's not a lot that stands out about the ballpark, but the view of the arch and the knowledgeable fans made for a good experience.

 

13. Comerica Park

I've been here twice and while nothing in particular stands out, the seats were good and there were some fun bars around the field.  Just don't stray too far from the ballpark area!

 

14. Coors Field

It's been 18 years since I was at Coors Field (and 23 year old me may have had a few too many beverages), but I remember a solid stadium with good views and hard working beer vendors.

 

15. Citi Field

I've only been here once and my expectations were low since there weren't a lot of positive reviews, but I was pleasantly surprised.  Good views and decent food.

 

16. Yankee Stadium

The field itself looks similar to the old stadium, but everything else was done BIG.  Wide concourses are good, but feeling like you're walking through a mall is not.

 

17. Citizens Bank Park

I've only been here once and I'll be the first to admit I need to go back to rank it fairly.  I was on a baseball tour and our seats were in the nosebleeds.  I'm not afraid of heights, but if I was the walk to our seats in the 3rd level wouldn't happen.

 

18. Progressive Field

The ballpark was nice, but nothing really stood out other than a lot of empty seats.

 

**18.5 Turner Field

I thought the ballpark was fine although traffic in Atlanta can be a challenge.  Amazing that it was built in 1996 and is no longer a MLB park.

 

19. Miller Park

Tailgating in the parking lot, Bernie Brewer, and the sausage race were the highlights.  Not a fan of roofs, even retractable ones.  Roof was open when I was there, but my seat still felt indoors.

 

20. Nationals Park

Probably another park that didn't get a fair shake.  Was on a tour and we watched a few innings before a 2 hour rain delay.  Due to bus driver sleep time, we left after 2 hours of waiting in the concourse only to get back to the hotel and see they resumed playing.  Walked from the National Mall to the park and the area around the park felt slightly unsafe.

 

21. Angel Stadium

Nothing terrible about the ballpark, but nothing stood out as great either.

 

22. Great American Ballpark

Probably another ballpark that I should visit again, but nothing really stood out.  

 

23. Globe Life Park

There wasn't anything wrong other than the fact that it was really, really hot in Texas in mid-August and I had spent all day sweating at Six Flags.  Not really much of a view or atmosphere.

 

24. Marlins Park
Definitely the most colorful ballpark in baseball!  The Marlins were terrible, the fans apathetic, and the roof leaked a little when it rained.  The bobblehead museum was cool!

 

25. Minute Maid Park

It was 105 and after sweating through a game in Texas the night before, I was thankful for air conditioning.  However, when it comes to baseball, I want to be outdoors.  Everything felt very "rectangular".

 

26. Guaranteed Rate Field

I've been here twice and wasn't impressed either time.  In a sketchy neighborhood, no view, and not much for atmosphere.

 

27. Chase Field

Another ballpark that probably needs a roof due to the non-stop heat, but it doesn't make for a fun baseball experience.

 

28. Rogers Centre

Unfortunately it rained so the roof was closed and José Berríos shut down the Blue Jays so the fans were bored.  It does set a record for the amount of blue in a stadium and there are some fun things to do in downtown Toronto.

 

**28.5 Metrodome

I hate to rank it this low because this is where I watched my first 25 or so MLB baseball games, but there is no getting around the fact that it was a giant bubble that was better designed for watching a Vikings game or monster truck rally.

 

29. Oakland Alameda Coliseum

I loved the passion of the fans, but the ballpark wasn't designed for baseball and I felt the need to hustle to get on the BART and get out of town after the game.

 

30. Tropicana Field

Have I mentioned that I like outdoor baseball?  This is the Metrodome, without the history of 1987 Kirby Puckett or 1991 Jack Morris.

 

How did I do?  Please leave comments or ask questions.  I promise I won't be offended.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[TheLeviathan]

Great post!  I'd just have Wrigley much further down my personal list.

[TwinsTerritory]

 

Great post!  I'd just have Wrigley much further down my personal list.

The historic parks are the toughest to rank.  If you built something like Fenway or Wrigley today, it would be mocked (or in the case of ivy on the wall or a giant green wall 250' from home plate, not allowed by MLB).  I had Wrigley much lower after my first visit, but I've enjoyed it more in recent visits.

[Sarah]

Definitely agree with your top two - both PNC and AT&T Park are spectacular overall. I was also pleasantly surprised with Citi Field (okay, I had been to Shea Stadium which was a colossal dump so I had low expectations). I hate the new Yankee Stadium (not just because I'm a Twins fan, I liked old Yankee Stadium) but I would definitely go back to Citi Field. 

 

Time flies - next year will be the Twins 10th year at Target Field. I still look around when I'm sitting there and say "It's a beautiful day for baseball." Having grown up going to games in the Metrodome...it just doesn't get old. 

[ashbury]

Excellent takes, overall. Random reactions:

• I live near Fenway now, and unexpectedly have come to love the place in the past 3 years, so I concur with your ranking. It's a dump but a first class dump, and the game experience is at the top of the pack in my book - win or lose, it's a party, and the party mood depends on how the game goes. No phony-baloney "Charge!" sound effects to inform the crowd when to cheer.
• I recently had my first experience at PNC, and the fireworks on the river right after the game definitely won me over, in addition to it being a very nice park.
• I like Oakland's park a whole lot better than just about anyone else I know, but I've basically never had a bad experience there in about 20 games through the years, and I appreciate a good bratwurst when one is for sale.
• Attended games in KC and Cincy and Philly this past week, thanks to a roadtrip with my son, and all three parks are worthwhile IMO.
• Angels Park lacks character - and my one visit to Dodger Stadium was during the unfortunate era with the prior ownership and left a very poor impression, with only Dodger Dogs available at the few concession stands that were open on the day I attended.
• The two parks I detest are Minute Maid and Marlins Park. The one in Houston is too gimicky in its layout, and Miami is non-stop loud with piped-in music to the point that you can't converse with your seatmate for more than 10 seconds at a time. Also, I am convinced that Houston pipes in crowd noise to supplement whatever cheering is going on - I was there during one of the lean years and the commotion over a good play sounded like it was coming from anywhere but the few fans in attendance.
• Wrigley I should rank similarly to Fenway but I don't - rarely have had a good experience there.
• Target Field is great.
• I should rank the Metrodome as low as you do, but I can't because the memories of the place are almost entirely happy. It was tough apologizing for the place to out of town visitors, because it certainly had its warts. But it had character, when you come right down to it - the blowers allegedly affecting the game, ditto the teflon roof (and the experience of exiting the place en masse), ditto the bouncy turf, ditto the overwhelming crowd noise. If domes had always been the norm and someone built a new outdoor park, the complaints would be loud about losing balls in the sun (travesty!) or having rainy conditions affect the art of bunting (this isn't baseball!), so I factor those complaints right out.
• Petco is my one giant regret - never took the opportunity to attend a game there when I lived out west, even when I had a kid in college in SD for four a certain number of years.

[TheLeviathan]

 

The historic parks are the toughest to rank.  If you built something like Fenway or Wrigley today, it would be mocked (or in the case of ivy on the wall or a giant green wall 250' from home plate, not allowed by MLB).  I had Wrigley much lower after my first visit, but I've enjoyed it more in recent visits.

 

The bleachers are fun, but the park is hard to get in and out of, very uncomfortable, and prone to brutal weather.  

 

It's just a really run=down place to spend a few hours IMO.  The history is fine the first time, after that all you notice is the latrines and rubble.

[Vanimal46]

The Metrodome was a horrible fan experience for baseball, no doubt about it. However, the Twins truly had an advantage over other teams in that place. The funky bounces, losing the ball in the Teflon roof, and plexiglass at one time!

 

Target Field is beautiful and I wouldn't change it for anything. But it's fun reminiscing about the home field advantage Metrodome offered.

[Riverbrian]

 

On Tuesday evening, I was able to take in the Twins-Blue Jays game from Rogers Centre.  This was my first visit to Rogers Centre, but more importantly it was my final stop on my journey to visit the ballpark of each of the 30 Major League Baseball teams.  Here is my ranking of the 30 ballparks (plus a few extras).  I'd love to hear feedback from those that have taken a similar journey.

 

Before I get to my rankings, below was my very non-analytical criteria.  I have been to some of these stadiums more than once, but for many of them I made only one trip so may have them ranked higher or lower based on where the team was in the standings, how the weather cooperated, or other unique reasons.

 

1. Ballpark architecture--how is the ballpark designed, views of the field, views out of the stadium, concourses, etc.

2. Ballpark neighborhood--where is the ballpark located, activities outside the ballpark, parking

3. Ballpark history--does the ballpark have a historical significance

4. Ballpark atmosphere--does anyone in the stadium actually care about the team

 

Now that you know where I'm coining from, here is my list.

 

1. PNC Park

I have been to this park twice and I love the stadium, the location on the river, and the view.  I've moved around the stadium and have yet to find a bad seat.  It's Target Field in a better location, with a better view.

 

2. AT&T Park

I went to two games on back-to-back days.  Beautiful weather in a great location on the water.

 

3. Fenway Park

I've only been here once, but it was on the 4th of July with a giant flag draped over the green monster and fighter jets overhead during the anthem.  Add in the atmosphere around the park, the history, and the lack of empty seats and it all but makes up for the fact it looks like the concrete may crumble at any time.

 

4. Oriole Park at Camden Yards

I've only been here once, but I loved the ballpark, the location, and the food.  Took a tour before the game and was able to see the workings of a MLB park on game day.

 

5. Wrigley Field

I've been here a couple times with very different experiences.  The first time I froze on a chilly June day in the shade down the first baseline where I couldn't follow the ball in the air.  The next time it was 95 and I was in the bleachers having a great time.  The history and the area around the park sneak this ballpark into the top 5.

 

6. Target Field

I'm sure I'm a little biased, but the actual ballpark itself is as good as any.  The only thing pulling Target Field down is the location.

 

7. Petco Park

Like AT&T, I attended games on back-back days in San Diego and the park is almost as good as Target Field, but with better weather.

 

8. Kaufman Stadium

I've been here a few times and it's great how this stadium has held up over time.  The renovations have grown on me.  Overall, a great place to see a game.

 

9. Safeco Field

The view of Seattle is great and the field is pretty well designed.  The area around the park can be fun.  The determination of the ushers to keep people out of the good seats even when the stadium is empty and it's the bottom of the 8th was interesting.

 

10. Dodger Stadium

Another stadium with some history that has held up over time.  A somewhat different design, but a good view.

 

**10.5.  Old Yankee Stadium

It was crumbling and smelled a little like urine, but there was so much history and it seemed like a real ballpark (vs. the behemoth of a building that replaced it).

 

11. Sun Trust Park

I'm not quite sure why they had to replace Turner Field (other than greed), but Sun Trust was well-done.  The atmosphere was fun.

 

12. Busch Stadium

There's not a lot that stands out about the ballpark, but the view of the arch and the knowledgeable fans made for a good experience.

 

13. Comerica Park

I've been here twice and while nothing in particular stands out, the seats were good and there were some fun bars around the field.  Just don't stray too far from the ballpark area!

 

14. Coors Field

It's been 18 years since I was at Coors Field (and 23 year old me may have had a few too many beverages), but I remember a solid stadium with good views and hard working beer vendors.

 

15. Citi Field

I've only been here once and my expectations were low since there weren't a lot of positive reviews, but I was pleasantly surprised.  Good views and decent food.

 

16. Yankee Stadium

The field itself looks similar to the old stadium, but everything else was done BIG.  Wide concourses are good, but feeling like you're walking through a mall is not.

 

17. Citizens Bank Park

I've only been here once and I'll be the first to admit I need to go back to rank it fairly.  I was on a baseball tour and our seats were in the nosebleeds.  I'm not afraid of heights, but if I was the walk to our seats in the 3rd level wouldn't happen.

 

18. Progressive Field

The ballpark was nice, but nothing really stood out other than a lot of empty seats.

 

**18.5 Turner Field

I thought the ballpark was fine although traffic in Atlanta can be a challenge.  Amazing that it was built in 1996 and is no longer a MLB park.

 

19. Miller Park

Tailgating in the parking lot, Bernie Brewer, and the sausage race were the highlights.  Not a fan of roofs, even retractable ones.  Roof was open when I was there, but my seat still felt indoors.

 

20. Nationals Park

Probably another park that didn't get a fair shake.  Was on a tour and we watched a few innings before a 2 hour rain delay.  Due to bus driver sleep time, we left after 2 hours of waiting in the concourse only to get back to the hotel and see they resumed playing.  Walked from the National Mall to the park and the area around the park felt slightly unsafe.

 

21. Angel Stadium

Nothing terrible about the ballpark, but nothing stood out as great either.

 

22. Great American Ballpark

Probably another ballpark that I should visit again, but nothing really stood out.  

 

23. Globe Life Park

There wasn't anything wrong other than the fact that it was really, really hot in Texas in mid-August and I had spent all day sweating at Six Flags.  Not really much of a view or atmosphere.

 

24. Marlins Park
Definitely the most colorful ballpark in baseball!  The Marlins were terrible, the fans apathetic, and the roof leaked a little when it rained.  The bobblehead museum was cool!

 

25. Minute Maid Park

It was 105 and after sweating through a game in Texas the night before, I was thankful for air conditioning.  However, when it comes to baseball, I want to be outdoors.  Everything felt very "rectangular".

 

26. Guaranteed Rate Field

I've been here twice and wasn't impressed either time.  In a sketchy neighborhood, no view, and not much for atmosphere.

 

27. Chase Field

Another ballpark that probably needs a roof due to the non-stop heat, but it doesn't make for a fun baseball experience.

 

28. Rogers Centre

Unfortunately it rained so the roof was closed and José Berríos shut down the Blue Jays so the fans were bored.  It does set a record for the amount of blue in a stadium and there are some fun things to do in downtown Toronto.

 

**28.5 Metrodome

I hate to rank it this low because this is where I watched my first 25 or so MLB baseball games, but there is no getting around the fact that it was a giant bubble that was better designed for watching a Vikings game or monster truck rally.

 

29. Oakland Alameda Coliseum

I loved the passion of the fans, but the ballpark wasn't designed for baseball and I felt the need to hustle to get on the BART and get out of town after the game.

 

30. Tropicana Field

Have I mentioned that I like outdoor baseball?  This is the Metrodome, without the history of 1987 Kirby Puckett or 1991 Jack Morris.

 

How did I do?  Please leave comments or ask questions.  I promise I won't be offended.

 

Congratulations!!! 

 

What you have accomplished has been an on-going goal of mine that I have yet to accomplish. I still have Florida and a big western swing to make along with some pockets where the teams were not at home when I was nearby. 

 

My Rankings of stadiums that I've been to:

 

1. AT&T Park - It's hard to describe other than I'd just call it perfection. There is something about the sight lines that I don't understand but we sat in RF and I could tell what the pitch thrown was from nearly 400 feet away. 

 

2. Fenway - The Green Monster just hangs over the park and gives it character that no other ball park has and the atmosphere outside the park makes it a different world by itself. 

 

3. Camden Yards - Eutaw Street alone is enough to catapult this stadium up my list. The rest of the ball park is top notch. 

 

4. PNC Park - I fell in love with Pittsburgh during my visit there. I was expecting dirty and industrial and what I found was one of the most beautiful cities in America. PNC just fits everything that surprised me about Pittsburgh. 

 

5. Citi Field - I didn't think I was going to be impressed by Citi Field but I was. You get the bonus of watching the underbelly of very large planes flying over every inning. 

 

6. Kaufman Stadium - It's getting to be one of the older stadiums as time goes by and it has held up well. Absolutely beautiful stadium. May they never tear it down. 

 

7. Miller Park - I've often seen Miller Park down on many rankings and I don't understand it. The only problem I have with the stadium is that it is a long walk to get the stadium from wherever you park. Otherwise I love it. Looks like a giant spaceship as you drive by on the Interstate. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I think it's beautiful. 

 

8. Target Field - 8th seems harsh but it really isn't... Target Field belongs in the list of my top 8 stadiums visited, I could easily rank it #5 ahead of Citi Field and there is a steep drop off to #9. 

 

9. Globe Life Park - Lots of great seats here. I liked it but we are going to run into a stretch of mediocre that don't require a lot of comment.  

 

10. Progressive Field - Been here maybe 3 times. There is nothing wrong with it. 

 

11. Turner Field - Nothing wrong with it... other than they don't play baseball here anymore. Someday I will hit Suntrust

 

12. Comerica - Nothing Wrong with it... Nothing great about it. 

 

13. Guaranteed Rate Field - I was visiting family in Milwaukee when my Nephews and I just spur of the moment got in a car and drove to Chicago for a game. Nothing wrong with it... Nothing great about it. 

 

14. Safeco - I see this stadium up higher on most lists. I'm not sure I understand why. It just goes in my average stadium section and near the bottom of that section because I hated that damn train horn. Scared the crap out of me... I spilled my beer. Loved Seattle though. 

 

15. Wrigley Field - I've only been here once and I was extremely happy to be there because it is Wrigley after all but in the end. You have to look around Poles and Ivy isn't that impressive. It ends up being just an old stadium but I was honored to be there. 

 

16. Metropolitan Stadium - I barely remember details about the place because I was pretty young the couple of times I saw a game here. The only thing I remember was the excitement of being at a Twins game. 

 

17 - Old Yankee Stadium - I have to see the new stadium... the old one was old and you get distant from the action really quickly. 

 

18 - Tiger Stadium - I liked the overhang and the closeness of the action but Detroit is a mess. 

 

19. Comiskey Park - They were building the new stadium across the street when my wife and I saw a game here in 1990. We were actually on our honeymoon road trip on the way to Niagara Falls when he stopped in Chicago for a game. It was before GPS so my wife was trying to navigate with an atlas and she isn't the best at that. We ended up driving through some neighborhoods with massive tenement housing with no windows and people clearly living in them. Neither of us had ever seen anything like that before. I had to convince my wife that I would protect her if she would just get out of the car. We survived... I noticed that the area is much safer looking these days.  

 

20. Rogers Centre - Horrible all the way around. Build a new stadium now. Give the city of Toronto something it deserves. 

 

21. Metrodome - There should have never been a baseball game played in this place. You leave with a neck cramp because of the seat orientation and you lose the ball in the roof and the food was the worst. It's gone and we are all better off for it... But... Thank You for the World Championships!!! 

 

[Squirrel]

Given your criteria, you’ve already given points to some parks over others. For me, my criteria, first and foremost, and really everything, is in-game experience. How are the sightlines, how is accessibility, how is comfort (both from weather and seats standpoint), amenities, the home-town fans and over all cost of everything. History would play no part in my rankings because that would give some places an advantage over others and really bear no weight for me except for the first time I visit in a ‘Wow, this is cool. I’m at (fill in the blank)’ sort of way. Given that, Wrigley is toward the bottom of my list for just about every one of those reasons except history. And, frankly, I much prefer going to Guaranteed Rate over Wrigley. It’s not a great ballpark and wouldn’t be high on my list, depending on where I was sitting, but other than historical significance, it ranks higher for me in every other category.

 

There is much more to do near Wrigley with all the restaurants and bars packed into the area, and that can be a factor. If you want to go somewhere after the game, yeah, I guess I’d rather be at Wrigley for that convenience. But because of the density of people and establishments, the crime rate around Wrigley is actually higher than the crime rate around Guaranteed Rate.

[TheLeviathan]

I'm glad to see the Kaufman love, that is just a really beautiful, fun park.

[TwinsTerritory]

Thanks to those that have posted.  I enjoy reading the comments.  It's always interesting to hear what others think.  The comments about the Metrodome are also interesting.  While in Toronto, I spoke to a few people and they really like Rogers Centre (although they still prefer to call it Skydome).  I believe how you feel about a ballpark can vary greatly based on your experience.  If I was at Rogers Centre for a Jose Bautista bat flip in the playoffs, I'm sure it would have been a much different experience than a 5-0 shutout in a lost season.

[TwinsTerritory]

 

Congratulations!!! 

 

What you have accomplished has been an on-going goal of mine that I have yet to accomplish. I still have Florida and a big western swing to make along with some pockets where the teams were not at home when I was nearby. 

 

My Rankings of stadiums that I've been to:

 

1. AT&T Park - It's hard to describe other than I'd just call it perfection. There is something about the sight lines that I don't understand but we sat in RF and I could tell what the pitch thrown was from nearly 400 feet away. 

 

2. Fenway - The Green Monster just hangs over the park and gives it character that no other ball park has and the atmosphere outside the park makes it a different world by itself. 

 

3. Camden Yards - Eutaw Street alone is enough to catapult this stadium up my list. The rest of the ball park is top notch. 

 

4. PNC Park - I fell in love with Pittsburgh during my visit there. I was expecting dirty and industrial and what I found was one of the most beautiful cities in America. PNC just fits everything that surprised me about Pittsburgh. 

 

5. Citi Field - I didn't think I was going to be impressed by Citi Field but I was. You get the bonus of watching the underbelly of very large planes flying over every inning. 

 

6. Kaufman Stadium - It's getting to be one of the older stadiums as time goes by and it has held up well. Absolutely beautiful stadium. May they never tear it down. 

 

7. Miller Park - I've often seen Miller Park down on many rankings and I don't understand it. The only problem I have with the stadium is that it is a long walk to get the stadium from wherever you park. Otherwise I love it. Looks like a giant spaceship as you drive by on the Interstate. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I think it's beautiful. 

 

8. Target Field - 8th seems harsh but it really isn't... Target Field belongs in the list of my top 8 stadiums visited, I could easily rank it #5 ahead of Citi Field and there is a steep drop off to #9. 

 

9. Globe Life Park - Lots of great seats here. I liked it but we are going to run into a stretch of mediocre that don't require a lot of comment.  

 

10. Progressive Field - Been here maybe 3 times. There is nothing wrong with it. 

 

11. Turner Field - Nothing wrong with it... other than they don't play baseball here anymore. Someday I will hit Suntrust

 

12. Comerica - Nothing Wrong with it... Nothing great about it. 

 

13. Guaranteed Rate Field - I was visiting family in Milwaukee when my Nephews and I just spur of the moment got in a car and drove to Chicago for a game. Nothing wrong with it... Nothing great about it. 

 

14. Safeco - I see this stadium up higher on most lists. I'm not sure I understand why. It just goes in my average stadium section and near the bottom of that section because I hated that damn train horn. Scared the crap out of me... I spilled my beer. Loved Seattle though. 

 

15. Wrigley Field - I've only been here once and I was extremely happy to be there because it is Wrigley after all but in the end. You have to look around Poles and Ivy isn't that impressive. It ends up being just an old stadium but I was honored to be there. 

 

16. Metropolitan Stadium - I barely remember details about the place because I was pretty young the couple of times I saw a game here. The only thing I remember was the excitement of being at a Twins game. 

 

17 - Old Yankee Stadium - I have to see the new stadium... the old one was old and you get distant from the action really quickly. 

 

18 - Tiger Stadium - I liked the overhang and the closeness of the action but Detroit is a mess. 

 

19. Comiskey Park - They were building the new stadium across the street when my wife and I saw a game here in 1990. We were actually on our honeymoon road trip on the way to Niagara Falls when he stopped in Chicago for a game. It was before GPS so my wife was trying to navigate with an atlas and she isn't the best at that. We ended up driving through some neighborhoods with massive tenement housing with no windows and people clearly living in them. Neither of us had ever seen anything like that before. I had to convince my wife that I would protect her if she would just get out of the car. We survived... I noticed that the area is much safer looking these days.  

 

20. Rogers Centre - Horrible all the way around. Build a new stadium now. Give the city of Toronto something it deserves. 

 

21. Metrodome - There should have never been a baseball game played in this place. You leave with a neck cramp because of the seat orientation and you lose the ball in the roof and the food was the worst. It's gone and we are all better off for it... But... Thank You for the World Championships!!! 

Completely agree with your comment about there being a big group of mediocre ballparks and they are difficult to differentiate between.  As I started my list, I put ballparks in 3 groups.  I ended up with 8 at the top, 7 on the bottom and 15 in the middle that I would consider mediocre.

[Riverbrian]

 

Completely agree with your comment about there being a big group of mediocre ballparks and they are difficult to differentiate between.  As I started my list, I put ballparks in 3 groups.  I ended up with 8 at the top, 7 on the bottom and 15 in the middle that I would consider mediocre.

 

Thanks for publishing your list. I'm absolutely jealous of you right now but I will get there some day. 

 

I have never been to spring training in Ft. Myers so I have a plan in my head to go there in late March and then do Miami and Tampa if they would both be so kind to open the season at home some year. 

 

I also have a plan in my head that if I ever see a road trip stretch where the skies open up and Colorado, Arizona, San Diego, Dodgers, Angels and A's have home games that lineup perfectly with a road trip without having to bounce out of sequence to accomplish it. I may drop everything and do it. 

 

 

Before I do those things... I have to stop my kids from getting married and going to college so it feels like I have some extra cash to do it. 

 

 

[Riverbrian]

 

Given your criteria, you’ve already given points to some parks over others. For me, my criteria, first and foremost, and really everything, is in-game experience. How are the sightlines, how is accessibility, how is comfort (both from weather and seats standpoint), amenities, the home-town fans and over all cost of everything. History would play no part in my rankings because that would give some places an advantage over others and really bear no weight for me except for the first time I visit in a ‘Wow, this is cool. I’m at (fill in the blank)’ sort of way. Given that, Wrigley is toward the bottom of my list for just about every one of those reasons except history. And, frankly, I much prefer going to Guaranteed Rate over Wrigley. It’s not a great ballpark and wouldn’t be high on my list, depending on where I was sitting, but other than historical significance, it ranks higher for me in every other category.

There is much more to do near Wrigley with all the restaurants and bars packed into the area, and that can be a factor. If you want to go somewhere after the game, yeah, I guess I’d rather be at Wrigley for that convenience. But because of the density of people and establishments, the crime rate around Wrigley is actually higher than the crime rate around Guaranteed Rate.

 

Agreed

 

The best thing about Wrigley was the terrific guide that we had. 

 

When I went to Guaranteed Rate, I have 3 Nephews and they told me we were going to Racine for something, which turned into we got nothing going on so lets go get some pizza in Chicago which turned into, "Hey, look what I found in my pocket, Tickets to the Twins game". It was a pleasant surprise for me and I was also pleasantly surprised that it was nothing like 1990. 

[TwinsTerritory]

 

Thanks for publishing your list. I'm absolutely jealous of you right now but I will get there some day. 

 

I have never been to spring training in Ft. Myers so I have a plan in my head to go there in late March and then do Miami and Tampa if they would both be so kind to open the season at home some year. 

 

I also have a plan in my head that if I ever see a road trip stretch where the skies open up and Colorado, Arizona, San Diego, Dodgers, Angels and A's have home games that lineup perfectly with a road trip without having to bounce out of sequence to accomplish it. I may drop everything and do it. 

 

 

Before I do those things... I have to stop my kids from getting married and going to college so it feels like I have some extra cash to do it. 

It's a bit of driving and time, but I started in the Bay Area and saw Oakland and SF and then drove down to LA for an Angels game, SD, Arizona, and then back to LA for a Dodgers game.

[USAFChief]

I'm jealous!!

 

I'm (at last count) behind you by 9 cities, but I'll get there. I need a north central road trip (Cle, Chi, Det, Tor, Pit, Cin, Phi) in the worst way. 

 

FWIW, Camden Yards is still my favorite stadium ever. Fenway was way cool, AT&T also (but the traffic and prices reduced the fun for me).

 

Overrated in my book: Safeco (I don't like airplane hanger design), Petco. 

[Monkeypaws]

Twins Territory, your top 7 are mine as well, although in slightly different order. Nice job.