Major League Baseball is where we see the most diversity within sports stadiums. Because there is no set dimension that needs to be followed we find that every stadium has its own uniqueness that sets itself apart. We also see that the design of each can be wildly different for better or worse.
So here are the best 5 stadiums in MLB and the worst 5 stadiums.
Best Stadiums – Oracle Park
There is a strong debate as to which MLB stadium deserves the honor of number one ballpark. The first stadium on this list goes to Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants. Created in 2000 the stadium has multiple features that make this young ballpark so iconic.
The field has its own quirks starting with the 415-foot point out in left-center named Triples Alley for its unique depth and ability to get players to third base if hit just right. What also sets this ballpark apart is the iconic McCovey Cove where players have the ability to hit a home run right into the Bay.
Its placement right on the Bay also gives the stadium amazing views that showcase San Francisco extremely well.
Worst Stadiums – Oakland Coliseum
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There’s a reason that NFL and MLB stadiums are so drastically different. They simply just don’t work the same and the Oakland Athletics put that on full display.
The huge foul ball territory and hideous backdrop make it the unanimous worst stadium in all of MLB. They also have the unique ability to produce more seats with a bad view than any other team in baseball. With what seems like an impending move to Las Vegas the Athletics will get a much improved and much-needed stadium change soon.
Best Stadiums – PNC Park
The home of the Pittsburgh Pirates was opened in 2001 and gives what could be boiled down to the most iconic skyline in MLB with an amazing backdrop of downtown Pittsburgh.
What most people notice first is the Roberto Clemente Bridge that runs right behind the field essentially making it a place you can catch a game from. The only bad thing about this stadium is you have to watch the Pirates play a game if you want to enjoy the scenery.
Worst Stadiums – Tropicana Field
Opened in 1990 the Home of the Tampa Bay Rays has features that are so poorly executed it makes itself one of the worst stadiums in baseball. The big problem is the dome. Undoubtedly one of the worst domed stadiums in all of sports because it sits so low balls hit the railing.
It also sits in a poor location not making it easy for fans of the Rays to even attend.
Best Stadiums – Petco Park
Built-in 2004 in the heart of Downtown San Diego, Petco Park has been home to the Padres since 2004. The unique outfield seating makes the stadium feel even more open than it already is and the skyline sits in the immediate backdrop.
One of the cooler features you can see during a game is the airplanes moving their way through the sky across the skyline making their descent into the airport. With the Padres breaking their sell-out record in 2023 the stadium is getting more appreciation this year than ever before.
Worst Stadiums – Comerica Park
In 2023 the Tigers moved their center field wall eight feet to make it 412 feet from the home plate which feels like a major improvement but not enough to really move the needle for this list.
The stadium just doesn’t have any big or interesting features like so many others do. Maybe that is because the surrounding area isn’t as flashy as other places or it wasn’t showcased in the proper way but the way Comerica Park is one of the bottom stadiums in MLB.
Best Stadiums – Wrigley Field
Wrigley breaks the streak of top stadiums being built in the 2000s as it hosted its first game in 1914. When people bring up Wrigley Field there is usually one aspect that is mentioned. Of course, that’s the famous ivy coming down from the outfield walls that changes colors during the season.
With large renovations done in 2019, it only seemed to enhance what many consider to be the most iconic stadium in MLB and maybe all of the sports.
Worst Stadiums – Angel Stadium
As one of the oldest stadiums in MLB, it’s hard to justify why the Angels haven’t had a major renovation to it since the 1990s. It might just be that it feels stale seeing the same design and not many changes for that long and not having any features that make it unique. With no scenery like so many other teams, they are at a serious disadvantage.
What’s even worse for the Angels is they are caught between Dodgers Stadium and Petco Park which are two amazing places to watch a ballgame.
Best Stadiums – Coors Field
Rounding out our top five stadiums we move to Colorado and Coors Field, home of the Rockies. Built in 1995 the Rockies are able to enhance the natural beauty of the state. Unlike most stadiums, the best seats might not even be located right behind the plate.
If you sit up in the top right field section you get incredible views of the sun setting over the Rocky Mountains which seem always to take focus away from the game.
Worst Stadiums – Rogers Centre
Home of the Toronto Blue Jays and the only MLB team outside of the United States you’d think this stadium would be one of the more iconic in MLB. Unfortunately, it feels like every other ballpark which isn’t a bad thing but with higher expectations it’s definitely a disappointment.
Pair that with the low-energy atmosphere and poor parking, Rogers Centre deserves its spot as the fifth-worst stadium in MLB.
