Best MLB Stadiums

[TheBlownLead]

This past weekend the guys from The Blown Lead took a baseball trip starting in Baltimore, then on to Philadelphia, and finishing up on Sunday in Pittsburgh. On our last episode, which can be found at www.theblownlead.com, we discussed the trip, including a ranking of the stadiums we've been to. Below are my personal rankings from all the parks I've been to. We try to go on a trip every year, so I'd love to hear some suggestions!

1) Miller Park - Milwaukee provides an all around unique experience. It starts with an awesome tailgating experience outside of the stadium. The park itself is very unique with the high walls and retractable roof. They place went pitch black when Trevor Hoffman took the mound with Hell's Bells playing over the sound system. Miller Park is the only baseball stadium I've been to that could pull this off.

2) Great American Ballpark - This isn't be being a homer. I truly enjoy the GABP experience. The are making improvements to the stadium almost every single season. With The Banks, there is now a much improved surrounding environment also. The Reds also do a really good job with fan interaction, from the between innings events, to the flames after a strikeout.

3) PNC Park - This is probably the only good thing about Pittsburgh. The first thing that stands out about PNC is the city backdrop with the yellow bridge in the outfield. The Primanti Brothers stand also adds some points. There doesn't appear to be a bad seat either.

4) Oriole Park at Camden Yards - You have to respect the original throw back. Oriole Park is 21 years old, but you would never guess that based on how clean it is. The concourse is wide open and there are several unique vendors serving local favorites. Oriole park loses a few points because when walking the concourse around the infield, you can't see out to the field. It has a basketball arena feel to it. Probably one of the disadvantages of being the first throw back.

5) Wrigley Field - I'm sure a lot of people, especially Cubs fans, will be furious that Wrigley is not higher on the list. Wrigley was a cool experience because of the nostalgia that goes along with it. The Ivy walls and the old school scoreboard add to a fun experience. However, I will take my top of the line scoreboard and cleaner facilities more often than not. Wrigleyville is a fun place to hang out before and after the games as well.

6) Progressive Field - Cleveland was also one of the first throw back stadiums. The one issue I have with the design is the inability to walk the entire way around the stadium once you are inside. Other than that it is a nice park with several bars and restaurants near by.

7) Nationals Park - Washington's park is similar to all the new style stadiums, and I didn't notice anything that made really made it stand out. It was very clean, and easy to get to from the train. The president's race was pretty entertaining also.

8) Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia is last so far on my short list. It's not that it's a bad ball park, it's just lacking. The stadium is not really close to the city, and surrounded only by parking lots. The concourse is alright, but they have a brick wall in the outfield where the batters eye is, so a large portion is blocked from view if you are getting a Philly Cheesesteak. The fans seemed to hardly pay attention and about 25% left after the end of the eighth, when they were only losing by 1! Needless to say I was less than impressed with the Philly "Phanatics".

So there it is. Feel free to tear it apart. We are definitely looking for ideas for future trips as well. Also, if you haven't already, give us a listen. We are on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, and at our website. Also follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Thanks Redleg nation! :beerme:

[RedsfaninMO]

With GABP being number 1, I would have to put PNC #2. Wrigley has a bad smell, and this is no joke. Going to the bathroom there is worse than rolling in a pigpen, and it lingers throughout the stadium.

I'm glad Busch stadium wasn't on your list. It's nothing special and looks stupid with the big empty dirt field outside of it, and you might get stabbed if you take the wrong exit.

I would put Philly #3, Boston #4, and Houston #5.

[Kiko]

Many of the stadiums I have been to have been demolished and the Royals stadium remodeled so won't include that one.
1. Fenway - baseball the way it is supposed to be. The crowd is into the game and none of the ticky tack stuff in between innings to entertain the crowd.
2. Camden Yards - I like the old nostalgia feel and it blows away the old Memorial Stadium and it was pretty good.
3. GABP - I haven't been in a couple years and I hear The Banks has improved the surrounding area. My biggest complaint of GABP is the river boat in center field that looks like a trailer. It is an after thought and looks like it. Get rid of it.
4. Turner Field - Nice stadium with good views of downtown. I just don't like the Braves.

[Moonlite Graham]

Ive had the good fortune of being able to visit probably 75% of all the current MLB stadiums....most more than once

Will touch a just a few of the good, bad and ugly.

Best of the Best

AT&T Park - Cant say enough good things about it, maybe the perfect ballpark in a fantastic city.

PNC Park - Just a beautiful park, though when I was there, might have been 7-8000 people in the stands which added a touch of sadness for a place so nice.

Safeco Field - My affinity for Seattle as a whole may bump this park up, but maybe the best mix of stadium, fans, food and frosty beverages :thumbup:

Dodger Stadium- For a joint thats 50 years old it wears its age well....very well. Now if they could only do something about the traffic patterns :confused:

Miller Park- Aesthetically, only so so...but the atmosphere is so great were going up there for my bachelor party weekend when the Reds visit in August.:beerme:


Just Off The Pace

Petco Park - Has improved tremendously since opening in 03' and it was pretty sweet then.

Camden Yards - The Grande Dame of Retro Parks is still near the top of the list.


Undervalued

US Cellular- Yes, seriously.... we all know the surroundings arent great but that ballpark as a whole is leaps and bounds better now than when I originally went in 95.


Not worth the time

Tropicana Field-One word....blech.

Turner Field- Liked it when it opened, hated it when I went back in 2011.


Against Popular Opinion

Fenway- Loved everything about it except the seating...for someone 6'4 not a pleasant experience. Next time..Monstah Seats, dont care what they cost.

Wrigley- Its quaint but sometime quaint bites you in the butt....1 restroom for the whole 2nd level.....yowza.


As far as GABP....nice but nothing special, but yet in its own unique way, perfect for Cincinnati.

[Swampturkey]

GAB isn't on any of these lists...Busch Stadium is on one of them.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-33816_162-57577114/best-baseball-stadiums-top-5-places-to-take-in-a-game/

http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/americas-best-baseball-stadiums/1

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1590601-mlbs-best-all-around-stadiums

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/lists/Major-League-Baseball-10-best-ballparks#tab=photo-title=Busch+Stadium%252C+home+to+the+St.+Louis+Car dinals&photo=11206770

I'm not going to include Busch Stadium in my ranks because it's my home park so yeah, I love it.

I've been to US Cellular (White Sox), Wrigley (Cubs), Kauffman (Royals), Coliseum (A's), and AT&T (Giants). I'd rank them:

Kauffman, AT&T, Wrigley, US Cellular and Coliseum.

[cumberlandreds]

I will say that one of the best things about Nationals Park in DC is that it is literally right off the subway. Just get off the train, go up a couple of sets of escalators and you are there. Couldn't have made it more convienant. There just aren't many or any restaraunts close by if you want to eat somewhere besides the ballpark before or after the game.

I have been to Camden Yards but its been quite a few years. Very nice retro park. The warehouse really makes the stadium unique. Plenty to do around the park too. The Inner Harbor in Baltimore is a very nice place to visit.

[TheBlownLead]

Thanks for the in depth rankings! We are strongly considering flying out to California and hitting up either San Fran and Oakland or Los Angeles for the Dodgers and Angels. Everyone seems to love AT&T but say The Coliseum is only so so. I haven't heard much at all about Angel Stadium of Anaheim.

Have fun at your bachelor party. The tailgaiting at Miller Park is a blast!

[Moonlite Graham]

Thanks for the in depth rankings! We are strongly considering flying out to California and hitting up either San Fran and Oakland or Los Angeles for the Dodgers and Angels. Everyone seems to love AT&T but say The Coliseum is only so so. I haven't heard much at all about Angel Stadium of Anaheim.

Have fun at your bachelor party. The tailgaiting at Miller Park is a blast!


Angels Stadium is certainly worth the visit if youre out there. Very nice stadium especially when you consider all the construction and de construction that was done to it to at first accommodate the Rams and then to basically completely re-do back to what it was after their move to St. Louis.

First time there was right after Angels World Series in 02...made a random comment during a converstation with an usher how my godson would be jealous cause he had got caught up in the whole Rally Monkey thing.

10 minutes later one of the Angels customer service people brings me a whole box of Angels kids items to my seat as a gift for my godson...including a rally monkey.

So that was mucho bonus points for both the Angels and the stadium staff.

If your going to do the California circuit, everything but Oakland would be on the must see list. We went last July after the Reds wrapped up in SF, and it would actually be okay if not for the football seating. The scariest thing was the subway station at the Coliseum....yikes:eek:

As far as bachelor party, yes were very pumped for it. Ive actually probably been to Miller Park more than just about any other, but I wanted my crew to see what Ive be talking about for the last 10-12 years.:beerme:

[jhiller21]

I'd have to say PNC is the nicest park I've been to. Beautiful stadium with a great backdrop. Pirates fans (At least the ones I encountered) are really nice and enjoy talking baseball.

GABP is great, but they need to cut out the corny stuff. The "boink" noises and fake broken glass every time a foul ball is hit need to go. I wish they would just play organ music. Other than the cornball stuff, it's a great place to watch a game. Also the food, while expensive, is pretty damn good.

My third has to be Wrigley. It smells of pee and there's garbage everywhere. The bathrooms are disgusting, and the fans are all drunken fools. It's still worth it for the nostalgia and history of the place. If you're a baseball fan, you can't die without seeing a game there.

[bounty37h]

I will say that one of the best things about Nationals Park in DC is that it is literally right off the subway. Just get off the train, go up a couple of sets of escalators and you are there. Couldn't have made it more convienant. There just aren't many or any restaraunts close by if you want to eat somewhere besides the ballpark before or after the game.

I have been to Camden Yards but its been quite a few years. Very nice retro park. The warehouse really makes the stadium unique. Plenty to do around the park too. The Inner Harbor in Baltimore is a very nice place to visit.

I like B-more and the harbor area, but the stadium is the mos tboring one I have ever been to, doesnt have any baseball feel to it IMO, you walk right up on it and never feel that energy you do at most other parks.

[CardsFanBob]

Miller Park is only so, so. And while tailgating is fun, that's more for football. There isn't anything around Miller. I'd much rather be at a stadium in a more urban environment with multiple bars and restaruants right there.

[Australian Red]

Any one got any thoughts on the New York stadiums? I'm catching a game at both in August just to say i've done it.

[RedsBaron]

Against Popular Opinion

Fenway- Loved everything about it except the seating...for someone 6'4 not a pleasant experience. Next time..Monstah Seats, dont care what they cost.

.

I toured Fenway last summer (the Red Sox were on the road). The view from the seats on top of The Green Monstah were fantastic. I would love to watch a game from there.
In contrast, some of the field level box seats are original wooden seats 80+ years old and were incredibly tight-not a comfortable place to be for a nine inning ballgame.

[TheBlownLead]

Any one got any thoughts on the New York stadiums? I'm catching a game at both in August just to say i've done it.

We were supposed to catch the Reds at Citi Field on a Thursday and Yankee Stadium on a Friday last year. That probably would have been a once in a life time opportunity but it fell through. You'll have to let us know how they are!

[reds1869]

PNC is by far the nicest park I've been to, but Fenway is the place that made me happiest as a baseball fan.

[IABucFan]

For me, PNC is the nicest park I've been to, and it's not particularly close. I haven't been to as many parks as others, and I'm biased, but PNC is awesome.

I personally can't stand Miller Park. I think the place is a dump. I've never been to GABP, so I can't speak to that. But, I used to live in Denver, so I've seen quite a few games in Ccors. I really like the stadium, but the Rockies fans are kind of baseball clueless I've found.

[Don Cameron]

Loved Old Yankee Stadium. Have not been back to the new ballpark yet. The Yankee fans I sat with in the Bleachers were some of the most knowledgeable fans I have ever met. And best of all NO WAVE.

Don Cameron
A true Adonis

[Jmiller21kg]

PNC park for sure. My cousin said AT&T park in San Fran is also very nice.

[1940757690]

We took a x-country trip by car last summer and caught games at Miller Park, Safeco, Coors and Kaufmann. Get to Nats Park and Camden pretty regularly since local. GABP at least twice a year (so far once in 2013 for the Nats series) Handful of other parks in the past few years.

Find myself largely agreeing with the OP. We loved the atmosphere and vibe at Miller most on the trip. Something about the scene there is what baseball should be everywhere but isn't really most anywhere. Could have better food but that's true for all parks. AT&T is beautiful. Nats Park is new and serviceable with one good food venue but nothing distinctive. Cumberland is right of course about the metro access--big deal. Surrounding area will be developed over the next few years which will make the experience so much better. Safeco is a depressing place for baseball but that's largely because the team is owned by a video game maker that doesn't get or want to get the game. Really like GABP but that may be due to the obvious bias and due to the fact that I think we had the best tour guide to interpret the place for us before we saw our first game there. The "toothbrush" lights and great 8 mural are two of my favorite features.

Fenway and Wrigley are special category with different criteria in my book. All fans of the game should see games at both but neither wins any points for comfort. Then again, have seen a bunch of games at Fenway but never in the Monstah seats. Next time that for sure.

[cw0802]

With GABP being number 1, I would have to put PNC #2. Wrigley has a bad smell, and this is no joke. Going to the bathroom there is worse than rolling in a pigpen, and it lingers throughout the stadium.

I'm glad Busch stadium wasn't on your list. It's nothing special and looks stupid with the big empty dirt field outside of it, and you might get stabbed if you take the wrong exit.

I would put Philly #3, Boston #4, and Houston #5.


This cracked me up cause it's so true! I think once Ballpark Village is complete, it'll be nicer around the Busch Stadium, but now it's a creepy walk to the cheap parking!

I've always liked Camden Yards, AT&T Park and Fenway. Kaufman Stadium in KC is slowly becoming a nice stadium.

[SpiritofStLouis]

Any one got any thoughts on the New York stadiums? I'm catching a game at both in August just to say i've done it.

Citi Field is nice and the seating is comfortable with a good view of the game. The food is okay, for the most part, but if this is your first trip to N.Y., all you need to know is a couple Nathan's hot dogs, a hot pretzel with extra mustard, and a beer or two. There are a large variety of beers available.

The biggest drawback to Citi Field is that there's nothing much going on around the stadium, although Brooklyn isn't far away (Junior's, the best cheesecake on the planet).

Yankee Stadium is a corporate environment, although the stadium itself is beautiful. The food and drink menu is too long to mention, but the same food guidelines apply if you haven't been to N.Y.

Some cool bars and pubs within walking distance to the ballpark.

If you've never been, Little Italy is a must, a gastronomic experience that must be felt to be believed.

The subway is the easiest (and cheapest) way to get around.

[SpiritofStLouis]

PNC park for sure. My cousin said AT&T park in San Fran is also very nice.

My 2 personal favorites, by quite a margin.

[CardsFanBob]

This cracked me up cause it's so true! I think once Ballpark Village is complete, it'll be nicer around the Busch Stadium, but now it's a creepy walk to the cheap parking!

I've always liked Camden Yards, AT&T Park and Fenway. Kaufman Stadium in KC is slowly becoming a nice stadium.


There's a lot of fun to be had around Busch Stadium, and it will get even better once Ballpark Village is complete.

It's really a shame what happened with Ballpark Village. The stadium was built, and as they were finalizing plans for BPV, the economy absolutely tanked. There wasn't much the Cardinals could do but sit on the property until things improved.

Initially, that area was going to have a boatload of office space and condos, as well as bars, restaurants, and retail. I actually have a friend who put a deposit down on a condo, which would have overlooked the stadium. (He's since gotten his deposit back.)

Now, it's waaaay scaled back -- probably for the best, as there won't be vacant spaces just sitting there unused. That would have been depressing. Now, they'll have some office space, but mostly bars, restaurants, and retail, which will draw during baseball season.

But yes, it's an eye sore at the moment. But I assure you... You will have a great time around Busch if you go even now.

[CARDINALred]

I've been to Busch (obviously), Kauffman, Camden Yards, Turner, and now GABP.

I'd rank them 1. Kaufmann, 2. Camden, 3a. Busch 3b. GABP 3c. Turner.

[Australian Red]

Citi Field is nice and the seating is comfortable with a good view of the game. The food is okay, for the most part, but if this is your first trip to N.Y., all you need to know is a couple Nathan's hot dogs, a hot pretzel with extra mustard, and a beer or two. There are a large variety of beers available.

The biggest drawback to Citi Field is that there's nothing much going on around the stadium, although Brooklyn isn't far away (Junior's, the best cheesecake on the planet).

Yankee Stadium is a corporate environment, although the stadium itself is beautiful. The food and drink menu is too long to mention, but the same food guidelines apply if you haven't been to N.Y.

Some cool bars and pubs within walking distance to the ballpark.

If you've never been, Little Italy is a must, a gastronomic experience that must be felt to be believed.

The subway is the easiest (and cheapest) way to get around.

Sweet thanks for the Info, I'll be going to the US Open Tennis before the game at City Field and my ticket comes with a free Hot Dog and Pretzel so will be giving them a go.

Yankee Stadium wont get to experience to many of the bars around as it's a 1pm game then heading straight to see the NY Red Bulls straight after the game....fair to say i'm a bit of a sports nut!

Will be in NY for 7 days so hoping to fit as much in as possible.

[SpiritofStLouis]

Sweet thanks for the Info, I'll be going to the US Open Tennis before the game at City Field and my ticket comes with a free Hot Dog and Pretzel so will be giving them a go.

Yankee Stadium wont get to experience to many of the bars around as it's a 1pm game then heading straight to see the NY Red Bulls straight after the game....fair to say i'm a bit of a sports nut!

Will be in NY for 7 days so hoping to fit as much in as possible.

The U.S, Open is a blast. I used to go every year, and then take in a Mets game if schedules allowed.

You used to be able to bring in a cooler, so we would load it up with food and drink (prices there are through the roof). Nobody would bother it, and we would visit it between matches. I especially loved the first few days, there were a dozen matches going on at once (back courts that sat a couple hundred). Saw many a future great on those back courts.

Have lunch by the globe, there's a fountain and a park. That globe was there for the '64 World's Fair. I lived 5 miles from it, and some poor parents had to take the kids in our apartment building every weekend. We took years off their lives.

After 9/11, everything changed. No more coolers, stricter security, different atmosphere. I'm sure it's gotten back to normal, but I haven't been back since 2002.

Have a blast in the city, hit the museums and the Village, and get a pastrami at Carnegie Deli. Maybe a cruise on the Hudson, but bypass the Statue of Liberty unless you have a few hours to wait in line.

If you can make it out to Coney Island (Brooklyn), take a ride on the Cyclone and then hit Lombardi's, the oldest pizzeria in the U.S. They bake 'em in a coal fueled oven, no taste like it.

[TheBlownLead]

I personally can't stand Miller Park. I think the place is a dump.

Why did you think it was a dump? To me it seemed very clean and still had the new car smell. The fans were all super cool and the prices were on par with everyone else. I can see ranking PNC above it, but a dump?

[Australian Red]

The U.S, Open is a blast. I used to go every year, and then take in a Mets game if schedules allowed.

You used to be able to bring in a cooler, so we would load it up with food and drink (prices there are through the roof). Nobody would bother it, and we would visit it between matches. I especially loved the first few days, there were a dozen matches going on at once (back courts that sat a couple hundred). Saw many a future great on those back courts.

Have lunch by the globe, there's a fountain and a park. That globe was there for the '64 World's Fair. I lived 5 miles from it, and some poor parents had to take the kids in our apartment building every weekend. We took years off their lives.

After 9/11, everything changed. No more coolers, stricter security, different atmosphere. I'm sure it's gotten back to normal, but I haven't been back since 2002.

Have a blast in the city, hit the museums and the Village, and get a pastrami at Carnegie Deli. Maybe a cruise on the Hudson, but bypass the Statue of Liberty unless you have a few hours to wait in line.

If you can make it out to Coney Island (Brooklyn), take a ride on the Cyclone and then hit Lombardi's, the oldest pizzeria in the U.S. They bake 'em in a coal fueled oven, no taste like it.

I did notice that you can't even take in a flag! Will no doubt catch a few Aussies out on the back courts.

[MikeThierry]

Why did you think it was a dump? To me it seemed very clean and still had the new car smell. The fans were all super cool and the prices were on par with everyone else. I can see ranking PNC above it, but a dump?

I kind of agree where the poster was coming from. It's not that I think Miller Park is a dump, I just don't like the look of it. It's not ascetically pleasing to me.

[LexRedsFan]

I've been to GABP, Cinergy/Riverfront, Old Busch, Turner, Camden, Fenway, and SkyDome.

Out of that list, Fenway was my favorite. It's just....Fenway, man.

I'm hitting Camden again this summer when we're in DC... Sadly the nationals are out of town.

[IABucFan]

I kind of agree where the poster was coming from. It's not that I think Miller Park is a dump, I just don't like the look of it. It's not ascetically pleasing to me.

This. I just don't like the look of it. It's hard to describe, but the place just looks dark. And, it's partly based off of the team that occupies the building. I just can't stand the Brewers!

[MikeThierry]

The other thing with Miller Park is the shadows and sun field are among the worst in all of baseball. It's almost annoying watching those games sometime on TV, I can't imagine what it would be like trying to play on that field when the shadows and sun field are at it's zenith.

[IABucFan]

The other thing with Miller Park is the shadows and sun field are among the worst in all of baseball. It's almost annoying watching those games sometime on TV, I can't imagine what it would be like trying to play on that field when the shadows and sun field are at it's zenith.

True. I also don't like Miller because it is such a bandbox. In fact, I'm convinced that in a game earlier this year at PNC between the Brewers and Bucs, Ryan Braun let a routine flyball drop at the base of the wall because he was so used to watching the same hit fly over his head for a home run at home. Clint Barmes hit it, and Braun literally stopped about ten feet short of the wall, turned, and watched it drop on the warning track for an RBI double, and it should have ended the inning.

[Dwarftree]

Since i have never ever had the possibility to see a true MLB game (saw a lot of Spring Training games one year) i can only judge the ballparks from TV. And i really like Target Field and Camden Yards. Plus i think the Yankees really did a great job with the new Yankee Stadium. And of course i like GABP (though i think its too hitter friendly). Wrigely Field and Fenway are no brainers. Tradition all the way.

[El Bacalao]

I havent been to even half of the Major League parks, but of the dozen or so that I have been to, nothing, and I mean nothing compares to AT&T park in San Francisco. From the Luxury Suite Seats (watched a Giants/Reds game in one once), to the bleacher seats, every location is great. The view of the Bay, McCovey Cove...awesome. GABP isnt even in the same league as that place.

[Beer&Bourbon]

While I've only been to a few other major league parks, I think GABP is a good, but not great park. Food selection is great with (overpriced) Skyline, Penn Station, Food network, and Smokehouse BBQ. I actually think the smokehouse is the best deal in the park - $12-15 gets you smoked meat with two sides (and the macaroni and baked beans are both good). It's not cheap, but when you're paying $5+ for a hot dog, I think that's a pretty reasonable price.

Beer selection (behind 3rd base line - home run stand or something?) is great for any major event. They're got a bunch of micro stuff including several locals with Madtree (one of my favorite local breweries). Plus, it's about the same price as the macro beers ($8.75 for a 20 oz. Oberon vs. $8.25 for a 16 oz Bud Light from the walk around vendors). You can also take in your own food - great for season ticket holders or those that can't afford (or refuse to pay for) the overpriced food at the park.

Site lines are good, but you can't see left field from the bleacher seats. I personally think the Moon/Sun deck seats are the best place to sit since you never have people walking in front of you and they're reasonably priced. I also like the World series banners, the HOF numbers, and the riverboat/smokestacks (in concept more than execution). The bronze players out front, the Reds HOF immediately adjacent, and the murals in the stadium make this a pretty decent place to take in a game and consider the history of the team (without being over the top and in your face).

Anyway, I've had a great time at games here in the past few years (more so than when the park first opened) and I continue to hope for stadium improvements. I like the idea of doing something with the turf patch in center field.

[goreds2]

Always loved Riverfront stadium. Always gave me chills walking in thinking of the Big Reds Machine Days and the 1990 title season. The seats seemed more roomy than the now GABP seats. (If they say more people are obese now, why do they make the seats smaller :))

[50YrRedsFan]

#1 AT&T Park #2 PNC, #3 Petco #4 Camden Yards, #5 Dodger Stadium, #6 GABP, #7 Wrigley Field, #8 Fenway Park, #9 Angel Stadium , #10 Coors Field, #11 Kaufmann Stadium, #12 Busch Stadium, #13 Chase Field #14 Sky Dome (Toronto), #15 Oakland Coliseum

I don't like enclosed stadiums, Fenway and Wrigley are up there.because of the historic value.

[PERHitKing]

Always loved Riverfront stadium. Always gave me chills walking in thinking of the Big Reds Machine Days and the 1990 title season. The seats seemed more roomy than the now GABP seats. (If they say more people are obese now, why do they make the seats smaller :))

I have been to old Crosley Field, Riverfront, and of course GABP, my favorite was Riverfront. In 1990 I got a job with Reds security, and I got to work all over the park from the field to the last row of red seats in the upper tier. I can't tell you how I felt when I step on to the turf at Riverfront the first time. and then to be in the same dugout where Tony, Pete, Joe, and the rest made history..fantastic.

[Norm Chortleton]

Waffle House is opening a restaurant inside Turner Field tomorrow. That has to skyrocket The Ted up everyone's lists.

:eek:

[IntheCards]

With GABP being number 1, I would have to put PNC #2. Wrigley has a bad smell, and this is no joke. Going to the bathroom there is worse than rolling in a pigpen, and it lingers throughout the stadium.

I'm glad Busch stadium wasn't on your list. It's nothing special and looks stupid with the big empty dirt field outside of it, and you might get stabbed if you take the wrong exit.

I would put Philly #3, Boston #4, and Houston #5.


Its hilarious reading your comments directed at the Cardinals and their organization time after time. You are one of the those sour bigots who will go to the end of the earth to cause a problem/situation/argument. Every major city as parts where you wouldn't want to end up in the middle of the night. And that space is being currently worked on thanks...... I can tell living in the MO area has caused you great jealously because of the success of the cardinals. Such a sob story you seem to be.

[OC_Red]

Parks I've been to in order of enjoyment:

1. Old Tiger Stadium...just a classic, not the prettiest joint, and there was a good chance you would come back to a tire-less car, but what a wonderful place to watch a game...I thought I saw Al Kaline in the Tigers dugout, there was that much of a historic feel to it.

2. Petco Park...just a beautiful stadium in one of the most beautiful areas of the U.S. not a bad seat in the place...if only the Padre brand of baseball was more fun to watch. (At least, I saw my Reds destroy them)

3. GABP...I miss it terribly, loved sitting out in the moon deck.

4 a. Angel Stadium....took my future wife there on one of our first dates, they played Oakland and I couldn't even tell you what the final score was. :) BUT, I do know it's a nice place to watch a ballgame, and I actually enjoy the "water feature" in the outfield that goes off for Angel home runs.

4 b. Coors Field ... Really liked the feel of this one as it was one of the "retro" stadiums and I saw a game the year after it was built. Enjoyed it quite a bit.

5. US Cellular ... The ballpark is largely unremarkable, but Chicago is a great town, and really this is a fun place to watch a game. Take the subway, makes it a lot easier.

6 a. Dodger Stadium ... This one was disappointing for me. Someone else said they thought it carried its age well...they must not have sat in the outfield bleachers...it's a pretty run down area. Could use a face lift. Food was just "ok" and mega expensive.

6 b. Riverfront ... It only gets this high because I'm a lifer Reds fan. I hate astroturf, so the original Riverfront was blech for me. When they did the mini renovation on it, and put in turf and opened up that section of the stadium in left it felt a LOT more like a ballfield instead of a multipurpose stadium.

Honorable mention: Fifth Third Field (home of the Dayton Dragons) ... yes, it's not a major league stadium, but it's such a great place to watch a ballgame that it had to make the list. The front office really goes out of its way to make families feel welcome and have a great time. Plus the stadium is beautiful! Set the all time single season record for consecutive sellouts and still counting.