What is the best stadium in baseball? Major League Baseball is home to some of the best ballparks in sports, with venues offering beautiful views and a seat to witness America’s pastime. Sportsnaut’s MLB stadium rankings serve as a guide for the best and worst ballparks in MLB.
There are a lot of factors when determining how each stadium stacks up against one another. The location certainly plays a big part, with ease of travel and proximity to places to eat a huge part of the evaluation. However, specific spots like Oracle Park, PNC Park and Busch Stadium demonstrate how an incredible view strengthens the atmosphere.
We also have to think about what each stadium offers once you step inside, with merchandise and food helping define the setting for your live baseball experience. Of course, the fans also play an influential part in defining a stadium’s ambiance.
There are 30 MLB stadiums in 2024, with each team having its own ballpark. It’s quite the difference compared to the NFL and NBA. In the NFL, the Los Angels Chargers and Los Angeles Rams share SoFi Stadium and MetLife Stadium is home to the New York Jets and New York Giants. In the NBA, the Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers share Crypto.com arena.
Before diving into our 2024 MLB stadium rankings, let’s look at the biggest and smallest stadiums in MLB by capacity.
Related: Fastest MLB players
The Oakland Coliseum is the largest stadium in MLB with a seating capacity of nearly 57,000. However, the Oakland Athletics are near the bottom in MLB attendance with fewer than 10,000 fans per home game (9,973) in 2022.
Related: Best Baseball Movies and Where to Stream Them
Progressive Field is the smallest MLB stadium, with the Cleveland Guardians the only MLB team playing in a stadium with fewer than 35,000 seats.
Let’s get into our MLB stadium rankings, from worst to first. You can send feedback on our 2024 MLB stadium rankings on Twitter to @Matt_Sportsnaut.
Related: MLB trade rumors
BIGGEST MLB STADIUM: There are a variety of things that make RingCentral Coliseum the worst stadium in MLB. Formerly known as the Oakland Coliseum, players and fans have dealt with a variety of plumbing issues for years, the stadium is a literal waste bucket at times. There are feral cats and moths everywhere, it’s almost like the franchise doesn’t want fans inside. Incredibly, we didn’t even factor in the bad product on the field which is a result of the lowest payroll in MLB. It’s remarkable that fans gave owner John Fisher support as long as they did because his refusal to invest in this team and the complete lack of effort to negotiate a long-term deal to keep the team in Oakland always made it obvious he wanted to leave.
A new stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays can’t come soon enough. The old idea of the Rays splitting home games in Tampa and Montreal seemed absurd until you see Tropicana Field. It’s a 30-minute drive with traffic from Tampa to St. Petersburg, where the Rays play. Inside the stadium, the artificial turf is an issue for players, the railings interfere with fly balls and not a single element of the in-stadium experience is memorable for a positive reason. At least the team is good.
Improvements have been made to Guaranteed Rate Field over the years, slightly improving the experience for fans. Yet, the original construction never seemed to take into consideration the visual aesthetic of having the Chicago skyline behind the outfield seats. Instead, fans must settle for unappealing video board displays, a forgettable fan experience, a complicated parking situation and you’ve got a far better chance of getting a parking ticket than a free baseball. Unfortunately, the on-field product will be even worse in 2024.
A state-of-the-art ballpark when it opened in 1998, Chase Field has slipped rapidly down MLB stadium rankings in the years since. It looks more like an airline’s hangar than a ballpark. It’s not located in an ideal location and the interior is just as off-putting as the view from a few miles away. Chase Field shouldn’t be on anyone’s bucket list because it’s one of the last places you would want to watch a baseball game.
Related: MLB MVP race 2024
One of the oldest MLB stadiums around, Angel Stadium of Anaheim reflects the $24 million investment ($221 million today) put into its construction. While its location provides some convenience, there is very little to brag about once fans get inside. Walk a few minutes and it becomes evident, in the worst ways, that this ballpark is nearly 60 years old. Fans hoping that new ownership would lead to a future stadium were certainly crushed when Arte Moreno kept the club. Sadly, Shohei Ohtani is now gone and that will make the on-field product so much worse in 2024 and likely a lot longer.
Related: Best batting average ever
Considering the Toronto Blue Jays are the only MLB team in Canada, you’d expect better from the Rogers Centre. However, it opened in 1985 and renovation plans are still being worked on. For now, we’re judging the home of the Blue Jays on the current set-up. While the location in downtown Toronto is a huge plus for convenience, the atmosphere, food variety and overall visual appeal are lackluster. The fact that the Blue Jays promoted the fact they added cupholders in 2024 kinda sums up this ballpark.
Related: Longest hitting streak in MLB history
When a state is willing to invest hundreds of millions of dollars into ballpark renovations, that should tell you about the current state of the Milwaukee Brewers ballpark. Formerly known as Miller Park, the entire bowl of seating and scoreboard need to be replaced. We still love the white slide and you can’t go wrong with the beer options, but the aforementioned renovation plans for the stadium should tell you why American Family Field is so low in the MLB stadium rankings.
Related: Wisconsin governor offers massive sum to fix Milwaukee Brewers stadium
Great American Ballpark is one of the most hitter-friendly stadiums in MLB, so fans in attendance can just about guarantee they’ll see a home run in person. Opened in 2003, GAB today offers excellent seating options with the view from just about any spot worth the price of admission. However, the cost of food is abnormally high for one of the worst teams in baseball. We also have to knock the ballpark design, with the tall bleachers hiding the Ohio river and the Cincinnati skyline on the other side of home plate.
Opened in 2020, Globe Life Field is the newest baseball stadium. However, the home of the Texas Rangers can’t even crack the top 20 in our MLB stadium rankings. It cost $1.1 billion to build this ballpark, which looks like a warehouse from the outside. We’d be willing to look past the underwhelming atmosphere because of the Rangers’ struggles in recent years. However, the food options will leave most fans in Texas disappointed, the lighting is subpar and getting inside does little to erase the impression that you’re inside a warehouse.
Related: Longest championship droughts
Comerica Park opened in 2000 and is located in downtown Detroit. Home of the Tigers, Detroit’s LB stadium offers a nice background view of the city skyline. Fans certainly preferred the old Tiger Stadium, which provided a better aesthetic and fat atmosphere. While the costs are a bit on the high side, Comerica Park ranks about average compared to its peers.
Related: 2024 MLB draft order
The experience inside Nationals Park is an enjoyable one for fans of all ages. Spectators can sit just about anywhere and have a great sightline, tickets are reasonably affordable and the vendor options are solid. Outside the ballpark, there were multiple shootings and a carjacking in 2022, an element that must be accounted for in MLB stadium rankings.
The Houston Astros might be the newest dynasty in baseball, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement in their ballpark. Minute Maid Park is certainly better now that Tal’s Hill is gone, but there are a lot of complaints about the food (quality and cost) and parking. The view inside the Astros’ home provides an up-close feeling, but it’s the little things and the lack of the aesthetic background view that prevent this from being one of the best MLB stadiums.
Related: Houston Astros still deny Jose Altuve’s involvement in cheating scandal
Kauffman Stadium is 50 years old and the Kansas City Royals are looking everywhere for new locations to replace it. While that opener might lead you to believe the Royals’ ballpark is one of the worst MLB stadiums, that’s simply not the case. There’s a bit of a rustic feel to it, but the open concept helps make the experience at Kauffman Stadium more delightful and the renovations went a long way toward improving the fan experience. As long as it’s around, it’s loved.
Related: MLB teams spend record sum in 2022 free agency
One of the best MLB stadiums when it opened in the 1990s, Progressive Field has fallen far behind the times in the two decades since. It’s also one of the smallest MLB stadiums, but in many ways that provide a more intimate setting in the lower bowl. We like seeing the view of downtown Cleveland, even if it isn’t a spectacular one. Overall, this is a quality ballpark that just falls short of some of the other venues in our rankings.
One of the newest MLB stadiums, Truist Park opened in 2017. We do have to knock the Atlanta Braves for taking the team out of Atlanta, with the ballpark located in Cobb County. The relocation took away the opportunity for a gorgeous skyline in the background. It offers a positive experience for fans with new amenities and a clean feel, but nothing stands out about Truist Park and the absence of personality drops it in the MLB stadium rankings.
Related: MLB revenue 2022
We’ll start with the obvious, the name of the Miami Marlins Stadium doesn’t do it any favors but at least the organization removed the “sculpture” that stuck out like an eyesore. The architecture and visual appeal of LoanDepot Park are factors in its favor, but there is very little inside outside of the club and music that reminds you you’re in an incredible city. We also have to knock the Marlins’ home because it often lacks an exciting atmosphere and that’s on the rare occasion there is a pulse at all. Of course, that’s a reflection on the organization itself.
We’ve got to give it to the fans in Philadelphia, they play a huge part in Citizens Bank Park even making it this high in the MLB stadium rankings. Roughly 15 minutes away from downtown Philadelphia, CBP misses out on the skyline background and falls short a bit in terms of convenience. It also lacks any distinct features that would make it one of the best MLB stadiums. It’s still a good place to attend a ballgame, just don’t expect to be amazed when you’re inside.
Related: Highest-paid MLB players 2024
We’ll say what everyone else is thinking, old Yankee Stadium is missed. Watching the New York Yankees in their current ballpark feels like you’re in proximity of a corporate retreat. While that might be great for the club financially, it does diminish a trip to Yankee Stadium for the average fan. Speaking of the die-hard fans, they play a crucial role in creating an intoxicating atmosphere and that almost makes up for the extreme costs to attend a game here.
Related: New York Yankees game today, Yankees 2024 schedule
The fact that Citi Field misses the top 10 in our MLB stadium rankings should simply tell you about the quality of ballparks around the country. Opened in 2009, risks were taken by implementing a more classic feel to the stadium but there is still an abundance of modern amenities that balance things out. Citi Field is the best MLB stadium in New York, with the emphasis on fans over companies just putting it over the top even if it’s not as modern in feel as the new Yankee Stadium.
Related: New York Mets game today, Mets schedule 2024
Opened in 2006 and built for $365 million, Busch Stadium immediately grabs the attention with the view of the Gateway Arch and skyscrapers. St. Louis Cardinals fans create the ambiance that truly complements the environment so well and the color design, statue and brick all make this one of the most beautiful parks in MLB.
While the Minnesota Twins might not be one of the most popular teams in MLB, Target Field is a stop every baseball fan can love. From a design standpoint, it’s all relatively simple, but the execution should be a guideline for future MLB stadiums. There isn’t a bad spot to sit, you can get season tickets and never get tired of the food, it’s travel friendly in and around the stadium, there are different spots honoring the Twins’ history and we must appreciate the Budweiser Roof Deck.
Related: Latest MLB power rankings
T-Mobile Park hosted the 2023 MLB All-Star Game and it’s so easy to understand why. Formerly known as Safeco Field, the Seattle Mariners’ humble abode is one of the biggest stadiums in MLB. When it’s raining, the retractable roof provides shelter for fans so they can escape the water. T-Mobile Park offers some of the best food and beer selections in all of baseball and a day of perfect weather amplifies the glorious views from all around the park. Plus, you’re walking distance from downtown Seattle and everything it has to offer.
Related: NFL stadium rankings
While the classic ballparks all fall a bit short of the elite tier in our MLB stadium rankings, it says something that places like Dodger Stadium continue to stand the test of time. Built at the start of the 1960s for $23 million, less than Mookie Betts makes this season ($25 million), Dodger Stadium is a gem. We’re not going to blame fans for showing up late, that’s Los Angeles traffic, but Dodger Dogs, the Chavez Raigne, the open layout, carne asada nachos and the raucous vibes help cement this old relic among the greatest MLB ballparks of all time.
Related: MLB scores
OLDEST MLB STADIUM: Opened in 1912, Fenway Park is a place on the bucket list for every sports fan. Whether you snag a seat on the Green Monster, are sitting high in the upper decks or just walking through the equivalent of baseball’s cathedral, it will stick with you forever. While so much of what makes this park great is the nostalgia and the atmosphere, with the Boston Red Sox influencing that in so many ways, Fenway Park is truly one of the best MLB stadiums ever. Unfortunately, we felt obligated to drop Boston’s ballpark a spot in our 2024 MLB stadium rankings in large part because the Fenway Sports Group has shown zero interest in the last two years in investing in a contender. Fenway Park and the fans deserve a lot better than what John Henry and Co. are doing.
Related: Boston Red Sox game today, Red Sox schedule 2024
Oriole Park at Camden Yards opened in 1992 and to this day it remains a spectacular place to visit. Found in downtown Baltimore, the Orioles’ home takes full advantage of the local food scene and still ties in some of the comfort bites for visitors. Oriole Park at Camden Yards broke through walls as an innovator, laying the groundwork for ideas that some of the best MLB ballparks adopted decades later. The Ringer’s Dan Moore captured why Oriole Park holds a place in history and whatever eventually replaces it years from now must honor its predecessor. Now that the Orioles have established themselves as one of the best teams in baseball, Camden Yards is one of the best MLB stadiums in 2024.
TOP 5 MLB stadiums: Wrigley Field takes you into a time machine, making fans feel for a moment like they traveled back in MLB history. One of the oldest MLB stadiums opened in 1914, with the Chicago Cubs’ home base providing the unmatchable ivy wall and a vibe that takes you back to classic moments in baseball. Fans are sacrificing a few modern conveniences at Wrigley Field, but that’s a price just about everyone is willing to pay and the renovations have certainly improved a structure that started to show its age years ago.
If you thought Coors Field is friendly to the hitters who step foot inside, just wait until you experience it as a baseball fan. Few ballparks do a better job of capturing the natural environment encompassing it. There’s a touch of creativity with the mountain-themed scoreboard, a solid list of food vendors to choose from and the people inside only amplify the experience. Coors Field captures Denver perfectly. There are small areas for improvement – specialty foods and atmosphere – but it’s still a must for all baseball fans with an itch for travel.
Related: Longest home runs ever
Based near the heart of downtown San Diego, Petco Park checks off so many boxes and is based in one of the best cities in the United States. The San Diego Padres’ home offers arguably the best food in all of baseball. It’s based in the perfect spot downtown, the weather is universally fantastic and the fans have now created a stimulating vibe inside. Credit to the NL West, the division home to so many of the best MLB stadiums.
Related: World Series odds 2024
It says something about a stadium when its occupant can finish near the bottom of the MLB standings every year and it doesn’t diminish the ballpark experience. PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, is truly a must-see setting. You’ve got the Pittsburgh skyline, a walk along the Allegheny River, the Roberto Clemente bridge, stunning architectural designs, great food and an overall atmosphere that represents its city so well. It’s truly neck-and-neck with No. 1 in our 2024 MLB stadium rankings.
Related: Discover what happened to Roberto Clemente’s bat from the 3000th hit
Nicest MLB stadium: Oracle Park is the best MLB stadium in 2024. While you don’t get to see a view of the San Francisco skyline, being right next to the water more than makes up for it. There isn’t a single bad seat in the house, there are a lot of fun things to do for families and the food variety is outstanding. If you have a bucket list of MLB stadiums to visit, Oracle Park must be on it.