What are the 10 best MLB stadiums? Baseball is one sport where each stadium has its own unique dimensions, quirks and individual style.
From waterfront views, to the “Green Monster”, to city skyline backdrops, Major League Baseball stadiums are pieces of artwork. Let’s take a look at the top 10 best Major League Baseball ballparks:
10. Target Field (Minnesota Twins)
Minnesota has one of the best MLB stadiums complimenting U.S. Bank Stadium and Allianz Field. The Twins home ballpark Target Field is in downtown’s historic warehouse district of downtown Minneapolis.
There are stunning views of Minnesota’s downtown buildings including Wells Fargo Center and IDS Center rising above the upper decks. The left and right field stadium porches add even more character to Target Field.
9. Citi Field (New York Mets)
The rotunda architecture main entrance at Citi Field sets the tone for the 41,922-seat and state-of-the-art masterpiece the New York Mets have called home since replacing Shea Stadium in 2009.
Fans are greeted by one of the biggest scoreboards in Major League Baseball – 17,400 square feet at the front, and 6,900 at the backs, and the Pepsi-Cola porch and Shea Bridge add unique characteristics to the ballpark.
8. T-Mobile Park (Seattle Mariners)
T-Mobile Park is an acquired taste as it’s architectural mashup isn’t for everyone. Home to the Seattle Mariners it’s design is basically a ballpark wrapped inside of a square, which helps create open concourse areas.
The feature piece of T-Mobile Park is undoubtedly its clear views of downtown Seattle and a retractable roof which keeps the rain out. The stadium still remains open-air with its roof closed as it acts like a canopy of sorts.
7. Fenway Park (Boston Red Sox)
The oldest stadium in Major League Baseball, Boston’s Fenway Park was built in 1912 and chronicles the traditional American baseball park. Despite some of the inconveniences for the crammed 37,775 including some obstructed views, fans don’t mind.
Fenway Park holds the record for the longest pro sport sellout streak. The park features baseball’s most iconic outfield wall, the “Green Monster”is the league’s tallest at 37 feet, and its location is smack bang in the middle of the Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood.
6. Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Opening in 1962 at a then-cost of $23 million, the 56,000 capacity Dodger Stadium has recently undergone renovations worth hundreds of millions, worthy for one of most popular MLB teams.
The backdrop of the surrounding Los Angeles hills especially at dusk is a site to behold, and the concessions are legendary such as Classic Dodger Dogs and the Major League Carne Asada Nacho Helmet.
5. Oracle Park (San Francisco Giants)
The 42,300-seat Oracle Park was built in 2000 and is one of the best MLB stadiums because of its prime location. Behind the stadium is downtown San Francisco with the skyline viewable from some seats.
Infront of Oracle Park sits San Francisco Bay. So close is the ballpark to the water, boats and kayaks line up in the hope of scoring a home run ball that’s hit beyond of “Levi’s Landing”.
4. Petco Park (San Diego Padres)
Petco Park is built around the mid-1920s Western Metal Supply Co brick building at left-corner field. Fans can watch from the ledges of the historically preserved warehouse, a feature that is unique to the 42,445 seat ballpark which opened in 2004.
Situated downtown next to the electrifying Gaslamp Quarter district, every seat gives a view of the surrounding city skyline. Simply put Petco Park is one of the best MLS stadiums especially when enjoying a Gaglione Brothers’ Cheesesteak and the Friar Frank Hotdog.
3. Oriole Park at Camden Yards (Baltimore Orioles)
Oriole Park at Camden Yards opened in 1992 and is one of the best MLB stadiums with many new ballpark inspired by its retro design. Incorporated into its design is the eight-story brick B&O Warehouse building which broke ground in 1899, which now sits behind right-field.
Its location offers fantastic views of the Downtown Baltimore skyline, and the neighboring Eutaw Street precinct is great for entertainment with a food offering inspired by the nearby Chesapeake Bay.
2. Wrigley Field (Chicago Cubs)
Wrigley Field is one of Major League Baseball’s most prized historical relics. Opening in 1914, there are brick outfield walls covered in ivy, and the scoreboard is still hand-operated.
Adding to the classical aura of the home of the Chicago Cubs is the “Wrigley Rooftops”, the name given to the adjacent residential building rooftops with bleacher seating to watch games from and one of the most unique features of any stadium.
1. PNC Park (Pittsburgh Pirates)
Opening in 2001 Pittsburgh’s PNC Park is the best MLB stadium, an architectural retro-classic masterpiece and timelessly designed with archways, steel trusses and natural grass. The interior also served as inspiration for Citi Field.
A capacity of 38,747 places it among the smallest MLB ballparks but every seat at PNC Park offers a view of the Pittsburgh skyline, Allegheny River and Roberto Clemente Bridge, with the latter providing direct access to the stadium.
