After finally hitting Nationals Park in Washington over the weekend, I’ve now seen games in every current MLB stadium sans the two New York City yards.
Therefore, upon request, I’ll rank them, excluding (hence the asterisk) the two in Gotham, as well as Fenway/Wrigley – totally different genre/era, thus incomparable – and Oakland, where I’ve not been since 1993.
These rankings have formulated over time, but with all visits occurring since 2004. I’ve incorporated everything from views/sightlines, stadium design/architecture, and ticket options, to parking, food, and ingress/egress. I’ll offer brief remarks for the top ten, and then rank the next 15.
1. PNC Park in Pittsburgh
This is actually a no brainer. I’ve sat inside this wonderful park six times since 2005, and each time I confirm it’s the best ballpark in America, despite the team’s two decades of struggles.
PNC offers breathtaking views of the Allegheny River with its numerous pedestrian bridges that bring fans — by car or foot — from the North Shore to downtown (the entire skyline is in view from most seats) and historic Point State Park.
The exterior of PNC is a unique sand color instead of the red bricks that dominate most new yards. The concourse overlooks the playing field, and with under 40,000 seats, and limited luxury suites, you can get close to the action in any locale.
Food is solid too, with local favorites. Prices and giveaways are among the best in baseball, while parking is convenient and reasonable. A true gem.
2. Target Field in Minneapolis
Tucked neatly into a small plot of land at the edge of a vibrant downtown, we visited here last month and confirmed that this park is sensational. Making it completely outdoors with no roof was an intrepid but wise decision by the architects. (Worst case, heat is apparently available from ambient lamps, a la cool misters you see in summer places.)
Minnesota fans are passionate and knowledgeable. They also dress the part, gobbling up $35 t-shirts and $200 jerseys the night I was there — during a recession no less!
Nearly all fans enter through center field, which is typical of many new ballparks, like Washington and San Diego. What also makes Target Field special is the local yellow limestone covering the walls. The ballpark has very good sightlines, lots of Twin statuary, large full concourses, and canopies atop the upper deck. Also, there is good, reasonably-priced food.
The huge figurines of “Minne” and “Paul,” the original logo of the Twin Cities, light up and shake hands when the home club cracks a dinger, which is really creative. This newest ballpark in baseball learned well from its predecessors, doing most everything right.
3. Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore
Oriole Park at Camden Yards, where I first attended a game as a high schooler in 1993, is the gold standard for all the retro parks that followed during the past two decades. It is still a classic with red brick, green seats, simple set up with skyline views, and of course, the outfield warehouse with standing room and Eutaw Street below.
When the team was winning, Baltimore has some of the most passionate fans in baseball. Even when losing, they’re quite dedicated.
While some seats have odd views and parking can be a challenge, Oriole Park’s location right off the interstate next to the Harbor makes it more than worthwhile.
4. Jacobs (err…Progressive) Field in Cleveland
“The Jake” (no way will it ever be “Progressive Field” to me) is a dominating stadium at the terminus of I-77, thereby very visible at the south edge of downtown Cleveland near Quicken Loans Arena. Unlike Cleveland Browns Stadium and the old Municipal Stadium, it is not by Lake Erie, but it is surrounded by fun: good bars, old buildings, fine restaurants, and a lovely entrance via the plaza in left field.
Jacobs Field provides an excellent scoreboard with views of the Cleveland skyline behind it. The field always looks very lush, there are very good sightlines, solid food, loyal fans (until a few years ago) and many nearby garages at which to park for under $10.
5. Minute Maid Park in Houston
After more than a decade, Minute Maid Park still remains quite underrated. The park is tucked very nicely into the downtown setting, as the city and architects did a fantastic job of incorporating the old train station into part of the park.
I was lucky enough to be there on a balmy April evening, so the roof was open, which, like in Arizona, is a rarity. Houston’s fans are loud, yet the park felt very intimate with a strong Texas feel: diverse folks, good food, and since my flight caused me to be tardy, easy parking right in front once you bargain with the attendant.
6. Petco Park in San Diego
Raised in San Diego, I anticipated the move from Jack Murphy/Qualcomm to coastal Petco Park like no other. And location-wise, this city and team were brilliant. Set into in revitalized area of downtown called ”The Gaslamp,” hidden from highway view, Petco is surrounded by great bars, restaurants, stores, the convention center, high-rise apartments, the harbor, historic sites…and much more is still being constructed.
The setting and water backdrop — in this case the San Diego Bay and Coronado Bridge – is similar to Washington Nationals Park, though four years ahead due to Petco’s 2004 opening vs DC’s 2008.
There is plenty of parking, especially if you’re willing to walk or have local knowledge. I don’t think I have ever paid more than $5 to park and regularly parked for free at meters that were off. There is also public transportation via trolley, but it’s a hassle.
Other highlights of Petco Park are the sand-colored wall upon entry to the home plate side — though most enter through center or left field — which is adjacent to the historic Western Metal Supply Co. building, now used as seating, restaurant, and luxury box. Park at the Park, where you can sit on grass and watch the game on a huge monitor from center field (or gaze in from about 500 feet away) is also unique, and only $5.
7. Busch Stadium in St Louis
Busch Stadium sits in a perfect location as you cross the Mighty Mississippi River into Missouri. Its exterior is dark red brick, topped off by green awnings, Cardinal player statues, and fans teeming in from numerous surrounding states at least 81 times per year.
The upper bowl is excellent, and provides great skyline views, especially of the Gateway Arch, and is as open (on the left field side) as any in baseball.
One drawback is that Busch is very expensive for tickets, food, and nearby parking (though cheaper if you walk). Built adjacent to the Old Busch Stadium, they kept a lot of the simplicity and charm of the predecessor, which is good.
St Louis is known for its great fans, which is regularly confirmed by everything from white-haired men keeping score to standing ovations for sac flies, and polite claps for a ground ball to second with none out that advances a runner.
8. Safeco Field in Seattle
A major drawback that keeps Safeco — like other ballparks is wealthy cities — from moving higher is price. Though not as high as San Francisco, Boston, Chicago or New York, parking is $15-20, tickets run $25 or more for anything but nose bleeds, and concessions are $6-$10 for most items (even soup my wife bought), though the yummy garlic fries are a tad less. So there are no bargains to be found at Safeco Field.
But once you get over the high prices, it’s clearly one of the nicest ballparks in America. The sightlines are excellent, lower level seats are very close to the field, and there is plenty of quality food, as well a strong atmosphere.
Also, and this may not be fair to the park, but I attended games here twice with the roof closed both times due to rain. If the park had the roof open, I’m certain it’s far more impressive.
9. Coors Field in Denver
Unlike Invesco Field or the Pepsi Center, Coors Field sits right in the heart of downtown Denver. It’s quaint, with lots of nice brick on the outside, and several breweries, shops, and cafes nearby that give the ballpark a sense of blending in with all the other red brick buildings surrounding the area.
The Rockies offer great concessions, including several types of hot dogs, sushi, burritos, deli sandwiches, and oysters. Coors Field offers slightly higher prices than most ballparks, but also good bang for your buck, with a nice atmosphere and ample parking.
The views of the Rocky Mountains are spectacular from the upper deck, and center field seats are only $5.
10. Great America Ballpark in Cincinnati
I’ve sat everywhere during my dozen visits to Cincy, and the $7-14 upper deck seats offer a splendid view of the Ohio River. Great America Ballpark is also the cleanest park in majors, which matters.
The front of the park features a nice courtyard, known as Crosley Terrace, and a gap in the seating along the third base side (upper and lower decks) that allows people in the downtown to look into the ballpark — and vice versa.
Lots of good giveaways available here too. Ingress is strong, but egress is poor, unless you know all options. Inexpensive parking is plentiful in downtown.
And here are the rest of the ballparks (again, excluding Wrigley, Fenway, the two NY parks, and Oakland) ranked from 11-25:
11. San Francisco
12. Texas
13. Milwaukee
14. Anaheim
15. Philadelphia
16. Arizona
17. Los Angeles
18. Kansas City
19. Washington
20. Detroit
21. Chicago
22. Atlanta
23. Toronto
24. Tampa
25. Florida
About AJ Kaufman
I agree generally with you assessment and especially with PNC Park. While I have never been, the place looks gorgeous with Three Rivers as the backdrop. I am partial to bodies of water and bridges being in the backdrop. And so I would place AT&T second, which I would imagine to be quite similar in size and ambience.
I disagree with your high assessment of Petco and Coors. They are the quintessential Camden Yards modern era cookie cutters. No, they are not the Veterans Stadium/Three Rivers cookie cutters, but they are nonetheless. Besides the old industrial warehouse facade in left field, Petco has zero ambience and feel to it. It just feels very corporate and sterile. And same with Coors. Coors = Petco = Comerica = Safeco (although I do like Safeco's retractable dome). I imagine New Busch and perhaps even Target to be along those lines.
Coors resembles Camden a bit, but Petco does not at all. Could not be more different. Have you been?
Yes have been to Petco the first year. Did nothing for me.
It's much nicer now. I attended many games in 2004 and 2005, then again May 2010. Totally different now that the backdrop has all been built up. They also made inner park changes.
Post #2 — this had to be broken up. Website wouldn't let me do it all at once.
Dodger Stadium #17? That's an outrage. While it's an aging ballpark, the place is as clean and beautiful as ever. While the McCourts have issues (OK some major ones), Frank and Jamie put tons of money into remodeling and refurbishing Dodger Stadium to where it's still one of the best places to watch a ballgame. The $6 general admission seats behind the plate is the best deal in all of sports. There is just something magical about Chavez Ravine. OK I am partial to it, since I grew up going to it but still, many would agree with me. To have the Big "A" or whatever they call it now, ahead of Dodger Stadium is criminal. That place has the history and ambience of a Rally Monkey. Well, I guess there is a premium for those that like fake boulders in the outfield with fireworks shooting out of them. *sigh*
Good article overall! It's a fun topic.
Is it still $6? They do have good deals, but only ONE parking option and most importantly, you cannot explore ANY part of the ballpark other than where you sit. That is inexcusable.
Also, it's not a very creative-looking park, though has some nice views.
All things considered, 17 is not bad for a 50 year old park.
Have not been to PNC but have heard great things. To me Baltimore is my number 1. The stadium that got the ball rolling on all of this has had a lasting impact.
well said re Baltimore, which is why it's still top 3 after all these years
To me, Petco is the best, had a nice seat behind visitors bullpen last year – climate's a bonus. Was at Turner Field a couple months back but slightly underwhelmed, Parking is a hassle, but customer service was nice/fans friendly, be warned it's like a sauna during summer. Just the retractable rook (although I see pieces that have already come down) saves Miller Park and can go to April/May games without debate. San Francisco is the top stadium on the bucket list.
And everyone can have the new Meadowlands and Cowboys Stadium with the dumb video board, Lambeau is still it…
Folks, appreciate the comments. Surprised no NYers weighed in…oh wait, I did not include their parks, so they have little to say since they rarely move west of the Hudson.
As for the rest, I really think you have to visit a park to be able to rank it. That's why I did not list NYs and why many of you have different views of parks you may not have visited: Petco, Dodgers, Coors, Camden, etc.
Again though, it's my opinion.
This is great! Take me out to the ball game!!
Cookie Cutter elements to me: use of those concert stage like trusses to hold up the main scoreboard/video screen, the family areas with picnic benches and other activities, the boxy perimeters surrounding the field (as opposed to rounded ones), brick (like Ari mentioned), downtown skyline (a good thing but still, copycat – so that's why I really like PNC because it's different – you get bridges and rivers too, LOL), the wannabe Fenway/Wrigley manual scoreboards, the Rocky Mountain Oysters (oops, that's just Coors), etc. The following stadiums look like Cookie Cutters (Xs are for stadiums I have personally visited):
Camden, the OG aka "the mold"
The Jake
Turner Field
The Bob – X
Coors – X
Comerica – X
Safeco – X
Petco – X
New Busch –
Target Field –
Nats Park –
Citizen's Bank – X
Ballpark at Arlington
Miller Park – although maybe having that slide makes it different
New Comiskey
The new ones that look unique:
PNC, AT&T, GABP (I like the smoke stacks) and Minute Maid
The vast majority are cookie cutter. And unlike the 1970s cookie cutters (Vet, 3 Rivers, Riverfront, etc), these cookie cutter are nice parks. So if it works, why not replicarte? I think Pitt and Houston are not cookie cutters. I think Cincy and SF would also fall into the cookie cutter mold to some degree, though less so than many you listed above, of course. Milwaukee is not at all like the others above. It's outside downtown, not as much brick, etc. Arlington is way out in the suburbs, and enclosed, so very different.
Good reply.
Not sure how you could write this post without visiting new york. Id have to say new yankee stadium is unlike any other park ive ever been to. Its essentially a cathedral to the game and manages to minimize outright distracting commercialization and advertising (read: citi field). Go see it if you get the chance
-Mets fan
Marc:
I've been wanting to write this post for years — and had to make arrangements to see Houston, Texas, Minne and DC in 2010 — so I did not feel like waiting another year or two until I get to both new NY yards. For what it's worth, while I appreciate your honesty as a Mets fan, most of the people I know who've attended Yankee Stadium have been disappointed. They say it's too big, still impossible to park, obviously overpriced, overcrowded with tourists, sterile, etc. Seems like a newer version of old Yankee Stadium, which was all of those things. I'll get there soon to find out.
On the other hand, I have heard only very good things about Citi Field in Flushing.
Like you, I have an affinity for visiting and ranking the ballparks. I've visited the following active ballparks: Citizens Bank Park (close to 100 times), Safeco Field, Camden Yards, AT&T Park, Dodger Stadium, Comerica Park, Kaufman Stadium, Progressive Field, Petco Park, Citi Field, The Ballpark in Arlington, Nationals Park, Coors Field, New Yankee Stadium, Fenway, Wrigley, and US Cellular. With that said, I had to give my two cents on this issue: everything you heard about the New Yankee stadium is 200% correct. Parking doesn't exist, it's grossly overpriced, packed with obnoxious, "all-knowing" fans and tourists. The food is bland and the menus lack variation, it's huge and tough to navigate, and it's in the same horrible, tight location it has always been in. The crowd is robotic and the general atmosphere sucks, for lack of a better word. I live in New Jersey, but I wouldn't even go back, even if my Mariners were there again. Overall, this is a great list. I've been dying to get to PNC Park at some point. I only hear awesome things. And biases aside, I suggest you get down to Safeco when it's sunny. It's not even the same ballpark when the roof is open.
Thanks, KJS. I'll still go, probably next year, but look forward to Citi Field much more. The Yanks already draw well, so their new park didn't need to have much appeal.
And as for Safeco, both times I went were summertime, so the weather could have/should have been nice. Hard to control up there though.
KJS, I posted your comment beneath the Mariners-Yanks recap last night and here is one of the many hate-filled but expected replies from a Yankee "fan." Enjoy — and my comment was "hidden due to low ranking." I guess free speech is not allowed:
Part 1:
Hey AJ,if you think that Yankee Stadium is an UGLY ballpark it says TWO thing about YOU: #1 is you're a MORON who's probably NEVER BEEN to a MAJOR LEAGUE ballpark in his LIFE and,#2, you're just ANOTHER JEALOUS LOSER who wastes his time rooting against US …the NEW YORK YANKEES! I've been to the Stadium 5 or 6 times the last two years and it gets MORE BEAUTIFUL EVERY TIME I GO! Oh,and the THIRD reason you're an A.S.S. HOLE is because you have Burnett's initials!
Part 2. Apologies for spelling, caps and profanity but the guy is from New Jersey. You'll see he misses the point
One more thing,you IDIOT! How you can call the Yankee crowds ROBOTIC only PROVES what I said in my previous post. EVERYONE ON THE PLANET knows the Yankee crowds are BY FAR THE MOST KNOWLEDGEABLE IN ALL OF SPORTS! They know WHEN TO CHEER AND WHEN SILENCE IS GOLDEN. They've given some of the greatest ballplayers in Baseball moments that they will CHERISH for the REST OF THEIR LIVES and they WEREN'T ALL YANKEES! Here's just TWO that STAND OUT- the 2001 World Series when they brought Paul O'neil to tears with a 15 minute CHANT OF HIS NAME and,just this past week,the INCREDIBLE greeting they gave Johnny Damon to show their appreciation for his efforts of the last 4 years wearing the Pinstripes! Rightfully,Johnny was CLASSY enough to return their feelings with his gesture to his heart. So just DO US ALL A FAVOR and stop posting you MORONIC BOOB because you don't know what the hell you're talking about!
"Id have to say new yankee stadium is unlike any other park ive ever been to"
How many parks have you visited, Marc? Perhaps you were in awe of Yankee Stadium because you have not visited 28 others like I have.
If Pittsburgh didn't have PNC Park, the best part about baseball season would be looking forward to Steelers training camp. Actually, I think that's already the best part.
Maybe true, but they do have PNC so your point is moot.
Plus, as far as "lokking forward to the NFL," that's true, as NFL games are something fans look forward to more than actually watch. The weekly buildup (and betting) trumps the actual game.
Agree re traditional parks.
The two NY parks are both a year old. I have not been. They are not exactly easy to get to, etc. Will go soon. I noted that first.
As for the "rarely move west of the Hudson" comment, having my entire family from NY, I know that NYers fully admit they believe the world ends in NYC — with retirement in FLA and occasional jaunts to Europe or CA. They are not the most well-traveled folks when it comes to exploring the heart of this great nation.
AJ and others are correct re Yankee Stadium. The Yankee fans are biased, even though I am one.
I've been several times & Citi Field is much better. Basically Yankee Stadium is a mall with a baseball field in the middle of it
you fail to say whick park is the best to watch a game
If you don't care about the home team winning, Pittsburgh. Otherwise, Minnesota.
wow i lost all respect for you dude.you wasted all your time going to those parks, because obviously you don't know much about what makes a park good. wow seriously?safeco field and great american ballpark! pathetic.and petco park sucks as well as the padres.i hate the padres and i hate heath bell and i hate petco park.at@t park all the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
this article sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your screenname is awesome though.
He was trying to use my initials, I think…
really, why?
This may be the worst comment ever posted on this site.
You mean because it's filled with hatred and does include one word of relevance? True.
i think the commenter is a Dodger or SF fan :)
whats the point of a empty stadium. but the fans …… chicago is the place trust me
Care to elaborate?
gotta see wrigley nothin like it nothin but fun
'Fun' is not baseball. The problem with Wrigley is that 90% are yuppies re-living their frat/sorority days. Great park, terrible fans. Fenway is better. (and trust me, I like Chicago and dislike Boston, but Wrigley has problems)