Your webmaster ranks all 30 big league parks
Back in 2013, USA Today asked me to take a fresh look at my 1-to-30 ranking of MLB parks, and then write an article explaining my choices. They then printed this in their 2013 Baseball Annual magazine.
They liked what I did, so they then asked me to write 30 articles in 30 weeks, counting down the big-league parks from worst to best, which was a lot of fun. I continue to write regularly for USA TODAY publications to this day.
Since 2013, I’ve tinkered with my rankings as new parks opened or older parks were renovated. This list will never be permanent, as I’ll forever be moving parks up and down based on what I’ve seen with my own eyes and experienced myself onsite.
The folks at the Sports Desk at USA TODAY came to me again in 2024 to get my rankings. They combined my list with the rankings of seven other sports writers and editors associated with USAT, among them Gabe Lacques, Bob Nightengale and Jesse Yomtov.
They published the consolidated rankings in an online piece in March 2024.
So I decided to display my rankings here, along with notes about how the eight-member panel voted.
No doubt, any ranking stirs up some controversy … so feel free to make comments in the space below the list to tell me how I’m all wrong. Before you do, though, keep in mind I haven’t just read about the 30 parks currently in Major League Baseball. I’ve attended multiple games at every one of the 30, photographed all aspects of them, and written extensively about them. I think I’ve done my due diligence to be able to make some valid comparisons.
NOTE: MY RANKING WAS UPDATED 2/29/24
- PNC Park, Pittsburgh
Even without major modifications, this is a ballpark that seems to become more beautiful as time goes by, with its intimate architecture and breathtaking view. Please, Pirates, don’t change a thing!!
My selection for #1 perfectly matched the #1 ranking by the panel
2. Wrigley Field, Chicago
Renovations in recent years have certainly modernized both the interior of the Friendly Confines and its surroundings, but its sense of history remains unrivaled.
The panel also likes Wrigley, as they voted it #3
3. Oracle Park, San Francisco
Celebrating its 25th season in 2024, the park by the Bay currently carries its 4th corporate sponsorship name. Giants fans enjoy not only a stupendous view, but arguably the best concessions in the sport.
This is the park the panel placed at #2. Hard to blame them.
4. Coors Field, Denver
With the debut of The Rooftop in 2014, the Rockies turned seldom-used seating sections in right field into perfect hangout spots for fans in their 20s and 30s. And the view of the Rocky Mountains – although diminished somewhat by recently constructed high-rise buildings – is still stunning.
The panel voted the Rockies’ park at #8
5. Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore
When this gem opened in 1992, it reversed every trend in the design and site selection of stadiums. The downtown retro ballpark still draws rave reviews for its intimacy and throwback look. Credit urban planner and architect Janet Marie Smith, who is still rewriting the ballpark history books.
The panel placed OPACY one spot higher than me, at #4
6. Petco Park, San Diego
April 8 marks the 20th anniversary of the most aesthetically pleasing baseball facility ever built. This is a testament to the design work of Antoine Predock, renowned architect who just passed away March 2. The ballpark’s exterior and concourses would be at home in a museum and its landscaping in a topiary hall of fame.
I agreed perfectly with the rest of the voters on the panel: Petco is #6
7. Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City
When the Royals announced that they plan to build a new ballpark in downtown Kansas City by 2028, it drove home the point that the massive $250-million renovation of Kauffman Stadium in 2009 had outlived its usefulness. Still, the sightlines, stunning videoboard and especially the fountains continue to provide a wonderful fan experience at The K. Sure hope they have lots of fountains at the new park!
The other voters don’t think as highly of The K as I do. It’s #12
8. Citi Field, New York
The Mets’ home opened in 2009, the same year as the Yankees’ new stadium nine miles away. Citi Field, though, provides far more fun, food and fan amenities than the Yanks’ austere facility.
The rest of the panel agrees with me that Citi Field is way nicer than Yankee Stadium. The panel places it at #11
9. Globe Life Field, Arlington
Fans of the defending World Series champions love the intimate size, concession options and (especially) air conditioning compared to their previous home across the street. Fun fact: the AC can operate even when the retractable roof is open.
Big disagreement between me and my fellow voters. I feel strongly GLF is a Top Ten park. They have it it way down at #22
10. Truist Park, Atlanta
The mixed-use development known as The Battery adjacent to Truist Park provides endless eating, drinking and entertainment options before and after Braves games. Inside the park, don’t miss The Chop House and the tribute to Hank Aaron.
The other voters don’t place this as highly as me. They have it at #16
11. Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
As you stroll around this ballpark in Chavez Ravine, it is hard to imagine that only Wrigley and Fenway are older big-league facilities. Thanks to its impeccable upkeep and the magic of Janet Marie Smith (including her $100-million reimagining of the area beyond the outfield pavilion seats), it feels brand new.
While I love Dodger Stadium, the panel loves it even more, voting it at #7
12. T-Mobile Park, Seattle
This is a beautifully designed ballpark with tremendous concessions and gorgeous views. Even when the roof is closed on rainy days, it’s not claustrophobic, as the area above the left field stands remains open.
Another one where the panel places it higher (#9) than me, but I can certainly understand why
13. Target Field, Minneapolis
When you attend a Twins game here, make note of the miraculous way a comfortable big-league stadium has been crammed into such a small site. Ample public transportation makes the place wonderfully accessible.
Following the trend, the panel put this three spots higher (at #10) than I did
14. Fenway Park, Boston
“Intimate,” “quaint” and “historic” are adjectives that immediately come to mind. However, parking is extremely scarce (and prohibitively expensive) and research shows that it costs more to take a family to a Red Sox home game than at any other MLB stadium — plus sightlines are not favorable around the park.
Huge disagreement. The panel’s vote put this nine spots (at #5) ahead of me. I guess they like nostalgia more than comfort and affordability
15. Busch Stadium, St. Louis
A solid example of a modern-day retro-looking stadium. Like Atlanta, there is a lot to do in the Ballpark Village across the street.
Not much difference between the rest of the panel (#17) and me
16. LoanDepot Park, Miami
Many critics of this park haven’t actually attended a game here. True, its neighborhood isn’t the best, but its design and bright colors – and view of the skyline — make it a perfect fit in Miami.
Again, not a lot of difference, as the panel places this at #18
17. Nationals Park, Washington
By no means a spectacular architectural achievement, its look fits perfectly in a city known for its monuments. The Presidents Race is one of baseball’s more endearing traditions.
The other voters aren’t as fond as I am, as they put this at #25
18. Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia
The architectural cousin of Nationals Park, CBP offers a wonderful view of Philadelphia’s skyline and impressive food offerings.
CBP was five spots higher (at #13) than my ranking
19. Yankee Stadium, New York
The Yankees had the chance to create a ballpark for the ages, but instead built a facility that does little beyond honoring the team that plays in it. Not nearly as fun as the Mets’ park in Queens, it does offer the Yankees Museum (as if the whole stadium weren’t pretty much a Yankees Museum) and Monument Park.
The other voters agree with my sentiments that this park isn’t nearly as fun or nice as Citi Field, as they place it at #20
20. Comerica Park, Detroit
There are a number of things to like here, such as the fountains, statues (my fave is Ernie Harwell), carousel, and Ferris wheel. But by no means do these features make this an upper-half ballpark, though.
The panel puts the Tigers’ home at #14
21. Rogers Centre, Toronto
This stadium moved up my rankings due to the renovations undertaken in the past two offseasons. All told, $300 million has been spent on the “Outfield District,” with new social spaces and lounges, reorienting seats and changing the outfield dimensions, making the place a lot less sterile.
The rest of the panel and I are in perfect agreement that this is the 21st best ballpark
22. American Family Field, Milwaukee
Perhaps this stadium’s best feature is what happens outside: the incredible number of people enjoying tailgating before Brewers games. Inside, the sausages and related concessions are the best in baseball.
My fellow voters had this at #24
23. Progressive Field, Cleveland
After the newness wore off this 1994 ballpark, renovations have become the order of the day, with the most impressive being food courts in right field. By 2025, even more improvements are planned, with the total price tag at $200 million.
The panel has this a little higher than me, at #19
24. Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati
A middling entry in the retro-ballpark revolution. It’s nice that it sits on the banks of the Ohio River, providing a nice view from the upper deck, plus it features The Notch, an opening that allows fans walking toward the park from downtown to catch a glimpse of the interior. The team Hall of Fame and Museum is the best outside of Cooperstown.
I feared I might have GABP a little too low, but the rest of the panel thinks even less of it than I do. They have it at #26
25. Minute Maid Park, Houston
Does the market need an air-conditioned facility? Sure, but the look of the retractable roof is far less appealing than the ones in Seattle, Miami and Arlington. The leftfield concourse is also way too narrow.
Big disparity here, as the panel has The Juice Box a full ten spots higher than me, at #15
26. Angel Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim
A ballpark that needs to be replaced. Even though it underwent major renovations in 1998, it feels much older. FYI: the massive Ohtani displays should probably be removed.
The panel places this at #23
27. Guaranteed Rate Field, Chicago
Significant renovations in 2006 removed some of the sterile atmosphere here, thereby extending this stadium’s life, but there’s only so much that can be done. White Sox fans might be stuck with this for a while.
The entire panel felt the same way about which four parks should be at the bottom, as they have this at #28
28. Chase Field, Phoenix
The best things this park offers: the lowest (by far) cost to attend a game of any MLB team; air conditioning; a swimming pool; and an exciting young team. Otherwise, the sightlines aren’t great, and there are way too many seats too far from the field. Better bet: go see the D-backs in March at Salt River Fields, the best of all spring-training facilities.
The voters place this at #27
29. Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg
The two most important things you can say about The Trop: at least the team has made an effort to make this sterile environment inviting; a solid plan is already in place to replace it.
Full agreement on the bottom two. We all have this at #29
30. Oakland Coliseum, Oakland
With the A’s committed to moving to Las Vegas, this rundown, wholly inadequate place will likely deteriorate even more. The fans deserve better.
We all have this one at #30 of 30
So what do you think of my rankings and the overall panel’s assessments? Tell us in the comments section below!
Hi Joe,
So glad to see where you ranked Sun Trust Field on your updated list. I won’t be able to get there this year but looking forward to a visit in 2019. I finally got to a game at Citi Field this year and was impressed with everything about the place. I agree with you about how Wrigley has lost some of its charm with the new giant scoreboards.
Living in Toronto I’m afraid we’re stuck with the Rogers Centre for decades to come so I really enjoy travelling to other parks to see games and always look forward to your next article. All the best.
Ralph
Rogers Centre is amazing! There are better parks but Rogers is in my top 5.
I heard Joe on MLB radio and love the site. I’ve now found a present idea for my Dad’s birthday.
John Colquitt
Good list although I’d rank Petco Park a little higher.
It took me a couple of years to do this, but I finally moved it up a couple of spots. Aesthetically, it is without equal.
Hard to argue with your rankings… but this is the internet, and arguing is the currency of the medium. Miller Park seems awfly low. True, its not beautiful, but with $4.25 beer (at least back when I was there) and the sausage races, what a fun place to see a ballgame.
Thank you, finally someone who has written that Fenway isn’t in the top 3 of ballparks. On the other end, you’re the only person that hasn’t put marlins park in the bottom 5.
Thanks for writing. One reason I don’t rate Fenway higher is because a lot is expected of fans when they attend a Red Sox game: lack of parking, extreme congestion around the park, poor sight-lines (with lots of obstructed-view seats), sky-high prices on everything, etc. As for Marlins Park, aside from its unappealing surroundings, I think it’s one of the most under-rated parks in the Majors. A lot of people talk down the park when they’ve never even visited it. Some hate it because of the team’s unpopular owner when it was built. When you look at it, though, from the standpoint of the design and engineering that went into it, the great concession options, the nice sight-lines, and AIR CONDITIONING, I think it’s a very nice facility. I think Sun Trust Park in Atlanta is also unfairly graded down, because people bring a negative attitude with them when they enter the ballpark after traffic and parking hassles. That’s not the park’s fault, but I do understand that it’s part of the gameday experience of attending a game there.
Yes! Fenway (and Wrigley, mostly Wrigley) are so over rated. loanDepot (Marlins) Park is mid.
Hey Joe, I hadn’t seen your ranking since you moved Wrigley out of the top spot! Was surprised to see that. This is a great and thought-provoking ranking…I haven’t been to every one, so I can’t create my own ranking, but here’s some thoughts I have reading this:
First, I agree with most fans about SunTrust Park. I get your point about the architecture being great, but the traffic problems there are the worst of any ballpark I’ve been to, including Wrigley, Fenway, and Rogers in Toronto. And that to me is inexcusable for a brand new ballpark, especially when the Braves cited “traffic” as a reason for leaving Turner.
Second, why so low on Citizens Bank Park? CBP is my home ballpark, and maybe it’s just because it’s a VAST improvement on its predecessor, but I love it…I love the unique shape of it, the look from the inside, Ashburn Alley, and the food is great.
I also love a lot of things about Progressive Field and I’m surprised you ranked that one so low…I think the Indians and Mets offer the best food selection in all of the Majors, although, again, I haven’t been to the ones out west yet. I love the view of the Cleveland skyline there, and I think they’ve done a terrific job improving the place, even if those boxes in upper right field look weird.
And finally, my top ballpark changes almost daily, but Camden Yards is almost always in the #1 or #2 spot. Just an absolutely perfect baseball atmosphere, and you have to give it props just for the impact it had. I’m old enough to remember when it opened and how crazy everyone went over it. Maybe SOMEDAY there will be a decent team there.
Great work Joe as always.
Thanks for commenting, Kurt. As I always say about my rankings, there’s nothing scientific about them. They are merely my opinions. When I rank a ballpark lower than another one, it means I feel like the higher-ranked park simply has more going for it (and hence I enjoy going to it more) than the one ranked lower. The addition of the food court at Progressive Field was tremendous, but that didn’t elevate my opinion of the ballpark enough to move it into, say, my Top Ten. But I love debating these things, so thanks for the food for thought!
I love a lot of things you said. I dislike strongly a few little things you said though. 1) Camden Yards is wonderful, but a little over rated. 2) I think the suites at Progressive Field is the best thing about the stadium. It’s so weird that it’s great. 3) Truist Park is my home ballpark and I really think it’s a division rivalry dislike. I’m not a big fan of CBP myself, but I’m biased. I know the atmosphere is great but it tends to be when you haven’t made the playoffs in 11 years. You go to Truist Park next time October and the World Series comes around, and I think you will change your mind.
Hey Joe, I think PNC Park is the most overrated MLB baseball stadium !! There’s no upper deck at all. The awesome Pittsburgh skyline is right there, behind the stadium. I think that would be a distraction to me. Wanting to watch a ballgame!! I cant believe Sun Trust stadium is all the way down to #10. I think that is not a very good stadium. And Citizens Bank Park all the way up to #19. That is an awesome stadium. It has a good size upper deck in right field. It has the Liberty Bell, The Phillies sign in left field. I wish they had an upper deck in center field. But keep the Liberty Bell. Thanks a lot !!
No upper deck at PNC? It’s just not the peanut heaven upper decks you see at other places. It’s down lower and in closer to the field. And the skyline is a ‘distraction’? I sat next to a Phillies fan at PNC over the weekend who took a lap around and came back to say ‘Citizens is nice, but this place is awesome!’
I have four major complaints. 1) Globe Life Field is #1. I don’t know if you have been here, but it has such a big feel. It is awesome! 2) Truist Park is #2. The the atmosphere especially during the postseason is like no other. Would be #1 if I didn’t live in Atlanta and I didn’t force myself to be not biased. 3) Minute Maid Park is just overall great. I don’t have words to explain it, it’s just wonderful. 4) Wrigley Field #2 in terms of historic feel and such, but in my opinion, it’s close to last from overall perspective. The atmosphere is awful, it’s always freezing even in the summer (and even when it’s hot everywhere else in the city) and always windy. And also, the Cubs are pretty awful. Baseball games here are not fun to watch. The are very little homers due to the wind, and it’s a low quality of baseball.
I agree about PNC. I would have put Oracle second. I have felt that Petco was 2A. Tom Boswell of the Washington Post said of Kauffman. when you go there go at night. I did and was not disappointed.
I will defend Fenway! I’d keep it at #3. Being from the west coast, I appreciate all of the history of the park. I close my eyes and see Bucky Dent & Carlton Fisk going deep! Fans are knowledgeable and passionate. You sacrifice some modern features for the baseball experience.I get goosebumps when everyone sings Sweet Caroline, it is so joyous.
Hey Joe,
Always enjoy your ballpark rankings, and comments about each park. I lived in both the SF Bay Area (15 years) and now the Tampa Bay Area (30 years) and although the ballparks are at the bottom I enjoyed every game I attended. A’s went from bad to great in the late 80’s, (before the Al Davis monstrosity in CF) and the Rays did the same here since 2008. Giants games were at the ‘Stick back then, not a great park either of course.
I agree the Rays have done a lot to make the game experience a good one, and the new turf looks nice. Hope to see you at the new park in 2028 (?).
Have you thought of doing a “scoreboard” review, or whatever they call those huge video displays? With so much info being offered it seems like you have to be lucky to find the basics when you glance up. The rotating out-of-town scores on some of the second deck facades are the worst. I like the Kauffman Field scoreboard the best, partially for the lack of billboards around it. Target Field also does a good job. I’m an old timer who doesn’t need a video board to tell you to “get loud”. How about telling me who’s at bat?
Thanks for your comments. I, too, really hope there’s a new stadium in St. Pete to visit in 2028 … and a new one in Vegas, too. As for video boards, I *love* the one in KC. I like its vertical orientation, and the way info in presented. I just spent a couple of days in Toronto, and its massive video board provides so much info, it makes your head spin. Likewise at Globe Life Field in Arlington.
Just a question: does the “new” Yankee Stadium really seat 50,000 people? I thought the Yankees removed several thousand seats, to about 45,000 seats, because they are incapable of filling the place? The truth is, they can’t even fill 45,000 seats!
The current capacity at Yankee Stadium is about 46,500. You’re right, that this is less than the previous incarnation of Yankee Stadium, but almost every new ballpark — or every ballpark that goes through a renovation — results in less capacity. The Blue Jays, for instance, now have 10,000-plus fewer seats than before they started doing renovations. Less is more, in the minds of MLB owners.
Be nice if there was mention of the architects that designed 80% of these facilities or renovations, instead of mentioning incorrectly the designer of Camden Yards.
One accusation you can’t make about me is that I neglect architects. Look at any of the ballpark reviews or articles I’ve written ( https://baseballparks.com/indepth/ ), and you’ll see that I shine a spotlight on the designer(s) — almost to a fault. I challenge you to name a single writer about ballparks who appreciates architects more than me. Take my recent article for USA TODAY on Rogers Centre (re-posted here: https://baseballparks.com/indepth/rogers-centre-renovation/ ). Populous (or its predecessors) certainly didn’t design it, but I devoted significant space to Populous to give them credit for their laudable design work on the renovations.
1. Pitt
2. Minnesota
3. Seattle
4. Boston
5. Baltimore
6. Atlanta
7. Detroit
8. NY Mets
9. SF
10. Colorado
11. KC
12. Cleveland
13. Philly
14. Chi Cubs
15. Texas
16. Cincy
17. Milwaukee
18. SD
19. DC
20. Toronto
21. Houston
22. Miami
23. NY Yankees
24. Arizona
25. Chi White Sox
26. LA Dodgers
27. STL
28. LA Angels
29. TB
30. Oakland
Dodger Stadium is very overrated. Yes every fan needs to go there once for the history, but it is objectively complete trash. I also had Wrigley very low on my list until I saw the most recent renovations.
Thank you for submitting this! I know a lot of thought went into your ranking. Placing Guaranteed Rate Field above Dodger Stadium is, well, an interesting choice, but I welcome anyone’s opinions on how the 30 parks rank. Thanks!!
It’s less about liking Guaranteed Rate more as it is that I just do not understand what people like about Dodger Stadium other than the nice view from the top. I would probably have it even lower if I didn’t see a no-hitter there.
I don’t know how long it’s been since you’ve seen a game in Chavez Ravine, but the complete transformation of the outfield area is phenomenal. So much to see and do there now. It might elevate your ranking of Dodger Stadium.
I was there in 2007, 2008, and 2015. Watching half of the stadium leave in the middle of a no-hitter to beat traffic only further cemented my opinion.
Pittsburgh is the best and no one else even comes close. I have Oracle and Petco 2 and 2A respectively. I don’t think muck of Seattle. That retractable umbrella is a real eye sore.
When was the last time you were in Great American Ballpark? I must be the exception to most, but when I went to this park last year, I thought that this was a top 10 ballpark I have been to. As you noted the HOF Museum is terrific, architecturally it is terrific, the horizontal lines of the stadium keeps stadium from overbearing the rest of neighborhood (unlike Paycor), the team history is on proud display outside and insides, and the city has done a tremendous job building the Banks (a mix of public space, business, retail and residential) that surrounds GABP. So I am having a hard time understanding what you didn’t see that I saw.
John, thanks for taking the time to comment. To answer your question, I attended two games at GABP in 2021. I cycle back through all MLB parks every few years. I don’t hate the Reds’ park by any stretch of the imagination, but after scrutinizing all 30 of them repeatedly, to me it is a middling modern park. And it’s not because I dislike the Reds as a franchise, because I grew up a Reds fan. My first ever baseball game was in 1967 at Crosley Field. I have the Reds in my blood … but I don’t like GABP as much as the other parks from around that era — Busch, PNC, Oracle, Citizens Bank, Nationals Park, Comerica. I should point out the rest of the panel (the other baseball writers and editors at USA TODAY) that voted on this ranking placed GABP even lower than I did (#26 versus my #24). But at the end of the day, any ranking is subjective.