As part of my all 50 States itinerary, I will be going to a baseball game at all 30 MLB stadiums. As a life long baseball fan this is something I’ve always wanted to do. Originally I didn’t have all 30 stadiums included in my plans, but as I worked out the logistics, it didn’t add much in the way of time or complexity, hence it made the final cut.
Along the way I will be updating the below stadium rankings. I haven’t been to the Oakland Coliseum or Tropicana Field yet, but until they convince me otherwise they are slotted in at the bottom of the rankings. Their reputation precedes them.
Kicked off the stadium tour at Angel Stadium for opening day. I’m a bit biased on this one, as I grew up going to games in Anaheim. I’ll try to limit the nostalgia impact on the rankings. Angel Stadium is the 4th oldest in baseball: behind Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, and Dodger Stadium. The stadium doesn’t show it’s age though, as it has been extensively renovated over the years. When planning to see a game here, you can almost be guaranteed of good weather, the Angels have only had 12 rainouts in franchise history, with only 2 occurring since 1995. With inclement weather off the table, you should concern yourselves with the other risks to your gameday experience, primarily obnoxious Orange County housewives. I’m only half joking, get seats next to a housewife in Juicy sweatpants and a mild Botox addiction and you’ll wish you were watching a game at old Candlestick park.
Outside of you ending up in a RHOC meme, Angel Stadium really is a great place to take in a ballgame. The stadium clearly lacks the modern amenities that are being built into the newest parks, but the Big A still holds its own on gameday.
Stadium Rankings
- Angel Stadium – Anaheim, CA
29. Oakland Coliseum – Oakland, CA
30. Tropicana Field – St. Petersburg, FL
Juicy sweatpants? Is that a thing?
Dude 🤦♀️ Really?
Botox addiction 😂😂 #truth
I haven’t been to the Oakland Alameda Coliseum, but I have been to Tropicana Field. I’ve been to around 20 MLB ballparks and The Trop is definitely lowest on my list. It’s horrible! Fenway & Wrigley have their charm, but I would pick Pittsburgh over either of those. The picture postcard view from behind home plate looks like a Hollywood backdrop – especially around sunset. San Diego’s downtown view is cool, but not close to Pittsburgh’s. Dodger Stadium’s view from the reserve level at sunset, with the San Gabriel Mountains in the background, is the best natural setting. If you haven’t been to Dodger Stadium since the center field renovation then you’ll have to make time while you’re there to take it in. Give yourself at least an hour — really. It will move Dodger Stadium from #1 to… #1.