Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, Hank Aaron and Joe DiMaggio all have something in common – they each played in one of the oldest baseball stadiums in the world. Whether your favorite players are current or historical, there’s no denying that ballparks can be some of the most iconic places on Earth – except when they’re empty and quiet! Here are 10 of the oldest baseball stadiums in the world, with details about their history, notable events and where to visit them today.
Shibe Park/Connie Mack Stadium
Built by Philadelphia Athletics owner-manager Connie Mack, Shibe Park was once considered one of baseball’s most beautiful ballparks. In recent years, it had fallen into disrepair and was threatened with demolition when a non-profit organization stepped in to rehabilitate and renovate it. It has undergone major renovations over the last few years, but still maintains its original design. As a result, it’s now known as Connie Mack Stadium. That makes it both MLB’s oldest baseball stadiums and America’s second-oldest ballpark (behind Fenway Park).
Fenway-Park
Fenway Park is one of baseball’s most historic stadiums, and it holds a special place in Boston Red Sox fans’ hearts. In recent years, Fenway has undergone renovations, but it still maintains its classic charm. Since 2003, an on-site museum has shown off rare collectibles from throughout Fenway’s history. Attending a game at Fenway Park is an experience everyone should have at least once.
Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field is one of baseball’s oldest stadiums, with many renovations over its storied history. Located in Chicago, Illinois, Wrigley was designed by Zachary Taylor Davis and built by Al Spalding’s Chicago White Stockings. In 2014, Wrigley Field celebrated its 100th birthday. Now owned by one of Major League Baseball’s Original 16 franchises – The Chicago Cubs – Wrigley remains a great way to see America’s national pastime up close and personal.
Dodger Stadium
In 1962, Dodger Stadium opened as a part of a significant urban renewal project for downtown Los Angeles. The home of baseball’s Los Angeles Dodgers was designed to replace their former stadium, known as Chavez Ravine, which had been built in a ravine near downtown and demolished to make way for public housing projects. Dodger Stadium has hosted three World Series, two All-Star games, and several other high-profile events over its nearly fifty years. In 2013, it ranked number seven on Sporting News’ list of MLB’s Top Ballparks.
Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Angel Stadium of Anaheim has been home to Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles Angels since their move from Minnesota and is considered one of baseball’s modern-day cathedrals. With a seating capacity of 45,050, it is currently Major League Baseball’s sixth largest ballpark by official capacity, but fourth-largest by regularly used capacity. Additionally, Angel Stadium has hosted multiple college football games featuring USC Trojans and UCLA Bruins, serving as a neutral site for both teams throughout its history. The stadium also hosts high school football games as well as soccer events including US Open Cup matches featuring local MLS teams such as LA Galaxy and Los Angeles FC. It was previously home to the National Football League’s Los Angeles Rams before their return to St.
Oakland Coliseum
The A’s might want to consider switching cities. Since 1960, when they moved from Kansas City, they’ve played all of their home games at Oakland Coliseum. That’s over 50 years and more than 2,500 games without a new stadium or an overhaul. The stadium is located next to Lake Merritt and features nice views of San Francisco. In fact, it’s one of three MLB stadiums (the others are Dodger Stadium and Citizens Bank Park) that have never been renovated. Still, it hasn’t gotten too rundown—it was built for over $25 million back in 1966 and only seats 56,000 people today.
Kauffman Stadium
When people think of Kauffman Stadium, they usually don’t think of one of baseball’s oldest stadiums. In fact, they probably don’t even know it is one of baseball’s oldest stadiums. Yet, it is considered to be one of America’s best modern ballparks and has been since it opened. The Kansas City Royals have been playing at Kauffman since 1973 and are looking forward to a big 2015 season as a playoff contender after winning two straight American League Central Division titles and missing out on qualifying for postseason play for just three times in 40 years of existence.
Rogers Centre
Located in Toronto, Canada. Rogers Centre, previously named SkyDome, was built at a cost of over $600 million and is owned by Sportsco International Inc. It has since been renamed to Rogers Centre. The stadium is home to one of the most-winning baseball teams in North America — Toronto Blue Jays. This venue opened with a game between two major league teams — Chicago White Sox and Toronto Blue Jays on June 5, 1989.
Tropicana Field
Located in St. Petersburg, Florida, Tropicana Field is home to Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays. The stadium was built as a replacement for Tampa Stadium, which closed down after its lease ran out. The seating capacity of Tropicana Field is over 31,000 (though it can be expanded) and it has been host to two All-Star games: one in 1995 and another one hosted by the Rays themselves in 2012. Currently owned by Stuart Sternberg and based on its age (30 years), Tropicana Field may be getting a new look or even a new name soon enough as we wait for a possible redesign that will allow for more fan engagement opportunities.
Guaranteed Rate Field
Chicago Cubs fans take great pride in having what many consider to be one of baseball’s best stadiums. Despite its age, Guaranteed Rate Field is still at or near the top of our lists for most beautiful and best MLB stadium. Located right on Lake Michigan, it has a retractable roof that opens or closes depending on how warm it is out. It also has its own party deck, known as The View which gives fans an excellent view of downtown Chicago while they watch their favorite team play baseball.
These are the oldest baseball stadiums. Hope you like this article. For share your thoughts please feel free to leave a comment.