The
Overall
1. San Francisco, AT&T Park: Home team, Giants. Capacity, 41,600. Opened, April 11, 2000. Cost, $255 million. Architect, HOK.
2. Pittsburgh,
3. Baltimore,
3. (t) Boston,
5. Seattle,
5. (t) Minnesota,
5. (t) San Diego,
National League
1. San Francisco (AT&T Park): The gold standard for sight lines, scenery — love McCovey Cove — and downtown convenience, plus a large selection of craft beers and the intoxicating scent of garlic fries.
2. Pittsburgh (PNC Park): Stunning views of the city skyline and bridges over the Allegheny River provide the best backdrop in baseball. And even the team is back to being fun to watch.
3. San Diego (Petco Park): Inexpensive tickets and a downtown location that's a short walk from the Marina and Gas Lamp District. All it needs is a competitive baseball team.
4. Los Angeles (Dodger Stadium): Chavez Ravine provides a scenic backdrop and new ownership has made some nice stadium upgrades. But those Dodger Dogs? Way overrated.
5. Chicago (Wrigley Field): So much history, so much ivy, such a lovable losing team, and there is no such thing as "Last Call." Renovations improved sight lines without compromising traditional feel.
6. Philadelphia (
7. New York (Citi Field): The Ebbets Field-like rotunda behind home plate is a nice touch, as is the team hall of fame and museum. If only the Flushing Meadow location could be improved.
8. St. Louis (
9. Colorado (
10. Miami (
10. (t) Milwaukee (
12. Washington (
13. Cincinnati (Great American Ballpark): More like "Average American Ballpark." Nice but sterile. A cookie-cutter among several like newer stadiums.
14. Arizona (Bank One Ballpark): Comments from three of our sportswriters included a comparison to an airplane hangar. But the Dodgers say the pool is nice.
15. Atlanta (
American League
Boston (Fenway Park): A (baseball) tradition like no other. The
Baltimore (Oriole Park at Camden Yards): Original retro ballpark inspired a movement that altered stadium construction. Love the crab cakes and the B&O Warehouse in right field.
Seattle (Safeco Field): Views of Puget Sound and the downtown skyline. Retractable roof keeps out the rain and where else can you order a wild-salmon sandwich at a concession stand?
3(t). Minnesota (Target Field): Stunning architecture, convenient location and seats that put fans on top of the action. Wish it had a roof for early-season games, but heaters near the food stops help.
5. Angels (Angel Stadium): Good sightlines — and a train line in the parking lot. Concessions include kid-friendly meals, but lose the rock pile in the outfield and TURN DOWN THE MUSIC!
5(t). New York (
7. Detroit (
8. Kansas City (Kaufmann Stadium): Waterfalls beyond the outfield walls are the signature of this 42-year-old park, where $26 covers parking and a good seat.
9. Cleveland (
9(t). Houston (
11. Texas (Globe Life Park): Handsome park offers several fan-friendly features. If they could only do something about weather that leaves your sweat-soaked shirt stuck to the back of a seat.
12. Toronto (
13. Chicago (U.S. Cellular Field): Pinwheel-like features in the outfield offer the feel of an amusement park. Tickets are as low as $7 — but you get what you pay for.
14. Tampa Bay (
15. Oakland (Coliseum):