You could spend an entire summer crisscrossing the country searching for the perfect Major League Baseball stadium. But why log all those miles? We’ve done the research for you. Here are the Top 10 ballparks built since SkyDome opened its futuristic doors in 1989:
10. Minute Maid Park, Houston Astros
A retractable roof keeps patrons cool in steamy Houston. The park has a unique playing field with the short porch in left. Many a homer has landed in the Crawford Boxes just 315 feet from home plate. Tal’s Hill makes life an adventure for every visiting center fielder. Opened in 2000.
There have been 22 new stadiums built since Rogers Centre opened in Toronto in 1989. All of them have at least some positives — some just more than others. A few were almost Top 10 worthy:Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati » Few cities have a better baseball tradition. This new park — opened in 2003 — lies on the banks of the Ohio River.Busch Stadium in St. Louis » A late addition to the brick-and-steel group. The Gateway Arch is visible beyond the outfield wall and one of the sport’s most passionate fanbases makes this 2006 park a baseball heaven.Yankee Stadium in New York » Also give a tip of the hat to the new Yankee Stadium, which stayed true to its roots in 2009 — even if it couldn’t take its history across the street.
9. Nationals Park, Washington Nationals
A work-in-progress as the neighborhood comes to life. But Nationals Park has established its own niche — even if few fans take advantage. What other stadium has views of the Capitol Dome? The Red Porch restaurant beyond center field is the place to be on Friday nights in the summer. Opened in 2008.
8. Progressive Field, Cleveland Indians
It helped revitalize a neighborhood in downtown Cleveland when it opened in 1994. “The Jake” was the first post-Camden Yards stadium. It has less brick and more steel and limestone, but it has the same retro feel. A 19-foot high “mini-monster” wall dominates left field.
7. Target Field, Minnesota Twins
No more Homer Dome in Minneapolis. The Twins just debuted their open-air stadium blocks from the Mississippi River. The downtown skyline is visible beyond right field. A roof deck down the line in left features a fire pit and room for 300 — perfect for the Twin Cities in October.
6. Safeco Field, Seattle Mariners
No city upgraded its baseball-viewing over the last 20 years better than Seattle, which went from the Kingdome to an outdoor palace in Safeco Field in 1999. A retractable roof keeps fans dry. Also some of Major League Baseball’s best food options — sushi anyone? — and added charm as trains roll by every evening.
5. Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia Phillies
Part of the Philadelphia sports complex so not much to see outside — save for the Philly skyline in the distance. Ashburn Alley is a pavilion on the outfield concourse with some of Major League Baseball’s best food. A giant Liberty Bell comes to life after Phillies’ homers. Opened in 2004.
4. Coors Field, Colorado Rockies
A brick-and-steel heir to Camden Yards, Coors Field is the largest of the retro ballparks at 50,445. Dramatic views of the Rocky Mountains give the stadium the feel of the old West. Fans know instantly where they are. Blends beautifully with its downtown Denver neighborhood. Opened in 1996.
3. Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore Orioles
The godfather of the retro-style ballparks. Oriole Park opened in 1992, a brick-and-steel design that inspired a legion of imitators. The stadium is dominated by the B&O Warehouse beyond the right-field wall. It’s presence looms over the playing field. You know it’s summer when the smoke curls over Eutaw Street from Boog’s Barbecue.
2. PNC Park, Pittsburgh Pirates
The baseball played here is rarely any good. But it’s hard for Yinzers to complain. The Pittsburgh skyline looms beyond the outfield walls and fans can walk across the Roberto Clemente bridge, which arches over the Allegheny River and connects downtown to the North Shore. It is Major League Baseball’s second-smallest ballpark at 38,496. Opened in 2001.
1. AT&T Park, San Francisco Giants
There isn’t a setting in Major League Baseball that matches the beauty of a game in San Francisco. Situated beside the East Bay, balls routinely land in the water (McCovey Cove) beyond the right-field fence. The field itself features an assortment of odd angles that make the outfield an adventure for opposing teams. Opened in 2000.
