Baseball offers more venues than any other professional sport. A Major League Baseball stadium is a unique backdrop to the game, whether it has the Green Monster in Boston, waterfront views in San Francisco, or a railway in Houston.
Based on the date that each park hosted its first regular season game, here are the 30 active MLB parks. In cases where the first home run did not occur on the same day as the first game, the date of the home run is specified.
MLB Ballparks: Oldest Baseball Stadiums
Fenway Park – Boston Red Sox
First game: April 20, 1912
First HR: Hugh Bradley; April 26, 1912
All-time HR leader: Ted Williams, 248
Huntington Avenue Grounds served as the Red Sox’s home from 1901 to 1911 before Fenway Park opened just one week after the Titanic sank. There is also Pesky’s Pole in right field and The Triangle in center field, as well as a 37-foot, 2-inch high Green Monster wall in left field.
The Red Sox have won six World Series at Fenway Park, while the Boston Braves have won one. Despite the Braves’ regular home park, South End Grounds, being smaller, Fenway Park hosted the World Series in 1914.
Wrigley Field – Chicago Cubs
First game: April 23, 1914
First HR: Art Wilson
All-time HR leader: Sammy Sosa, 293
Originally known as Weeghman Park, the field housed the short-lived Chicago Whales/Federals of the Federal League and was known for its ivy-covered brick outfield walls. After William Wrigley Jr. became the team’s majority owner in 1927, the park took on its current name.
Night games were inaugurated at Wrigley Field for the first time in 1988. National Historic Landmark status was conferred on it in 2020.
Dodger Stadium – Los Angeles Dodgers
First game: April 10, 1962
First HR: Wally Post
All-time HR leader: Eric Karros, 130
During the period between 1958 and 1963, when the Dodgers were waiting for their new park to be built, they played four seasons at the Los Angeles Coliseum.
The Dodgers broke Cleveland’s 1948 attendance record of 2,620,627 in their first season at Dodger Stadium by drawing 2,755,184 fans. In 1977, 1978, and 1982, the Dodgers improved upon their record, which was broken in 1990 by the Blue Jays.
Angel Stadium – Los Angeles Angels
First game: April 19, 1966
First HR: Rick Reichardt
All-time HR leader: Mike Trout, 185
Since 1966, the Angels have played their home games at The Big A in Anaheim. Los Angeles’ Wrigley Field served as the Halos’ home field until 1962, when they rented Dodger Stadium. In 1980, the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams moved into Angel Stadium, which was originally used for baseball only. A fully enclosed stadium was built in the new configuration.
Angel Stadium was renovated again after the Walt Disney Company took over the Angels several years later. The Rams moved to St. Louis after the 1994 football season.
In left-center field, a distinctive rock fountain was added in place of the section behind the outfield wall, giving fans spectacular views of the local mountain ranges and 57 freeway.
You may enjoy reading Best Baseball Walk Up Songs
Oakland Coliseum – Oakland Athletics
First game: April 17, 1968
First HR: Boog Powell
All-time HR leader: Mark McGwire, 166
The Oakland Athletics moved to Oakland in 1968 and played at the Coliseum, where the NFL’s Raiders shared the stadium until 1982, when the Raiders moved to Los Angeles.
In 1995, Oakland agreed to increase the Coliseum’s capacity by adding a new section in order to bring back the Raiders. In past A’s games, the Oakland Hills were visible behind the outfield grandstands owing to Mount Davis, the section named after late Raiders owner Al Davis.
Due to its original use as a multi-purpose facility, the Coliseum has more foul territory than any MLB stadium. The Raiders moved to Las Vegas, but the A’s remain there.
You may enjoy reading What is the Oldest MLB Baseball Stadium Still Standing?
Target Field – Minnesota Twins
First game: April 12, 2010
First HR: Jason Kubel
All-time HR leader: Brian Dozier, 80
Target Field is an open-air stadium with an earth-tone limestone facade, offering a view of downtown Minneapolis and the city’s skyline. Metropolitan Stadium (now the site of the Mall of America) played host to the Twins from 1961 to 1981 and the Metrodome from 1982 to 2009.
loanDepot park – Miami Marlins
First game: April 4, 2012
First HR: J.D. Martinez; April 13, 2012
All-time HR leader: Giancarlo Stanton, 112
It was the Miami Dolphins who shared the stadium with the Marlins for 19 seasons. Miami introduced a new color scheme, uniform set, and retractable roof to their stadium in 2012, ushering in a new era.
Truist Park – Atlanta Braves
First game: April 14, 2017
First HR: Ender Inciarte
All-time HR leader: Ronald Acuña Jr., 8**6
After 20 seasons at Turner Field, the Braves moved to Truist Park in 2017 after 20 years at SunTrust Park, which was converted to a baseball park following the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. At this park, the Braves won their first title since 1995 by defeating the Astros in six games in the 2021 World Series.
Globe Life Field – Texas Rangers
First game: July 24, 2020
First HR: Joey Gallo; July 26, 2020
All-time HR leader: Adolis García, 59
Despite hosting that year’s neutral-site NLCS and World Series with limited numbers of spectators, Globe Life Field’s grand opening was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic for several months. 1994 was the last year Globe Life Park was open-air. The retractable-roof stadium replaced it in 2006.
Kauffman Stadium – Kansas City Royals
First game: April 10, 1973
First HR: John Mayberry
All-time HR leader: George Brett, 136
Although Kauffman Stadium (originally Royals Stadium) was built during a time when multipurpose stadiums were en vogue, it is exclusively a baseball venue. Major League Baseball’s “Crown Vision” video board, which was installed during the park’s extensive renovations between 2007 and 2009, is one of the largest in the league.
Rogers Centre – Toronto Blue Jays
First game: June 5, 1989
First HR: Fred McGriff
All-time HR leader: Carlos Delgado, 175
It was the first stadium in the world with a fully retractable roof when Rogers Centre (originally known as SkyDome) opened in 1989. When the roof is opened, the ballpark provides a clear view of the iconic CN Tower when it is not in use and is a prominent part of the Toronto skyline.
During the 1990 season, the Blue Jays attracted 3,885,284 fans, making them the first MLB team to draw 4 million spectators.
Guaranteed Rate Field – Chicago White Sox
First game: April 18, 1991
First HR: Cecil Fielder
All-time HR leader: Frank Thomas, 263
As the last MLB park built before the “retro-classic” design wave took over, Guaranteed Rate Field replaced the original Comiskey Park, home of the White Sox from 1910-90. Since 2001, the park has undergone significant renovations as a result of fan criticism.
You may enjoy reading Can You Use Baseball Cleats For Soccer?
Oriole Park at Camden Yards – Baltimore Orioles
First game: April 6, 1992
First HR: Paul Sorrento; April 8, 1992
All-time HR leader: Adam Jones, 146
The Oriole Park at Camden Yards began the retro-classic ballpark trend in the 1990s and early 2000s, which became popular around the Majors. Oriole Park’s unique charm is enhanced by the inclusion of the former B&O Warehouse into its architecture.
Located over right-field wall, the warehouse is an eight-story brick building built during the late 19th and early 20th century. While Ken Griffey Jr. famously hit the building with a home run in the 1993 Home Run Derby, no player has hit it on the fly during a game.
Progressive Field – Cleveland Guardians
First game: April 4, 1994
First HR: Eric Anthony
All-time HR leader: Jim Thome, 190
As of the 1993 season, the Cleveland baseball team relocated to Progressive Field (originally Jacobs Field). As a result of the streak, the team acquired No. 455 in honor of the record (since broken by the Red Sox).
A 59-foot, 221-foot wide video display looms over the bleachers in left field, above the distinctive toothbrush-shaped light towers.
Coors Field – Colorado Rockies
First game: April 26, 1995
First HR: Rico Brogna
All-time HR leader: Todd Helton, 227
With 4,483,350 fans in their inaugural season, the Rockies set an all-time MLB attendance record at Mile High Stadium. The team moved to Coors Field the following season. In the 14th inning, Dante Bichette hit a walk-off home run to win the Rockies’ first game at the new stadium.
Known for its hitter’s paradise and high altitude, Coors Field is home to a humidor on-site that stores baseballs used in stadium games.
Tropicana Field – Tampa Bay Rays
First game: March 31, 1998
First HR: Luis Gonzalez
All-time HR leader: Evan Longoria, 129
Since the expansion Rays joined the American League in 1998, Tropicana Field has hosted Major League Baseball games as the Florida Suncoast Dome. A non-retractable dome is the only thing distinguishing this park from the rest, and there are special rules if a batted ball is hit by any of the catwalks that hang from the ceiling.
In addition to the 10,000-gallon tank, the stadium has a touch-exhibit featuring cownose stingrays behind the right-center field fence.
Chase Field – Arizona Diamondbacks
First game: March 31, 1998
First HR: Vinny Castilla
All-time HR leader: Paul Goldschmidt, 105
A retractable roof ballpark in downtown Phoenix was the first of its kind in the United States when the D-backs debuted as an expansion team in 1998. Right-center field at Chase Field (formerly Bank One Ballpark) features a swimming pool that offers unique viewing opportunities.
Luis Gonzalez’s bloop single in Game 7 against the Yankees gave the D-backs a victory in Game 7 of the 2001 World Series.
T-Mobile Park – Seattle Mariners
First game: July 15, 1999
First HR: Russ Davis; July 17, 1999
All-time HR leader: Kyle Seager, 94
In 1995, the Mariners reached the postseason and won the ALDS against the Yankees, revitalizing baseball interest in Seattle. T-Mobile Park, the team’s current residence, was built less than four years after M’s secured funding for their new retractable roof stadium on Oct. 23, 1995.
Minute Maid Park – Houston Astros
First game: April 7, 2000
First HR: Scott Rolen
All-time HR leader: Lance Berkman, 157
With the Astrodome having served as the world’s first multi-purpose dome sports stadium for 35 seasons, the Astros received a new retractable roof stadium in 2000, which was housed in what used to be Union Station.
On top of the exterior wall beyond left field, a replica of a 19th century locomotive moves along an 800-foot track to honor the historical significance of the location.
Tal’s Hill, named after former Astros president Tal Smith, was also a unique on-field feature of the stadium. From 436 feet to 409 feet, the center-field distance was shortened after the 2016 season after Tal’s Hill and its flagpole were removed.
Comerica Park – Detroit Tigers
First game: April 11, 2000
First HR: Juan Gonzalez; April 14, 2000
All-time HR leader: Miguel Cabrera, 191
Detroit Tigers moved into their new stadium in downtown Detroit in 1999 after playing at Tiger Stadium from 1912-99. There are many notable features at the stadium, such as a 50-foot ferris wheel and a massive scoreboard in left field.
In the beginning, the flagpole in left-center field was used as a nod to Tiger Stadium, but after 2003, fences were erected, shortening the lanes from 395 feet to 370 feet.
You may enjoy reading Funniest Walk Up Songs In Baseball
Oracle Park – San Francisco Giants
First game: April 11, 2000
First HR: Kevin Elster
All-time HR leader: Barry Bonds, 160
A unique view of San Francisco Bay awaits you at Oracle Park, which is located along San Francisco Bay. The waterfront venue replaced Candlestick Park as the Giants’ home since 2000.
There’s a common sight during games when fans in kayaks or boats use fishing nets to attempt to catch home run balls in McCovey Cove, which is named after Giants legend Willie McCovey.
A right-field wall counter tracks “Splash Hits” by Giants players hitting home runs into McCovey Cove.
American Family Field – Milwaukee Brewers
First game: April 6, 2001
First HR: Michael Tucker
All-time HR leader: Ryan Braun, 173
Milwaukee County Stadium was the home of the Braves for one season before American Family Field (originally Miller Park) opened in 2001. The Brewers were relocated there after one season, becoming the Milwaukee Brewers after moving from Seattle.
After every home run and victory by the home team, mascot Bernie Brewer rides the giant slide in left field after riding the stadium’s unique fan-shaped roof, which opens or closes in 10 minutes.
PNC Park – Pittsburgh Pirates
First game: April 9, 2001
First HR: Sean Casey
All-time HR leader: Andrew McCutchen, 98
In 2001, PNC Park replaced Three Rivers Stadium as the Pirates’ home. Pittsburgh’s Roberto Clemente Bridge and downtown Pittsburgh can be seen from this park located along the Allegheny River.
Great American Ball Park – Cincinnati Reds
First game: March 31, 2003
First HR: Reggie Sanders
All-time HR leader: Joey Votto, 197
It replaced Cinergy Field, originally known as Riverfront Stadium, as the home of the Reds since 2003. Steamboats frequently traversed the Ohio River in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The “Power Stacks” in right-center field emit flames and launch fireworks.
Petco Park – San Diego Padres
First game: April 8, 2004
First HR: Marquis Grissom
All-time HR leader: Manny Machado, 77
After the 2003 season, the Padres moved to Petco Park from Qualcomm Stadium. A historic landmark built in 1909 and incorporated into Petco Park’s design in 1978, the Western Metal Supply Co. building is one of the stadium’s signature features.
Citizens Bank Park – Philadelphia Phillies
First game: April 12, 2004
First HR: Bobby Abreu
All-time HR leader: Ryan Howard, 198
A new ballpark was built in South Philadelphia in 2004 after the Phillies said goodbye to Veterans Stadium at the end of the 2003 season. The Vet has an artificial turf field, while Citizens Bank Park is an all-baseball venue.
With every Phillies home run and win, the stadium’s Liberty Bell replica lights up and rings.
You may enjoy reading Best Softball Walk Up Songs
Busch Stadium – St. Louis Cardinals
First game: April 10, 2006
First HR: Bill Hall
All-time HR leader: Albert Pujols, 122
Following 40 seasons at their old venue, the Cardinals moved into their current home, the third Busch Stadium in St. Louis. New Busch Stadium is more open than its predecessor, which was enclosed from all sides.
The stadium offers a clear view of the Gateway Arch and St. Louis skyline. In their first year at the park, the Cardinals won the World Series, winning Game 5 at home.
Nationals Park – Washington Nationals
First game: March 30, 2008
First HR: Chipper Jones
All-time HR leader: Ryan Zimmerman, 116
It was at RFK Stadium, the former home of the Senators, that the Montreal Expos played their first three seasons after moving to Washington, D.C. In 2008, Ryan Zimmerman hit a walk-off homer to secure the Nationals’ first victory at their new park.
Citi Field – New York Mets
First game: April 13, 2009
First HR: Jody Gerut
All-time HR leader: Pete Alonso, 85
The Mets’ home stadium in Queens was replaced by Citi Field in 2009, one of two new MLB parks in New York. Ebbets Field, home of the Brooklyn Dodgers before they moved to the West Coast, is reminiscent of the stadium’s red brick exterior and arched windows.
A motorized apple sculpture rises whenever the Mets hit a home run in the batter’s eye at Citi Field, a further tribute to the Mets’ former home. On the right side of the outfield stands the Shea Bridge, an homage to the Mets’ former residence.
Yankee Stadium – New York Yankees
First game: April 16, 2009
First HR: Jorge Posada
All-time HR leader: Aaron Judge, 135
After the 2008 season, the Yankees moved across the street to a new stadium with the same name. The limestone exterior of the park and the iconic white frieze on the roof recall the look of its predecessor aesthetically.
A 314-foot “short porch” can be found in right field of the new stadium as well. During the first season of the park, the Yankees won the World Series, just as they did in 1923.
FAQs
How do old stadiums cope with modernization?
Many old stadiums undergo extensive renovations so they can remain historically accurate while still providing modern amenities. A new section of seating may be added, technology may be upgraded, and accessibility may be improved.
What are some unique features of newer stadiums?
In addition to incorporating advanced technology, stadiums of the future are often designed sustainably, and they provide enhanced fan experiences. Gourmet food services, eco-friendly materials, and interactive displays could be included.
Are there any upcoming stadium projects?
The construction of brand new stadiums is among the ongoing and planned stadium projects across the country. As a result of these projects, the fan experience will be enhanced as well as surrounding communities will be revitalized.
How do stadiums contribute to local economies?
Tickets, concessions, merchandise, and concert and convention hosting generate revenue for stadiums. Furthermore, they spur economic growth and create jobs by attracting tourists and businesses.
What role do stadiums play in community identity?
It is not uncommon for stadiums to serve as cultural landmarks within their communities that foster pride and identity. These gathering places foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie for residents by providing a place for them to celebrate shared experiences.
Conclusion
Besides serving as sports venues, baseball stadiums serve as cultural landmarks and places for community gatherings. Each ballpark contributes to baseball’s rich tapestry, from Fenway Park’s historic charm to modern ballparks’ cutting-edge design.
Adapting to meet fans’ needs and expectations while preserving the timeless traditions that make baseball so special, stadiums for baseball will continue to evolve as the sport continues to evolve.
You may enjoy reading What Is A Run In Baseball?
