Baseball Stadium Rankings

[Riverbrian]

I have seen 24 I have 6 to go. Miami, Tampa, Washington, Philadelphia, Cincinnati and St. Louis. I just knocked off 8 of them this month so it's on my mind. 

Ranking stadiums is like ranking a .275 hitter with a .270 hitter, the margins are thin so my ranking will be in tiers to reflect the slim differences. I have been to the Old Yankees stadium and I have been to Turner Field, I have not been to their replacements, therefore two of my 24 stadiums need to be eventually replaced by the newer versions but I will include the older versions in my rankings until I do. It has taken a lifetime to see 24, I can't chase that moving target because I'm sure there will be changes in the future.  

Tier 1 

1. Petco Park - San Diego

2. Oracle Park - San Francisco

Tier 2 

3. Fenway Park - Boston

Tier 3 

4. PNC Park - Pittsburgh

5. Camden Yards - Baltimore

6. Citi Field - New York

Tier 4

7. Kaufman Stadium - Kansas City

8. Target Field - Minnesota

9. Angel Stadium - Los Angeles

Tier 5

10. T-Mobile Park - Seattle

11. Coors Field - Colorado

12. Turner Field - Atlanta

Tier 6

13. American Family Field (Miller Park) - Milwaukee

14. Minute Maid Park - Houston

15. Chase Field - Arizona

16. Globe Life Field - Texas

Tier 7

17. Dodger Stadium - Los Angeles

18. (Old) Yankee Stadium - New York

Tier 8

19. Progressive Field - Cleveland

20. Guaranteed Rate Field - Chicago

21. Comerica Park - Detroit

Tier 9 

22. Wrigley Field - Chicago

23. Rogers Centre - Toronto

Tier 10

24. RingCentral Coliseum - Oakland

[NOTE TO READERS (added by Squirrel): this list was predicated by a recent 18-day, 8-stadium trek the author took this summer. Those daily reports of that trek can be read in the Sports Bar forum. Start here with Day One.]

[IndianaTwin]

I've been to all 30 (plus 13 that are no longer around).

I won't argue too much with your list. I have PNC atop my list, and I always put Miller Park higher than most folks do. I'd slide Citi Field down some and Dodger Stadium up. 

I'd lower RingCentral Coliseum a few more tiers, right below the Little League park in my hometown and even with the Trop.  

It's interesting how much a given night can affect things. It wasn't a real pleasant night when I was in San Francisco, so I rarely rate Oracle Park as high as other folks do. Conversely, we had an upper deck seat behind home at Dodger Stadium and the view of the mountains was pretty spectacular, so I tend to slid that one up. 

[IndianaTwin]

I also give major props for Kauffman Stadium. It was truly a great stadium before, and then they did so much work to it that it almost feels like a new stadium. It's one of the few cases where the "sequel" may be even better than the original. 

 

[UpstateNewYorker]

26 minutes ago, IndianaTwin said:

I've been to all 30 (plus 13 that are no longer around).

I won't argue too much with your list. I have PNC atop my list, and I always put Miller Park higher than most folks do. I'd slide Citi Field down some and Dodger Stadium up. 

I'd lower RingCentral Coliseum a few more tiers, right below the Little League park in my hometown and even with the Trop.  

It's interesting how much a given night can affect things. It wasn't a real pleasant night when I was in San Francisco, so I rarely rate Oracle Park as high as other folks do. Conversely, we had an upper deck seat behind home at Dodger Stadium and the view of the mountains was pretty spectacular, so I tend to slid that one up. 

Wow, very impressive that you (and Riverbrian) have seen so many stadiums!  I'm curious about the defunct stadiums you have been to.  I have have seen Shea, Riverfront, Exhibition Stadium (Toronto), old Yankee Stadium, and Tiger Stadium.  I'm glad I got to see the last two at least.

[Riverbrian]

38 minutes ago, IndianaTwin said:

I've been to all 30 (plus 13 that are no longer around).

I won't argue too much with your list. I have PNC atop my list, and I always put Miller Park higher than most folks do. I'd slide Citi Field down some and Dodger Stadium up. 

I'd lower RingCentral Coliseum a few more tiers, right below the Little League park in my hometown and even with the Trop.  

It's interesting how much a given night can affect things. It wasn't a real pleasant night when I was in San Francisco, so I rarely rate Oracle Park as high as other folks do. Conversely, we had an upper deck seat behind home at Dodger Stadium and the view of the mountains was pretty spectacular, so I tend to slid that one up. 

I believe that I typically rank Citi Field higher than most. It's a nice park but those planes flying low over the stadium one after another, is unique enough to raise the stadium up the list. It's an added bonus to be able to watch the belly of a jet flying over your head. 

I won't argue with Miller Park... I love that park... but in the end... I can't separate it from Houston.  

I left Oakland almost angry. I don't even know why they are trying to negotiate with the city for a new park. Start negotiating with any other city. 

I think Angel stadium is high on my list because It was a great night with great seats. The experience will certainly influence the rankings subjectively. I loved Angles stadium... others don't.

With Oracle, it's the sight lines. That Park was built for baseball and you can see what pitch is thrown from RF. It took some architecture to achieve that.  

Dodger stadium is the only stadium with that mountain back drop and the Stadium itself was fantastic. It would have been much higher on my list but... the difficulty getting to the park is too great... it must be punished for that. ?

[Riverbrian]

16 minutes ago, UpstateNewYorker said:

Wow, very impressive that you (and Riverbrian) have seen so many stadiums!  I'm curious about the defunct stadiums you have been to.  I have have seen Shea, Riverfront, Exhibition Stadium (Toronto), old Yankee Stadium, and Tiger Stadium.  I'm glad I got to see the last two at least.

Besides the old Yankee stadium and Turner Field... I have also seen Tiger Stadium, Comiskey, The Old Globe Life and of course... The Metrodome. 

[bean5302]

It's strange how big of a gap there is between some stadiums based on what I've experienced and how I'd rank them and where you'd put them.

I didn't like Petco, at all. Navigating the various areas of the stadium was difficult and the stadium had a hospital-like sterile feel to it.

Conversely, the Coliseum has been enjoyable for me, except the lack of fans. Good food and beer options, a stadium which was pretty easy to navigate. Convenient BART Service, friendly fans.

Angel Stadium would rank way, way down there for me, too.

Fenway is nice, but overrated IMHO.

[SwainZag]

I've only seen 10 or so, but I am surprised how low you have T-Mobile in Seattle.  I loved going to games when I lived out in Washington...but haven't been in 10 years or so, maybe it's gone down hill since then.

[ashbury]

I like your top five, somewhere in my pantheon too.  I like Kauffman more than you do, though not in my top three probably.  I like Oakland a whole lot more than anybody else on the planet, and I'm okay with that.  I've rarely had a good experience at Wrigley, and yet the overall layout in a regular neighborhood gives it points if I did a ranking.  I would drop Angel and Dodger stadiums as being overly bland in my limited experience.  I hate Houston's park with the fire of a thousand hot suns.  You haven't seen Miami yet, but that one gets ten thousand suns.

[ashbury]

2 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

Besides the old Yankee stadium and Turner Field... I have also seen Tiger Stadium, Comiskey, The Old Globe Life and of course... The Metrodome. 

Among old ballparks, I have to mention Cleveland Municipal Stadium, which was simultaneously my best and worst major league ballpark experience ever.  We attended 2 games one weekend in the 1990s.  First, we were in the lower deck, far back in the cheap seats, and found out why the prices were so low, with pillars every five feet blocking views anytime the ball was in play.  Next day, we popped for more expensive seats in the upper deck down low, and we found out what is lost with the modern cantilevered upper seating.  So close, so very very close, to the playing field!

[Squirrel]

3 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

Miami, Tampa, Washington, Philadelphia, Cincinnati and St. Louis.

You should try and time the end of Spring Training with trying to get to Miami and Tampa.

[ashbury]

14 minutes ago, Squirrel said:

You should try and time the end of Spring Training with trying to get to Miami and Tampa.

Miami hosts the Mets, March 31.

Tampa hosts the Tigers, April 1.

St Louis hosts the Blue Jays, April 2.

Cincinnati hosts the Cubs, April 3.

Washington hosts the Rays, April 4.

Philadelphia... well, home opener isn't until April 6 against the Reds.  I'm sure the time can be filled with something.

"We have the technology.  Riverbrian likes to drive.  We have the capability to complete the whole set."

/ okay, it's 1000 miles Tampa to St Loo.  Needs work

[Squirrel]

1 minute ago, ashbury said:

Miami hosts the Mets, March 31.

Tampa hosts the Tigers, April 1.

St Louis hosts the Blue Jays, April 2.

Cincinnati hosts the Cubs, April 3.

Washington hosts the Rays, April 4.

Philadelphia... well, home opener isn't until April 6 against the Reds.  I'm sure the time can be filled with something.

"We have the technology.  Riverbrian likes to drive.  We have the capability complete the whole set."

lol ... although ... it would be better if he could go from Tampa to DC, then Philly, then Cinci, then St. Louis, then back south because there will be blizzards all through Minnesota hindering his trip back to ND in mid-April

[ashbury]

2 minutes ago, Squirrel said:

lol ... although ... it would be better if he could go from Tampa to DC, then Philly, then Cinci, then St. Louis, then back south because there will be blizzards all through Minnesota hindering his trip back to ND in mid-April

Yeah, I guess I figured he'd fly.  Adding Grand Forks to the Google Maps itinerary makes your point pretty clear.

[Squirrel]

4 minutes ago, ashbury said:

Yeah, I guess I figured he'd fly.  Adding Grand Forks to the Google Maps itinerary makes your point pretty clear.

 

10 minutes ago, ashbury said:

Riverbrian likes to drive.

I just assumed you meant he was driving. Flying it probably matters not in which order he goes.

[ashbury]

1 minute ago, Squirrel said:

 

I just assumed you meant he was driving. Flying it probably matters not in which order he goes.

(Sorry to gum up your thread, Brian.)  I meant, fly from GF to whatever spring training destination, rent a car, drop off the car in whatever last city is on the list, fly home.

[Riverbrian]

6 hours ago, ashbury said:

(Sorry to gum up your thread, Brian.)  I meant, fly from GF to whatever spring training destination, rent a car, drop off the car in whatever last city is on the list, fly home.

You both have stumbled upon the next trip and that is Florida. I've never been to Spring Training so I'd like to spend at least a couple of days in Fort Myers, I want to drive the Keys and I want to time it all for Miami and Tampa opening at home so I can knock those two stadiums off my list and I would like to snag either Truist or Cincy on the way back. 

I have thought about a flight for this one because it would reduce the amount of time off needed. It would really depend on the logistics of the plan. All things being equal, I would choose car over air every time because in planes I just wonder what we are flying over. 

Washington, Philly and Yankees will be the next trip. 

St. Louis will be the last trip because I can make that a ceremonial day trip to put a bow on it. 

 

[Riverbrian]

8 hours ago, bean5302 said:

It's strange how big of a gap there is between some stadiums based on what I've experienced and how I'd rank them and where you'd put them.

I didn't like Petco, at all. Navigating the various areas of the stadium was difficult and the stadium had a hospital-like sterile feel to it.

Conversely, the Coliseum has been enjoyable for me, except the lack of fans. Good food and beer options, a stadium which was pretty easy to navigate. Convenient BART Service, friendly fans.

Angel Stadium would rank way, way down there for me, too.

Fenway is nice, but overrated IMHO.

It's subjective and that's the beauty of it. There isn't a right answer, When my in-laws come to town they always want to go to a restaurant that I don't care for that much. 

Also... Like IndianaTwin said... the experience that you had will influence the rankings and I agree. I was loving life with the seats that I had. 

[Riverbrian]

8 hours ago, SwainZag said:

I've only seen 10 or so, but I am surprised how low you have T-Mobile in Seattle.  I loved going to games when I lived out in Washington...but haven't been in 10 years or so, maybe it's gone down hill since then.

It was probably around 15 years ago when I saw Seattle. Sat in left field, that train frightened the **** out of me. 

It was a good experience. I consider it ranked high, The first 4 tiers are tough nuts to crack. 

[IndianaTwin]

11 hours ago, UpstateNewYorker said:

Wow, very impressive that you (and Riverbrian) have seen so many stadiums!  I'm curious about the defunct stadiums you have been to.  I have have seen Shea, Riverfront, Exhibition Stadium (Toronto), old Yankee Stadium, and Tiger Stadium.  I'm glad I got to see the last two at least.

Metropolitan, Metrodome, County Stadium, Busch II, old Comiskey, Tiger Stadium, Riverfront, Three Rivers, Olympic, Old Yankee, Shea, RFK, Turner Field, Ballpark at Arlington.  I guess it’s actually 14. 

More impressive than my list is that Mrs. IT only has six remaining, and she doesn’t even like baseball.

[UpstateNewYorker]

Readers of this thread might like this book:  https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Care-Never-Get-Back/dp/0802123767

[IndianaTwin]

11 hours ago, UpstateNewYorker said:

Wow, very impressive that you (and Riverbrian) have seen so many stadiums!  I'm curious about the defunct stadiums you have been to.  I have have seen Shea, Riverfront, Exhibition Stadium (Toronto), old Yankee Stadium, and Tiger Stadium.  I'm glad I got to see the last two at least.

What I liked about Tiger Stadium was how on top of everything you were, especially in the outfield bleachers. You very much like you were “in” a stadium. By contrast, with Comerica, I feel like I’m going to the County Fair. 

[wsnydes]

40 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

You both have stumbled upon the next trip and that is Florida. I've never been to Spring Training so I'd like to spend at least a couple of days in Fort Myers, I want to drive the Keys and I want to time it all for Miami and Tampa opening at home so I can knock those two stadiums off my list and I would like to snag either Truist or Cincy on the way back. 

I have thought about a flight for this one because it would reduce the amount of time off needed. It would really depend on the logistics of the plan. All things being equal, I would choose car over air every time because in planes I just wonder what we are flying over. 

Washington, Philly and Yankees will be the next trip. 

St. Louis will be the last trip because I can make that a ceremonial day trip to put a bow on it. 

 

St. Louis seems like a fitting place to end such a quest.  The town bleeds red and loves their baseball.  Hard not to get intoxicated by it.  I haven't seen the new Busch, but was at the last iteration in 2001 over the 4th of July.  I'm biased as a Cardinals fan, but the two games that I attended were as fun as I recall attending outside of playoff games.  Pujols was even in LF for one of the games, which happened to be where we were sitting.  Little did we know at the time what a legend we were witnessing.

As for the Trop, buy a ticket, stand outside the gate, walk to Ferg's to get a bucket of beer and a burger and then head home.  Save yourself the misery!

[IndianaTwin]

12 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

I believe that I typically rank Citi Field higher than most. It's a nice park but those planes flying low over the stadium one after another, is unique enough to raise the stadium up the list. It's an added bonus to be able to watch the belly of a jet flying over your head. 

I won't argue with Miller Park... I love that park... but in the end... I can't separate it from Houston.  

I left Oakland almost angry. I don't even know why they are trying to negotiate with the city for a new park. Start negotiating with any other city. 

I think Angel stadium is high on my list because It was a great night with great seats. The experience will certainly influence the rankings subjectively. I loved Angles stadium... others don't.

With Oracle, it's the sight lines. That Park was built for baseball and you can see what pitch is thrown from RF. It took some architecture to achieve that.  

Dodger stadium is the only stadium with that mountain back drop and the Stadium itself was fantastic. It would have been much higher on my list but... the difficulty getting to the park is too great... it must be punished for that. ?

Yes, I do give points to the uniquenesses, and the planes at Citi are cool.

I also liked Angel stadium. Because it’s west coast and it’s not the Dodgers, we don’t see it on TV that much, but the rocks and stuff in center are neat. I’m sure I also view it with endearment, since it’s where I first finished off all 30 (then had to “re-finish” in Atlanta and Texas, with their new parks).

And yes, Dodger Stadium would get docked for traffic, though we must have gotten there early enough that it wasn’t truly atrocious. Or maybe it’s just that it wasn’t as bad getting there as it was to some of the other places we visited. 

[IndianaTwin]

9 hours ago, bean5302 said:

It's strange how big of a gap there is between some stadiums based on what I've experienced and how I'd rank them and where you'd put them.

I didn't like Petco, at all. Navigating the various areas of the stadium was difficult and the stadium had a hospital-like sterile feel to it.

Conversely, the Coliseum has been enjoyable for me, except the lack of fans. Good food and beer options, a stadium which was pretty easy to navigate. Convenient BART Service, friendly fans.

Angel Stadium would rank way, way down there for me, too.

Fenway is nice, but overrated IMHO.

Petco was No. 29 for me, and I didn’t rank it as high as others, but I think it’s probably that it was between Dodger Stadium and Anaheim, and it kinda got lost. As I’ve heard others talk about it and think back, I should probably give it more credit than it deserves. 

I did like the convenient BART service in Oakland, but when the best I can say for it is subway access… ?

[Riverbrian]

13 minutes ago, UpstateNewYorker said:

Readers of this thread might like this book:  https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Care-Never-Get-Back/dp/0802123767

I am going to order that.

I just wrapped up posting all 18 days of my recent road trip over in the Sports Bar Forum.  

[IndianaTwin]

10 minutes ago, wsnydes said:

St. Louis seems like a fitting place to end such a quest.  The town bleeds red and loves their baseball.  Hard not to get intoxicated by it.  I haven't seen the new Busch, but was at the last iteration in 2001 over the 4th of July.  I'm biased as a Cardinals fan, but the two games that I attended were as fun as I recall attending outside of playoff games.  Pujols was even in LF for one of the games, which happened to be where we were sitting.  Little did we know at the time what a legend we were witnessing.

As for the Trop, buy a ticket, stand outside the gate, walk to Ferg's to get a bucket of beer and a burger and then head home.  Save yourself the misery!

I’d concur on finishing with St. Louis among those you have left. Snydes’ first three sentences sum it up well.

I’ve said that Busch Stadium is the closest thing baseball has to a college football Saturday afternoon experience (other than perhaps the tailgating in Milwaukee, which is better than at any other MLB park). 

[Brock Beauchamp]

It's interesting you rank Petco so much higher than Target Field, as I consider them roughly the same stadiums. Decent stadiums with pleasant aesthetics, a few cool quirks, but most of their appeal is centered around their fantastic walkable locations.

[theBOMisthebomb]

American Family Field (Miller Park) - Milwaukee is a plastic dump on par with the Metrodome and should be in tier 10. Maybe the excitable fans add to the atmosphere. If you are simply ranking the stadium itself, it is vastly overrated.  I will always just drive another couple of hours and go to one of the Chicago stadiums. I was impressed with the White Sox stadium, really enjoyed the scoreboard setup there. 

Not sure what you saw in Angels Stadium, it came across as very generic to me. To place Target Field in the same tier as Angels Stadium is an absolute joke. 

Congratulations on seeing so many stadiums. My dad is nearing 80 years old and told me this summer while we were visiting Wrigley that he wants to see all major league stadiums. 

[Riverbrian]

59 minutes ago, Brock Beauchamp said:

It's interesting you rank Petco so much higher than Target Field, as I consider them roughly the same stadiums. Decent stadiums with pleasant aesthetics, a few cool quirks, but most of their appeal is centered around their fantastic walkable locations.

Petco has more of those quirks. A park inside the park, A beach inside the stadium, Flora in the concourse, great food choices, the atmosphere in and outside the stadium, I like that it wasn't a circular concourse which produces more nooks and crannies and that building in left field is such a unique feature. Plus the Weather and the city itself. It's not a knock on Target Field... Anything in my top nine is a clear step above the rest in my personal rankings.