THE TOP FIVE MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL STADIUMS
Asking people what is The Best Of almost anything will result in varying answers, based on the specific likes and dislikes of the individual.
So how do we decide which baseball stadium is the best? The most practical way, in the opinion of those that do this type of evaluations, is to determine the best overall best fan experience. The things that fall into this category are the location, ease of access, parking, restrooms, line of sight to the field, seat comfort, food and drink, and, of course, costs.
If you do a search on the best MLB stadiums, you will find many baseball-related companies and individuals that have listed their survey results, all of which vary greatly. Some list all 30 stadiums, and quite a few just list their top 10. So, what we at Dynasty Sports did was to look at many of these survey results and came up with our opinion of the top five.
Built in 1914, Wrigley Field, originally known as Weeghman Park, is the second oldest ball park in the majors, and has been the home of the Chicago Cubs for over 100 years. This historical stadium, with its retro scoreboard, limited bleacher seating, and ivy covered walls, provides an atmosphere that has filled more than 80% of the seats, in spite of the team’s century-long long streak.
4. Fenway Park
The oldest baseball stadium in the country, Boston’s Fenway Park, opened on April 20, 1912, and through the years it has remained very much like it did on opening day. The seats are small, many with obstructed views, yet virtually every seat feels like your right there on the field. There is even a bar under center field from which you watch the game without having to buy a ticket. Maybe that’s why, according to the field’s hiatory, they had 820 consecutive sellouts.
2. Oriole Park at Camden Yards (Tie)
Oriole Park opened in 1992 with a blend of state-of-the-art construction and technology, yet it has a quaint, old-fashioned feel to it. The first “retro” park, it incorporated the old B&O Railroad Warehouse with such unique features as the two-tiered bullpens, and retained a view of the field from Eutaw Street for the Baltimore fans. From its very beginning, it became the model that all new ballparks are measured against.
2. PNC Park (Tie)
PNC Park, which opened in the spring of 2001, combines the charm of early ballparks with modern player and fan amenities and comfort. The affordable seats are angled toward the field, the view of the Pittsburgh skyline is fantastic, and there is always a chance of a powerful homerun ball landing in the Allegheny River.
1. AT&T Park
Open on March 31, 2000, AT&T Park was the first privately financed MLB stadium since Dodger Stadium in 1962. It combines breathtaking views with classic designs and modern amenities. Even what some would call the “worst” seats in the stadium provides a view of the San Fancisco's Bay Bridge and the Marina. One of the many features of the park is an inspiring nine-foot statue of Willie Mays at the public entrance.
Remember, your home team’s stadium has probably been a place of many prized memories. So, to you, the above list may seem like numbers two through six, with your stadium being number one.