In the 10 years, my husband and I have been together, we have been to every MLB stadium and ranked each one as we went. Even though my criteria for that are a mix of the ballpark’s history, atmosphere, and accommodations, some stadiums are great for the atmosphere before a game. These stadiums should get some attention because let’s be honest, maybe that’s all you love about instead of the game itself.
These stadiums have many restaurants, bars, loud music, and rowdy fans near and within the stadium. These are the stadiums where people walk from downtown to get to the game. These venues are where you might not even make it into the match because you are having so much fun outside.
Target Field – Minneapolis, MN
We went to this stadium not too long ago. I don’t think it’s one of the top 10 ballparks, but I will give it credit for how it feels before a game. Minneapolis is a cool city that is easy to get around on foot and has a lot to do. The stadium is in the middle of downtown, close to the Warehouse District.
Try one of the many rooftop bars in the city, like Grave Provisions + Libations, Union Restaurant, Cowboy Jack’s, and Nola’s Rooftop Bar, which are all close to the stadium. Or, go to one of the three breweries around the corner from Target Field. Don’t go in the early spring unless you want to be cold.
Petco Park – San Diego, California
I’ve talked about how nice San Diego is in my overall list of stadiums, but the ballpark itself didn’t fall too low because there weren’t many fans who weren’t very into the game. But the weather in San Diego is so nice, and there is so much to see and do as you walk all around the stadium that I have to put Petco Park in the top 10 for the atmosphere before a game. Just don’t expect a lot of fans to be there.
Oracle Park – San Francisco, California
Mission Bay and South Beach are two of the best baseball places close to Oracle Park. Before a game in McCovey’s Cove, if you can, go out on the water. Fisherman’s Wharf is three miles from the stadium, but we had fun walking from there to the field. You’ll pass by many piers and the Ferry Building, which has bars, restaurants, and other places to eat. You don’t have to like baseball to go to a Giants game.
Progressive Field – Cleveland, Ohio
Again, I’m sick of people being mean to Cleveland. I liked how a new Guardian’s game felt before the game started. Before the game, we went over to East 4th Street. This area is really cute, with streets made of cobblestones and lights hanging across the walkways. There were many restaurants, bars, people, and musical performances to prepare you for the game.
You can go to Prospect Street, which is popular with people who like sports. And when many people are at a game, the Guardians will open “Rally Alley,” a street fair along Larry Doby Way behind left-field stands. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Cleveland sports games are not to be missed.
Oriole Park at Camden Yards – Baltimore, Maryland
Camden Yards is only 1.1 miles from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, where many pregame events occur. Before the match, you can hang out at the Inner Harbor or go to one of the several bars and restaurants in the area, such as Pickles, Sliders Bar and Grill, or The Bullpen.
Eutaw Street was great for me. With its restaurants, bars, food vendors, baseball memorabilia, lemonade stands, and carnival-like entertainment, Eutaw Street seems to sum up what Camden Yard and baseball are all about.
Coors Field – Denver, Colorado
Coors Field is downtown Denver, and there are many things to do before a game. There are restaurants, shops, and attractions along a mile-long stretch of 16th Street Mall, which is only one mile from the stadium. Also, you can ride a free shuttle up and down the stretch.
James and I went to a rooftop bar and had a drink together. I can’t remember the name, but as the name suggests, ViewHouse Eatery, Bar, and Rooftop have views of Coors Field. You can’t go wrong with this stadium because Colorado is such a beautiful place.
PNC Park – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pirates fans aren’t very excited because their team has been bad for a long time, but they compensate for it with what they do before the game. The three rivers that meet in Pittsburgh are beautiful to look at from PNC. Check out the Riverwalk!
Fans walk from across Roberto Clemente Bridge to get to the game, but before you go in, you should stop at a few local spots. Try Mike’s Beer Bar, McFadden’s, Mullen’s Bar & Grill, and Quaker Steak & Lube, or stop for pictures of the many views. I also think that fans tailgate a lot in the parking lot.
Busch Stadium – St. Louis, Missouri
Cardinals fans are among the loudest and most devoted baseball fans, which is something I can’t hate them for. It makes the time before the game fun. Just hang out with other fans or look around Ballpark Village before the game. There are many things to do before the game, so I think you should look over this list first.
Fenway Park – Boston, Massachusetts
What a great place to go to a game. I love how baseball makes me feel old. Go to the Fenway area and take in the atmosphere before a game. People walking and milling around are fine things to do in this stadium, but if you want to get somewhere, try the Bleacher Bar, which is under the stadium and has a great game view. Another fantastic spot is Cask ‘n Flagon, where you’ll find Sox fans of all ages and from all over the world. Last, Game On! has the feel of a sports arcade.
Wrigley Field – Chicago, Illinois
There was no question about which two stadiums would be first and second on this list, but Wrigleyville beats Fenway by a small amount. Why is the time before the game so great? From the loyal and friendly fans to the sports bars, rooftop spots, and greenery of Gallagher Way, you’ll live and breathe baseball while you’re here.
And by the night’s end, that’s enough to transform anybody into a baseball fan. So there you go! The 10 best stadiums to visit if you only care about what happens before and after the game. Many people think that’s more than half the enjoyment of baseball.