Opening Day of the 2022 MLB regular season is finally upon us. For those of you that happen to be big baseball fans, you’re likely chomping at the bit to get back into ballparks across the country. With baseball now in full swing (pun intended), we have decided to rank all 30 MLB stadiums! Here’s how the rankings played out.
MLB Stadium Rankings | What is the Best MLB Ballpark?
1) Fenway Park (Boston Red Sox)
Sure it’s a little arrogant for Fenway to promote itself as “America’s most beloved ballpark,” but they aren’t wrong. The views are immaculate and the oldest ballpark in America has been renovated beautifully while keeping the old vintage feel intact.
Pro: Virtually no “bad seats” as all have a solid view of the field.
Con: Very little parking around the stadium.
Unique Feature/Fact: The 37 foot high “The Green Monster” left field wall.
Unique Food: Lobster Sandwiches.
2) Oracle Park (San Francisco Giants)
Situated right on the bay, Oracle Park has beautiful views everywhere you look along with the famous giant Coca-Cola bottle and baseball glove. Being right off the water, day games never get too hot or too cold either making this a great place to see a game.
Pro: Mild weather year round.
Con: Very limited seating down right field foul line and right field.
Unique Feature/Fact: Giant Glove and Coca-Cola bottle in left field.
Unique Food: Crab Sandwich.
3) Coors Field (Colorado Rockies)
Located in downtown Denver, Coors Field is what happens when a ballpark perfectly captures serenity making it the most peaceful ballpark in the country. Behind the wall in center field is an open green space filled with pine trees, a waterfall and fountains that shoot water in the air for every home run by the Rockies.
Pro: One of the most hitter-friendly ballparks in the MLB.
Con: Deep outfield makes outfield seats seem much farther away.
Unique Feature/Fact: During construction, workers found dinosaur fossils throughout the grounds, leading the Rockies to select a triceratops (later named “Dinger”) as their mascot.
Unique Food: Rocky Mountain Oysters.
4) PNC Park (Pittsburgh Pirates)
PNC Park boasts arguably the most beautiful backdrop in all of baseball thanks to the Pittsburgh skyline, Allegheny river and Roberto Clemente Bridge. A beautiful design and clear views of the field from every seat make PNC Park a must-see ballpark for every MLB fan.
Pro: Very affordable tickets thanks to how bad the Pirates are each year.
Con: Fewer outfield seating options.
Unique Feature/Fact: The warning track is made of crushed lava rock.
Unique Food: Primanti Brothers’ monster sandwiches.
5) Petco Park (San Diego Padres)
With the beautiful San Diego skyline as the backdrop for the outfield and the unique warehouse building built into left field, Petco Park is one of the most unique ballparks in the country. Just a few blocks from San Diego Bay and with plenty of accessibility, Petco Park is certainly one on virtually all bucket lists for baseball fans.
Pro: Extremely accessible with light rail tracks and trolley stations nearby.
Con: Several sections have an obstructed view of the outfield.
Unique Feature/Fact: Western Metal Supply Company building in left field.
Unique Food: Din Tai Fung Dumplings.
6) Oriole Park at Camden Yards (Baltimore Orioles)
One of the more underrated ballparks in the MLB, Oriole Park at Camden Yards is one of the prides of Baltimore. With a partial view of the Baltimore skyline in the distance and just a few blocks from M&T Bank Stadium, this ballpark is situated perfectly in the heart of the city.
Pro: Recent renovations replaced a quantity of seats with quality.
Con: Experience can be dead due to poor team play and lack of fan attendance.
Unique Feature/Fact: Former Baltimore and Ohio Railroad’s warehouse behind the right field wall.
Unique Food: Old Bay Seafood Crab sandwiches and soup.
7) T-Mobile Park (Seattle Mariners)
Formerly known as Safeco Field, T-Mobile Park is one of the few ballparks to have a retractable roof which is crucial for the Seattle climate. The ballpark sports open walls along the outfield so the outdoors is never far away. Next door to Lumen Field, T-Mobile Park sits right in the middle of the Seattle sports scene.
Pro: Retro-modern style captures an old ballpark feel but with modern amenities.
Con: Roof is more of an “umbrella” so the ballpark cannot be climate controlled effectively during cold weather.
Unique Feature/Fact: A working roof motor and wheel assembly for the roof is on display for education purposes in center field. In an emergency, it can also be used to replace part of the roof.
Unique Food: Paseo Caribbean sandwiches.
8) Busch Stadium (St. Louis Cardinals)
With The Gateway Arch and the St. Louis skyline serving as the backdrop for Busch Stadium, there aren’t many better views in the country. Cardinals fans are some of the best fans in the MLB and generally some of the nicer ones too making this an experience you’ll want to see for yourself.
Pro: Ballpark Village behind left field adds tons of entertainment and night life to the park area.
Con: Some concourse and seating areas can feel cramped.
Unique Feature/Fact: The designer of Busch Stadium also designed Progressive Field, Heinz Field and Sydney Olympic Stadium among other stadiums.
Unique Food: Country Bob’s Signature Nachos.
9) Citizens Bank Park (Philadelphia Phillies)
Located in the northeast corner of Philadelphia’s Sports Complex, Citizens Bank Park is a great place to see a baseball game alongside some of the most passionate fans in the world. With unique outfield walls and a large electronic bell that “rings” with every Phillies home run, Citizens Bank Park grants a special experience.
Pro: Ample amounts of parking.
Con: Excess parking close to the stadium leads to incredibly heavy traffic before and after games.
Unique Feature/Fact: Shortly after the park opened, the Phillies had to reassign the bullpens partly to protect their pitchers from their own fans’ heckling.
Unique Food: Philly Cheesesteaks.
10) Wrigley Field (Chicago Cubs)
Although outdated and lacking in some minor areas, it would be criminal to have a ballpark as notorious as Wrigley Field lower than 10th. Most other ballparks are far better than Wrigley, but the ballpark experience at Wrigley is at a level only Fenway Park can touch. Wrigley Field is high atop the bucket lists of MLB fans around the world.
Pro: Perfectly encapsulates everything beautiful with its “old charm” feel.
Con: Even with recent renovations, Wrigley still needs a lot more updating.
Unique Feature/Fact: Wrigley Field is the only Federal League park left and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2020.
Unique Food: Chicago Dogs.
11) Yankee Stadium (New York Yankees)
Replacing the original Yankee Stadium in 2009, Yankee Stadium 2.0 does a great job of bringing an updated feel along with incorporating some old-style elements. Although not coming without its fair share of criticism, Yankee Stadium is still a must-see ballpark even if it’s not the original.
Pro: Short porches in right and left field lead to its fair share of home runs.
Con: Outrageous ticket prices mean more empty seats which takes away from the atmosphere.
Unique Feature/Fact: The current stadium has the exact same field size as the original Yankee Stadium.
Unique Food: Grand Slam Milkshakes.
12) Target Field (Minnesota Twins)
Right in the heart of downtown Minneapolis sits Target Field, a beautiful new ballpark that opened in 2010. With the beautiful Minneapolis skyline as a backdrop and plenty of unique features, Target Field is one of the more underrated ballparks in America.
Pro: Heated viewing areas make life easier during the colder months of the season.
Con: Plaza outside of the ballpark in right field can get extremely congested before and after games.
Unique Feature/Fact: Home plate is the same one used at the Metrodome.
Unique Food: The 60/40 Burger.
13) Minute Maid Park (Houston Astros)
If you’re looking for a unique ballpark, you’ll be pressed to find one more unique than Minute Maid Park. With extremely short porches in left and right field, a deep center field, a moving train, and a retractable roof, Minute Maid Park is one of the most unique parks in the world.
Pro: Renovated outfield gives ballpark a better look along with improved fan area.
Con: Parking is a major issue unless familiar with the Houston area.
Unique Feature/Fact: A replica General 4-4-0 train moves on the tracks above left field when the Astros first take the field, when the Astros hit a home run, and when the Astros win a game.
Unique Food: Jackson Street BBQ Brisket Sandwiches.
14) Kauffman Stadium (Kansas City Royals)
Located right next to Arrowhead Stadium, Kauffman Stadium is another severely underrated ballpark. With beautiful fountains behind the outfield fence and plenty of fan-friendly porch and deck areas, Kauffman Stadium may be old, but it still finds a way to impress.
Pro: Extremely family-friendly ballpark with plenty to see and do.
Con: No bars or nightlife near the ballpark can make the ballpark feel isolated at times.
Unique Feature/Fact: The original groundskeeper for the Royals was George Toma. Toma was also the heads groundskeeper for every Super Bowl from it’s inception until his retirement in 1999.
Unique Food: BBQ baked beans and brisket.
15) American Family Field (Milwaukee Brewers)
While the ballpark itself is nothing too crazy, the tailgating scene here is the best there is. The retractable roof makes sure every game is played no matter the weather and the passionate fans always keep the park buzzing. The ballpark experience here is one of the best in baseball.
Pro: The ballpark can be heated to 30 degrees Fahrenheit above outside temperatures making good conditions guaranteed year round.
Con: Since the ballpark stands alone outside of downtown, traffic is a hassle.
Unique Feature/Fact: Since American Family Field opened in 2001, the Brewers have placed 11th in the MLB in attendance despite having the smallest market size in the MLB.
Unique Food: Secret Stadium Sauce.
16) Progressive Field (Cleveland Guardians)
Pro: Extremely clean park that is very spacious.
Con: Scoreboard in left field blocks out a large part of the beautiful Cleveland skyline.
Unique Feature/Fact: Between 1995 and 2001, the then Cleveland Indians sold out 455 straight games which at the time set an MLB record.
Unique Food: Pasta Al Dante
17) Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles Dodgers)
While one of the more storied ballparks on this list, Dodger Stadium lacks the unique traits that are so important in having a ballpark MLB fans want to experience. With a nice background of rolling hills and palm trees, Dodger Stadium provides one of the best views in Los Angeles.
Pro: Due to the climate of the area, rainouts are extremely rare.
Con: Dodger fans have been known to be some of the most hostile and violent in the MLB which hurts the ballpark experience greatly.
Unique Feature/Fact: Dodger Stadium was built as a result of former team president Walter O’Malley being unable to reach an agreement to build a domed stadium in Brooklyn.
Unique Food: Dodger Dogs.
18) Nationals Park (Washington Nationals)
Just off the Anacostia river in Washington D.C. sits Nationals Park which has been home to the Washington Nationals since 2008. Some of the D.C. skyline provides a decent backdrop. While the ballpark doesn’t have anything too defining about it, it has certainly been well maintained and is worth a stop for a game if you’re in the area.
Pro: Close to subway transportation.
Con: Located in the warehouse district where there isn’t much to do before or after the game.
Unique Feature/Fact: Grove of cherry blossoms is located behind the left field bleachers.
Unique Food: Pinch Dumplings.
19) Truist Park (Atlanta Braves)
Built in 2014, Truist Park’s extensive use of brick throughout the stadium gives it a nice rustic “old time” feel. While the park is well outside of the City of Atlanta and lacks the uniqueness often seen in other ballparks, it is still a very updated park that should stand the test of time.
Pro: Clear sightlines from every seat in the stadium.
Con: The stadium feels placed in the middle of an office park.
Unique Feature/Fact: The WiFi network at Truist Park is strong enough for everyone in the stadium to post a selfie at the same time.
Unique Food: Waffle House.
20) Globe Life Field (Texas Rangers)
Opening in 2020, Globe Life Field is one of the newest parks in the MLB. While the ballpark is certainly unique and finally shields fans from the usual 90-degree weather, the stadium looks more like a warehouse or convention center than a ballpark. Although up to date, the ballpark lacks flair and any sense of originality.
Pro: Shelters fans from sweltering Texas heat.
Con: Lack of personality or originality.
Unique Feature/Fact: During construction in 2019, a portion of the roof caught on fire.
Unique Food: The Grit Dog.
21) Great American Ball Park (Cincinnati Reds)
Opening in 2003, Great American Ball Park boasts many unique features that serve as a nod to the history of the team and city. While the ballpark more than serves its purpose, the common consensus is that “something” is missing making the park seem average at times.
Pro: Beautiful panoramas of downtown Cincinnati and the Ohio River can be seen throughout the park.
Con: Missing the “it” factor.
Unique Feature/Fact: The Riverboat Deck for private parties in center field.
Unique Food: The Goetta Burger.
22) Angel Stadium of Anaheim (Los Angeles Angels)
Surrounded by a sea of parking lots, Angel Stadium of Anaheim certainly has its quirks. With that in mind, the age of the ballpark can be seen. The lack of a backdrop or nightlife outside of the stadium can make seeing a game here feel like watching a game on an island.
Pro: Good views of the field from every seat.
Con: Park feels isolated.
Unique Feature/Fact: The centerfield rockpile aka “California Spectacular.”
Unique Food: Thai or Beer Braised Short Ribs.
23) Citi Field (New York Mets)
Located next to Flushing Bay in Queens, New York, Citi Field is a newer ballpark that unfortunately has little to no character. With the upper decks blocking any chance of a nice New York City backdrop, Citi Field leaves something to be desired for a team based out of “The Big Apple.”
Pro: Great Mets museum inside the stadium.
Con: Sightlines are very poor in a big part of the upper deck.
Unique Feature/Fact: When the Mets hit a home run a giant apple rises from its housing in center field.
Unique Food: Pizza Cupcakes.
24) Chase Field (Arizona Diamondbacks)
Situated in Phoenix, Arizona, Chase Field opened in 1998 and features one of the deepest center fields in all of baseball. Although it is very much a serviceable stadium, outside of a small pool in the right center field, there is nothing necessarily noteworthy about Chase Field.
Pro: The stadium stays surprisingly cool during the summer.
Con: Nothing unique sets this stadium apart from the others.
Unique Feature/Fact: Pool area in right center field
Unique Food: The Churro Dog 2.0.
25) Comerica Park (Detroit Tigers)
When baseball fans think of a “pitchers park,” Comerica Park is likely the first that comes to mind. With 420 feet to dead center, batters have to really blast it to get it into the seats. Although Comerica Park flashes a decent Detroit skyline, there is not much of anything to look at in the stadium, especially the on-field product.
Pro: For baseball “purists” pitcher duels are much more common here.
Con: Seats feel far from the action around the stadium.
Unique Feature/Fact: There are nine tiger statues situated throughout the park.
Unique Food: Coney Dog Egg Rolls.
26) LoanDepot Park (Miami Marlins)
LoanDepot Park opened up its doors in 2012 and has just “been there” ever since. What was a unique and intriguing stadium has since gotten rid of the few features that made it interesting. With the lowest capacity in the majors along with a poor on-field product and lack of fan support, LoanDepot Park doesn’t have too much to brag about.
Pro: Lots of beautiful modern architecture.
Con: The removal of the sculpture in center field, aquariums and pool area all took away what made LoanDepot Park stand out.
Unique Feature/Fact: The controversial home run sculpture that the Marlins moved from center field to the outdoor plaza in 2018 cost $2.5 million.
Unique Food: Bahn Mi Sandwiches.
27) Rogers Centre (Toronto Blue Jays)
Rogers Centre is still an architectural marvel to this day which says a lot for a ballpark constructed in 1989. For as cool as it looks, the stadium itself is in need of renovations, the seats are uncomfortable and outside of the playoffs, the atmosphere is subpar at best. The Rogers Centre does some things right, but it also does a lot of things wrong.
Pro: Great location in Toronto.
Con: Little to no seat room.
Unique Feature/Fact: There is a Marriott hotel situated in center field.
Unique Food: Poutine.
28) Guaranteed Rate Field (Chicago White Sox)
It’s not a surprise that Guaranteed Rate Field couldn’t keep up with its neighbor Wrigley Field. With that being said, it’s not even close. Fans in the top levels can’t venture outside of the upper deck and the stadium is both steep and dark. With no unique features of note, Guaranteed Rate Field leaves plenty to be desired.
Pro: Fan section Goose Island in right field.
Con: Incredibly steep seats.
Unique Feature/Fact: Public outdoor “shower” in the stadium helps cool fans down on hot summer days and nights.
Unique Food: Italian Beef Sandwiches.
29) Tropicana Field (Tampa Bay Rays)
While some may like how a dome “feels,” there is little argument that Tropicana Field is one of the worst ballparks in the MLB. The dome itself is ugly with a very plain exterior. The different catwalks that are consistently hit by high fly balls are more annoying than unique and the fans can’t even sell out playoff games making the atmosphere one of the worst in the majors.
Pro: Tickets are cheap and easy to come by.
Con: Dark stadium with dull “features” throughout the park.
Unique Feature/Fact: The Rays Touch Tank area where fans can see three different types of rays is one of the 10 biggest in the country.
Unique Food: Ducky’s West Tampa Bowl.
30) RingCentral Coliseum (Oakland Athletics)
There is nothing visually appealing about RingCentral Coliseum. There are also plenty of issues with the structure as well as seen with sewage flooding into the clubhouses with virtually any amount of rain. Oakland needs a new stadium and fast because this place is a travesty to pro baseball.
Pro: Highest capacity in MLB at over 56,000.
Con: Lifeless ballpark that has been run down for years.
Unique Feature/Fact: Coliseum also doubled as the home of the now Las Vegas Raiders when they played in Oakland.
Unique Food: Launch Test Kitchen which has a rotating menu from different chefs in the bay area.
Thanks to Peter Hewett for assisting with the research and contributing to the analysis for the rankings.
