Baseball Park Reviews
based on 6 votes
One of my great loves is baseball and the settings of the games. This is a growing and ever amended list of baseball parks I've visited and their worth to the fan.
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Explore locations featured in this Traveler List:
Baltimore, Arlington, Pittsburgh, Seattle, Fort Worth, Boston, Flushing, Bronx, Houston, Denver, Kansas City, Saint Louis, Chicago, Milwaukee, San Diego, Los Angeles, Anaheim
- Category: Best of
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1. Oriole Park at Camden Yards
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This first of the "old" parks, Camden Yards opened in 1992 and was a fantastic departure of old Memorial Stadium, a great place that served both the Orioles and the Colts. Visually, this park is stunning and there are few bad seats - but there are a few. The new jumbotron is pretty good and gives the scoring fan all they need.
While the concession food is about as desirous as any other concession food, there are a few highlights including Boog Powell's smoked meat stand out in right field. The omnipresent smoke and smell from Boog's stand adds to the ambiance of the place. You would think that given the state's reputation as a place for crabs that they would be plentiful but as of the last time I was there, I don't recall seeing them. Hopefully, they will be added to the park's cuisine if not already.
The history of the place is appropriate. The old B&O warehouse behind outfield has a connection to the railroad that serviced this city and the field is on the spot of Babe Ruth's father's business while Ruth grew up in Baltimore. The fact that the park is downtown is another big plus of the stadium, giving the visitor plenty to do before or after a game.
Don't worry about driving to the park but rather take the rail system which drops fans off in the front of the park. The park is stunning, the atmosphere is unique and the baseball is improving. |
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2. Rangers Ballpark in Arlington
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The friendly confines of the Texas Rangers is another of the "old" parks built in the mid-1990s and was designed to pull in fans with the history of the great game. Rangers Ballpark combines great seating with great prices. One of the more affordable parks I've visited, the ballpark combines the history of baseball with the histoy of Texas in various reliefs found throughout.
There are, more so than any other park I've visited, options and things for the younger fans to enjoy including skill contests. There is a large souvenir shop, a smaller one and a historical museum that are also attached to the ballpark and are open during the games for the adults.
The area is being built up from its green but barran surroundings of previous seasons. With the building of the Dallas Cowboys stadium, there promises to be a great deal more to do, as well as, possibly, public transportation to the park area - though I would not hold your breath on that one. As of right now, there is no public transportation in the city of Arlington so one must drive to the park. The other option is to park at nearby Lincoln Square, in front of Sherlock's where a free bus shuttle runs, beginning an hour before first pitch. However, one could easily walk the same distance on return when the bus, caught in traffic, can take a bit.
The food is typical with little originality but the game presentation and experience more than makes up for it. New screens and information boards added prior to the 09 season make it very easy to obtain the information you need to score the game. The baseball is on the rise and during its hey-day, it was difficult to get tickets but right now, the tickets are easy to come by and it's worth the trip to the mid-cities area to go. |
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If your image of Pittsburgh is that of a smog-covered skyline and the smell of molten steel in the air, a great deal has changed - including the demolition of the horrid Three Rivers Stadium. PNC Park is a great place and the wonder is in the details.
Unlike most of the new stadiums, PNC Park is much smaller and it lends to a much more "minor league" feel which makes for a great experience. And no, the "minor league" reference is not regarding the play on the field. Because of the smaller feel, one feels closer to the action. The visual quality of the park is also amazing because of the outfield framing of the Pittsburgh skyline. It really is quite something.
The ballpark is within walking distance of downtown. Roberto Clemente Bridge is closed to auto traffic several hours prior to a game so that fans can walk across the bridge which drops you right off at the park. If you are incline, there is a dock for boaters to sail to the game.
It is a great experience. I didn't eat much of the food but some of the local and great eateries in Pittsburgh have stands in the stadium so there is never a shortage of good food to eat. |
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In one of the greatest cities in the US, Seattle, Washington, there is Safeco Field - the home of the Seattle Mariners. This is an excellent park and like many of the more recently built facilities, there is an attempt to pattern it after the old-style parks. We had seats in the nosebleed but the action was still visible and the game was easy to enjoy and get into.
Some of the more unique aspects of the park is the retractable roof which hangs ominously over one end of the field. It is indeed massive. The food is a bit more unusual than your normal ballpark fare. Concession stands sell, beyond the normal hot dogs and the like, sushi and other northwest-inspired cuisine. Additionally, there is a train that runs past the outfield and during the game, it is normal to hear the blast of the train - I think the train conductors sound that horn longer than normal because they are passing the ballpark.
There are frequent fan give-aways and we actually picked up in our one visit to the park a gift card from Starbucks (I know, kind of obvious, yes?) with a picture of Ichiro on the front. Little things like this makes for a good overall experience.
If you take public transportation to the downtown area, it is an easy and enjoyable walk to the ballpark. To make it more interesting are the various vendors, hawkers and musicians that line the way to the ballpark. A great experience! |
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LaGrave Field is the home of the minor league Fort Worth Cats. This park is in the spot of the original LaGrave Field that had been around since the turn of the 20th century. The park burned down in the 1960s I believe and the team disappeared shortly thereafter. However, a few years ago, the team was brought back and they rebuilt the stadium in its original location.
All of the hallmarks of a 1920s era park are here, including a nice shot of downtown can be seen from behind the first base line seats and right field. The two original dugouts from the old stadium were located, dug out (no pun intended) and renovated. They are offered as seating and it would be a great way to see the game though I've never sat there before. There are two newer dugouts for the players.
Food is fairly standard and there is only bus routes that take you to the park so it is probably best to drive.
The field has often been cited as one of the best parks in the country and it is an enjoyable experience. |
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Fenway is one of those places that any true baseball fan must visit before leaving for the next realm. To get in, one will undoubtedly pay more than normal because it is one of the smallest parks and the one in the greatest demand. So, one should beware of the ticket prices.
Prior to the game, if you can, you should check out the tour. Prior to ten in the morning, you can buy a tour ticket ($12) in the souvernir shop across from the ticket office (it does not open until 10 - after which, you can buy there). The tour takes about an hour, does not include on field or dugout visits like in other parks but it is worth your time nevertheless.
The food was fantastic and there is plenty to choose from. However, there was a report the day before I went to the game saying Fenway failed a couple of inspection points related to their food and food preparation. I'm sure they are fixing that as I type.
To get to the ballpark, simply take the green line to Kenmore, cross the Brookline bridge and follow the masses. Don't drive to the park. It is ludicrous to try. About 98% of the fans take public transportation and they fill the streets afterward.
If you go to Fenway, you will have a blast. Try the food, take the tour and brush up on the lyrics for Sweet Caroline and Dirty Water - two fan favorites played nearly every game at Fenway. |
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Shea Stadium is one of the "boring" featureless parks that was built in the 1960s and 1970s. However, what makes Shea a good experience is the great game of baseball and the great fans that are very tolerant to the respectful fan of the visiting team.
To get to Shea as well as the new Citi Field starting the 2009 season, take the #7 line to Queens. It is the penultimate stop before reaching the Queens end of the line. If you go to an evening weekday game early, you can catch the express train, signified by a 7 within a purple diamond which runs during rush hours.
The food is typical and there is nothing special but it is good.
The game presentation is nothing to speak of with a couple of exceptions including the great "Lazy Mary" played during the 7th inning stretch. The seating in the otherwise plain stadium is great - with the steep seating, you are on top of the action and there are no obstructed views that I could see.
The Met fans are passionate and boisterous and that makes the experience all the better. If you are looking for Mets gear, check out the large tent outside the stadium across from the ticket window for merchandise. |
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Yankee Stadium is in The Bronx and can be easily reached by the Green #4 line. One should not drive to the park. It is not needed and therefore not necessary. The new park is right next door so the directions will be good for the new Yankee Stadium. Even though crowds at the subway station can be a bit daunting, driving is simply not a good option as crowds use up all nearby roads before and especially after the game.
The game presentation is not the best but when you are the House that Ruth Built, you can forego some of the more silly trappings of newer and less traditioned parks.
The food is not that bad - particularly the hot Italian sausage but beyond that, the food samples are fairly typical.
Ushers at the park are a bit overzealous and over-reaching in their enforcement of rules and laws of the park. We were sitting behind home plate and by the 8th inning, with many having already left due to Yankee dominance, and my friend moved up to the row before us so that a little girl behind us could see better. An usher approached him and told him he must return to this seat. I'm not sure the purpose of this but it seemed unwarrented. However, it is their park and they can set the rules as they wish. So, when in Rome...
Overall, Yankee Stadium is a great place with great fans to watch a game. Indeed, the nature of the fans, passionate and motivated, in part makes the experience. The history of the stadium is something not to miss. If you want to see the monuments in the outfield, get there very early because they close it down short of the game. |
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Minute Maid Park is the home of the Houston Astros and the park is located on the far end of the downtown area, along route 59. It is as god-awful ugly on the outside as it is impressive from within - so impressive that while sitting at the game, you forget what a eye sore it is upon approaching.
If you are coming to a game at Minute Maid Park, the best and really only way is to drive. There are some parking lots alongside the field but there are also several parking garages within walking distance including the one at the Convention Centre. However, if you get there early enough (about an hour and a half), you should have no problem finding a spot near the park). There is a light rail system but not much of one - it is slow and limited in area covered (only 7 miles) so you might as well drive in.
The game presentation is great with some incredible "jumbotrons" and other screens that give the baseball fan all the information they could want. The park is massive on the inside with few bad seats.
The food is pretty good but standard although one feature that is kind of cool is with each visiting team (I think this is right), during that series, they offer a meal representative of that place which I think is pretty cool and culturally aware.
The place, when the roof is closed, is pretty comfortable - I've never been with the roof open. The Astro fans are a pretty excitable lot though when I went, they were playing the Cubs and there always seems to be way too many of those fans around.
For an overall relaxing and comfortable experience, Minute Maid Park is nothing to look at but easy to enjoy. |
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Coors Field is a great experience but it is uniquely Denver. The best way to get to the stadium is to take the C or E train to Union Station and from there, it is a very easy and nice walk. There are various lots around Union Station and the Icehouse and I'm sure there are other lots nearby but I cannot speak to that. I believe the trains are best for those coming from south Denver.
If you are scoring the game, there is plenty of information made available to the fan. The presentation is fantastic and the music is fun. The seats are pretty affordable and I sat near the first base line (about 5 rows from the field for about $30). The affordability is one of the big pluses of the park.
The food is pretty good and I went with the Rocky Dog - a foot long Hebrew National (the only dog in my opinion) and is best served with onions and peppers. The Denver influence can be seen with two things that seem foreign and in my mind, out of place: a salad bar and a gluten-free stand. Welcome to Denver everyone! There is a great ice cream place in the outfield concourse, several microbreweries present and a slew of great food beyond the aforementioned offerings.
If you want a great view of the Rocky Mountains, you might want to sit behind home plate in the upper levels. However, sometimes, that view can be cloudy and hazy.
The park is beautiful, it is affordable, the food is great and the baseball is done well. It is a nice attraction and worth the visit. |
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Kauffman Stadium is one of the more beautiful parks I've ever seen. Truly the only way to get there is to drive. The parking is expensive ($9) but you pay so little for tickets, it does not seem right to complain too much. I sat on the front row along first base line for only $33. It is easily the most affordable place that I've visited. Now, the cynic would retort that it is due to the bad baseball but this is a young team and though the product on the field may be experiencing some growing pains, it is worth watching.
The information on the "jumbotron" is beautifully presented and if you are scoring the game, it will give you everything you need to keep track of the pace and happenings of the game.
Even though I was wearing the colors of the opponent, I was treated quite well and the fans are ardent but respectful and courteous.
The food is not too bad, as I delved into the hot dogs at one of the "classic" stands. The buns are not stale and the hot dog is quite tasty. There are also a variety of other stands but nothing that seems to set the food apart from other parks. If there is something particularly special, I did not see it.
I did not get to visit the Royals Hall of Fame out behind left field but by all accounts, it was something to visit if you get to the park early enough or don't mind missing some of the action.
As I said before, the park is beautiful (especially the fountains), the food is decent and the fans are cool and courteous. It is worth your visit. |
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St. Louis is arguably one of the best baseball towns in the country and my visit to Busch Stadium did not disappoint. The ballpark is new, the fans are rabid and knowledgable and the general experience is a pleasant one.
To get to the park, the metrolink is probably the best best - with a stop right along the third base entry. However, to leave the park, you might want to consider other options. The crowd is staggering in its wait for the train. I'm not sure how many trains they run after games or how often the trains run but we decided to walk to our nearby hotel - about 20 minutes. From the looks of the line after the game, I imagine we beat people to our hotel.
The beauty of the ballpark is that it is downtown and the skyline is framed by the outfield area. The game presentation is done well with the typical features (like a kiss cam and the like) but for the fan scoring the game, it can seem a bit disorienting to catch all the information. For a new park, much of their game information is scattered throughout the field. Now, I was on the first base line, a few ailes up from the field so I could see most everything. If you are elsewhere, I'm not sure that would be the case.
The fans, their knowledge of the game and the spirit to cheer on the Cardinals, is one of the best parts of the experience. From little kids to little octogenarian ladies, everyone is decked-out in red and they know the game and cheer (or boo) accordingly. For the most part, they are polite and not obnoxious like you might find in New York or other places.
Last but not least, the baseball is outstanding and I believe, given my limited experiences in St. Louis, were the Cardinals ever experience a downturn, the fans would still turn out in droves and be as passionate as ever.
If you are a baseball fan, you can not claim baseball knowledge without visiting the scene in St. Louis. It rivals New York and Chicago as the center of baseball. |
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18. Angel Stadium of Anaheim
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Compliment baltoteach
baltoteach
Love of Baseball
