Friday, December 27, 2013

Top 5 MLB Stadiums

Attending an MLB game is truly something special. Part of what makes this experience so enjoyable is the stadium. Nearly every stadium in the MLB boasts something special but how can you rank stadiums when they are all so different? Three major categories stood out to me- History, Atmosphere and fan draw. For history- How old is the stadium? What has happened there? Is there a rich history or has truly nothing special happened there (Cough Cough Marlins Park)? For the second category, atmosphere, is the stadium nice? Any cool restaurants or activities? For the last category, fan draw, we looked at the following- Is the team good? Any fun traditions or any real reason to visit the park? We gave each stadium a grade of 1-10 in each category for a total of 30 possible points. Here are the top 5!


Wrigley Field- 25/30
  • History- Behind Fenway Park, Wrigley has the richest history in baseball. Built in 1914, Wrigley has seen 5 World Series over the years and countless baseball legends have called the field home. GRADE- 10
  • Atmosphere- Wrigley is one of the most enjoyable places to go see a baseball game. The Field truly gives an old-school vibe and you can easily imagine what it was like almost 100 years ago. GRADE- 9
  • Fan Draws- The Cubs have been one of the most frustrating teams in the MLB over the past decade and fans will tell you that the franchise is cursed, as they have not won a World Series since 1908. Besides it's history, the Ivy on the outfield walls is the only true draw to the stadium. GRADE- 6

AT&T Park- 25/30
  • History- The Giants have a rich history, winning 7 world series in franchise history. Even though only 2 have come at AT&T park, there have been multiple no-hitters, a perfect game, and Barry Bonds broke Hank Aaron's home run record there. GRADE- 9
  • Atmosphere- Although I have never experienced the atmosphere at AT&T park, it is supposedly one of the best in the MLB. With a prime location on the water and countless amenities, it is easy to see why. GRADE- 9
  • Fan Draw- Although the Giants have won 2 World Series in the past 4 years, the 2013 season was a disappointment for the franchise and the future looks a bit shaky. While the atmosphere is nice, there are no true draws for fans with the exception of McCovey Cove in right field. GRADE- 7

Dodger Stadium- 26/30
  • History- Dodger Stadium has been blessed with one of the richest histories in baseball. 8 World Series, an all star game and even the OLYMPICS have been held in Dodger Stadium, let alone a variety of individual accomplishments. Grade- 10
  • Atmosphere- Dodger Stadium is a great place to go see a ball game. Fans are friendly, parking is easy and the games have a very nice atmosphere. A lack of major draws brings the grade down a slight amount. GRADE- 7
  • Fan Draw- The Dodgers are one of the most exciting franchises in baseball. With stars like Hanley Ramirez, Matt Kemp, Clayton Kershaw and Yasiel Puig, going to see a Dodgers game is a great time. GRADE- 9

Busch Stadium- 28/30
  • History- Although it was built in 2006, the stadium has held 3 separate World Series in it's short history. Since it was built where the old Busch Stadium was, the location's history extends much beyond 2006. GRADE- 8
  • Atmosphere- Busch Stadium is one of the best places to go see a ball game. It is located in downtown St. Louis and fans are treated to a spectacular view of the city from the stadium. Add in great weather and countless amenities and Busch Stadium gets a high mark in the atmosphere category- GRADE- 10
  • Fan Draw- The Cardinals have played in 3 World Series in the past 7 seasons and they are showing no signs of slowing down. With a great atmosphere and a great team, who wouldn't want to go see a game there? GRADE- 10

Fenway Park- 30/30
  • History- Fenway is the undisputed champion when it comes to history. It has hosted 10 World Series and one of the coolest parts about Fenway Park is how it has hosted professional soccer, NHL and NFL games as well. Countless baseball legends such as Babe Ruth and Ted Williams have called the park home as well. GRADE- 10
  • Atmosphere- Fenway Park is a fantastic place to see a baseball game. The fans are friendly, the food is excellent and every true baseball fan needs to see a game there in their lifetime. GRADE- 10
  • Fan Draws- The Red Sox have won 3 World Series in 9 years and look to continue their success in years to come with a great young core. Fenway Park is located in downtown Boston and fans love to see games there as shown by their record sellout streak. GRADE- 10


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