Like many other sports fans, I hope to someday visit the stadiums of all 30 Major League Baseball teams. Although I haven't completed even a third of this bucket-list item, I'm much more excited to visit some stadiums than others for their history and game day tradition. Baseball season is nearly in full swing, so I thought I'd rank the baseball stadium visits I'll be most eager to cross off my bucket list.
5. GlobeLife Park, Texas Rangers
The saying 'everything's bigger in Texas' certainly rings true when it comes to the food selections at this Arlington-based club's park. Another item on my bucket list is to one day visit the Texas State Fair, so I'm naturally also very excited to visit a ballpark that combines my love for watching sports with traditional county-fair style food. Some of the selections at Globe Life Park include funnel cakes, bacon on a stick, the Flamin' Hot Cheetos Dog, deep-fried S'mOreos, and Holland Hot Tot'chos: a cross between tater tots and nachos.
Source: Eater Dallas via dallas.eater.com
4. Angel Stadium of Anaheim, LA Angels
Formerly owned by the Walt Disney Company, the LA Angels park features a statue of Mickey Mouse and a giant Angels hat (size 649 1/2). Inside the ballpark, fans can enjoy Italian ice, churros, Jersey Mike's subs, and a mac 'n' cheese stands. Fans can also choose to sit in the Trout Farm section of the stadium, dedicated to current Angels outfielder Mike Trout, and fans in Section 101 receive an official Trout Farm hat when arriving at the game. Angel Stadium is also conveniently located three miles from Disney, just off of I-5, so many Southern California visitors and residents are able to enjoy a game of their favorite American League West squad.
Source: Matt Brown/Angels Baseball via losangeles.angels.mlb.com
3. AT&T Park, San Francisco Giants
AT&T Park offers incredible views of both the San Francisco Bay and the downtown San Francisco cityscape for fans to enjoy while watching their favorite National League West team play. The San Francisco Bay is so close to the stadium that since the stadium opened in 2000, Giants sluggers have hit 72 home runs into the Bay; the Giants players and fans refer to these as "splash hits". The left field terrace area features an 80-foot long Coca-Cola bottle that serves as an interactive play area for fans, including a number of slides. The Coca-Cola bottle is accompanied by a massive replica of an old-fashioned baseball glove, and sits in front and to the right of "The Little Giants Park", which is used for youth baseball. Right-center field showcases another San Francisco icon, the cable car; this cable car is a real, retired cable car from the streets of San Francisco and includes a plaque that declares "No Dodger Fans Allowed".
Source: Ron Niebrugge/WildNatureImages.com via sf.funcheap.com
2. Fenway Park, Boston Red Sox
'The Green Monster' is America's oldest ballpark in operation, but doesn't scare the nearly 38,000 fans who fill its grandstand. Known as a pitcher's park for its high green outfield walls, Fenway Park is a Boston icon laden in history. Tourists from all over the United States make it a point to visit this national landmark when visiting Massachusetts, even if their trip was originally meant to explore New England's rich history or delicious seafood.
Source: ballparksofbaseball.com
1. Wrigley Field, Chicago Cubs
Technically, I've already crossed this one off my list, but as a northern Illinois native, I can't wait for my next trip to the friendly confines of Wrigley Field. When the Cubs finally won the Fall Classic last November, it was practically a win for the entire state of Illinois, and an afternoon spent in the bleachers on Addison and Sheffield is a great addition to any summer itinerary in the Windy City. The years of history that follow the Cubs, coupled with their corps of dynamic young players, make the Northsiders an exciting team to watch. Just don't ask for ketchup for your hot dog if you're from out of town!
Source: Daniel White/Daily Herald via dailyherald.com