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Best of the New Baseball ParksThree of the Top "Retro" Major League Baseball StadiumsWhen Camden Yards opened in Baltimore in 1992, it forever changed the way that MLB parks would be designed and built. Here are three of the best new "retro" fields.
Citizens Bank Park, PhiladelphiaFrom the cheesesteaks in the centerfield pavilion to the ribs at Greg "the Bull" Luzinski's barbeque pit, there is no better stadium in baseball to stuff your face while watching a ball game. The place to go for the best eats is called Ashburn Alley, named after Phillies Hall of Famer Richie Ashburn. It's located out on an elevated pavillion beyond the center field wall and features a walkway with restaurants, beer kiosks and memorabilia stands of Phillies' historical items. Besides the beautiful ballfield, which provides fans with an unfettered view of the Philadelphia skyline, there are several unique features that make the stadium perfect for the entire family. All Star Walk - Granite markers pay tribute to Phillies players that have played in the MLB All-Star Game since its inception in 1933 and runs the length of Ashburn Alley. Memory Lane and Phillies Wall of Fame - A history of baseball in Philadelphia is located behind the center field wall, while the opposite wall commemorates members of the franchise who contributed to the franchise's long history. It was in this area where Ryan Howard hit a 505-foot bomb unleashed against Aaron Harang of the Reds on June 27, 2007. Exposed Bullpens - Located in center field, the bi-level bullpens allow the fans to get very close to the players (especially the visiting team, who warm up in the top level). Fans are allowed to heckle but must keep it clean. Rooftop Bleachers - Inspired by the 1920s and 1930s stands on North 20th Street outside Shibe Park, this area replicates the seating similar to that outside Wrigley Field in Chicago. During the 2007 season, fans can go on top for $15 on Thursday home dates. Coors Field, DenverCoors Field is home to the Colorado Rockies and is the only park in America where a fan can watch both a baseball game and see the sun setting over the Rocky Mountains. It is a beautiful park with a 50,000 seat capacity. During its first few seasons, the ballpark sold out every night, allowing the Rockies to post the highest ever attendance figure for a Major League team: 4.4 million in 1995. Here are some of the best features of Coors Field: The Rockpile: Located just beyond the centerfield wall is a garden oasis of trees and rocks that surround a babbling brook and pond to make up one of the most picturesque scenes at any ballfield in the country. The seats surrounding the rockpile are very inexpensive, making it the perfect spot for a family to watch the action. The Mile High Line: While most of the seats in Coors Field are dark green, the seats in the 20th row of the upper deck are purple. This marks the city's one mile elevation point. Home Run Heaven: Because of the altitude, which makes the air much thinner, balls fly out of Coors Field at an unprecedented rate. It's perfect for fans of the Long Ball. PNC Park, PittsburghThe City of Pittsburgh has enjoyed a rennaissance over the past decade and this ballpark fits right in with the town's new image. Located at the nexis of the Allegheny, Mononhanga and Ohio rivers, PNC Park provides fans with a clear view of the city's beautiful bridge and breathtaking skyline. Because of its proximity to the water, fans can arrive at the stadium by boat or by traversing the Roberto Clemente Bridge. Surrounding the stadium are larger than life statues of Pittsburgh Pirates legends Honus Wagner, Roberto Clemente and Willie Stargell. Wherever you may go, you will not be disappointed.
The copyright of the article Best of the New Baseball Parks in Baseball is owned by James Lincoln Ray. Permission to republish Best of the New Baseball Parks in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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