Ranking the 15 Best MLB Opening Day Atmospheres

By Kit Duggan

Ranking the 10 Best MLB Opening Day Atmospheres

AT&T Park Opening Day — Your favorite ballpark is likely determined by fan allegiance or proximity. Because of this, everyone is going to have a different opinion on which baseball stadium offers the best atmosphere on Opening Day. With that said, there are still a select few which rise above the more generic or outdated facilities around the country. Some of them have gorgeous views and others slide by on tasty concessions. Here's a list of 10 incredible ballparks.

15. Globe Life Park - Arlington

Globe Life Park Opening Day

15. Globe Life Park - Arlington

Globe Life Park Opening Day — The Rangers organization has installed a new buffet section to Globe Life Park which will seat over two thousand people. It's called the Cholula Porch, and is part of a four year promotional agreement between a hot sauce brand and the team. Unlike other sections which require you to wait in line, the buffet will cater exclusively to seat holders in Cholula Porch and fans are encouraged to eat as much as they please.

14. Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia

Citizens Bank Park Opening Day

14. Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia

Citizens Bank Park Opening Day — While the Phillies aren't projected to make much noise in 2015, there has been some buzz around the newest concessions at Citizens Bank Park. One interesting item is a brisket stack which has fried egg on top of it. Another is called the WayBack Burger, which looks delicious but will add almost 2,000 calories to your ballpark experience. If the team really struggles this season, fans might take refuge in the new "Phillies Wine" section.

13. Nationals Park - Washington

Nationals Park Opening Day

13. Nationals Park - Washington

Nationals Park Opening Day — Just today, Nationals Park was named the host of the 2018 All-Star game. It's an excellent ballpark which also has plenty to offer on Opening Day. Development surrounding Nationals Park has surged lately, with local neighborhoods unveiling a series of restaurants, apartment complexes and a fitness club. Some residents have commented that the addition of Nationals Park has steadily helped the local area become safer for families and businesses.

12. Turner Field - Atlanta

Turner Field Opening Day

12. Turner Field - Atlanta

Turner Field Opening Day — Turner Field might not host Opening Day for much longer, but there will still be plenty to enjoy while watching baseball in Atlanta this year. The Braves have focused on improving their technological capacity, with faster Wi-Fi available and portable phone chargers located near select seats. Interestingly, they've also added a dedicated "Digital Services Representative," who will monitor how the fan experience is playing out on social media.

11. Great American Ball Park - Cincinnati

Great American Ball Park Opening Day

11. Great American Ball Park - Cincinnati

Great American Ball Park Opening Day — Fans in Cincinnati take Opening Day pretty seriously, making it one of the most anticipated days on their collective calendars. This offseason, the club spent a few million dollars to give some of their service kiosks a makeover, retouching the paint and adding design elements to make them more visually appealing. They've also implemented a nursery for families with young children visiting the ballpark.

10. Chase Field - Arizona

Chase Field Opening Day

10. Chase Field - Arizona

Chase Field Opening Day — What kind of food will you crave at the ballpark in 2015? Peanuts and crackerjacks? Nachos? Popcorn? Nah. If you haven't heard about it already, you're going to want to try the Diamondbacks' new Churro Dog. It's a doughnut split open like a hot dog, housing a churro which is covered in whipped cream and frozen yogurt. The arrival of Arizona's audacious, calorie laden concession is enough to rank Chase Field No. 10 on this list.

9. Marlins Park - Miami

Marlins Park Opening Day

9. Marlins Park - Miami

Marlins Park Opening Day — Last year, the Marlins dealt with some unhappy fans after Opening Day. Since it opened, long lines for concessions and parking issues have plagued visitors of Marlins Park. Still, there's a lot to love about this tropical ballpark, and the fan experience has steadily improved since it first opened. With fish tanks behind home plate, a night club and many artistic flourishes on display, the citizens of Miami should grow to adore Marlins Park.

8. Oriole Park at Camden Yards - Baltimore

Camden Yards Opening Day

8. Oriole Park at Camden Yards - Baltimore

Camden Yards Opening Day — Whenever I think of Camden Yards, it's hard not to flash back to 1995, when Cal Ripken Jr. broke Lou Gehrig's streak of consecutive major league games played. The team rolled out magnificent festivities for the occasion and memorably lit up the Orioles warehouse with the number 2131. Though they stagnated through the post-Ripken years, Baltimore is now a legitimate contender in the AL East.

7. Kauffman Stadium - Kansas City

Kauffman Stadium Opening Day

7. Kauffman Stadium - Kansas City

Kauffman Stadium Opening Day — Fans in Kansas City are known for their rowdy approach to baseball despite the Royals' notorious shortcomings. There will be a different energy in Kauffman Stadium on Opening Day this year after their success from 2014. No longer underdogs, the Royals will have to prove that their team can compete for a playoff spot without the element of surprise. Kauffman Stadium offers delicious barbecue and outfield fountains for your viewing pleasure .

6. Busch Stadium - St. Louis

Busch Stadium Opening Day

6. Busch Stadium - St. Louis

Busch Stadium Opening Day — A stunning amount of purists will tell you that Busch Stadium houses the best fans in all of baseball. There has been some backlash in response to the self-righteousness coming out of St. Louis, but Cardinals fans are undeniably passionate about the game. Some will tell you that there's a profound family atmosphere at Cardinals games, and others insist that fans in St. Louis are more knowledgeable about the intricacies of baseball.

5. PNC Park - Pittsburgh

PNC Park Opening Day

5. PNC Park - Pittsburgh

PNC Park Opening Day — PNC Park offers a truly spectacular view of the Pittsburgh skyline. But that's not all the ballpark has going for it. This year, they've added a handful of renovations that will subtly improve the fan experience in Pittsburgh. There will be a new standing-room area near the bleachers in addition to a patio called The Porch. Fans will also be happy to hear that a new outdoor bar has been added which will sell craft beers.

4. Fenway Park - Boston

Fenway Park Opening Day

4. Fenway Park - Boston

Fenway Park Opening Day — Baseball is an historic game which refuses to disregard the past. While Fenway Park may not be the most modern or innovative ballpark in MLB, its historical significance gives it an undeniable energy. This winter, groundskeepers at Fenway have had to employ special tactics to protect the outfield grass from Boston's fierce snow storms. They use a unique blanket which fends off the elements while still allowing water and air to nurture the grass.

3. Wrigley Field - Chicago

Wrigley Field Opening Day

3. Wrigley Field - Chicago

Wrigley Field Opening Day — Wrigley Field is yet another historic ballpark which is taking on some much-needed renovations. They've added a large, high definition video board which will modernize the experience at Wrigley. Predictably, this has ruffled the feathers of some baseball purists, who are upset that the addition of the video board and other billboards will block rooftop views. Others are concerned that the construction won't be finished in time for Opening Day.

2. Yankee Stadium - New York City

Yankee Stadium Opening Day

2. Yankee Stadium - New York City

Yankee Stadium Opening Day — Perhaps the modern iteration of Yankee Stadium isn't as popular as the old one, but fans still flock to the mecca of baseball in New York. This year will be strange without the presence of Derek Jeter, who has said he won't attend Opening Day because he needs a break from the game. Whether you hate the Yankees or not, seeing pinstripes in New York City signifies the return of baseball for all fans. The team will look to return to glory in 2015.

1. AT&T Park - San Francisco

AT&T Park

1. AT&T Park - San Francisco

AT&T Park — Even if the Giants hadn't won three World Series titles in the last five years, AT&T Park would still be a hot ticket in San Francisco. Though their venue by the bay is gorgeous, fans have more to cheer about than just the view. Thanks to the clout of consistent success, AT&T Park is quickly becoming the West Coast's cultural destination for baseball enthusiasts. This year, Opening Day will see the Giants raise another championship flag.

Kit Duggan writes about baseball for RantSports. You can follow him on Facebook and link up on Google.

Share On Facebook

Share