Busch Stadium is hands down my favorite MLB ballpark so far. The ballpark is centrally located in downtown St. Louis, and features some incredible views. Busch Stadium isn’t going to wow you with amenities, but the overall gameday experience is outstanding. The ballpark has an intangible quality, a simple but elegant design, that says this is where baseball should be played. As the home of one of baseball’s most consistent winners, Busch Stadium didn’t need an over the top design, and it’s simplicity is perfect for the Cardinals.
Reasonable people can argue about the details of Busch Stadium. Food options, luxury seating, exterior aesthetics, etc. They were all fine, in line with most other ballparks. But once you reach your seat, the magic begins. You’ve got views of the Gateway Arch and the old Federal Courthouse. The signature red seating has an aesthetic appeal, maybe I just like the color red, but it makes the stadium feel exciting. You’ve got the Cardinal fans, one of the most passionate and informed fan bases in baseball. It’s not any one aspect that makes Busch Stadium great. Dissect each individual element, and you can find a ballpark that does it better, but in aggregate the Busch Stadium experience is spectacular.
Rankings Update
No suspense here, as I led off with the number 1 ranking. Slotting Busch Stadium into the number 1 slot was easy, except for comparing it to Dodger Stadium. It was a tough comparison because the ballparks excel in different areas. Ultimately I gave Busch Stadium more credit for its gameday experience, than I did Dodger Stadium for its historical appeal. Under a different framework the rankings easily could have been reversed, but I’m really sticking to which stadium I enjoyed more.
MLB Ballpark Rankings
- Busch Stadium – St. Louis, MO
- Dodger Stadium – Los Angeles, CA
- T-Mobile Park – Seattle, WA
- Oracle Park – San Francisco, CA
- Petco Park – San Diego, CA
- 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 do like the red seating. Very unique and different.
I went to Busch Stadium #2 (the current is Busch Stadium #3) back in the 1990’s. Took a stadium tour and it was the first time I walked on Astro Turf! Spongy and hot (on a hot day). The highlight of that trip was the fan base. If I wasn’t such a big Dodger fan I’d be tempted to root for the Cards just because St. Louis is such a great baseball town. Unless Busch #3 is a big upgrade from #2 (I’m guessing it would have to be) I can’t imagine that the fan experience could be enough to rank it over Dodger Stadium. But, then again, I’m biased. The Dodgers have some pretty rabid fans, too. At least the Cardinals fans won’t shoot you in the parking lot! 😂