Camden Yards is the ballpark that launched a revolution in stadium design. Since 1992 there have been 21 MLB ballparks built, and they are all the intellectual descendants of Camden Yards. The 1960’s and 1970’s were the decades of multi-sport monstrosities, often built out in the suburbs. Camden Yards reversed that trend, building a classic ballpark in the middle of downtown. A design concept that has become the standard for all new ballparks. The Orioles have seized upon this, branding the stadium “The Ballpark that Forever Changed Baseball”.
Camden Yards is celebrating its 30th season this year, and it has stood the test of time. It doesn’t have the same level of flash as some newer ballparks, but in terms of layout and overall concept, it feels brand new. While it can’t compete in some areas, its age does have benefits, most notably charm. Camden Yards has aged gracefully, and has cultivated a charming feel, that a fresh out of the box ballpark can’t replicate. I think my favorite design element is the B&O Railroad Warehouse behind right field (you can look forward to a post on Baltimore’s B&O Railroad Museum in the near future). An important piece of Baltimore’s history, that also happens to be a nice looking backdrop for a baseball game.
The one thing working against Camden Yards at the moment is attendance. The Orioles have been one of the worst teams in baseball for a while, and drawing crowds has been a struggle. Of course this is no fault of the ballpark, but it does matter when considering the overall fan experience. Regardless, even with light attendance, Camden Yards provides a fun and family friendly atmosphere.
Rankings Update
Camden Yards is one of the tougher ballparks to rank. It’s now 30 years old, and many ballparks have been built utilizing the same design principles. Weighing both the historical significance and current fan experience, I ended up ranking Camden Yards at number 8. The ballpark did in fact change baseball, but newer stadiums have continued to evolve, and improve the design that began with Camden Yards. Overall though, it’s a great ballpark, and one that should be on every baseball fan’s bucket list.
MLB Ballpark Rankings
- Fenway Park – Boston, MA
- Busch Stadium – St. Louis, MO
- PNC Park – Pittsburgh, PA
- Dodger Stadium – Los Angeles, CA
- T-Mobile Park – Seattle, WA
- Oracle Park – San Francisco, CA
- Petco Park – San Diego, CA
- Camden Yards – Baltimore, MD
- Citizens Bank Park – Philadelphia, PA
- Target Field – Minneapolis, MN
- Kauffman Stadium – Kansas City, MO
- Nationals Park – Washington, D.C.
- Minute Maid Park – Houston, TX
- Angel Stadium – Anaheim, CA
- Chase Field – Phoenix, AZ
- Truist Park – Atlanta, GA
29. Tropicana Field – St. Petersburg, FL
30. Oakland Coliseum – Oakland, CA
I see a trend. Nostalgia and history give a park a big bump in your ranking system:)
I haven’t been inside Camden Yards but I walked all the way around it and could see inside at some spots. That was probably 20 years ago when it was still the gold standard of new ballparks with an old feel. The building in right field as a backdrop really does give the ballpark a unique feel. It just makes the “retro” come to life. I would agree that Camden Yards downfall is that other retro-parks have improved on the idea that Camden established.
I would have to move it up one spot because I happen to live on Camden Lane. 😅