Best Ballparks in MLB: A Must-Visit List for Baseball Enthusiasts
There are 30 MLB stadiums, and each one has its own unique charms. For some baseball purists, a visit to all 30 stadiums is on their bucket list. But for fans who don’t have that kind of time, they might have to settle for visiting the best of the best. That’s why we put together a list of the stadiums that baseball enthusiasts must visit at some point. While we encourage you to get MLB tickets so you can see all 30 stadiums, here are the must-visit ballparks that should be at the top of your list.
Yankee Stadium
Whether you like the Yankees or not, every baseball fan should experience Yankee Stadium in person. The latest iteration of the stadium still holds all of the tradition and lore of past versions of Yankee Stadium while also giving fans the modern amenities they covet. Fans can visit the team museum and appreciate the exterior of the stadium, that’s remarkably similar to the old one. But at the same time, there is more space and dining options for fans to enjoy, so they truly get the best of both worlds.
Great American Ball Park
While technically named after an insurance company, Great American Ballpark does live up to its name. For starters, it’s located in a downtown area on the banks of the Ohio River. The outside of the stadium offers statues and monuments of past Reds legends, as well as the team’s Hall of Fame. The inside of the stadium also offers great views of the river and unique ballpark features. The concourses offer tons of space and plenty of food and drink options, most of which are local Cincinnati businesses, giving visitors a true sense of the city while Cincinnati natives get to eat at one of their favorite restaurants while at the ballpark.
Wrigley Field
It should go without saying that Wrigley Field belongs on the bucket list of every baseball fan. The place is iconic for so many reasons. Just being in the neighborhood around the stadium is a big deal for most fans. Then there is the ivy-colored walls, the flags whipping in the wind, and the tradition of singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” There is so much to see and enjoy that one game at Wrigley Field may not actually be enough.
Oracle Park
Everywhere you look at Oracle Park, there is something to see. For starters, there is McCovey Cove and the views of San Francisco Bay beyond the right field wall. Beyond the outfield wall on the other side, there is the famous glove and coke bottle. The wall of fame and the statues outside the stadium also help fans understand the amazing history the Giants have as a franchise. Granted, it can get a little chilly there, but there aren’t many baseball stadiums as picturesque as Oracle Park in San Francisco.
Fenway Park
Fenway Park is another place that should be on the bucket list of every true baseball fan. It’s filled with history and quirky features that no other stadium experience can replicate what it’s like to visit the Cathedral of Baseball. Obviously, the Green Monster is at the top of the list of things to see at Fenway, especially since fans can sit on top of it. But there’s also Pesky’s Pole, the Triangle, and the lone red seat in section 42. It’s one of those stadiums that needs to be visited in person to truly appreciate all of the historic moments that have happened there. Just walking around the grounds at Fenway, you can feel how special it is.
Citi Field
Even if it’s only the second-best baseball stadium in New York, Citi Field is still worth the trip. With its facade, the Jackie Robinson Rotunda, and Shea Bridge in the outfield, Citi Field is one large homage to the New York baseball stadiums of the past. Of course, it’s also a modern ballpark, so its amenities are off the charts. It has features like a wiffleball field, a dunk tank, and a batting cage to keep fans and kids entertained while also having the dining options of a four-star restaurant.
PNC Park
Forget about watching a baseball game, the views that PNC Park offers of downtown Pittsburgh, as well as some of the city’s famous bridges, are worth the price of admission. There are some truly spectacular vantage points regardless of where in the stadium you’re sitting. The stadium itself is first-class and has some spectacular amenities. But the total package of walking across the bridge to the stadium, seeing some of the statues outside the venue, and the experience of seeing a game on top of that make PNC Park one of the best ballparks in the majors.
Target Field
For its entire history, Target Field has been one of the great fan-friendly stadiums in pro sports. The game itself is almost of secondary importance. The stadium is filled with bars, restaurants, decks, and other gathering spots for fans to congregate and enjoy themselves. To be fair, the Twins also do a great job of honoring their history and legendary players who have played for the franchise. But giving fans a fun and relaxing environment is always a priority, which is why Target Field made our list of the best MLB stadiums.