Photo credit: Christopher Lopez
As the 2023 baseball season gets underway, fans across the country are gearing up to visit their favorite stadiums to cheer on their teams. But with so many fantastic ballparks to choose from, it can be tough to know where to go to get the best baseball experience.
Over our years of sports traveling, we’ve developed a sense of which sports stadiums are worth fans’ time this baseball season. While it can be hard to qualify what makes the best baseball stadiums stand out, the list below represents those in which you should really try to see one game during your lifetime.
Which baseball stadiums stand out from the rest? Read on and we’ll walk you through what you need to know.
Fenway Park
Fenway Park is the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball, having been built in 1912.
Despite its age, it remains one of the most beloved ballparks in the game. One of the most iconic features of Fenway is the Green Monster, a 37-foot-high left field wall that has been an enduring symbol of the park since its inception.
Another unique aspect of the park is the Pesky Pole, the right-field foul pole named after former Red Sox player Johnny Pesky, which stands just 302 feet from home plate.
But Fenway isn’t just a quirky ballpark – it’s also a beautiful one.
The classic brick façade and arched windows give it a timeless look that is a testament to the park’s storied history.
The park’s intimate dimensions make it feel like you’re right on top of the action, and the passionate fans only add to the electric atmosphere.
There’s a reason that Fenway is one of the most famous baseball stadiums in the world, and it’s a reason you can only discover by visiting yourself.
It’s also located in the historic city of Boston, which means you’ll have much to explore on either side of the ball game.
Wrigley Field
Where did Ferris Bueller head on his big day off? To Wrigley Field, of course.
The Chicago Cubs’ Wrigley Field is another classic ballpark that has stood the test of time. Built in 1914, Wrigley is famous for its ivy-covered walls, hand-operated scoreboard, and iconic marquee.
The park is also known for being one of the friendliest in baseball, with a laid-back atmosphere that makes it a joy to visit.
One of the things that sets Wrigley apart from other ballparks is its location.
The park is situated in the heart of the Wrigleyville neighborhood on Chicago’s North Side, which is filled with bars, restaurants, and shops. This makes it the perfect spot for a pre-game drink or post-game celebration. And there’s nothing like strolling up to the stadium amid crowds of other excited fans, after all.
And of course, no trip to Wrigley would be complete without singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the seventh-inning stretch along with a prominent guest singer. The tradition began with longtime Cubs broadcaster Harry Caray and has become an integral part of the Wrigley Field experience.
Dodger Stadium
Our next must-see baseball stadium is situated away from the others, over on the west coast.
Dodger Stadium is one of the most iconic ballparks in baseball and for a good reason. Built in 1962, just four years after the Dodgers franchise relocated from Brooklyn, it’s the third-oldest ballpark in the majors and has played host to some of the game’s greatest moments.
One of the things that sets Dodger Stadium apart from other ballparks is its stunning setting. The park is nestled in the hills north of downtown Los Angeles, which provides a beautiful backdrop for games played in the daytime.
The park itself is also a marvel of modern engineering. The seating bowl is built into the side of a hill, which means that fans can enter the park at any of the four seating levels. It’s a unique configuration not seen anywhere else in the majors.
That’s all without mentioning the amazing games you’re likely to see while at Dodger Stadium, which has hosted numerous playoff games in recent years thanks to the Dodgers’ current run of consecutive playoff appearances.
Oracle Park
Oracle Park is a relatively new ballpark, having opened in 2000, but the San Francisco Giants’ home has quickly become one of the most beloved in the game. Much like Dodger Stadium, one of the things that sets it apart from other parks is its location.
The park is situated right on San Francisco Bay, which means that fans can enjoy stunning views of the water and the Bay Bridge while watching the game.
Another unique aspect of the park is the Coke bottle and giant glove, two oversized structures that are located behind the left-field bleachers. These structures not only add to the park’s charm but also make it one of the most recognizable ballparks in the game.
Oracle Park has managed to set itself apart from other ballparks thanks to its emphasis on sustainability. The park has a green roof, which helps to reduce the heat island effect, and it uses solar panels to generate electricity.
The park also has a rainwater harvesting system, which is used to irrigate the field and flush the toilets.
The best baseball stadiums in the U.S.
If you’re thinking of traveling to catch your team play this baseball season, you may already be scouting out which stadiums will be most worth your time. The above undeniably are some of the best baseball stadiums of the present moment and are a must to include on your baseball bucket list.
Need more advice and information on sports traveling? Check out more stadium guides for additional information.
