Written by Mark BaileyStep into history with the oldest stadiums of Major League Baseball. These time-honored ballparks, still in use today, provide a nostalgic journey through the annals of America’s pastime.
Here are the 10 oldest MLB stadiums still in use.
- Fenway Park: 1912
- Wrigley Field: 1914
- Dodger Stadium: 1962
- Angel Stadium: 1966
- Oakland Coliseum: 1968
- Kauffman Stadium: 1973
- Rogers Centre: 1989
- Tropicana Field: 1990
- Guaranteed Rate Field: 1991
- Oriole Park at Camden Yards: 1992
1. Fenway Park
The oldest MLB stadium still in use is Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. Fenway Park is home to the Boston Red Sox of the American League. Constructed in 1912 with a Jewel Box design, it has seen several renovations and has reached National Landmark status in its 100th year.
Fenway has many unique features, like Pesky’s Pole, the Green Monster, and the Triangle. You will notice a range of dimensions in the outfield. The right field has a distance of 302 feet, while the furthest point is the triangle at 420 feet from home plate. Fenway Park seats 37,755 fans – though that number may be lower in a day game. Some seats are covered to produce a batter’s eye during the day.
Fenway Park is revered for its historic charm despite its small size and some uncomfortable seating. Fans appreciate the lively atmosphere, the proximity to baseball history, and the iconic features such as the Green Monster and the oldest wooden seats in MLB. Parking can be challenging, so public transportation is recommended. Tour-goers highly recommend the informative and entertaining ballpark tours. Even as a concert venue with less-than-ideal acoustics, Fenway’s ambiance makes it a special place to visit. Overall, the stadium receives high praise for preserving its character and the gameday experience it provides.
2. Wrigley Field
The second-oldest active MLB stadium sits on the Northside of Chicago, Illinois – Wrigley Field. It was built in 1914 for the Chicago Whales of the Federal League. The Chicago Cubs took over the stadium in 1916 after the Whales, and the Federal League folded in 1915. It was first known as Cubs Park until 1927. They named it Wrigley Field after William Wrigley Jr. of chewing gum fortune and fame.
Wrigley Field has a Jewel Box design. It sports an open-air roof and a grass field. Though it seats 41,649 fans, its design is not imposing or large. However, the centerfield wall sits 400 feet away from the home plate. It features a hand-turned scoreboard and ivy on the outfield wall.
Visitors to Wrigley Field laud its charm and history, describing the experience as akin to stepping back in time. Appreciation for the stadium’s age is a common sentiment, with fans enjoying the traditional aspects of the game here. The tours are highly recommended, offering insights into the field’s storied past, access to various sections like locker rooms and press box, and close-ups of iconic features like the ivy-covered walls. Despite its historic attributes, the venue maintains clean facilities and attentive staff. The surrounding neighborhood, Wrigleyville, adds to the overall experience with its lively atmosphere. The stadium’s updates blend old with new, though some feel it’s lost a touch of its nostalgia. Overall, Wrigley Field is cherished for its timeless appeal and is considered a must-visit for baseball enthusiasts.
3. Dodger Stadium
The third oldest stadium on the list is in Los Angeles, California. Built in 1962, shortly after the Dodgers’ move from Brooklyn. You will notice that Dodger Stadium has the largest official capacity on this list at 56,000 fans. Dodger Stadium also boasts a grass field. It is an open-air stadium with a grass field.
What’s unique about this field? It has hosted 10 World Series and seen 12 no-hitters. It was built as a baseball-only park but has hosted concerts, soccer games, boxing, and cricket matches. During renovations, they moved home plate, and now centerfield sits 395 feet away. Dodger Stadium is one of the most iconic fields in use.
Fans appreciate the historic charm and atmosphere of Dodger Stadium, which is the third oldest in MLB. The views are impressive, and many fans find it electrifying to be part of such a legacy. Despite its age, it is well maintained and provides an enjoyable game day experience. While some fans mention difficulty in navigating the older stadium, especially in finding seats and managing the exit traffic, others suggest using public transportation like the Dodger Express Shuttle for a smoother experience. Overall, despite some modernization challenges, fan reviews highlight the stadium as a must-visit for its rich baseball history and vibrant fan culture.
4. Angel Stadium
You will find Angel Stadium in sunny Anaheim, California. Also built in 1966, it is home to the Los Angeles Angels. Angel Stadium is another big ballpark that also hosted an NFL team in addition to its baseball tenant. The Los Angeles Rams of the NFL played their home games there from 1980 until 1994.
Originally, they named the stadium Anaheim Stadium. It is also known locally as the “Big A.” It seats 45,517 fans. Angel Stadium has an all-grass field with a centerfield fence bordering it at 396 feet.
Fans cherish Angel Stadium’s storied history and enjoy its array of events, from baseball to golf and soccer.The aging stadium is said to need updates, especially more comfortable seating. Parking is convenient, though the expenses incurred at the stadium are considered high for some visitors. Despite the critiques, the home of the Angels holds a special place in the hearts of many, particularly those with deep-rooted memories of historic games and player encounters.
5. Oakland Coliseum
The Oakland Coliseum was built in 1966 and is currently home to the Oakland Athletics. It is a multipurpose stadium that used to host the Oakland Raiders of the NFL before their move to Las Vegas. The stadium seats 46,847 fans, but you will notice that it can hold upwards of 60,000. It has a grass field – dedicated to Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson.
The Coliseum, while aged and criticized by some, is appreciated by fans for its deep-rooted history and approachable prices. Historical elements, like game memorabilia, are of particular interest to visitors. While the concourse and amenities like the bathrooms receive mixed reviews for their condition and quality, the stadium’s intimacy and nostalgic atmosphere resonate with guests. Fans value the dedicated community and the old-school baseball experience, though there are calls for improved concessions and facility enhancements. The overall sentiment is a desire to maintain the charm and history while upgrading the venue.
6. Kauffman Stadium
Kauffman Stadium is home to the Kansas City Royals. Built in 1973, it was named initially Royal Stadium. Later it became Kauffman Stadium in honor of the first Royals owner, Ewing Kauffman. It is the American League’s only stadium named after a person. It seats 37,903 fans and is an open-air stadium. You will notice a grass field that reaches out to 410 feet to the centerfield fence.
Patrons of the Kauffman stadium appreciate its classic design, family-friendly atmosphere, and historic charm. Fans enjoy the Hall of Fame, kid-friendly games and areas, and the iconic water features that many feel newer stadiums lack. There is a strong sentimentality among visitors, with many expressing dismay at the idea of the stadium being replaced. Overall, the stadium is described as a memorable, fan-friendly location that offers a great baseball viewing experience.
7. Rogers Centre
Built in 1989, the Rogers Centre is home to the Toronto Blue Jays. The park has a retractable roof and artificial turf. Formerly known as the SkyDome, Rogers Centre also features a hotel and restaurant. The centerfield fence is 400 feet from home plate. It is one of the last multi-purpose fields built. Rogers Centre seats 49,286 fans.
The historic Rogers Centre, affectionately remembered as SkyDome, garners appreciation for its remarkable retractable roof and exceptional views, ensuring comfortable viewing regardless of weather. Fans praise the modern updates, including comfortable seating and the atmosphere contributed by the passionate Jays crowd. Despite some concerns about price and the apparent wear of an aging stadium, visitors enjoy the accessibility, helpful staff, and the adjacency to iconic Toronto sights like the CN Tower. Renovations receive mixed reviews, some welcoming the social, family-friendly spaces and park upgrades. Overall, Rogers Centre offers a memorable mix of contemporary features and historic charm for baseball fans.
8. Tropicana Field
If you find yourself in St. Petersburg, Florida, you can grab a seat at Tropicana Field. Built in 1990, the stadium is home to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. The covered modern stadium protects you from the elements. It is the only fixed-dome stadium in the league. Tropicana is a turf field with the centerfield wall running out to 404 feet in dead center.
Customers appreciate the historic attributes of Tropicana Field, acknowledging it as the last of its kind from the 1980s and holding fondness for its classic features. While some note it as outdated, there remains respect for efforts to maintain its character. The air-conditioned dome offers a reprieve from Florida’s climate, with a nod to the Rays tank as a standout feature. Reviewers express a mix of nostalgia and pragmatic acceptance of the stadium’s age. Despite any antiquity, fans enjoy the ambiance and the nod to baseball history at the Trop.
9. Guaranteed Rate Field
Located in Chicago, Illinois, Guaranteed Rate Field opened in 1991. It is the home of the Chicago White Sox of the American League. You will find that it is an open-air stadium, meaning you are not protected from the elements. Guaranteed Rate has a natural grass field that opens up to 400 feet in a straight-away center. Formerly known as New Comiskey Park, the stadium was the last of the modern-era ballparks built.
Visitors to Guaranteed Rate Field offer positive reflections on its classic charm and modern amenities. Fans enjoy the views of the Chicago skyline and the celebratory fireworks, although some mention long concession lines. Despite the occasional complaint about ticketing or entry processes, the overall sentiment is that the stadium offers an enjoyable baseball experience with historic significance and contemporary conveniences, making it an underrated gem among MLB parks.
10. Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Located in Baltimore, Maryland, Oriole Park opened in 1992. It is the home of the Baltimore Orioles of the American League. You will notice that it is an open field design with a grass field. It seats just over 45,000 fans making it one of the larger capacity stadiums in the league. Oriole Park is what you call a retro-classic stadium. It has an old-school look with some of the new school amenities.
Fans generally enjoy the historic charm and character of Oriole Park at Camden Yards, appreciating its retro magic and nods to baseball history nestled in downtown Baltimore. They highlight the fact that Camden Yards was a trailblazer, moving past the “Bowl” era of stadium design and setting a new standard for subsequent ballparks. The stadium’s age adds to its appeal, with multiple fans mentioning the enjoyable ambiance and references to notable Orioles like Cal Ripken Jr. Food offerings, including local options and vegan hot dogs, receive praise for their quality despite the ballpark’s age, suggesting a balance between maintaining historical features and catering to current tastes. Some fans note the venue could benefit from modern updates to the scoreboard and sound system. Overall, nostalgia mixed with solid amenities and community spirit make for a distinguished and beloved baseball venue.
How Many MLB Parks Are There
There are 30 MLB parks in operation, corresponding to the league’s 30 teams located throughout North America. These stadiums differ in terms of their age, architecture, and features, providing a range of experiences for spectators. The MLB stadiums are an essential aspect of the sport’s identity, combining contemporary facilities with traditional venues that hold historical value for baseball enthusiasts. Among these, a handful of stadiums stand out for their historical legacy and the deep connection fans have with them.
Newest MLB Stadium
The newest MLB stadium is Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers. This state-of-the-art venue, located in Arlington, Texas, opened its doors in 2020, featuring a retractable roof for climate control and a host of modern amenities. Explore our guide to the newest MLB stadiums for a closer look at the modern features and innovations these state-of-the-art venues offer.