After traveling to all but 4 MLB parks, we have decided to rank all 30. Keep in mind, this is our opinion so you may or may not agree. Here is the complete list:
#30-16 written by Adam Greene
#15-1 written by Drew Winkler
30. Tropicana Field
Tampa Bay’s stadium is coming in at the last slot on this list. “The Trop,” as some fans call it, usually doesn’t receive large crowds on game days. This is because the field is so hard to get to since it’s in such a terrible location in the city. Opening in 1990, it already feels outdated and old, part of the reason the MLB is considering a Montreal expansion for the Rays.
29. Oakland Coliseum
At the second-to-last spot is the Oakland Coliseum. The Coliseum has been around since 1966 and it shows too. This stadium has a capacity of 63,132 and is usually at best one-third filled. This stadium also contains the infamous stairs to nowhere located in the outfield, and thousands of empty seats that used to be occupied for Raider games.
28. Marlins Park
Turns out Florida might only be good as a spring training state. The Marlins new, colorful park seems energetic, but it doesn’t help the ranking. Also in the midst of an attendance issue, Miami’s newest sports venue has been unable to sell out games due to the team’s quality of play on the field and uninterested fans.
27. Target Field
Located in Minneapolis, Target Field is home to some of the coldest games in baseball as well as a recent lack of excitement. Although the Twins were known for their power hitters last year, they struggled to bring in crowds, partly due to the monotone atmosphere and freezing temperatures in the later months of the season.
26. Kauffman Stadium
Located in Kansas City, Missouri (not Kansas), Kauffman Stadium is the home of the Royals. The stadium includes a beautiful display of fountains out in center field. Besides the fountains, recent renovations throughout the ballpark have taken their toll on the stadium as it’s not as pleasing to the eye as it once was. Fans can’t get over the “mall-like-feel” and concrete pillars, and they bring down the rank.
25. Comerica Park
Like all sports in Detroit, Comerica Park ranks lower in the standings. Although both times I have been here the game has been rained out, Comerica isn’t terrible. There is plenty to do and see around the concourse. The Miguel Cabrera Triple Crown Throne is very cool. Comerica could’ve ranked higher, but the industrial area of Detroit might not be the smartest place to have your team’s ballpark.
24. Coors Field
Colorado’s major league field opened in ‘95 and is home to the coldest game in the league’s history in 2013. Although, the food isn’t as memorable as others, Denver’s field is modeled after Oriole Park so it’s dynamic build offers anyone in attendance a good view of the game. Attendance hasn’t been an issue to the team though. Rockie fans have showed up despite average play and only one playoff appearance in the last decade.
23. T-Mobile Park
Seattle’s baseball team hasn’t been popular since Ken Griffey Jr. left. T-Mobile Park isn’t a bad ballpark, it just lacks unique features to give it a special feel. The views of the city are beautiful, and as one of the newer MLB parks, a trip to T-Mobile would be a fun outing if you’re in the Seattle area.
22. Great American Ballpark
On the Ohio River, Cincinnati’s MLB park is known for the passing tugboats and scenery. The Reds home is also famous for their Skyline chili. While this NL Central team is looking to make a push for the playoffs this year, Great American only comes in at the 23rd spot due to the Reds recent sub-par gameplay.
21. Citizens Bank Park
Philadelphia has a huge plot of land where all its sports venues are located and personally, Citizens Bank is the best of the three. The Phillies ballpark has mini wiffle-ball fields and velocity pitch trackers in center field that always draw huge lines. Anybody can watch relief pitchers warm up in the bullpens, and adds to an interactive experience of watching the game.
20. Citi Field
New York’s smaller market stadium is very similar to Philly’s park. Both have a similar construction and opened only five years apart. Coincidentally, the Mets also have a wiffle-ball field in center, and leads out to the memorial Shea Bridge, honoring the old park. If we were ranking ballpark snacks, Citi would be much higher as it has some awesome food selections.
19. Petco Park
San Diego’s Petco Park is very underrated. Although it doesn’t rank super high, the atmosphere is awesome as it perfectly matches the high energy playing-style of the Padres. Classic Mexican food can be found all around the park, but like T-Mobile it lacks features to give it a distinct feeling.
18. Busch Stadium
With the famous St. Louis arch looming beyond the stadium, Busch Stadium has an incredible view of the city, like many other parks. When the Cardinals are good it’s hard to maneuver the stadium since there’s sure to be a large crowd, but it makes up for it with it’s retro style construction that adds to the scenery.
17. Globe Life Park
Globe Life Park hasn’t officially opened yet, but if it’s anything like the old park, it will have plenty of space in the outfield for fan activity and 500+ ft. home runs. There isn’t much we know about this park, so it will stay in the middle until the Rangers play their first home game once the league starts up again.
16. Wrigley Field
Is Wrigley one of the most historic parks? Yes. Is it an awesome place to watch a baseball game? Yes. Wrigley’s iconic ivy lining the outfield wall is one of the better known features of any major league park. Chicago’s oldest stadium is finally seeming a bit outdated, and is always congested which makes exploring the park harder. While it definitely has more history than other parks, Wrigley just misses the upper half of this list.
15. Nationals Park
Washington D.C’s, Nationals Park lies on the Anacostia River. This park is home to the famous Presidents Race which always sparks excitement from fans. There are high quality concessions throughout the stadium with a Shake Shack located in the outfield. The regular season atmosphere here used to lack intensity but with the Nationals recent World Series championship, the atmosphere surrounding the stadium is on the rise, giving it a middle of pack ranking.
14. Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Built next to the antique B&O Warehouse in 1992, Camden Yards is one of the most iconic ballparks in baseball. The main feature of this ballpark is Eutaw Street where fans can buy merchandise and get the famous Chesapeake Bay crab fries. Over the last couple of years the Orioles have been a cellar dweller, but had an electric atmosphere in the early 2010s.
13. Truist Park
Open in 2017, Truist Park is one of the newest ballparks that has opened in the majors. This park is home to the legendary freeze race along the outfield warning track. Furthermore, inside the park is an area called “The Battery”, which is a popular place where fans can purchase food and team merchandise. While having a great gameday feel, this park tends to feel a little basic in features which is why it just misses the top ten.
12. Yankee Stadium
The new Yankee Stadium opened in 2009 and is a stunning park. The concessions are amazing, especially the embellished milkshakes. However, the New York style pricing brings this stadium’s ranking down. This stadium is sure to have a vibrant atmosphere during Yankee games even though the upper deck tends to remain half full.
11. Rogers Centre
Located north of the border in the modernized section of Toronto lies the Rogers Centre. This park is adjacent to the world famous CN Tower, and is visually stunning when the retractable roof is open. This park also contains a modern concourse packed with delicious concessions and name-brand stores. When in Toronto, definitely give this ballpark a visit and try the dessert poutine while you watch the Jays.
10. Guaranteed Rate Field
In the south side of Chicago lies Guaranteed Rate Field. Even though the name sounds gimmicky and unappealing, this stadium completely out-does its given name. From the candy pinwheels on the scoreboard to the tremendous concessions, this park has it all. The fact that you can easily walk completely around the perimeter of the field is also a highlight in this overlooked ballpark. Don’t judge this place based on its name or its location, go there yourself and experience Chitown’s smaller market field.
9. Chase Field
In the scorching heat of Phoenix, the Diamondbacks’ ballpark includes a retractable roof and even a swimming pool. The interior consists of a very sleek design and top of the line concessions such as the churro dog, and the funnel cake chicken sandwich. Even though the Diamondbacks have lacked playoff appearances in recent years, Chase Field seems to bring their opponents a hostile atmosphere.
8. Minute Maid Park
In downtown Houston, Texas is Minute Maid Park. This stadium features the train tracks where a train filled with oranges appears after every Astros home run. This stadium also contains glass windows above the train tracks which provide fans with a beautiful panoramic view of the downtown area. The atmosphere is always sure to be electric and has proved pivotal by leading the team to two World Series appearances in the last three years.
7. Dodger Stadium
Los Angeles’ ballpark sits on top of a hill overlooking the rest of the city. Having the highest capacity of any major league stadium, Dodger Stadium always draws a huge crowd. Having two MVPs in their lineup helps as well, and this is one of the most aesthetically pleasing parks, especially during an orange/pink sunset.
6. Progressive Field
“The Jake” otherwise known as Progressive Field offers a superb view of Cleveland and brings a-one-of-a-kind atmosphere to Major League Baseball. The food here is to die for with options such as the froot-loop hot dog, and Melt grilled cheese. This place is always electric and has led the Indians to playoffs three out of the last four years.
5. Angel Stadium
Renovated in 1998, the new Angel Stadium is modern, sleek, and contains the best elements of California. The main attraction of this stadium is a waterfall rock sculpture in center field that shoots fireworks. Mike Trout is a huge draw and one can’t go wrong watching a baseball game in sunny California.
4. PNC Park
On the Allegheny River in downtown Pittsburgh sits PNC Park. The Pirate’s home is famous for the Roberto Clemente Bridge background behind center field which provides a picturesque backdrop. Every game, the fans are loudest during the epic pierogi race. This park gives Pirates fans something to cheer about when their team currently lacks success on the diamond.
3. Miller Park
In the outskirts of Milwaukee sits a modern stadium in Miller Park. The park was built in 2001 and feels new to this day. It features a retractable roof and a slide where the mascot slides down after every Brewer home run. This park is also home to the famous sausage race. Miller Park is an architectural marvel and a must visit for baseball fans.
2. Oracle Park
Located on San Francisco’s harbor, Oracle Park has a tropical feel with palm trees lining the outfield and a giant Coke Bottle slide to go with it. Every game, expect to see kayaks located in McCovey Cove behind right field trying to catch home run balls. Although, the Giants have been mediocre in the past couple of years, the stadium sells out regularly and brings a hostile atmosphere to the opposing team especially if the Dodgers are in town.
1. Fenway Park
“America’s Most Historic Ballpark” is the most beloved ballpark on the list. Opened in 1912, Fenway has seen hundreds of memorable moments. Fenway has the Green Monster in left field and the no man’s land triangle in center field. This ballpark might last forever as threats to build a new park in Boston have received overwhelming opposition. Although it has a low capacity, Fenway fills up every Red Sox game day with passionate fans from across the globe.
Photo credit: SF Station
