The Best Ballparks in America

Photo by: TJ Kolesnik 

 

“A summer without a ballgame is like a hot dog without mustard. Or ketchup, if you’re one of those people.” – Plato, 335 BC

Other sports have their upsides, sure. They have their high TV ratings. Their last-second heroics. But only the national pastime lets you leisurely soak up a game on a long, lazy, summer afternoon. It’s the perfect combination.

All ballparks are not created equal, however. Your bliss meter readings will vary depending on where you’re taking in the action. With that in mind, do enjoy our brief-but-clutch guide to some of the best places to see a game this summer.

 

The Meccas

Wrigley Field

Doing business since 1914, this American landmark now features as much pride as it once did pessimism, thanks to the Cubbies winning it all in 2016. An afternoon at Wrigley should be on everyone’s bucket list. Catch a game when visiting and sport a one-of-a-kind Wrigley Field watch made with reclaimed 1930’s Wrigley Field™ wooden seats.

Fenway Park

The oldest park in baseball is also the most fascinating, thanks in large part to the Green Monster. You don’t go to Fenway for comfy seats or state-of-the-art tech, you go for the history—and you love it.

Dodger Stadium

Grab a Dodger dog and soak in the Los Angeles scene in this now 56-year-old institution. “Chavez Ravine” may be known for emptying out in the 7th inning, but it’s also known for great food, atmosphere, and one of baseball’s all-time winningest franchises.

Yankee Stadium

It’s not technically the house that Ruth built anymore, but New Yorkers have been warming up to this iteration of Yankee Stadium for a few years now, especially with Aaron Judge & company providing so many fireworks. With an incredible 27 World Series titles to point to, there’s a never-ending supply of tradition here. Keep the tradition alive after you leave the game with our New York Yankees watch made with 1923 reclaimed Yankee Stadium™ seats.

 

The Modern Must-Do’s

AT&T Park

With beautiful views of San Francisco Bay, tremendous food & drink options, kayakers retrieving home run balls, and a brilliant design inside and out, the Giants play in perhaps the best ballpark in baseball.   

PNC Park

A stunning skyline, excellent amenities, and nearly every seat in the house is impeccable. Just a great ballpark. Pirates underperforming again? Focus instead on the pierogi mascot races. Again, that’s pierogis. Racing.

Oriole Park at Camden Yards

The make-it-new-but-make-it-retro strategy originated in Baltimore in 1992, and even though it’s only 26 years old, there’s great history in the air with Cal Ripken’s record happening here in ‘95. Don’t miss chowing down on some Boog’s Barbecue.

Petco Park

We couldn’t make a list of the best ballparks in America without mentioning our hometown ballpark. When you start off with the best weather in America, it’s quite easy to enjoy a day or night game in San Diego. Boasting a pleasing location by the bay, top-notch sightlines, and fantastic fish tacos, Petco Park promises a great time, even if the Padres aren’t usually contending.

Coors Field

Offering views of both the Rockies (the team) and the Rockies (the mountains), this hitter’s paradise is the place to be if you like your games loaded with home plate crossings. The surrounding neighborhood is also perfect for pre- or post-game drinks.

 

The Major Minors

Modern Woodmen Park, Davenport Iowa

Home to the Quad Cities River Bandits, a Class-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, this park opened as Municipal Stadium way back in 1931. There’s history, a tiki bar, and a cornfield in the stadium. What else do you need?

MCU Park, Brooklyn, New York

The Mets-affiliated Cyclones play here, and the amusement park-feel is omnipresent, thanks to the famed Coney Island being mere steps away.