5. Truist Park - Atlanta Braves
One of the newest ballparks lives up to the hype. The stadium tour here was the best in baseball, and the atmosphere was amazing as well. Not to mention on your way into the park, the Braves have an outdoor plaza called The Battery, an awesome name for an awesome spot. There's live music out there and lots of food options. I'm happy we got to witness the Tomahawk Chop in person as well, the dimming of the lights made it even cooler.
4. Oriole Park at Camden Yards - Baltimore Orioles
This ballpark is finally getting back the fan attendance it deserves. The venue that started the modern but old-fashioned trend, Camden Yards is one of my absolute favorites.
3. T-Mobile Park - Seattle Mariners
This may be recency bias as this was the last stop on our quest, but T-Mobile Park does it right. Fun fact about this park, it has a total 360 degree unobstructed view of the field from the main concourse, keeping you in the game even while you're making a food or bathroom run. My dad and I were treated like kings here, getting a bonus stop on our tour bringing us to the press room, VIP area, and right up to the field during batting practice. From top notch staff to a great atmosphere, Seattle is one of the best in baseball.
2. Petco Park - San Diego Padres
West coast baseball at its absolute finest, Petco Park is incredible. A close second to Busch Stadium in food options, Petco has something for everyone. There is an entire open field outside the park where vendors can set up, and the ballpark itself is beautiful. The Western Metal Supply Co. Building wasn't allowed to be demolished during the creation of this park, but the Padres turned it into one of the best aspects of their park with mulitple levels of seating up there. Even after getting a bit sad over seeing Xander Bogaerts in a different uniform, Petco Park absolutely deserved to be in the top three.
1. PNC Park - Pittsburgh Pirates
It might be shocking that the Pirates are number one on any list right now, but PNC Park is the real deal. Walking over Roberto Clemente Bridge on the way over, this field just immerses you in the game from the moment you step in. The backdrop is my favorite in baseball, the atmosphere is great, it did everything right for me. I truly hope the Pirates get back to competitive baseball soon in order to give this ballpark the love it deserves.
While some of this list may be controversial, I figured I'd try my hand at the impossible task that is ranking all these ballparks. Each one is great in its own way, and the quest will reopen once new parks are open for business. Another huge thanks to my dad for bringing me on this journey with him, this was truly a once in a lifetime experience that I am happy to share with him.