|
The 10 Most Breathtaking Stadiums in Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is a sport that is rich in history, which is why fans have such a love for the game. Not only is it rich in player history, but in stadium history as well. Home fans are extremely protective of their stadiums, and feel a sense of comfort and legacy upon entering. Here are ten of the most beautiful stadiums in the major leagues today:
#10. Comerica Park (Detroit, MI)
|
Cost: $300 Million
|
Capacity: 40,120
|
Opened: April 11, 2000
|
Just a mile from one of the most historical and renowned stadiums in all of sports, it was difficult for fans to picture the Tigers playing anywhere else other than Tiger Stadium. When Comerica Park opened in 2000, that changed. This stadium is said to have the best standing room in all of baseball, having a great view from even the concession stands and bars within the complex. The lower deck seating is spacious and open, making it easy to see pop-flies, not having to rely on the instant replays on the screen. There is even a carousel and Ferris wheel on site if your kids need a little game break.
#9. Minute Maid Park (Houston, TX)
|
Cost: $250 Million
|
Capacity: 40,963
|
Opened: April 7, 2000
|
The views in this park are breathtaking and unique. Besides the gorgeous view of downtown Houston, a 57 foot, 24 ton real-sized replica of a Wild West steam locomotive from the nineteenth century runs above left field on an 800 foot track. With a natural grass field, retractable roof, and air conditioning, this field is unique in the MLB. Old school dimensions (deep centre and short down the line) keep an authentic historical feel to games seen in this stadium.
#8. Fenway Park (Boston, MA)
|
Cost: $650,000
|
Capacity: 39,928
|
Opened: April 20, 1912
|
So rich in history, Fenway Park is a staple in major league baseball history. Anyone who enters this park can appreciate that it has basically remained the same since it opened its doors in 1912. The Red Sox have committed to remaining here, and the fans love it. It is the oldest ballpark still in use for the MLB and still retains the same look and feel. Since the seats are so close to the field, Fenway park offers the unique experience of feeling as though you can literally reach out and touch the players as they run into home.
#7. Miller Park (Milwaukee, WI)
|
Cost: $382 Million
|
Capacity: 41,900
|
Opened: April 6, 2001
|
Marvellous architecture is the key to this newer stadium. From the outside, Miller Park gives an impression of grandeur with the entire front consisting of red brick, arched windows, and a beautiful clock tower in the main entrance. Inside, it has a retractable roof which can open or close in ten minutes, and seating which allows for unobstructed views at every seat, and a feeling that you are close to the action no matter where you are sitting. Seats are all padded and all contain holders for your drinks (which can be taken for granted if you frequent a stadium that doesn't have this feature).
#6. Nationals Park (Washington, DC)
|
Cost: $611 Million)
|
Capacity: 41,506
|
Opened: March 30, 2008
|
In April 2005, baseball returned to Washington for the first time since the Senators moved to Texas in 1971. Made to somewhat replicate the RFK Stadium which held the Senators, Nationals Park has successfully captured the retro feel that they were going for. The curvilinear architecture of the grandstands gives off the feel of an older, turn of the century ballpark. Similar to Fenway Park, the press boxes are located up behind home plate. This park gives a much needed historical aspect to a city of fans whose team is somewhat lacking in history.
#5. Chase Field (Phoenix, AZ)
|
Cost: $354 Million
|
Capacity: 49,033
|
Opened: March 31, 1998
|
Chase Field is unique because it was the first field ever built with a retractable roof and natural grass. The shape resembles the likes of a massive airport hangar, giving the feel that all seats are good seats, which is unique only to this stadium. Being in the scorching desert heat, fans appreciate the massive air conditioning units that this field provides, keeping game days comfortable. This stadium is also said to be one of the cleanest in baseball.
#4. Angels Stadium (Anaheim, CA)
|
Cost: $141 Million
|
Capacity: 45,113
|
Opened: April 19, 1966
|
Although it is over four decades old and has undergone many cosmetic renovations, the American league boasts this stadium to be rich both in history and success. A unique "Rockpile" in centre field adds a touch of Disney to the stadium, the source of fireworks upon a homerun. There is also a pavilion located under the right field grandstands to add even more of a family element to the game. Upon the decision of the location of their new stadium, the Angels organization decided their future was in Anaheim, choosing this site based in part on its proximity to all major freeways, and to Disneyland. Upon moving to Angels Stadium, the team changed its name from the L.A. Angels to the California Angels.
#3. Busch Stadium (St. Louis, MO)
|
Cost: $344 Million
|
Capacity: 46,700
|
Opened: April 10, 2006
|
For over five decades, fans have been attending games at a surplus of different Busch Stadiums, as the Cardinals have moved around to various ballparks. Although many fans were sad to see the old Busch Stadium demolished, the new Busch Stadium is absolutely stunning. The open skyline allows for a breathtaking view of downtown St. Louis and the Arch. The massive video board is visible from every seat in the park, and the standing room consists of wide open concourses that give a clear view of the game, even from the upper deck. This open concept stadium allows even the nosebleed seats to feel close to the game.
#2. AT&T Park (San Francisco, CA)
|
Cost: $255 Million
|
Capacity: 41,600
|
Opened: April 11, 2000
|
Sitting right at the edge of the San Francisco Bay in downtown San Francisco, AT&T Park is one of the most enjoyed ballparks in history with a unique design and awe-inspiring views. With a 28 foot wall positioned in right field, a strong hit over that wall would almost assuredly land right in the San Francisco Bay. The atmosphere and old school architecture of this park make the players accessible to fans, and the fence behind home plate gives it a neighborhood baseball diamond feel. Every seat in the park remains unobstructed, and the park is very family oriented. There is batting practice in left field before every game, and the park even turns into a public park on the days that the Giants aren't playing. You can't beat that.
#1. PNC Park (Pittsburgh, PA)
|
Cost: $216 Million
|
Capacity: 38,362
|
Opened: April 9, 2001
|
Although the Pirates may struggle, the one thing that fans can never complain about is beautiful PNC Park--the best looking park in baseball. In the early 1990s, the Pirates demanded that a ballpark be built, or they would move to a new city. Being a smaller market team, they were seeking a new ballpark that would create some additional revenue. This newer stadium is centered right in the heart of the gorgeous city skyline. You can see for miles in each direction as vast waterways, bridges, and downtown skylines paint the scenery of this magnificent ballpark. On game days, the city gives discount parking across the river, and will even SHUT DOWN the Roberto Clemente Bridge and its surrounding few blocks. People can then walk the bridge in a united spirit and enjoy all kinds of pre-game street events surrounding the stadium. Although fans are always hopeful that a good dinger will give off a grand splash upon landing in the Allegheny River, it is proven to be extremely difficult to do so. Even still, anytime a ball is cracked well over right field the anticipation is evident amongst the stands. |