Take a pregame walk across the Roberto Clemente Bridge and purchase a Grandstand ticket on the 3rd base side. The confluence of Pittsburgh’s downtown, bridges, and rivers are worth the price of admission. A night game at PNC Park is my baseball nirvana.
The genesis of the Ballpark revolution began with OPACY’s debut in 1992. Twenty ballparks have been built since; only one offers a better experience. The restored B&O Warehouse and statue of Baltimore’s own Babe Ruth welcomes fans. It’s where my Ballpark Tour began in 2002.
Built on an 8-acre plot of land, nestled into downtown Minneapolis Target Field offers the modern amenities fans expect with a hat tip to Minnesota’s surprisingly vast baseball history. The Twins shared their home with the Minnesota Vikings for 49 years before moving in to the modern open-air ballpark in 2010. Target Field’s unique features include the Minnie and Paul celebration sign in CF and a Rain Water Recycle System that captures, conserves, and reuses rain water.
The House that Junior built opened its doors in July of 1999, a rare midseason debut. The Mariners 1995 playoff run saved the team from moving to warmer climes.T-Mobile’s retractable roof acts as an umbrella leaving the north and west sides of the park open. This allows fans to hear the Portland-Seattle Railroad roll by during the game. T-Mobile also offers an extensive baseball-themed art collection throughout, the highlight of which is the glass chandelier made of one thousand bats that welcomes fans entering through the home plate gate.
Granted being a Mets fan might have influenced the Top-5 ranking. Citi Field is a mix of former New York ballparks, Ebbets Field and the Polo Grounds. The Jackie Robinson Rotunda welcomes fans who enter the Home Plate gate and provides a history lesson on one of the most influential individuals of the 20th century. The Mets also pay homage to their previous ballpark, Shea Stadium, with the Home Run Apple and foul poles. Citi Field concessions represent the diversity of New York…there’s something for everyone.
Opening in 1914 Wrigley Field has seen over 100 years of baseball history, but not one World Series title. The Cubs are currently completing year 2 of a 4 year renovation project to upgrade Wrigley and ensure the viability of the ballpark for future generations of baseball fans, while preserving historic features, like the Ivy covered OF wall and manual CF scoreboard, fans have come to know. Travel to Wrigley via the Red Line and enjoy the atmosphere of Wrigleyville before heading in to the Grandstand or Bleachers. Attendees are segregated so if you are someone who wants to see all the Friendly Confines has to offer plan on attending 2 games.
