Results from a global poll revealed the new Seven Wonders of the World.
It made me think, what are the seven most impressive big-league ballparks?
I came up with a list. My criteria? I didn't really have a specific criteria, other than I chose ballparks that I consider the most enjoyable places to watch baseball. Because that's the point, isn't it? To have fun? That could be something as simple as a great view, the atmosphere inside and outside the ballpark or the history of the ballpark.
Spoiler Alert: RFK and Shea did not make the list.
Here are my Seven Ballparks of the World:
1. Wrigley Field - For my money, Wrigley has the best atmosphere inside and outside a ballpark. Hit Wrigleyville beforehand for some food and beverages, move inside for some food and beverages, and, well, hit Wrigleyville again after the game.
2. Fenway Park - A close second to Wrigley. Fenway is just an impressive place the first time you walk in. I compare it to walking into Lambeau Field, although maybe I'm biased because I grew up in Wisconsin. But get some chowda at one of the Legal Seafoods stands or a sausage outside the park beforehand.
3. PNC Park - The best view at any ballpark. And can you believe it's in Pittsburgh? The Pirates definitely did this place right. Now about the team ...
4. Oriole Park at Camden Yards - The first retro ballpark and still a classic. Now about the team ...
5. Dodger Stadium - Another great view. There are better looking ballparks, but this is just a cool place to watch a game. Maybe it's because I sense Vin Scully's presence, and Scully is ultimately cool.
6. AT&T Park - A great ballpark for food and it's in a great location on the water. It gets bonus points for being in San Francisco, which is one of my favorite stops on the road.
7.
I'm torn with No. 7. I personally think Yankee Stadium is overrated. Yes, yes, yes, I understand the history there. But drop Yankee Stadium in Cincinnati and it's Riverfront Stadium. I can't decide between Citizens Bank Park or Coors Field for my No. 7 spot. The Bank has great food and a decent view of the city skyline, although it loses points for the gaudy "theme tower" that blocks the view and because it's located in a parking lot in South Philadelphia. Coors Field also is a good-looking ballpark with a fun atmosphere outside in the LoDo section of town.
Suggestions are welcome.
Comments (4)
I've been to 14 current ballparks plus a few that are closed/torn down. This is my ranking. Besides some of the things you mention, I take into account comfort and facilities, which is why the older parks don't measure up as well.
1. PNC Park
2. Camden Yards
3. Citizens Bank Park (would be #1 if it were downtown as it SHOULD HAVE BEEN)
4. PETCO Park
5. AT&T Park
6. Wrigley Field
7. Yankee Stadium
8. Fenway Park
9. Dodger Stadium
10. Jacobs Field
11. Chase Field
12. US Cellular Field
13. Rogers Centre
14. Shea Stadium
(I rank 3 "dead" parks ahead of the dump that is Shea: the Vet, Qualcomm Stadium and Olympic Stadium. The worst place I ever saw a game, even worse than Shea, is Candlestick Park.)
Posted by Joe in Philly | July 8, 2007 12:32 AM
Posted on July 8, 2007 00:32
Amen to the Phone Booth in SF. Easily one of my fave ballparks because of the view, the city and the garlic fries. Sadly, I have not been to 1, 2, or 3 on your list (walking past Wrigley twice doesn't count).
What do you think of Petco? Just curious. I mean, it is near the Gaslamp, and there are many adult beverages to be had.
I also miss the 1970s chairs at Olympic Stadium (the 10 fans rattling them made a hell of a lot of noise) and Youppi!. *sigh*
Posted by sacratomato | July 8, 2007 12:43 AM
Posted on July 8, 2007 00:43
It really is a shame that the Bank isn't somewhere near Center City. It is a nice stadium, but unless you tailgate, there's not much reason to get there early or stick around late.
Jacobs Field is a good place to see a game. The only complaint is the lack of an open concourse (when getting a beer you are relegated to watching the game on TV). But a great view of the skyline, right downtown with bars aplenty around it. And Cleveland folk are about the nicest folk in the country.
Posted by Philly adam | July 9, 2007 1:41 PM
Posted on July 9, 2007 13:41
I like Petco a lot, but for some reason I like those other seven (make that eight) parks a little more. But it's definitely in my top 10. Plus, it's in San Diego which makes it automatically makes it cooler than places like St. Louis, Cincinnati, etc.
Posted by Todd Zolecki | July 10, 2007 5:02 PM
Posted on July 10, 2007 17:02