MLB Ballpark Visits: Reviews, Rankings, Observations

This came up in the new stadium thread. I thought it would be a good discussion among people here who have been to multiple MLB parks outside of Chicago to get everyone's thoughts, likes, dislikes, observations, etc. about other ballparks. I'd like to limit this to MLB ballparks only (past and present). Discussing stadiums in other leagues (including minor league baseball) will end up with apples to oranges comparisons.

I've been to a dozen of the current MLB ballparks. I think it'd be too arbitrary for me to simply rank them 1 to 12. Instead, I'm going to give some general observations. I'm going to start off with the ballparks that I think are top-tier.

Oracle Park: Nice ballpark, but location, location, location. The backdrop view is incredible and from the concourse, I got a great nighttime view of the Bay Bridge. The outfield concourse is pretty good too. I was able to take light rail from my hotel right to the park, so transit access was good in my experience.

PNC Park: The best designed ballpark of all the parks I've been to. Nice simple layout with only 2 decks, great views of the field from the lower concourse (much better than at Rate Field) and great outfield concourse with a view out onto the Alleghany River. Food was really good with some local favorites: pierogis, Primanti Bros sandwiches, and a a concession stand operated by Manny Sanguillen. Backdrop is top-notch with the Clemente Bridge and the city skyline. Location is great with the riverwalk right there and downtown right across the bridge. I was able to walk from my downtown hotel to the ballpark. The area around the park seemed fine with some bars, restaurants, hotels, and residences, but it wasn't nearly as bustling as i've seen around other ballparks. Too bad the Pirates are so perpetually bad. This place could be electric if the organization could field a more competitive team. I think they've made the playoffs only 3 times (3 years in a row) in the 25 years since this place opened.

Petco Park: I'd say this one is the best overall of the ones I've been too. Great ballpark. The backdrop isn't as stunning as the other two above, but the historic warehouse in the LF corner is a nice touch. There's a city park just beyond CF that is part of the gated ballpark area during games, but then it appears to be a public park all other times. Hard to beat that beautiful San Diego weather. Location is great in the Gaslamp District. Food was really good too. It's no surprise to me that the Padres draw 3M a year here. I was able to take light rail from my hotel in Old Town to the stadium, so again transit access was good for me.