Take Me Out to the Ball Game
Ballparks over one hundred years old. Memorable downtown skylines. Giant Coca-Cola bottles and big yellow slides. Wherever you are in the United States, a great stadium is just a stone’s throw away, and the best ones have distinctive features worth checking out—whether you’re a fan or not! Grab your cap and come with us as we explore the nicest ones.
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1. PNC Park—Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
There’s a reason PNC Park is widely considered one of America’s nicest spots! The Pirates might not be a team to write home about, but their incredible field boasts some spectacular tributes to one of their greatest players, Roberto Clemente; the biggest homage is that everyone scores a view of the Roberto Clemente Bridge proudly stood over the Allegheny River. You also have steel trusses, terra cotta pillars, and the Pittsburgh skyline well within view.
2. Wrigley Field—Chicago, Illinois
This historic stadium was built way back in 1914, and it never lost its charm. It continues to dazzle with its ivy-covered outfield wall and even a hand-turned scoreboard, which hasn’t moved since its installation in 1937. With an iconic marquee and rooftop seats, Wrigley remains a timeless classic.
3. Fenway Park—Boston, Massachusetts
Speaking of timeless classics, Fenway is the oldest ballpark around—but that’s not all it’s known for! Built in 1912, this time capsule’s not only home to the Green Monster, but it’s also the smallest ballpark with the largest press box. It’s affectionately known as “America’s most beloved ballpark,” and has plenty historic touches still present today.
4. Kauffman Stadium—Kansas City, Missouri
It’s easy to fluff off Kauffman Stadium as a modern ballpark without any distinctive features. But we beg to differ. Sure, it was built in 1973, distancing it from the same historic charm as its brethren. There’s no fancy skyline or notable architecture. But there’s a certain charm to its fountains and surrounding trees, making it a quaint, unassuming gem.
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5. Oriole Park at Camden Yards—Baltimore, Maryland
Oriole Park has just about everything you could want: the B&O Warehouse built right into the architecture, downtown Baltimore’s skyline, and Eutaw Street smack dab in the middle of it all. Notable tweaks also enhanced the fans’ experience, such as wider seating and a roof deck bar. There’s so much to see, there’s so much to do, and it’s hard to know where to even focus.
6. Oracle Park—San Francisco, California
Everyone likes a day on the water, and you’ll get it in Oracle Park. Picturesque McCovey Cove views, giant Coke bottles, and the iconic right-field wall (made 24 feet high in honor of former Giants Willie Mays) make this an unforgettable experience bound to make a splash.
7. Petco Park—San Francisco, California
You wouldn’t think a modern ballpark would find a top spot among historic fields, but this ‘04 creation deserves the credit. Of course, it’s not without its nods to beloved architecture, namely the Western Metal Supply Company building that was built in 1909. Paired with incredible skylines, there really isn’t a bad seat in the place.
8. Dodger Stadium—Los Angeles, California
Built in 1962, this famous stadium brings an atmosphere like no other. Apart from its impressive features—like being the third-oldest ballpark, unique landscaping, and a memorable elevator shaft—this park brings the exact vibe you’d expect from dedicated baseball fans.
Frederick Dennstedt from los angeles, usa on Wikimedia
9. Citizens Bank Park—Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
We hope you brought your appetite cause this park brings goodies for your eyes and your stomach! It’s a bit more modern than other parks, especially since it was constructed in 2004, but fans want for nothing. You have unbeatable food options and the right-field Liberty Bell to announce every home run…and when it’s time for dinner.
Peter Bond from Providence, USA on Wikimedia
10. T-Mobile Park—Seattle, Washington
Interested in getting close to the action? Seattle’s T-Mobile Park has you covered. Home to “The ‘Pen,” fans have access to an exclusive standing room only area where they can watch pitchers warm up and indulge in some great food options. For those in the stands, don’t worry. You have plenty to enjoy as well, like the Puget Sound skyline and a retractable roof for maximum comfort.
11. Comerica Park—Detroit, Michigan
Detroit’s park doesn’t get enough love, certainly not from players who have a heck of a time hitting homers here. But for those of us in the stands, we get to enjoy everything from cool fountains to downtown skylines. The lion statues at the entrance are also pretty cool.
Dan Gaken from Mt. Pleasant, MI, United States on Wikimedia
12. Coors Field—Denver, Colorado
Coors Field doesn’t look like your average park on the outside. Decorative clocks and masonry greet fans out front, and it’s easy to assume you’re in a historic district. But this field, built in 1999, has more to offer than you think. Fountains, breathtaking sunsets, and rooftop bars make it a unique experience all its own—and don’t forget those higher altitudes.
13. Daikin Park—Houston, Texas
Whether you know it as Minute Maid Park or Astros Field, this Texan ballpark still boasts all kinds of history. Not only can fans spot a 4-4-0 locomotive upon entry, but the very entrance itself is located inside what was once Houston's Union Station. It’s not exactly out in the open, and the architecture puzzles people, but there’s a certain charm to this one.
14. Target Field—Minneapolis, Minnesota
When it comes to city pride, you couldn’t ask for a more dedicated field. Located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, you’re surrounded by impressive sights on all sides. The design also used native limestone in its construction, which gives it a distinctive flair. Just make sure you bring a blanket!
15. Truist Park—Metro Atlanta, Georgia
Built in 2017, Truist Park is the newest name in baseball stadiums, but don’t let that scare you away from all it offers. Not only do you have bars and gardens to enjoy indoors, but the stadium is tucked in the heart of the city, making nightlife even more accessible after the game. Best of all, there’s not a bad seat in the joint.
16. Busch Stadium—St. Louis, Missouri
With a good mix of brick and steel, not to mention an awesome view of the Gateway Arch, fans have plenty to look forward to at Busch Stadium. Having opened in 2006, you wouldn’t think it possessed such a fun, retro style, but it does, and that’s exactly what we admire most.
17. Citi Field—Queens, New York
Are you up in the nosebleeds? Don’t worry about it! Citi Field has the largest video screen in baseball, ensuring you never miss the action. Outside of its impressive tech, the architecture pays tribute to its historic predecessors, namely Ebbets Field.
18. American Family Field—Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The highlight of a good park probably shouldn’t be a big yellow slide, but it never hurts to have one. Affectionately known by many as Miller Park (its former name), we like to think of this as a hidden gem among stadiums. It doesn’t have the same historic attributes as big-name fields, but the fan-shaped retractable roof and massive windows separate it from the rest.
19. Angel Stadium—Anaheim, California
You need to be a serious fan to pop over to Angel Stadium. Despite some cool fountains and being the fourth-oldest ballpark, the biggest issue with this stadium is its location. For those who didn’t know, it’s way too close to Disneyland and the Honda Center, and therefore suffers from congested highways and clogged parking lots on all sides.
redlegsfan21 from Vandalia, OH, United States on Wikimedia
20. Yankee Stadium—Bronx, New York
In 2009, the original Yankee Stadium underwent a facelift that brought better seating and new features for fans—but the best thing about it is still the novelty of going. (That is, of course, if you can pay sky-high ticket prices.) The new design thankfully didn’t stray too far from the original ballpark either. However, though it still has that beloved charm, there’s also a strangely quiet atmosphere for such a notable location.
