By Dalia Colon for the CheapTickets Travel Blog
When it comes to the fan experience, these baseball stadiums hit it out of the park.
PNC Park | Flickr CC: Dan Gaken
PNC Park - If you thought Uber was the most innovative way to get to a sporting event, then you're in for a pleasant surprise when you cheer on the Pittsburgh Pirates. Walk across the Roberto Clemente Bridge (which closes to traffic on game days) or idle your boat or kayak on the Allegheny River, where you can hear the roar of the crowd and maybe even catch a stray ball. Occasional Pup Nights mean frankfurters aren't the only dogs you'll find in this stadium.
Jackie Robinson Rotunda in Citi Field, NYC | Flickr CC: Peter Bond
Citi Field - If the Big Apple is a melting pot, then the home of the New York Mets is where baseball fans go to feast. In countless online reviews, fans rave about the food selection: From Shake Shack to El Verano Taqueria to Hot Pastrami on Rye to more upscale eateries that require reservations, this ballpark hits a home run in the food department. As for the building itself, the stately Jackie Robinson Rotunda makes for a grand entrance (it's so impressive that people get married there), while easy subway access and plentiful parking make getting to and from the ballpark a breeze. Occasional postgame concerts are another nice touch.
AT&T Park | Flickr CC: truebacarlos
AT&T Park - The San Francisco Giants, who play here, have been crowned World Series champs three times since 2010. So there's that. Then there's the waterfront park itself, with its sweeping city views, award-winning design and "splash hit" home runs that land in McCovey Cove just outside the stadium. Even if you don't want to watch the actual game, there are amusements galore in the free Fan Lot: a Superslide shaped like a giant Coca-Cola bottle, photo booth and Little Giants Park, a tot-sized replica where future sluggers can practice running the bases. And don't even get us started on the food.
Comerica Park | Flickr CC: Kevin Ward
Comerica Park - Yeah, we know, Detroit's no San Francisco (even if it is on the up-and-up). But the home field of the Detroit Tigers is a bright spot in the city that can't seem to catch a break. There's a 50-foot Ferris wheel with cars shaped like baseballs, as well as a tiger-themed carousel; both are free for kids on Sundays. And when the Tigers score, a fountain on the centerfield wall comes to life with a "liquid fireworks" display of synchronized lights and music. For a more low-key experience, join the the Tiger Club, which offers a dinner buffet and access to the private Asylum Cigar Bar.
Stilt walkers in Marlins Park | Flickr CC: TigerDirect.com
Marlins Park - America's favorite pastime gets a dose of South Beach swank at this home of the Miami Marlins, and we're not talking about the retractable roof. Tropical touches include colorful mosaic walkway lined with palm trees, a fish tank behind home plate and a sculpture that comes to life every time the Marlins score. But the party doesn't really start until you're inside the 21-and-up Clevelander Marlins Park. Take a dip in the bar's pool, dance to the sounds of celebrity DJs and marvel at the stilt walkers. Just remember to keep an eye on the actual, you know, game.
Racing Sausages in Miller Park | Flickr CC: relux
Miller Park - Raise a glass to this home of the Milwaukee Brewers, whose fans take baseball tailgating to football-like levels. Inside the retractable-roofed stadium, the feast continues with everything from bacon-wrapped hot dogs to nachos on a stick. You can even cheer on your favorite meat during the sixth-inning Famous Racing Sausages showdown. And of course there's beer. Lots and lots of beer. Periodic post-game concerts add to the fun.
Fenway Park | Flickr CC: Peter Ciro
Fenway Park - Even if you don't know a double play from a double header, you've probably heard of the Boston Red Sox, indisputably one of the coolest baseball stadiums in America. The legendary team's stadium opened in 1912, and the original architecture, hand-painted scoreboard and storied bar under the field keep the history alive. Sure, the seats are small and the food options are just average, but this is about tradition, people. Sing "Sweet Caroline" during the eighth inning, argue with the rowdy fans in your section, and then head into the neighborhood after the game for a selection of wicked good eats.
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