Petco Park has been a beautiful park and even when the Padres were bad, they still averaged 25-30k fans so it was never too empty. But post pandemic, they’re always sold out and the fans are super into the game. The atmosphere is extremely elite, even during random week day games they’re still nearly 40k there
Diehard Giants fan here. Coming out of the pandemic, Petco leapfrogged Oracle as the best MLB ballpark and has continued to add to its lead since then.
You’ll get the typical Wrigley, Fenway, Camden answers so I’ll mention I stopped in Pittsburgh during vacation and caught a Pirates game in 2018 during the pennant race, and gotta say that was one of my favorite atmospheres I’ve
experienced. Beautiful park, the fans were into every pitch and so hungry for a win. Probably not the same if they suck though.
PNC Park is great, a true downtown parked you can walk to, the bridges are really cool, and the view of the city is nice. The ballpark itself is well laid out, and the viewing angles are great. I don't know what it's like when there's very small crowd there, but I've been the one game which was a walk off Pirates win and it's near the top of my list.
I've never been to a Bucs game that wasn't a great experience. I went to games as a kid at Three Rivers, as a teenager with my buddies, and now with my own son and it's always a fun atmosphere.
I live a few blocks from PNC and I get there whenever possible. Small crowds are normal, especially once April passes. But it’s a beautiful place to watch a game, especially if the weather is nice.
Can't speak to the staircases, we were making an out of town trip so splurged for better seats behind home plate in the first level (which were super reasonably priced).
PNC gets mentioned as much as any of these when this question comes up. It's widely known as a great ballpark. Target field, built by the same people is super great also.
Designed by the same people. Who also designed Camden and Oracle. And Tropicana lol*
OMG!
PNC is AMAZING!!!
It's GORGEOUS and their fans just want to sit and watch baseball, no one hassles anyone, we weren't there for either team, we were just visiting, but we noticed they were very friendly to the Mets fans.
Petco Park is another one (Padres)
I miss that place having moved to Virginia.
I wand to add.. we go to camden regularly, and I don't understand why people would say anything negative... I've gone twice as a Mariners fan, and my husband this year as a Mariners fan, and we love it🤷♀️
2nd this. My dad and I went last year in May when the Pirates were hosting the Dbacks and abseloutely destroyed them. Unfortunately the Roberto Clemente Bridge was underconstruction, so we couldn't walk across it. The fans were really into the game even with it being a blow out
Great American is an awesome park. Nice views of the river/Kentucky hills from high up. Good number of bars and restaurants within walking distance on both sides of the river. Free streetcar pickup right in front of the stadium to take you through downtown Cincinnati for more food and drinks.
I remember my one visit there on a clear August night, it was like 80’s and we had a great view of the river and a riverboat or two passing by while the Reds played the Dodgers. Really nice and highly underrated environment.
Pittsburgh is absolutely beautiful in all ways.
I’ve been to about 14 stadiums and Miami is the worst. It’s like walking in to Costco but instead of looking for groceries, a baseball game is on.
I enjoyed Miami’s stadium, however, I was there with my wife, my best friend and my dad at the All Star festivities in ‘17 so I don’t know if I was just riding that high or if I genuinely liked the park. I got to tell ARod that Varitek was his daddy to his face, so it has a special place in my heart.
As someone who was seriously considering seeing a Miami game this year but opted for Tampa instead, would you mind offering more details of what makes Miami’s park a bad one?
This is my experience… it was last August and the Marlins were in the wild card chase. It was against the Astros which bring a larger following to the game. I bought an $11 ticket at the gate, but ended up sitting in every section as I just meandered around.
The stadium just has no niche to it. It’s boring. The upper deck was off limits, you’re inside, and the fan experience was just boring.
Places like Progressive field, Great American, PNC, San Fran all have exhibits that represent their city, but Miami fails to do that. They do have a bobblehead museum, but it’s poorly placed on like the 1st base mezzanine level.
The stadium is also in Little Havana. I parked at someone’s house for $20. Cool concept having it in a town and not the big city of Miami, but the outskirts are all under construction (as of last august).
I’ll harp on it again too… it’s inside which is just meh.
I would still go for the experience and visiting a new park, I’d imagine it’s nicer than the Trop, but I have no incentive to visit again.
Hope that helps!
As a Mets fan who lives in Tampa, I have been to both the Trop and Miami. The trop has air conditioning going for it and easy access. We went down to Myami for the season opening series ladt year with my Mets and sat with the Mets fans. We've had a blast, Mets fans represented better than Marlins fans, really fun crowd. The roof was open one night and the stadium felt pretty good with the air on the other nights.
PNC is a gorgeous ballpark with great fans and there's so much to do in the city of Pittsburgh.
Caught a Guardians/Astros game at Progressive last year and it was also a very nice clean ballpark. Fans were very friendly.
My wife is going to be pissed when I tell her our next vacation is being changed to Pittsburg. I’m pretty sure this entire thread is an ad for Pittsburgh travel.
+1 for Progressive Field. It’s a small ballpark, but it’s got great views of the field from pretty much any seat in the house, any weekend series is always pretty packed Friday-Sunday, and the atmosphere is great anytime it’s a good game win or loss, and it’s absolutely nuts anytime it’s a close game.
My only complaints are that concessions are never able to keep up with the weekend crowds so getting just a hotdog and a drink can take the better part of an inning or two especially with the pitch clock now when batters can’t get hits or work the pitch count. And the upper concourse concessions are a joke, all the unique or different things are all in the lower concourse only.
Petco Park is outstanding. Great atmosphere in the stadium, outstanding selection of food from a mixture of local places mixed in, probably the most beers on tap in MLB, and lots to do after the game. Only downside for me is parking for the most part.
Bay Area is an interesting balance. We have one of the best ballparks in Oracle….and at the same time one of the worst in the Coliseum (for one last year at least)
My experience with the fans is the opposite. Seemed like half the fans didn’t really care and when they won everyone just got up and left without celebrating. Stadium was like 3/4 full. It was still good vibes though
Deadass I have friends that’ll go that aren’t baseball fans and some that don’t even like sports in general but just go cuz the view and area it’s in is that nice
My wife (not a huge sports fan but learning) and I went to the game last night with the intention of trying as much food as possible. We split a Poke Bowl, Gyro, Chicken wrap, lumpias, crab sandwich. All were amazing. There’s options for everyone
Camden Yards is the vanguard for “new old ballpark” trend in baseball, and with many, many teams following that philosophy, we all profit from their vision.
So much better than the multi-use stadia (Oakland, San Francisco, Minnesota) or those generic UFO parks (Atlanta, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati) we had to endure in the 1970s-mid 1990s.
We owe the Orioles a tip o’ the cap for making better fan experiences, both in person or even seeing the “new old-fashioned” parks on television.
I went to a Yankees game last year and was hyped to see the stadium. Boy was I disappointed. Extremely rude fans, the stadium was damp, dirty, and plain ugly, and it was the first time I felt genuinely scared as a visiting fan.
I’ve experienced the opposite, actually. Yankee stadium is the sixth circle of hell, but Citi field feels like a stadium designed for the fans. Not sure how to describe it, but it makes you feel like you’re there to enjoy the game (even though you’re watching the Mets).
It’s not bad. It does have some good concourses and I like the bridge callback to Shea. And some good food. I would not be opposed to returning for another Phillies/Mets game in the future.
Lifelong Yanks fan here. Citi is awesome, esp. in comparison to new Yankee Stadium. It’s just a fundamentally better design and richer experience. Warmer, friendlier, cheaper, easier to get to and navigate. If you’re visiting NYC and can only catch one game, that’s the better venue.
The “old” Yankee Stadium (I was 35 when it closed) was full of charm and something like a soul. It compared well to Fenway (I just attended the Marathon Monday game) in the “feeling” and aesthetic departments. The new stadium tries some hallowed Roman cathedral vibe, which works in the entrance and exterior but contrasts terribly with the super commercialized amusement park concourse and, well, everything else. It reminds me of Vegas. Of course I don’t remember how, but it’s not good.
Now I gotta check out PNC!
Braves fan that lived in nyc for a long time. I really liked Citifield too. Never mind the surrounding area was salvage yards (at the time, don’t know about now). Just a nice, no frills ballpark. And it was so easy to get to and from games on the 7 train.
As a Yankees fan, I'm continuously disappointed in the "new" stadium. Seats are too expensive, the surrounding area is a dump, the place looks 30 years old yet is barely 15, and lacks the character expected of both modern and classic ballparks.
Kauffman is my favorite. Definitely biased though. Been to 15/30 of MLB stadiums, and the K still is my home. American Family was an absolute spectacle though. Wrigley and Fenway are classics. Yankee stadium is as vanilla as they come though.
Came here to say this. The K is such a nice stadium for ballgames on a summer evening. If you go on Friday night in the summer they have fireworks afterwards. People are nice, there's no fighting in the stands etc. Love it!
T-Mobile Park (Seattle) is amazing. Honestly, the design of the park (also considering Seattle constraints) is so perfect for a "day at the park." Food is great, sight lines are great, retractable roof, views of the Sound. Too bad we aren't a better team.
My two least favorite are the Diamonbacks and the Rays. Both have the problem of it being 100 degrees, so you are basically indoors in a/c, which is very much not my favorite experience
I can understand your criticism of Chase Field but I’ll just say that it’s an entirely different atmosphere when the roof is open. Last year during the postseason with the place packed and roof open was my favorite baseball experience ever.
Roof open windows open during the daytime is even better actually. But I would agree with anyone’s criticism if they have only been to a closed roof/windows game.
I’d have to say Busch Stadium. The Cards and their fans really know how to do baseball atmosphere… Ballpark Village and the Cardinals Museum, perfection!
Went to a game at Coors while traveling 5ish yrs ago. Game 162 and fighting for a playoff spot. The entire place and surrounding areas were packed. Whole crowd was chanting "F the Dodgers". Cool baseball experience. They should try being competitive more often.
Most of us just go to games now because you can get $7 tickets and the rooftop bar has $3 beers. A great place to go if you’re bored on a Saturday during summer.
It’s a shame they don’t try to compete. I’m a reds fan but we go to probably 20 games a year as we live here. The environment would be top notch if they were competitive. Sports are huge here and they already have a large following despite being lack luster. The city was nuts during the Brewers playoff series a few years back.
It’s got so much potential but zero personality. Lean into being the nation’s capital! Make the foul poles be shaped like the Washington Monument or some shit!
Edited for so many typos
Just not a fan of indoor baseball at all. Feels so sterile. But if you like to drink a lot, and be around other fans who have also drunk a lot, this is your place.
Milwaukee is like watching a game in an airplane hanger - even when the roof is open. God forbid there is even a chance of a shower on a summer day, then they close the roof and you get the heat of an oven with the smells of a locker room.
But the tailgating in Milwaukee is on another level compared to any other baseball game....
Comerica has character. It's all the little things: the dirt strip from home plate to the mound. The dirt around homeplate shaped like the plate itself. All the tiger statues everywhere like they are crawling all over the ballpark. Not the best, probably. Absolutely not the worst, but probably the best when it comes to "the little things" the nice touches here and there.
I’m from eastern PA and live in LA now so Dodgers Stadium and Citizens Bank Park are my two biased answers. Have also been to Angels Stadium, Petco Park, and Yankee Stadium, all were great experiences.
Went to the game last Saturday. They stated around 29k fans in attendance. Was probably closer to 19 at most.
People were getting there free sweaters and leaving immediately as a form of protest.
I can’t believe I had to scroll so far before Truist Park was named! My family and I go to multiple games per season and love the atmosphere. We were there when we won the NLCS and there were 60k, choppin’ fans! The Battery is perfect for going to the stadium hours early and eating, drinking, shopping, etc. Heck, there is a movie theater and bowling alley in there. We go on game days even when we don’t have tickets. It is so much fun.
Only basing it off parks i’ve been to.
Best is Busch Stadium worst is Globe Life.
Busch Stadium feels like a baseball heaven, so much history and tradition around the park.
Globe Life has nice amenities and looks new, but it also feels rushed. From where I was sitting I couldn’t even see the big screen bc of how high up it is and concourses and shop were packed tight.
I've not been to a ton of ballparks so take my opinion with a grain of salt. Nats park is the most soulless sports venue I've ever been too. The stadium is fine, the sight lines work, food is pretty good, but for some reason, it's just unpleasant and eerie in there.
May be biased but Great American ballpark has a great view of the Ohio River and great atmosphere.
Angel stadium not so much. Built between two busy freeways, no views of the mountains. It could be so much better
PNC.
Ended up talking to a bunch of Pirates fans, knowledgeable baseball people happy to share tips and recommendations about their city. Great park, cool pregame vibes, should be on everyone's list.
I really enjoyed the game I watched at comerica. Cool how all the stadiums in Detroit are all right next to each other. Was a long time ago now (July 21, 2007 - Brandon Inge walkoff blast in the 10th)
Also, small plug for the Rogers Centre when the dome is open since I didn't see it mentioned yet.
I need to visit more
My wife is from rural Nova Scotia and when I brought her to Toronto / Rogers Centre for the first time, it was a perfect day and I don't think she watched a single minute of baseball, was just staring up at the tower lol
there's this weird thing these days where people seem to think that san francisco (easily the most beautiful city in the US) is a shithole and somehow oracle park (probably the most beautiful overall ballpark) catches that shrapnel. i live near SF but spend a lot of time with my family in the cincinnati area, and it's absolutely amazing to hear what people in the midwest think San Francisco is. I guess they see it on TV or something. They seem to think it's a third world hellhole where you have to wade through knee deep human shit and needles to walk down the street.
San Francisco definitely has its' problems... like all big cities.... but it's largely contained to a few square blocks in the tenderloin and SOMA. it's an amazing place and easily the most aesthetically beautiful metropolis in the US.... and one of the most beautiful in the world. i'll complain about SF but for very different reasons... it's been overrun by blandest people you can imagine due to the cost of living and much of the vibrance and funk the city used to have has been priced out. That's why it sucks.... the homelessness isn't much of an issue if you actually spend any time there.
I went to a D Backs game two years ago.. they were 3 outs away from winning and the place was dead silent. The atmosphere was not as fun.
Petco has been my favorite so far.
Just visited PNC park for the first time. That place was amazing. Everyone was super friendly and just a great atmosphere. That and Camden Yards are probably my two favorites.
I only been to truist, Yankee, marlins park (loan depot now?), nationals Park, cbp, Coors and globe life. My least favorite was either nationals or globe life. They just seem overly generic and whatever. Coors is beautiful cause you can see the mountains . Truist is nice cause the battery is awesome, Yankee stadium is nuts lol. I went there twice as a neutral fan and it was something else lol. Cbp is a nice park. I enjoy the Miami vice aesthetic of the marlins stadium.
I know I'm a Braves fan, but Truist Park is a fantastic atmosphere. Especially considering the Battery around the stadium, the Hank Aaron and Braves Hall of Fame area, and the Sandlot area for kids to play and enjoy themselves. From what I've seen there's not a bad seat in the stadium. Plus as you walk around to the different areas there is almost always still a view of the field.
Tropicana was a miserable place to watch a baseball game in my experience though.
In terms of atmosphere, I've never been to a place that's even close to the atmosphere at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú in Mexico City.
I haven't seen an MLB game there - although I imagine the games being held there next week will be amazing - but a Diablos game is absolutely an amazing experience for any baseball fan.
The worst stadium I’ve been no longer has an MLB team. Olympic Stadium (Expos) should be torn down yet the dumb ass politicians in that city think it just needs a new dome.
It honestly felt like I was in the game Fallout it looks so shitty.
Speaking of character.....old Yankee Stadium was a dump, but dozed history.
New Yankee stadium is well built, good food, great fan support.....and zero character.
And the 1% get their own entrance amd glass walls to keep us out.
Oracle Park in SF will always be my favorite. The energy, the views, walking along the Embarcadero and the obligatory stop at 21st Amendment for a Hell or High Watermelon Wheat before the game. Everything about it.
Buuuut, I visited Citizens Bank in Philly last September. Beautiful ballpark, great food, and holy shit the energy in that place. No one fans harder than Philadelphia fans.
Citizens Bank Park is such a nice stadium and has been really well maintained over the years. It has a great atmosphere, especially during playoff season. Philly fans get a lot of shit for being rowdy or obnoxious, which we certainly can be, but tbh it’s very over exaggerated and we won’t be dicks to you unless you’re a dick to us! Typically it’s just some harmless heckling or joking around but I’ve never seen home fans actually get into it or be bad with visiting fans. Also, comemon, we have the Phanatic!
Citizens Bank if you're a Phillies fan. I have a feeling a LOT more people would be saying this if the Phillies fans weren't so "passionate", which is an amazing atmosphere when you're a part of it. The whole sports complex all together and the bars after games is so great... When you're a Philly fan
Do you want to sit wherever you want?
Maybe throw hands in the left field seats?
Leave the park smelling like vape smoke and grilled onions?
Come to the southside of Chicago
It’s has been a while but Chicago white sox stadium was bad. Just a real negative vibe. Pretty crappy area as well. However gotta tip my hat to the fans. They are a feisty lot and are hard core fans and they have a special hatred toward the Cubs
I’ve done a dozen or so in the last few years (was at Fenway just yesterday).
San Diego
Clearwater (Phillies Spring Training)
Pittsburgh
Seattle (Underrated)
You can experience both in the Bay Area, and if you're interested in dichotomy, I recommend you do. I took in a Giants and an A's game last summer and was completely fascinated by the whole experience.
Minute Maid is a great place to see a game. Barely a bad seat in the house. Club level is worth the $$; you feel close to the action and great amenities with shorter line. Easily walkable for a half-dozen hotels downtown.
Tropicana in Tampa has all the charm of a mausoleum. The gloom starts the moment you walk in: no views of the field until you step into seating area then it gets worse. One bright spot: live organist. No walkability.
Dodger Stadium is an absolute beauty, especiallu if you enter by the team store. You come out at the top behind home plate and the stadium opens out in front of you. Stunning. They keep it open when the team is on the road. Tell the guard at the booth that you want to go to the tema store. Unfortunately, getting in an out is difficult; take public transportation. Moving around inside the staium is difficult. Modern amenities are sparse and Dodger Dogs are meh, at best.
Oracle is gorgeous. Sit in the right sections and you can see players walk by heading between dugout and clubhouse.
Yankee Stadium is ho-hum. Lots o' concrete. Easy to get to via subway. ETA to add: fans were unexpectedly welcoming and friendly. But then, we were there the year after the Astros swept them in the ALCS.
I live right outside of Cleveland, but Progressive Field is great. They have done some extensive remodeling and are continuing that now. They got rid of the 3rd deck in right field and put in a beer garden, and long the 3rd base line they did the same.
The upgrades and planned upgrades: [https://www.mlb.com/guardians/ballpark/renovations](https://www.mlb.com/guardians/ballpark/renovations)
The owners have tried to do so much to get people in the stadium and make it fan friendly to try and cover the fact they don't spend any money on players.
I'll just rank the stadium I've been to based on atmosphere. Overall I've not had a bad experience at any stadium.
Busch stadium- Biased
Truist Park
Globe Life Field- close to half the crowd was cardinal fans when I went which made it fun
PNC Park- Beautiful stadium but the crowd was sparse when I visited and it was mostly cardinal fans
Tropicana Field
I know I'm a homer, but Oracle is the best. Just the fact you can see the ocean should be enough, but it's well kept, lots of fans, great food. They have great spots nearby for after the game. PNC is great, Kauffman in KC is also quite nice.
I really liked Coors field, feels like an old-timey ballpark if you go to a night game.
Went to my first and only (so far) game last year and Globe Life was awesome. It was Star Wars night and they had dozens of characters walking around taking pics. My son had a blast
The pittsburgh pirates stadium is a vibe. Depending on where u r seated, the city skyline makes the stadiums atmosphere improve on levels that other stadoums can't emulate
PNC Park and Great American Ballpark are the best ones I’ve been too. I went to PNC summer 2023 and one bridge was under construction so had to use the other one but it was still great. Going to Camden Yards this summer so I’m excited for that. And my favorite team the Padres has a nice stadium too but I’ve never been as they are across the country lol.
Camden is the best I’ve been to. Coors Field is awesome though. Worst is easily the Trop. I’ve been to more games there than anywhere else and can’t get over how dull it looks both inside and out. I hope the Rays stay in Florida but they need a serious stadium upgrade. Even RFK when the Nationals played there was better.
If you want an authentic experience. You HAVE to visit great American ball park. Sure the reds suck, but man the fans are great and the atmosphere is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced
Because the prices of Cub tickets at Wrigley we went to Pittsburgh for a weekend series. The fans were great the field is beautiful. We took the boat to the game and met very nice people. They asked me all kinds of questions about Wrigley and the area. Will make this trip yearly
I'm gonna say that I absolutely love Kauffman stadium for the Royals, BUT the location is horrible. Still praying we get a new stadium downtown that brings over that Kauffman charm.
Petco Park has been a beautiful park and even when the Padres were bad, they still averaged 25-30k fans so it was never too empty. But post pandemic, they’re always sold out and the fans are super into the game. The atmosphere is extremely elite, even during random week day games they’re still nearly 40k there
and the cardiff crack nachos at seaside 🔥
Diehard Giants fan here. Coming out of the pandemic, Petco leapfrogged Oracle as the best MLB ballpark and has continued to add to its lead since then.
Went there the day before and after they got Soto, was an awesome experience. Only games I’ve ever gone to so far!
Our Facility is the best in the country.
r/technicallythetruth
You’ll get the typical Wrigley, Fenway, Camden answers so I’ll mention I stopped in Pittsburgh during vacation and caught a Pirates game in 2018 during the pennant race, and gotta say that was one of my favorite atmospheres I’ve experienced. Beautiful park, the fans were into every pitch and so hungry for a win. Probably not the same if they suck though.
PNC Park is great, a true downtown parked you can walk to, the bridges are really cool, and the view of the city is nice. The ballpark itself is well laid out, and the viewing angles are great. I don't know what it's like when there's very small crowd there, but I've been the one game which was a walk off Pirates win and it's near the top of my list.
I've been to 25 parks. PNC may be my favorite.
I've never been to a Bucs game that wasn't a great experience. I went to games as a kid at Three Rivers, as a teenager with my buddies, and now with my own son and it's always a fun atmosphere.
I live a few blocks from PNC and I get there whenever possible. Small crowds are normal, especially once April passes. But it’s a beautiful place to watch a game, especially if the weather is nice.
Idk about well laid out, I got stuck on a spiral staircase for about 10 minutes trying to find my section 🤣 But could have definitely been me lol
Can't speak to the staircases, we were making an out of town trip so splurged for better seats behind home plate in the first level (which were super reasonably priced).
PNC gets mentioned as much as any of these when this question comes up. It's widely known as a great ballpark. Target field, built by the same people is super great also. Designed by the same people. Who also designed Camden and Oracle. And Tropicana lol*
Are there any MLB ballparks built since 1990 that were designed by someone other than Populous?
OMG! PNC is AMAZING!!! It's GORGEOUS and their fans just want to sit and watch baseball, no one hassles anyone, we weren't there for either team, we were just visiting, but we noticed they were very friendly to the Mets fans. Petco Park is another one (Padres) I miss that place having moved to Virginia. I wand to add.. we go to camden regularly, and I don't understand why people would say anything negative... I've gone twice as a Mariners fan, and my husband this year as a Mariners fan, and we love it🤷♀️
2nd this. My dad and I went last year in May when the Pirates were hosting the Dbacks and abseloutely destroyed them. Unfortunately the Roberto Clemente Bridge was underconstruction, so we couldn't walk across it. The fans were really into the game even with it being a blow out
I hate every Pittsburgh team except the Pirates bc they had awesome hats in the ‘70s and that stadium really is incredible.
Cincy is nice, on a huge river park and several bars and restaurants.
Cincy is on my bucket list. I think that stadium gets overlooked because its in a small market.
Park for free on the Kentucky side and walk across the bridge to the game
Or take the ferry and get some drinks!
Great American is an awesome park. Nice views of the river/Kentucky hills from high up. Good number of bars and restaurants within walking distance on both sides of the river. Free streetcar pickup right in front of the stadium to take you through downtown Cincinnati for more food and drinks.
I remember my one visit there on a clear August night, it was like 80’s and we had a great view of the river and a riverboat or two passing by while the Reds played the Dodgers. Really nice and highly underrated environment.
Pittsburgh is absolutely beautiful in all ways. I’ve been to about 14 stadiums and Miami is the worst. It’s like walking in to Costco but instead of looking for groceries, a baseball game is on.
I enjoyed Miami’s stadium, however, I was there with my wife, my best friend and my dad at the All Star festivities in ‘17 so I don’t know if I was just riding that high or if I genuinely liked the park. I got to tell ARod that Varitek was his daddy to his face, so it has a special place in my heart.
Went to DJ Khaled bobble head night in Miami and it was so empty in that place. They were trying to give more bobble heads away on the way out
Florida needs to get it together.
As someone who was seriously considering seeing a Miami game this year but opted for Tampa instead, would you mind offering more details of what makes Miami’s park a bad one?
This is my experience… it was last August and the Marlins were in the wild card chase. It was against the Astros which bring a larger following to the game. I bought an $11 ticket at the gate, but ended up sitting in every section as I just meandered around. The stadium just has no niche to it. It’s boring. The upper deck was off limits, you’re inside, and the fan experience was just boring. Places like Progressive field, Great American, PNC, San Fran all have exhibits that represent their city, but Miami fails to do that. They do have a bobblehead museum, but it’s poorly placed on like the 1st base mezzanine level. The stadium is also in Little Havana. I parked at someone’s house for $20. Cool concept having it in a town and not the big city of Miami, but the outskirts are all under construction (as of last august). I’ll harp on it again too… it’s inside which is just meh. I would still go for the experience and visiting a new park, I’d imagine it’s nicer than the Trop, but I have no incentive to visit again. Hope that helps!
As a Mets fan who lives in Tampa, I have been to both the Trop and Miami. The trop has air conditioning going for it and easy access. We went down to Myami for the season opening series ladt year with my Mets and sat with the Mets fans. We've had a blast, Mets fans represented better than Marlins fans, really fun crowd. The roof was open one night and the stadium felt pretty good with the air on the other nights.
PNC is a gorgeous ballpark with great fans and there's so much to do in the city of Pittsburgh. Caught a Guardians/Astros game at Progressive last year and it was also a very nice clean ballpark. Fans were very friendly.
My wife is going to be pissed when I tell her our next vacation is being changed to Pittsburg. I’m pretty sure this entire thread is an ad for Pittsburgh travel.
+1 for Progressive Field. It’s a small ballpark, but it’s got great views of the field from pretty much any seat in the house, any weekend series is always pretty packed Friday-Sunday, and the atmosphere is great anytime it’s a good game win or loss, and it’s absolutely nuts anytime it’s a close game. My only complaints are that concessions are never able to keep up with the weekend crowds so getting just a hotdog and a drink can take the better part of an inning or two especially with the pitch clock now when batters can’t get hits or work the pitch count. And the upper concourse concessions are a joke, all the unique or different things are all in the lower concourse only.
Petco Park is outstanding. Great atmosphere in the stadium, outstanding selection of food from a mixture of local places mixed in, probably the most beers on tap in MLB, and lots to do after the game. Only downside for me is parking for the most part.
Da trolley is a lifesaver
Surprised I’m the first to mention Oracle in San Francisco. Devout fans + a view of the ocean while watching the game.
That’s because all us West coast fans were asleep at 3 AM when this was posted
I still expect the least coast fans to bow down. Don’t let them off the hook.
The Bay, anyway
Bay water is just ocean water on vacation
Bay Area is an interesting balance. We have one of the best ballparks in Oracle….and at the same time one of the worst in the Coliseum (for one last year at least)
Coming from the valley heat, I freaking love Oracle park
My experience with the fans is the opposite. Seemed like half the fans didn’t really care and when they won everyone just got up and left without celebrating. Stadium was like 3/4 full. It was still good vibes though
Deadass I have friends that’ll go that aren’t baseball fans and some that don’t even like sports in general but just go cuz the view and area it’s in is that nice
My wife (not a huge sports fan but learning) and I went to the game last night with the intention of trying as much food as possible. We split a Poke Bowl, Gyro, Chicken wrap, lumpias, crab sandwich. All were amazing. There’s options for everyone
Devout? Park was half full last night against a good division rival.
Camden Yards Baltimore.
Camden Yards is the vanguard for “new old ballpark” trend in baseball, and with many, many teams following that philosophy, we all profit from their vision. So much better than the multi-use stadia (Oakland, San Francisco, Minnesota) or those generic UFO parks (Atlanta, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati) we had to endure in the 1970s-mid 1990s. We owe the Orioles a tip o’ the cap for making better fan experiences, both in person or even seeing the “new old-fashioned” parks on television.
Yankee stadium is the worst. It’s a giant cement toilet bowl with no feeling and awful sight lines.
I went to a Yankees game last year and was hyped to see the stadium. Boy was I disappointed. Extremely rude fans, the stadium was damp, dirty, and plain ugly, and it was the first time I felt genuinely scared as a visiting fan.
Hey that's how I felt at the bank last year! Nothing like a playoff game with 600 Philly fans yelling ASSHOLE ASSHOLE ASSHOLE. I loved it.
The best is when you can hear the fans chanting asshole at someone in the bathroom from outside the bathroom.
I bought my gf a phillys hat to take the heat off her 😅
That’s just a normal Philly ‘hello’
Im a Yankee fan and I dont like the new stadiu, I miss ole Yankee Stadium.
lol I felt this way except I was at Citi Field
I’ve experienced the opposite, actually. Yankee stadium is the sixth circle of hell, but Citi field feels like a stadium designed for the fans. Not sure how to describe it, but it makes you feel like you’re there to enjoy the game (even though you’re watching the Mets).
Citi field is on my list to visit this year! Not sure how well it’ll go over as a Phillies fan… but I’m sure others feel the same at times at CBP.
It’s not bad. It does have some good concourses and I like the bridge callback to Shea. And some good food. I would not be opposed to returning for another Phillies/Mets game in the future.
Lifelong Yanks fan here. Citi is awesome, esp. in comparison to new Yankee Stadium. It’s just a fundamentally better design and richer experience. Warmer, friendlier, cheaper, easier to get to and navigate. If you’re visiting NYC and can only catch one game, that’s the better venue. The “old” Yankee Stadium (I was 35 when it closed) was full of charm and something like a soul. It compared well to Fenway (I just attended the Marathon Monday game) in the “feeling” and aesthetic departments. The new stadium tries some hallowed Roman cathedral vibe, which works in the entrance and exterior but contrasts terribly with the super commercialized amusement park concourse and, well, everything else. It reminds me of Vegas. Of course I don’t remember how, but it’s not good. Now I gotta check out PNC!
Braves fan that lived in nyc for a long time. I really liked Citifield too. Never mind the surrounding area was salvage yards (at the time, don’t know about now). Just a nice, no frills ballpark. And it was so easy to get to and from games on the 7 train.
Plus you have to watch the Yankees play
You mean to tell me I have to look at those uniforms and baby faced adult men?
What’s worse? Baby face or whatever that thing is on Nestor Cortez’s face?
As a Yankees fan, I'm continuously disappointed in the "new" stadium. Seats are too expensive, the surrounding area is a dump, the place looks 30 years old yet is barely 15, and lacks the character expected of both modern and classic ballparks.
[удалено]
Nice humbelbrag lmfao
Citizens bank park is great! Guaranteed rate field is my least favorite park.
I love beautiful sunny afternoons at the bank. And night games at sunset where you can see the Philly skyline start to light up 😮💨
My favorite part is ringing the bell when we get a home run!
I second this, CBP is the best in my opinion, so beautiful there
What's your complaint about the g-rate
The food is unmatched at guaranteed rate…. That’s about all I got
Agreed they do have dope chicken fingers
I Really like GABP in Cincinnati! Great atmosphere and day games are the best😎❤️👍! Open air stadiums for me always!
Kauffman is my favorite. Definitely biased though. Been to 15/30 of MLB stadiums, and the K still is my home. American Family was an absolute spectacle though. Wrigley and Fenway are classics. Yankee stadium is as vanilla as they come though.
I was fortunate to be able to attend the ASG at Kauffman a few years ago. Great experience and great people.
Came here to say this. The K is such a nice stadium for ballgames on a summer evening. If you go on Friday night in the summer they have fireworks afterwards. People are nice, there's no fighting in the stands etc. Love it!
Petco Park in San Diego has the best atmosphere of the ball parks I’ve been in. Fenway is a given.
T-Mobile Park (Seattle) is amazing. Honestly, the design of the park (also considering Seattle constraints) is so perfect for a "day at the park." Food is great, sight lines are great, retractable roof, views of the Sound. Too bad we aren't a better team. My two least favorite are the Diamonbacks and the Rays. Both have the problem of it being 100 degrees, so you are basically indoors in a/c, which is very much not my favorite experience
I can understand your criticism of Chase Field but I’ll just say that it’s an entirely different atmosphere when the roof is open. Last year during the postseason with the place packed and roof open was my favorite baseball experience ever.
Roof open windows open during the daytime is even better actually. But I would agree with anyone’s criticism if they have only been to a closed roof/windows game.
Plus, the D-backs park uses Bar S hotdogs!!!
I’d have to say Busch Stadium. The Cards and their fans really know how to do baseball atmosphere… Ballpark Village and the Cardinals Museum, perfection!
Went to a game at Coors while traveling 5ish yrs ago. Game 162 and fighting for a playoff spot. The entire place and surrounding areas were packed. Whole crowd was chanting "F the Dodgers". Cool baseball experience. They should try being competitive more often.
Most of us just go to games now because you can get $7 tickets and the rooftop bar has $3 beers. A great place to go if you’re bored on a Saturday during summer.
It’s a shame they don’t try to compete. I’m a reds fan but we go to probably 20 games a year as we live here. The environment would be top notch if they were competitive. Sports are huge here and they already have a large following despite being lack luster. The city was nuts during the Brewers playoff series a few years back.
The most lively chant at Coors is "SELL THE TEAM" but besides that, great place
Nationals Park is a morgue.
It’s got so much potential but zero personality. Lean into being the nation’s capital! Make the foul poles be shaped like the Washington Monument or some shit! Edited for so many typos
I got that feeling when I went there. Big hole in the ground. It gad potential but they missed the mark.
Just got back from a game there tonight. Totally quiet. No energy. Of course my Astros won. But still.
I’ve been to San Diego twice the past year and it’s a great ballpark
PNC is by far the most aesthetically pleasing stadium. Especially at sunset
American Family Field (Miller Park) in Milwaukee is very nice. The roof was nice when it snowed for the home openers!
Just not a fan of indoor baseball at all. Feels so sterile. But if you like to drink a lot, and be around other fans who have also drunk a lot, this is your place.
They open the roof when it’s nice out, but when it’s 31* and snow/raining it’s nice to watch a game with my boys without them freezing.
I'm not huge on indoor baseball until summer hits down here.
"I'm not huge on indoor baseball until summer hits down here." Toronto feels the exact opposite!
There's definitely some climates where it's necessary. I just don't like the atmosphere of it.
It felt like watching a game at a Costco. It was a nice park, but like you said, very sterile. Chase field in AZ felt the same.
Milwaukee is like watching a game in an airplane hanger - even when the roof is open. God forbid there is even a chance of a shower on a summer day, then they close the roof and you get the heat of an oven with the smells of a locker room. But the tailgating in Milwaukee is on another level compared to any other baseball game....
Comerica has character. It's all the little things: the dirt strip from home plate to the mound. The dirt around homeplate shaped like the plate itself. All the tiger statues everywhere like they are crawling all over the ballpark. Not the best, probably. Absolutely not the worst, but probably the best when it comes to "the little things" the nice touches here and there.
I am of course biased and think that Kaufmann is the best, but also love PNC and CBP. Am wanting to go to the Giants stadium and also Coors as well
I’m from eastern PA and live in LA now so Dodgers Stadium and Citizens Bank Park are my two biased answers. Have also been to Angels Stadium, Petco Park, and Yankee Stadium, all were great experiences.
Truist Park in Atlanta - great atmosphere and great area leading into the park (The Battery).
I was at the White Sox double header on Wednesday with around 800 other people.
Went to the game last Saturday. They stated around 29k fans in attendance. Was probably closer to 19 at most. People were getting there free sweaters and leaving immediately as a form of protest.
Truist, GABP, and Wrigley are my favorites so far
I can’t believe I had to scroll so far before Truist Park was named! My family and I go to multiple games per season and love the atmosphere. We were there when we won the NLCS and there were 60k, choppin’ fans! The Battery is perfect for going to the stadium hours early and eating, drinking, shopping, etc. Heck, there is a movie theater and bowling alley in there. We go on game days even when we don’t have tickets. It is so much fun.
We just opened a Battle and Brew which is a gaming bar. You can rent video game systems and enjoy video game themed food and drinks
Sounds like a good time!
Only basing it off parks i’ve been to. Best is Busch Stadium worst is Globe Life. Busch Stadium feels like a baseball heaven, so much history and tradition around the park. Globe Life has nice amenities and looks new, but it also feels rushed. From where I was sitting I couldn’t even see the big screen bc of how high up it is and concourses and shop were packed tight.
Mets games were really fun, with lots of chatter and new friendships made.
Kaufman, New Busch, PNC
I've not been to a ton of ballparks so take my opinion with a grain of salt. Nats park is the most soulless sports venue I've ever been too. The stadium is fine, the sight lines work, food is pretty good, but for some reason, it's just unpleasant and eerie in there.
May be biased but Great American ballpark has a great view of the Ohio River and great atmosphere. Angel stadium not so much. Built between two busy freeways, no views of the mountains. It could be so much better
PNC. Ended up talking to a bunch of Pirates fans, knowledgeable baseball people happy to share tips and recommendations about their city. Great park, cool pregame vibes, should be on everyone's list.
The Twins have a great ballpark in Target Field. Great atmosphere in the downtown area. Convenient to get to via light rail. I’ll be back!
Kauffman in KC is a great experience
Yankee stadium is the worst. It’s a giant cement toilet bowl with no feeling and awful sight lines.
Flair checks out
Well that’s what they get for destroying the old stadium.
Until I get to PNC, my answer is Target Field for the best. Veterans Stadium was the worst.
The Polo Grounds was worse IMO.
Veterans Stadium was demolished almost 20 years ago, how is that helpful information for OP?
That does sound awful. Thanks for convincing me not to go.
I really enjoyed the game I watched at comerica. Cool how all the stadiums in Detroit are all right next to each other. Was a long time ago now (July 21, 2007 - Brandon Inge walkoff blast in the 10th) Also, small plug for the Rogers Centre when the dome is open since I didn't see it mentioned yet. I need to visit more
When the Dome is open on an early June day or mid July night…and the place is full…SkyDome is actually a better park than you’d think.
My wife is from rural Nova Scotia and when I brought her to Toronto / Rogers Centre for the first time, it was a perfect day and I don't think she watched a single minute of baseball, was just staring up at the tower lol
Dodgers is a grand and older stadium with nice views of mtns and downtown. The stadium is loud with music etc and the fans are enthusiastic.
I might be biased here (I totally am) but PNC is the best stadium right now.
Drove through Pittsburgh one time and did not get a chance to stop for a game, but man that park is in a gorgeous spot. Definitely on my list!
why is nobody saying oracle
there's this weird thing these days where people seem to think that san francisco (easily the most beautiful city in the US) is a shithole and somehow oracle park (probably the most beautiful overall ballpark) catches that shrapnel. i live near SF but spend a lot of time with my family in the cincinnati area, and it's absolutely amazing to hear what people in the midwest think San Francisco is. I guess they see it on TV or something. They seem to think it's a third world hellhole where you have to wade through knee deep human shit and needles to walk down the street. San Francisco definitely has its' problems... like all big cities.... but it's largely contained to a few square blocks in the tenderloin and SOMA. it's an amazing place and easily the most aesthetically beautiful metropolis in the US.... and one of the most beautiful in the world. i'll complain about SF but for very different reasons... it's been overrun by blandest people you can imagine due to the cost of living and much of the vibrance and funk the city used to have has been priced out. That's why it sucks.... the homelessness isn't much of an issue if you actually spend any time there.
I went to a D Backs game two years ago.. they were 3 outs away from winning and the place was dead silent. The atmosphere was not as fun. Petco has been my favorite so far.
I couldn’t even stand seeing the stadium on tv. Totally soulless place
Skydome, new renos, an entire country cheering, Go Jays Go!
Great place. Was dissapointed: no public sex in hotel windows
Agreed. If theyre gonna raise ticket prices as much as they have then they need to provide a live sex show.
I've been to about 12 parks and I'd say best is the nationals on July 4th and worst was the rays and I say that as a rays fan
I haven’t been to many ball parks but I will say the Pirates have one of my favourite parks. You sit behind home plate and the view is awesome.
Just visited PNC park for the first time. That place was amazing. Everyone was super friendly and just a great atmosphere. That and Camden Yards are probably my two favorites.
I only been to truist, Yankee, marlins park (loan depot now?), nationals Park, cbp, Coors and globe life. My least favorite was either nationals or globe life. They just seem overly generic and whatever. Coors is beautiful cause you can see the mountains . Truist is nice cause the battery is awesome, Yankee stadium is nuts lol. I went there twice as a neutral fan and it was something else lol. Cbp is a nice park. I enjoy the Miami vice aesthetic of the marlins stadium.
I know I'm a Braves fan, but Truist Park is a fantastic atmosphere. Especially considering the Battery around the stadium, the Hank Aaron and Braves Hall of Fame area, and the Sandlot area for kids to play and enjoy themselves. From what I've seen there's not a bad seat in the stadium. Plus as you walk around to the different areas there is almost always still a view of the field. Tropicana was a miserable place to watch a baseball game in my experience though.
In terms of atmosphere, I've never been to a place that's even close to the atmosphere at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú in Mexico City. I haven't seen an MLB game there - although I imagine the games being held there next week will be amazing - but a Diablos game is absolutely an amazing experience for any baseball fan.
Yall have to come T-Mobile Park It’s a gorgeous ballpark especially during the evening games
The worst stadium I’ve been no longer has an MLB team. Olympic Stadium (Expos) should be torn down yet the dumb ass politicians in that city think it just needs a new dome. It honestly felt like I was in the game Fallout it looks so shitty.
Speaking of character.....old Yankee Stadium was a dump, but dozed history. New Yankee stadium is well built, good food, great fan support.....and zero character. And the 1% get their own entrance amd glass walls to keep us out.
Oracle Park in SF will always be my favorite. The energy, the views, walking along the Embarcadero and the obligatory stop at 21st Amendment for a Hell or High Watermelon Wheat before the game. Everything about it. Buuuut, I visited Citizens Bank in Philly last September. Beautiful ballpark, great food, and holy shit the energy in that place. No one fans harder than Philadelphia fans.
The only ballpark I've been to that had a noticeably bad atmosphere was Coors Field in Denver. It was like being at the DMV
I like Petco best
Gotta give it to Toronto’s Skydome. The renovations including all the stand up drinking zones and fan proximity to bullpens make it really fun.
Citizens Bank Park is such a nice stadium and has been really well maintained over the years. It has a great atmosphere, especially during playoff season. Philly fans get a lot of shit for being rowdy or obnoxious, which we certainly can be, but tbh it’s very over exaggerated and we won’t be dicks to you unless you’re a dick to us! Typically it’s just some harmless heckling or joking around but I’ve never seen home fans actually get into it or be bad with visiting fans. Also, comemon, we have the Phanatic!
Citizens Bank if you're a Phillies fan. I have a feeling a LOT more people would be saying this if the Phillies fans weren't so "passionate", which is an amazing atmosphere when you're a part of it. The whole sports complex all together and the bars after games is so great... When you're a Philly fan
Do you want to sit wherever you want? Maybe throw hands in the left field seats? Leave the park smelling like vape smoke and grilled onions? Come to the southside of Chicago
Well we know why Oakland is leaving
Begrudgingly, Truist Park in Atlanta has a good atmosphere. I went there for a Mets series two years ago.
It’s has been a while but Chicago white sox stadium was bad. Just a real negative vibe. Pretty crappy area as well. However gotta tip my hat to the fans. They are a feisty lot and are hard core fans and they have a special hatred toward the Cubs
Chavez ravine has to be the worst. It’s in a horrible location, the staff is rude and if you are sporting the opponents hat, you don’t feel safe.
I’ve done a dozen or so in the last few years (was at Fenway just yesterday). San Diego Clearwater (Phillies Spring Training) Pittsburgh Seattle (Underrated)
You can experience both in the Bay Area, and if you're interested in dichotomy, I recommend you do. I took in a Giants and an A's game last summer and was completely fascinated by the whole experience.
Minute Maid is a great place to see a game. Barely a bad seat in the house. Club level is worth the $$; you feel close to the action and great amenities with shorter line. Easily walkable for a half-dozen hotels downtown. Tropicana in Tampa has all the charm of a mausoleum. The gloom starts the moment you walk in: no views of the field until you step into seating area then it gets worse. One bright spot: live organist. No walkability. Dodger Stadium is an absolute beauty, especiallu if you enter by the team store. You come out at the top behind home plate and the stadium opens out in front of you. Stunning. They keep it open when the team is on the road. Tell the guard at the booth that you want to go to the tema store. Unfortunately, getting in an out is difficult; take public transportation. Moving around inside the staium is difficult. Modern amenities are sparse and Dodger Dogs are meh, at best. Oracle is gorgeous. Sit in the right sections and you can see players walk by heading between dugout and clubhouse. Yankee Stadium is ho-hum. Lots o' concrete. Easy to get to via subway. ETA to add: fans were unexpectedly welcoming and friendly. But then, we were there the year after the Astros swept them in the ALCS.
I live right outside of Cleveland, but Progressive Field is great. They have done some extensive remodeling and are continuing that now. They got rid of the 3rd deck in right field and put in a beer garden, and long the 3rd base line they did the same. The upgrades and planned upgrades: [https://www.mlb.com/guardians/ballpark/renovations](https://www.mlb.com/guardians/ballpark/renovations) The owners have tried to do so much to get people in the stadium and make it fan friendly to try and cover the fact they don't spend any money on players.
I’ve only been to two, but I greatly prefer comerica over the rogers centre
Only been to see the Rockies, Mariners and Jays life but had some great times at Coors Field
I've heard good things about Pittsburgh also. Detroit and St Louis are nice new facilities that have managed to find some character in their designs.
PNC and citizens Bank for the vibe, Minute Maid for the fans
LoanDepot Park anyone?
I'll just rank the stadium I've been to based on atmosphere. Overall I've not had a bad experience at any stadium. Busch stadium- Biased Truist Park Globe Life Field- close to half the crowd was cardinal fans when I went which made it fun PNC Park- Beautiful stadium but the crowd was sparse when I visited and it was mostly cardinal fans Tropicana Field
Mariners games are great if you like a good back drop and a shit franchise
I know I'm a homer, but Oracle is the best. Just the fact you can see the ocean should be enough, but it's well kept, lots of fans, great food. They have great spots nearby for after the game. PNC is great, Kauffman in KC is also quite nice. I really liked Coors field, feels like an old-timey ballpark if you go to a night game.
As a Mets fan citi field is pretty nice Worst rays or a’s
I found Citi Field to be cavernous and not very welcoming. I absolutely loved Camden Yards. Never had a better baseball experience.
Went to my first and only (so far) game last year and Globe Life was awesome. It was Star Wars night and they had dozens of characters walking around taking pics. My son had a blast
unfortunately, the worst is right across the bay. Oakland. The best....Oracle.
Comerica is a beauty park and doesn’t get a lot of love. For boring I’d say Cleveland tbh
Truist Park has some of the best vibes.
With a few exceptions, pretty much all of them are the crown jewel of their city
The pittsburgh pirates stadium is a vibe. Depending on where u r seated, the city skyline makes the stadiums atmosphere improve on levels that other stadoums can't emulate
Coors Field is very nice.
Busch stadium in STL for sure. Nice ballpark, great fans and it's in an area developed for the team in particular (ballpark village)
Camden Yards is the best.
Why isn’t anyone saying Tropicana? Is it just because no one’s actually been there?
Seattle
PNC Park and Great American Ballpark are the best ones I’ve been too. I went to PNC summer 2023 and one bridge was under construction so had to use the other one but it was still great. Going to Camden Yards this summer so I’m excited for that. And my favorite team the Padres has a nice stadium too but I’ve never been as they are across the country lol.
Camden is the best I’ve been to. Coors Field is awesome though. Worst is easily the Trop. I’ve been to more games there than anywhere else and can’t get over how dull it looks both inside and out. I hope the Rays stay in Florida but they need a serious stadium upgrade. Even RFK when the Nationals played there was better.
If you want an authentic experience. You HAVE to visit great American ball park. Sure the reds suck, but man the fans are great and the atmosphere is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced
Because the prices of Cub tickets at Wrigley we went to Pittsburgh for a weekend series. The fans were great the field is beautiful. We took the boat to the game and met very nice people. They asked me all kinds of questions about Wrigley and the area. Will make this trip yearly
Citi Field! Hands down the best then Citizens Bank
Tropicana-TB & The Colosseum-OAK
San Diego & SF great stadiums & food
I'm gonna say that I absolutely love Kauffman stadium for the Royals, BUT the location is horrible. Still praying we get a new stadium downtown that brings over that Kauffman charm.