The 2024 Major League Baseball (MLB) season saw a remarkable resurgence, finishing with the highest recorded attendance in seven years. In its second season of new rules aimed at making the game faster and more exciting, the league saw increases in attendance, viewership, streaming, and overall fan engagement.
Impressively, total stadium spectators rose by 1% to 71.35 million—the first time attendance has increased in consecutive years since 2012. Moreover, ticket buyers aged 18-35 have increased by 8.5% since 2019, signaling that baseball is attracting a younger generation of fans. Digital viewership has also climbed, with ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball recording its most-watched season since 2019, averaging 1.5 million viewers per game.
Now, with the 2025 MLB season officially underway, many new and returning fans are gearing up to experience the thrill of live baseball. If you’re planning your first in-person visit to a ballpark, knowing what to expect and what to wear can make all the difference. Here’s a guide to three of the biggest stadiums in the US and suggestions on what you can wear to stay comfortable while supporting your team.
What to expect from a visit to three major ballparks in the American West
Dodger Stadium – Los Angeles, CA
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Dodger Stadium is one of the most iconic venues in Major League Baseball. Located in Chavez Ravine in Los Angeles, the baseball park boasts a maximum capacity of 56,000—the largest stadium in the league. The stadium has hosted historic baseball moments, including the Dodgers’ sweep of the New York Yankees in the 1963 World Series, Hideo Nomo’s legendary 17-strikeout performance against the Miami Marlins in 1995, and Jose Lima’s electrifying shutout in the 2004 National League Division Series. Most recently, the Dodgers clinched their eighth World Series title with a thrilling 7-6 victory over the Yankees, setting a new franchise record for merchandise sales.
Fans visiting Dodger Stadium can expect an electric atmosphere, scenic views of downtown LA, and one of the most passionate baseball crowds in the country. The ballpark has also undergone recent renovations reportedly worth a staggering $100 million. While the refresh might not stand out to onlookers as it mostly focused on expanding the new clubhouse, it’s undeniably helped boost team morale, which may make for a more exciting season. In an LA Times article, third baseman Max Muncy commented, “It’s hard to put into words. You get so used to something being there, and you come in, and you have no idea where you’re at. It’s really cool. It’s what you’d expect out of the Dodgers.”
Chase Field – Phoenix, AZ
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Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, is the second-largest stadium in MLB, with a seating capacity of 48,405. Unlike traditional open-air ballparks, it features a retractable roof, which is essential given Phoenix’s extreme summer heat. The ability to open and close the roof during games enhances the fan experience, allowing for open-air baseball while preventing rainouts and unbearable conditions during peak summer months.
While the NL West is known for having some of the most picturesque ballparks in San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Denver, Chase Field offers a different experience. Fans and commentators have complained of the park’s outdated look reminiscent of a 1990s domed stadium—which it is. Although it may not have the scenic beauty of other parks, it provides relief from the sweltering Arizona sun. Notably, recent roof repairs have restored its ability to open and close mid-game, promising fans a more dynamic and comfortable viewing experience.
T-Mobile Park – Seattle, WA
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The Seattle Mariners’ home base, T-Mobile Park, is known for its fan-friendly environment and innovative design. With a seating capacity of 47,929, the stadium’s defining feature is its retractable roof, which allows for an open-air feel while keeping fans protected from Seattle’s unpredictable rain and wind. According to MLB, the roof is self-grounded in case of lightning strikes and can withstand between 6-7 feet of snow and wind gusts up to 70 mph.
T-Mobile Park also boasts one of the best atmospheres in MLB, featuring The ‘Pen, a standing-room-only section just beyond left field where fans can watch pitchers warm up from eye level. Additionally, it houses the league’s second-largest HD video scoreboard, offering crystal-clear views of replays and stats. With a devoted fan base and a vibrant game-day experience, T-Mobile Park is a must-visit for baseball lovers.
How should you look when you visit the ballparks in LA, Phoenix and Seattle?
Watching a game in person is a completely different experience from catching it on TV. With varying climates, outdoor seating, and long game durations, choosing the right apparel can make a significant difference in your comfort. Here’s what to wear when heading to these iconic ballparks.
Sunglasses
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Sunglasses are essential for visits to open-air stadiums, and even the Dodgers’ designated hitter Shohei Ohtani knows that. Ohtani partnered with performance eyewear leader Oakley in 2020, releasing his own sunglasses collection with the brand. To show your Dodger pride, you can wear polarized sunglasses like the Frogskins, the same style featured in Ohtani’s eyewear collection. If you’re not a Dodger fan, consider the polarized Radar EV Pitch model, which has been worn by Oakley ambassador and Mariner CF Julio Rodriguez. Both of these sunglasses can block glare and are equipped with the patented PRIZM lens technology that enhances contrast, allowing you to catch the action on the pitch without sacrificing visual comfort.
Hat
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Wearing hats during baseball games began when the New York Knickerbockers wore straw hats in 1849. Today, the baseball cap has become one of the most popular clothing items around. Like jerseys, baseball caps can be used to show support for your favorite team, with ball caps bearing specific designs associated with a particular team. For this, baseball fans can check out hats from MLB’s official cap supplier, New Era Cap Company. No matter which team you support, from the Dodgers to the Mariners or Diamondbacks, this brand has you covered. Last year, New Era launched a new range of Batting Practice caps worn by players on the field while they take their pre-game swings. Each cap in the 30-piece collection featured team-specific design elements and color choices to convey meaningful milestones in franchise histories. Aside from boasting team heritage, a baseball cap also offers extra sun protection while watching a game in the open arena of the US’s biggest stadiums.
Light jacket
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No matter which ballpark you visit, a light jacket is a game-day must-have. Since the MLB regular season takes place from late March/early April to late September/early October, the weather can change unexpectedly. Even in the warmest cities, evening games can bring a chill. A team-branded hoodie or windbreaker is a great way to stay comfortable while supporting your favorite club. Many teams offer special edition jackets and hoodies as part of their merchandise lineup, so check your team’s store for options.
If you’re visiting T-Mobile Park, for example, keep an eye out for Mariners merch giveaways, which often include limited-edition T-shirts and hoodies. Case in point, this season, the team kicked off the year by giving out Randy Arozarena Crossed-Arm Hoodies to 15,000 fans. Whether it’s a team-branded windbreaker for those breezy LA nights, a lightweight zip-up for Chase Field, or a warm hoodie for Seattle’s cool evenings, layering is key.
Jersey
Finally, nothing screams team pride more than wearing an appropriate baseball jersey to a live game. For traditionalists, you can purchase classic-style baseball jerseys from Nike. Excitingly, these pieces can be customized with the name of your favorite player from your favorite team, whether it’s the Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw or the Yankees’ Cody Bellinger. Alternatively, for a trendier, more elevated take on the baseball jersey, fans can check out the MLB-themed capsule collection from Terez. The Short Sleeve Colorblock Button Down is the closest option that looks like a baseball jersey, but the brand also carries bomber jackets, basic shirts, and hoodies for all 30 teams.
Conclusion
Baseball is back in full force, and attending a game at one of MLB’s biggest ballparks is an experience like no other. Regardless if you’re heading to Dodger Stadium, Chase Field, or T-Mobile Park, dressing appropriately can enhance your game-day experience. From sunglasses and hats to jackets and jerseys, wearing the right gear ensures comfort while showing off your team pride. As the 2025 season gets underway, make sure you’re game-day ready with the best apparel for the stadiums you plan to visit.