Take Me Out to the Ballgame!
There's nothing like catching a football game at a state-of-the-art arena or a baseball game at a historic park. Each sports league has a few venues that must be on every sports fan's bucket list, and there are a few that are not worth the trip even for die-hards. Here are 10 sports venues every fan should visit and 10 overrated ones to skip.
1. Fenway Park
Since 1912, Fenway has been home to the Boston Red Sox, and it is baseball's oldest active stadium. It's part baseball diamond and part baseball museum while also featuring some of the quirkiest dimensions imaginable. The iconic Green Monster is one of the most recognizable sights in Major League Baseball.
2. Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field is where the Chicago Cubs play and is drenched in baseball nostalgia. Built in 1914, its ivy-covered walls are famous, and there's rooftop seating. A day game on a hot summer day is like going back in time, and it's hard to beat the energy of the crowd even during a blowout.
3. Lambeau Field
Referred to as the "Frozen Tundra", Lambeau Field is hallowed ground for NFL fans. The Green Bay Packers' history and loyal fans, many of whom own team shares, make visiting this venue an absolute must. Renovations have provided modern amenities, but the cheesehead charm has been preserved. Make sure you bring a scarf, because it can get pretty cold on a gameday in December.
4. Madison Square Gardens (MSG)
MSG is considered the "World's Most Famous Arena". It has hosted everything from the Knicks and Rangers to legendary concerts and boxing matches. Located in central Manhattan, it's accessible and an iconic place that every sports fan must visit on a trip to New York City.
5. Wembley Stadium
Wembley Stadium is home to England's national football team and countless number of concerts and events. Wembley is truly the crown jewel of Football venues. The current version was rebuilt in 2007, and its massive arch is visible across London.
Samuel Regan-Asante on Unsplash
6. Camp Nou
Camp Nou is the prestigious stadium where FC Barcelona plays. It has a capacity of roughly 100,000, making it Europe's largest stadium and a cathedral for sports fans who treat a visit to the stadium as a religious experience.
7. Augusta National Golf Club
Augusta National is home to The Masters and is one of the most exclusive and stunning sports venues in the world. Stepping onto the grounds is an experience that only a small percentage of golf fans get to enjoy. Its atmosphere is best described as serene and heavenly.
Florian Fritsch, assisted by Mark Anderson on Wikimedia
8. Yankee Stadium
The new Yankee Stadium opened in 2009, but it still carries the charm and nostalgia of the original. This is a monument to the storied history of the baseball team and the game of baseball.
9. The Rose Bowl
The Rose Bowl is best known for its namesake college football game, which is a sports experience that every football fan must attend at least once. Its picturesque setting makes it one of the most beautiful venues in the country.
10. Old Trafford
Old Trafford is where Manchester United have played since 1910, and it is steeped in football history. The matchday atmosphere is electric as the stadium fills with an endless array of chants.
Samuel Regan-Asante on Unsplash
1. FedEx Field
FedEx Field is home to the Washington Commanders and is considered by many fans to be one of the NFL's worst experiences. It's outdated with poor sightlines, and it feels like a full-day trek from parking.
Ron Cogswell from Arlington, Virginia, USA on Wikimedia
2. Tropicana Field
The Tampa Bay Rays play in the worst stadium in Major League Baseball. It's an ugly ballpark with a dome that is not retractable. Fans and players must deal with a flood of artificial lighting, and the famous catwalk often interferes with plays.
3. Hard Rock Stadium
Hard Rock Stadium has hosted Super Bowls and college football championships, but it is still an underwhelming experience for fans. It lacks the energy and atmosphere of most NFL games and is not centrally located.
4. Oakland Coliseum
No sports fan ever needs to watch a game at the Oakland Coliseum. It's outdated and completely unfriendly to fans. It looks and feels rundown, and even the players can't wait until the team moves to Las Vegas in a few years.
5. Mercedes-Benz Superdome
The Superdome in New Orleans has a long and celebrated history, from Super Bowls to providing shelter during Hurricane Katrina. Still, it has cramped concourses, dated amenities, and frustrating sightlines.
6. Globe Life Field
The Texas Rangers have been playing in this stadium since 2020. You'd think a new stadium would have all the bells and whistles, but Globe Life Field has a generic feel and lacks any character. The concession prices are also quite expensive.
7. MetLife Stadium
Home to both the Jets and Giants, MetLife Stadium is bland and uninspired despite how much it cost to build. Some have dubbed it "a giant gray bowl," and its lack of personality doesn't help fight that claim.
8. Dodger Stadium
This one might surprise you. Dodger Stadium is MLB's largest venue and offers stunning mountain views. Still, many consider it to be overrated. It's an old stadium with cramped seating and concourses. It also offers limited public transportation access.
9. AT&T Stadium
The Dallas Cowboys deserve better than AT&T Stadium. It's more style than substance. The size makes the lower-bowl seats feel far from the action, and the giant screen can be distracting.
10. United Center
A legendary venue thanks to Michael Jordan and the Bulls dynasty in the '90s, the United Center lacks intimacy and now has a corporate feel. Its current experience will make you nostalgic for the good old days when the atmosphere was livelier.
