Her Take

I think I broke ChatGPT asking it to make a map for me.

I have made it to 15/30 of MLB stadiums on my quest to see them all. Here are my personal rankings of those 15. I will update this blog after I visit 20 and 25, and then my definitive rankings will follow after I finish my chase!

Rankings of the first 15 published 3/16/2025.

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I think I was around 11 years old when I attended my first MLB game at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. It was after I visited three more stadiums (Orioles, Astros, and Red Sox) that I decided I would make it a thing and try to visit all 30. I’ve taken some trips dedicated solely to ballpark chasing, and other times I try to tack on a stadium visit when I’m in a new city for work.

Besides watching baseball, my favorite part is seeing the things that make each stadium and each fanbase unique. The traditions, the food, the people – it’s all different everywhere you go. From Sweet Caroline in Boston, to poutine in Toronto, to the stadium village in St. Louis, certain things stand out to me when I recall each trip I’ve taken.

The rankings below are general observations from my personal experiences.

1. Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA

Unapologetically biased in this ranking. As a Phillies fan, the Bank is my favorite place to watch a game. There is nothing like hanging with 43,000 of my closest friends, cheering on the Fightins with a view of the Philadelphia skyline in the outfield and the Phanatic dancing on the dugout. I’ll happily stand in line for 30 minutes waiting for Chickie’s & Pete’s crab fries, and then take a stroll through the wall of fame, reading about my favorite players and other icons who have taken the diamond in Philadelphia, before I head to my seat and wait for the giant animated liberty bell to ring, signaling a home run.

Ashburn Alley is perhaps the best feature of Citizens Bank Park, spanning the entire outfield concourse. Here you can find granite markers of every Philadelphia All-Star since 1933, bi-level bullpens, bleacher seats, the best ballpark concessions and merchandise, and the Yard – an interactive “game experience” for kids.

There really isn’t a bad seat in the Bank and with one of the largest video boards in the league, you never miss out on the action, whether it’s game play or a fun promotion happening on the field. Plus, the stadium complex in South Philly is unmatched across cities with multiple major sports teams. Ample parking, great places to tailgate, and Xfinity Live round out the reasons why Citizens Bank Park is the greatest stadium in MLB. Go Phils!

2. PNC Park in Pittsburgh, PA

This actually pains me a little because before I ever actually visited Pittsburgh, I enjoyed calling it “Shittsburgh” for no other reason than believing it to be the armpit of Pennsylvania.

PNC Park is stunning. Beyond the outfield, fans are treated to views of the skyline, the Allegheny River, and some of the city’s many bridges. Although it was built in 2001, it’s a very modern ballpark with comfortable seats, wide concourses, and a huge concessions seating area that I haven’t really seen anywhere else. By the way, Primanti Bros. absolutely lives up to the hype! The Riverwalk is equally fun and beautiful; I really enjoyed using the pedestrian bridge to walk to the ballpark, catch some glimpses of Heinz Field, and connect to the ballpark downtown area where fans spend a lot of time drinking beer and eating food both before and after games.

I had a great time interacting with Pirates fans. They were upbeat, welcoming, and eager to hear how I would compare their stadium to others across the league. They’re very proud fans. Truthfully, I think PNC Park would be the #1 ballpark in MLB if I didn’t already have such a great home in Philly.

3. Fenway Park in Boston, MA

Perhaps baseball’s most iconic stage (if you don’t ask Cubs fans), Fenway Park is a unique and beloved ballpark even if you aren’t a Red Sox fan. This stadium has been around since 1912 and, despite extensive renovations, its charm remains intact. It is one of the most intimate and friendliest places to watch a baseball game, even with the towering Green Monster staring you down when seated behind home plate.

Prior to games, Lansdowne Street comes alive with excitement as fans pour in from every direction of Boston’s expansive footprint. Classic options like seasonal Sam Adams beers and lobster rolls are must-haves when visiting. I took a tour of Fenway in the morning and was most impressed with how the stadium balances historic charm and some of its more progressive features, like the manual scoreboard in left field and the rooftop garden in the upper level on the third base side.

Fenway stands out in many ways, like the steel beams that create obstructed views and the seats in right field that face the outfield instead of home plate. But if you don’t mind sitting in smaller, crowded seats closer to the center of the stadium seating areas, you truly would be hard pressed to find a better baseball atmosphere elsewhere in the league.

4. Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, MD

The home of the Orioles is another ballpark that manages to balance historic charm and modern amenities. Although it is not the easiest ballpark to get to, the views of the B&O warehouse and Baltimore skyline make up for it. The seats are comfortable no matter where you choose to sit, but I think all fans should experience the drink rail seating in the club level of left field at least once. This is a much more social and laid back spot to catch a game.

Like Lansdowne Street in Boston, Eutaw Street in Baltimore lights up with pre- and post-game buzz. Bars like the famous Pickles Pub are fun places to hang out and grab a drink or some food before heading into the stadium. You can often find other vendors and live music there, too. Inside the stadium, the concessions really lean into the seafood theme, with many places offering crab-something. My favorites to grab are a Natty Boh and crab egg rolls.

In terms of traditions, who doesn’t love the “OH!” that rings out among Orioles fans during the national anthem? So much fun to experience when you’re in the heart of Baltimore culture. And I will say the fans in Baltimore are (mostly) welcoming to the opposing team’s fans.

5. Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH

I imagine this ranking will surprise some people, but I truly had a blast at the home of the Cleveland Guardians. Progressive Field is located right in the heart of downtown Cleveland, and it is one of the smallest stadiums in MLB. But I think that’s why I liked it so much. It very much carries the family atmosphere of minor league or college baseball but with major league product on the field. And though it is a small and intimate stadium, the seats are not uncomfortable.

Progressive Field’s concessions also stood out to me. There are a number of larger restaurants like you’ll find anywhere else, but they also had many varied smaller concession options all over their concourse. Places with one or two food options or very niche drink options. (On a personal note, I was carded at the bars here, and that just made me feel good.)

The Guardians fans and stadium staff are the best I have encountered on this chase. They were all incredibly friendly, welcoming, and willing to chat with me about their team. I happened to be there when Gavin Williams, a former ECU Pirate, was pitching and I had so much fun talking to the Guardians fans about watching him pitch when he was in college.

6. Busch Stadium in St. Louis, MO

One of my favorite parts about walking around downtown St. Louis was the ballpark village, offering an extensive array of restaurants, entertainment, and shopping. On my way to the stadium, I was about three blocks away when I was offered a ride by someone using a bike to pull a carriage. The ride was free and so was the beer in his cooler. Admittedly, this wasn’t the greatest decision I’ve ever made, but I made it there in one piece. And once I got there, I loved walking around the statues of former Cardinals players outside the stadium and reading about their contributions to baseball.

The Cardinals pride is strong in this city. The overall atmosphere was just fun, and the fans were very welcoming. The ballpark’s design was very modern and it was clear that every seat in the stadium offers a great view. If you sit facing the outfield, you’re treated to stunning views of downtown St. Louis and the Gateway Arch. The downtown area was also very walkable and I felt safe walking at night by myself.

The food at Busch Stadium was particularly memorable and its reputation preceded itself, so I came prepared and hungry. Given that it’s St. Louis, the options were heavy on fried chicken and BBQ. I ended up with the St. Louis BBQ nachos and DANG were they some of the best nachos I’ve ever had. I left St. Louis happy, entertained, and quite full.

7. Citi Field in Queens, NYC

This is the first stadium on the list belonging to a division rival of the Phillies. I’ll start by saying Citi Field was a bitch to get to, but given that it’s in New York City, that’s not really a surprise. I actually really liked this stadium. It feels open, airy, and comfortable – the exact opposite of what you might expect of a stadium located in a place like NYC. Its modern design and friendly staff made it a pleasant experience overall.

My favorite part about this stadium is the giant rotunda named for Jackie Robinson. The rotunda is a prominent feature of the stadium’s exterior and its big, beautiful windows allow for natural light to stream in, welcoming fans to a great day at the ballpark and connecting them to many different sections of the stadium like the team’s Hall of Fame, which I thoroughly enjoyed even as a Phillies fan.

8. loanDepot Park in Miami, FL

The first thing that came to mind when I stepped into loanDepot Park was that the outfield and exterior gave a very futuristic feel, but it’s really just because of the structure supporting the retractable roof. I really enjoyed walking around the outside of the stadium, which was a great reflection of the diverse culture in Miami. I also really enjoyed the “Taste of Miami” section of the concessions.

The Bobblehead Museum at loanDepot Park really stood out. It is the largest permanent and public display of bobbleheads in the big leagues, and the bobbleheads on display are donated by both major and minor league teams following their latest giveaways. This attraction makes the home of the Marlins unique and fun.

Despite it being a great ballpark, I was pretty disappointed that there weren’t very many fans in attendance. The team was just in the playoffs the season before and it was early in the new season, so it just seemed odd. Plus, the stadium is very easy to get to, so I expected to see many Marlins fans during my short walk to the stadium, but it just felt a bit deserted.

9. Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Of the stadiums left on my list, this one feels like the most obvious next up for the rankings, but I really didn’t love my time here. Rogers Centre has a retractable roof, which is great because it was raining the day I went, but I feel like I would have liked this one a lot more with the roof open. Judging by photos of the stadium when it’s open, there’s a nice view of the CN Tower.

I had poutine there and it was good, but not as good as I thought it might be. Of course, that could be my bad for expecting the best poutine to be at the baseball stadium. I wish I had gone to the Hard Rock Cafe instead.

Something that sets this stadium apart is the hotel in the outfield. Guests of the Marriott City Centre can actually watch the game from their rooms. I don’t know how much it costs to stay there during the season, but I imagine it isn’t cheap. There’s also a really nice downtown area surrounding the stadium, and you can find plenty to do before and after a game.

My least favorite part about the Rogers Centre was its fans. I went to Canada expecting really friendly people but they were just not as advertised. I have since heard, though, that Toronto residents are generally not native Canadians, so I could maybe let this go.

10. Comerica Park in Detroit, MI

Honestly, I kind of expected Comerica Park to be a dump, but it wasn’t as bad as I thought. It was surprisingly easy to get to and to find parking within walking distance. Walking into the stadium, it feels large and airy and it immediately gives off the impression of a good time – if you’re a Tigers fan.

The outfield offers a great view of the (lovely?) Detroit skyline. But my favorite part about the park was its attractions like the ferris wheel and the tigers carousel – things you don’t generally see at a MLB park. The beer hall was great, too, and offered one of the best selections of beer I’ve seen at a stadium. And, fun fact, Comerica Park is the only ballpark with a dirt strip between the pitcher’s mound and home plate.

I usually sit behind home plate when I go to a new ballpark, but this time I tried the bleacher seats in right field and actually enjoyed them. They were spacious and since it was an afternoon game mid-week, there weren’t many fans there so I was able to try out different angles of the field.

11. Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, NYC

I know this stadium is going to fall in the rankings when I have more to add. I did not like the new Yankee Stadium. Its saving grace is its exterior; it is absolutely beautiful on the outside and it is very easy to get to when you utilize NYC public transit.

When you walk into the new Yankee Stadium, there is an outer concourse area with concessions and shopping. It’s really pretty, but it also feels really tight and absolutely packed with people. The hallways to get to the inner concourse are long and dark, and the inner concourse is really narrow and hard to maneuver through when more fans start to arrive. Further, there are some really long stretches of the inner concourse where you can’t see the field at all. And from some seats, you can’t even see the entire field because you’re flanked by concrete walls. When you have a good seat, the view of the field is nice. But the layout of this stadium just isn’t what I’ve come to expect from baseball parks.

I will say, the Yankees Hall of Fame is really impressive, and that’s not really a surprise given the rich history of this franchise. I just wish I had gotten to see the old Yankee Stadium.

12. Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.

I know, I know – you probably think this stadium is lower in the rankings because I hate the Nationals. And you would be correct.

Truthfully, it took me a long time to visit Nationals Park for a baseball game even though I live so close to D.C. It was a nice park, but it just felt very non-descript. It was plain. Boring. There isn’t a great view beyond the outfield and the amenities and food choices were underwhelming. But I really enjoyed the area outside the ballpark and can appreciate that it is really easy to get to.

When it comes to this stadium, I prefer to think of the Paul McCartney concert I saw there and not the baseball game.

13. Daikin Park in Houston, TX

The home of the Astros was one of the stadiums I visited before I had decided I would see all 30, so I probably wasn’t paying as close attention to the amenities as I do today. However, given that I went in the dead of August, I’m really glad that there was a retractable roof to shield us from the Texas heat. When the sun went down, they opened the roof and that was fun to watch, and it was a very pleasant evening in Houston after that.

I remember walking around the stadium and I remember being at the game and thinking that the Astros were going to be really good in a few years. They did win the World Series a few seasons later, but that championship is also marred by a sign stealing scandal, so it’s interesting to look back on that fun experience and try to reconcile that disappointment.

My favorite part about this stadium was the train that came alive when someone hit a home run. The train was built as a tribute to the park’s history as Houston’s Union Station. Of all the stadiums that I’ve already been to, this is one that I want to revisit (and take better photos).

14. Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FL

It feels sad to write about this stadium. The home of the Tampa Bay Rays was recently hit by a hurricane and the team has ditched the plans to fix the damaged parts of the stadium. I don’t believe the Trop will ever re-open.

The retractable roof stayed closed the entire game, and it just felt weird. I don’t really like watching baseball indoors; it feels wrong to me. That, and the fact that there were so few fans there, made the game feel not so fun. I wish I had better things to say about this stadium because it was one that I visited early on, but I just can’t think of anything else to say.

I look forward to visiting the new home of the Rays when it opens in a few years.

15. Rate Field in Chicago, IL

I really don’t have any good things to say about this stadium. It was dark, it felt dirty, the food was not good, and the fans were miserable. Of course, this was in the midst of a historic losing season (41-121), so maybe things are better when the team is doing better. But that’s a big maybe.

The best part about the game I attended was hearing White Sox fans yell, “Sell the team!” Best of luck, guys.