If you are anything like me and love the game of baseball, you appreciate the intricacies of the game that make it so unique than any other game. For purposes of brevity, I will focus on one aspect; the stadiums.
No other sport–aside from maybe golf–offers such a diverse experience for the fans on a stadium to stadium basis. No two fields are created equal, and some are simply outrageous. It really enhances the experience when you can watch a baseball game in a cathedral.
I have been to several, and here are my top top that offer the best combination of fan experience and opportunities to enjoy your time in the city.
10. Progressive Field–
To say the city of Cleveland has been tortured by its sports teams would be an understatement. The LeBron James (brief) departure was simply one of the heartbreaks, but don’t forget the Indians haven’t won the World Series since 1954 and the Browns haven’t won since the 1963 AFL title game. None of that effects the intensity of the fans or the game experience. I went in 2005, when the Indians were in the midst of a 93-win season. The stadium has a very fan-friendly feel. I remember waiting on line to enter the stadium through the left field corner, which enabled you to watch batting practice while not yet on the premise. The stadium features a 360-degree corridor that enables you to keep your eyes on the action the whole way. It was a great game, which featured a walk-off home run by Victor Martinez and was followed by fireworks set off from the stadium.
The city is great for fans., it features the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and a bevy of bars and restaurants. A great visit for sports fans.
9. Oriole Park at Camden Yards-
When this stadium opened in 1989, there was nothing quite like it. The best feature is that all seats are angled to face home plate, and of course the warehouse which overlooks the stadium in right field. When I went to the stadium in ’07, the Orioles were a miserable last-place cellar dwellar. They were playing the Red Sox and the stadium was about 95 percent Red Sox fans, in my estimation. The stadium is beautiful. I stood in left field beyond the bullpen and it was a tremendous view.
Downtown Baltimore features some great restaurants including the famous ESPN Zone. Now that the Orioles are back to being an exciting club, I recommend the trip.
8. Coors Field-
There’s something interesting about Coors Field. I think it has everything to do with being located one mile above sea level. You feel like you are watching a game in outer space. The stadium is magnificent, as long as it is not April and snowing. Even in that case, you can enjoy the game in the comfort of the climate-controlled indoor portion of the stadium which features TVs, leather couches and a whole lot of food.
I went in 2007, when the Rockies were in the midst of stealing the wild card away from my Mets. I’ll never forgive them for that, but I can’t hold a grudge against the stadium. One of the misconceptions is that Colorado is dull in the summer because of its skiing/snowboarding population. That is not the truth, it is a great city and worthy of this list.
7. Yankee Stadium–
Everyone knows the mystique of Yankee Stadium. I’m not a fan of the Yankees but it can’t be denied. The new stadium is straight out of another universe. It cost $1.5 billion dollars and is pure marble. It is certainly a cathedral, even if the beer prices cost more than a lunch for a family of four at McDonalds.
The Bronx is not somewhere you want to be wandering around after midnight, but there are some bars in the area that will entice you to not get right on the train after the game.
6. Busch Stadium–
St. Louis has long been considered the best baseball town in America. I can attest to that. They are not fair weather fans and they love their Cardinals. I went in 2006, when the stadium was first opening up. I got the chance to walk on the field and sit in the dugout. It was great for a 15-year-old. The Cardinals are always a great team and it is something every baseball fan should experience.
The town is awesome, and everyone knows about the arch (which is a must visit) and the boat ride on the Missouri river.
5. Miller Park–
The best aspect about this stadium is the year-round TGIF beyond the left-field fence. I went to the stadium in ’08 and watched another epic Mets meltdown from just over Ryan Braun’s head. That really enhanced the experience, plus watching Bernie the Brewer go down the slide on a home run. Retractable roofs are always a plus, too.
4. Great American Ballpark–
Cincinnati is a very under-rated town. I went there in ’09 and was surprised when the city was so busy. There was a whole shopping mall built on the water, which reminded me of what I would expect from New York not Ohio.
The stadium is one of the new-age, small and electrically infused stadiums that feature giant screens everywhere. It might not be what baseball purists enjoy but it is aesthetically pleasing.
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3. PNC Park–
This stadium has the reputation of being the most fan-friendly stadium in the league. For years, it was wasted with a last-place team. Finally, the Pirates turned into a winner in 2013 after 20 years in the doldrums.
When I went in ’07, they were in the thick of that struggle. Still, they sold out the stadium and it was enjoyable. I remember the view of the Alleghany River with the Roberto Clemente bridge in the forefront. Walking over the bridge on the way to the stadium was terrific.
The city isn’t horrible. It’s known as the steel-city, and there’s hundreds of bridges. It will always be a football town, so if you go in the summer it will definitely be a different atmosphere than in September.
2. Wrigley Field–
Now we are in the top two, which includes two cathedrals. I went to Wrigley in ’04 and it was a typical windy summer day. I sat directly behind home plate in the upper deck which made it perfect to view the city of Chicago. I shouldn’t have to sell you on the history of the stadium; the ivy on the fence, the organs playing, the 1900s feel. I was able to stand outside the stadium and watch the Cubs bus leaving since everything is much more accessible.
The city is incredible. The “Magnificent Mile” features every brand-name designer jeweler in the world and its located right on the water. This is a must-see. Now that the Cubs are a powerhouse, even more of a reason to get there.
1. Fenway Park–
Hate them or love them, they play in the most iconic cathedral in the game. Fenway Park has the tradition and mystique of Yankee Stadium and Wrigley Field, but with the party atmosphere of Cancun and the historical significance of the Declaration of Independence. It is hard to put into words, but if you sit by the Pesky Pole you will experience it. I was there in ’01 and for Derek Jeter’s final game in 2014. I was too young to take in the experience the first time but I was able to do so as a 23-year-old. Amazing baseball city that you need to experience at least once.
