The Top 10 Most Scenic Parks in MLB
There is a serious degree of subjectivity that must be addressed when considering the word scenic. So let me start by saying, there are ballparks missing on this list that others might consider staples in the world of Major League venues.
When I consider the words “ballpark” and “scenic” together, I automatically think of a view that is largely unobstructed by ads, walls, or high-rise center-field seats. It’s also a nice perk when the venue can make the fan feel like they are truly a part of the city. Those criteria point to Number 10 on the list, which is a ballpark that hits almost every item on the list.
#10 Great American Ballpark (Cincinnati)
Great American Ballpark certainly has a lot to offer by way of views. Not only does the outfield back up to the Ohio River which can be seen from most of the ballpark, there are also views of the Adams and Northern Kentucky river from other parts of the facility.
The video screen in left field, while rather tall as it is stacked on the second deck seating, isn’t terribly intrusive all things considered. Yet, even though “Great American Ballpark” does roll off the tongue when you consider baseball’s history in America, the giant ad that accentuates Great American as the ballpark sponsor is less than desirable as the biggest feature on the board.
#9 Safeco Field (Seattle)
While it hurts my Mariner-loving-heart to say it, Safeco Field does not rank #1 on my list, but I do believe it belongs within the ranks of the most scenic in the league. Free of any ads larger than the Safeco Field sign that hangs above left field, the ballpark is relatively free of large, obnoxious ads.
If you’re lucky enough to be seated anywhere above the first base line, you’ll get a wonderful view of the city but it is true that views of the Emerald skyline are largely blocked from other angles. Also, even though it is one of the most pragmatic features for its location in all of baseball, the retractable roof serves as a rather serious block of the city and surrounding areas.
#8 Coors Field (Denver)
Coors Field is definitely a favorite among the sluggers of the league for its high-elevation, but it also ranks highly among fans as a beautiful place in which to watch baseball. The video board above left field is an interruption to open sight lines, but it’s pretty clear that the views from a majority of the park give guests an amazing picture of Denver nonetheless.
While relatively flat, it’s true that Denver doesn’t have many geographical features or city skylines to see with all the open space that centerfield provides. Regardless, the open environment provided by Coors Field is certainly refreshing and creates charming views.
#7 Nationals Park (Washington D.C.)
Much like Coors Field, Nationals Park provides fans with a wide-open outfield, save for the video board that dominates most of the space above right-center field. At least with this particular park, the biggest feature happens to be the team name rather than a brand, which is somewhat more pleasing to the eye.
Washington D.C. is a rather large district and from the park, fans can actually see many parts of D.C. and feel like they are a part of the surrounding environment. With the second deck of seats only extending as far as right center, the outfield is an opportunity for the fans to enjoy an expansive view of the capital.
#6 Citizen Bank Park (Philadelphia)
#6 is where the list gets into ballparks that make the fans feel a part of the city that they are supporting, through the views that are provided by the venue. While the outfield has a much narrower view than previous parks, it’s the fact that it frames the city of Philadelphia that matters.
Not many ads are a concern at Citizen Bank Park which is a relief considering most sponsors would be jumping at the chance to put their brand on everything. The Phillies are lucky enough to have their team name prominently displayed and it’s just one more reminder of how closely connected the park is to the city.
#5 Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles)
Aside from it’s ideal physical location in the Californian hills, Dodger Stadium knows how to show off the geography. The outfield backs up to a parking lot, but designers made it so that when a fan is in the park all you can see over the center field seats is rolling hills and blue sky.
The video boards are old school and not terribly big or crowded with surrounding advertisements, so as not to block any of the natural views to the scenery beyond. While it doesn’t at first glance make fans feel like they are in L.A., the views from the ballpark definitely remind fans they are in Southern California.
#4 Wrigley Field (Chicago)
Wrigley Field is a great example of a park that understands the importance of open views in the outfield. Not only can you see Chicago clearly from almost anywhere in the park, there is very limited second deck seating that would obstruct the view.
The video screen is modestly sized but also big enough for fans that are on the opposite end of the field to see. Ads are present, as they are at every park, but they don’t detract from the spaces provided for signage. Also, the ivory wall is a nice touch that accentuates the walls in the outfield without making them an eyesore or a big advertising opportunity.
#3 Oriole Park (Baltimore)
Nestled in the heart of Baltimore, Oriole Park at Camden Yards is a ballpark that couldn’t deny its roots to the city if it wanted to. Not that it ever would, because the park includes towering skyline visuals and historic connections to the surrounding buildings.
It definitely has a large video screen that sometimes obstructs that view of the skyline but nevertheless, there are only so many ballparks that can say there is a hazard of hitting neighboring buildings with homeruns because they’re so close to the city. Oriole Park is a part of Baltimore as much as any townhall or office building and that makes for a picturesque sight.
#2 AT&T Park (San Francisco)
AT&T Park is beautiful, don’t get me wrong. It was a tough decision between the first and second place spots on this list because both of them so perfectly exemplify the qualities that I believe make a good ballpark. AT&T’s incomparable image of the bay is truly the selling point of the ballpark. It not only has a wonderful view, but it is virtually unobstructed from any angle.
There’s no second deck in the outfield, the two pillars on either side of the video board are the only things that could be considered in the way of the view, and the giant Coca Cola bottle in left somehow manages to be a charming advertisement. The one caveat is that the stadium’s back is to the city and if someone didn’t know they were in San Francisco, it would be hard to tell from inside the park.
#1 PNC Park (Pittsburgh)
PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, has literally everything a baseball park could hope to have. Not only does it back up to the Allegheny River and have a beautiful view of the Roberto Clemente bridge, it also features one of the best images of the Pittsburgh skyline in the entire city.
The “PNC Park” logo is what dominates the video board, not an ad or a sponsor. The outfield seating doesn’t block any of the city scenery or bridge scenery from outside the park. PNC Park is so centrally located within the city that it truly feels at the heart of Pittsburgh baseball, which makes it the most scenic ballpark in all of the Major League.
