The smell of the hot summer air along with the fresh-cut grass. The sounds of the sizzling grill and the pure joy on people’s faces are things you can’t find anywhere else besides a good old baseball game.
#5 Dodger Stadium
Dodger Stadium hosts the Los Angeles Dodgers, which is always a competitive team in Major League Baseball and will draw in tons of fans. The stadium is a famous place to visit and a baseball landmark due to its rich history and famous ball players. The Dodgers’ home base appeals to many crowds while being in Los Angeles which has a large Dodger fanbase along with it being the third oldest Major League Baseball stadium. When fans are at a ballgame at Dodger Stadium, a “dodger dog” is a fantastic addition to the night. The only downside of the stadium is the prices of said food. Trace79 on Tripadvisor states, “2 large soft drinks for 25 dollars is shocking. 18 dollars for poutine is a rip off and 26 dollars for a small pizza along with 28 dollars for a beer. You also have to tip every time and I think that’s shocking.”
Even though Dodger Stadium is on the pricier side, it is still a great place to spend an evening while enjoying the current players on the field and looking at the historic memorabilia.
#4 Petco Park
Petco Park is the home of the San Diego Padres baseball team. With the amazing San Diego weather and the astonishing view, there is a reason the Padres’ field is the former #1 stadium in the MLB according to the USA Today Sports page. The stadium is surrounded by a great selection of restaurants which include places such as “Taste of San Diego” and “Unique Flavors of Petco Park”. Inside the stadium, there are a multitude of different seating areas which include sitting on the rooftop of the Western Metal building or even on the Toyota Beach Deck in right-center field. Petco also holds concerts prior to games beyond the center field batter’s eye. In Gallagher Square, there are a variety of different activities for all ages, including concerts on the Sycuan Stage. The perfect weather and the amazing activities make Petco Park one of the most optimal ballparks for families.
#3 Fenway Park
The home of the Boston Red Sox has one of the richest histories in all of sports. Located near Kenmore Square, Fenway Park has hosted baseball since 1912. The ballpark has been the home to many household names such as Ted Williams, David Ortiz, and Carlton Fisk. The most defining part of the ballpark is the gigantic green wall out in left field, also known as, “The Green Monster.”
Aside from the immense wall in left field, the outfield walls have such a unique shape that you can’t miss. The food options are greatly unique in that they serve clam chowder at the game, as well as New England’s Maple Bacon Burger. Fans can also take a tour of the ball yard, which includes going inside ”The Green Monster”.
Fenway Park is a park that has hosted a large number of incredible baseball games in the past, so it is a great place to catch a game and see the famous ball club – accompanied by great food.
#2 PNC Park
This Major League Baseball Stadium is located in the stunning city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is home to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Although the Pirates have not been a great ball club for quite some time now (2015), the stadium they play in is nothing short of gorgeous. Beyond the outfield wall, the city’s skyline is featured, as well as the Roberto Clemente Bridge which was named after the late Hall Of Fame (HOF) outfielder who played for the Pirates his whole career.
With very good food and drink options, fans can catch a 1:00 p.m. game and just relax. The people in Pittsburgh are great, and for those who plan to bring kids, there are a multitude of activities for them. This ballpark is truly a beauty and has surely earned its spot at number two on this list.
#1 Wrigley Field
Where does one even begin on Wrigley Field? The home of the Chicago Cubs is a historical gem that should be on every sports consumer’s bucket list of stadiums to visit.
Much like Fenway Park, the outfield wall is unique, but in a different way. Instead of just a green wall, the outfield wall at the “friendly confines” is coated in ivy, which makes the field look like no other.
Aside from the fascinating history of the ballpark – such as the huge red marquee sign at the front of the stadium just off Addison and Clark Street – the seating is quite quirky. In the outfield, there is bleacher seating, and even beyond the stadium, rooftop seating is available with bars below. The Cubs are also one of only two teams to still have a working manual scoreboard, which can be seen deep in center field.
