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No American sport (or, as they say, pastime) is more steeped in nostalgia than baseball. Fans hit the ballpark to watch a game that has remained largely unchanged for over 100 years, and they want those ballparks to evoke that same vintage flair. After decades of opening poorly designed stadiums that traded baseball history for plasticine modernism, MLB has seen a renaissance in ballpark design. Here are five modern ballparks that take you out to the old ballgame, while also offering the comforts of this century.

Plus: We’ve got the best sports bar on every Big Ten campus.

1. Miller Park, Milwaukee, WI

The signature feature of the Milwaukee Brewers’ old County Stadium was the mascot, Bernie the Brewer, cruising down a slide into an oversized mug of beer. Now Bernie slides into an oversized home plate, which needless to say does not have the same Midwestern charm. But Miller Park, with its retractable roof, is one of the most comfortable and family-friendly parks in the country.

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2. Great American Ballpark, Cincinnati, OH

While the Yankees and the Red Sox may inspire the largest quantity of purple prose from baseball writers, the Cincinnati Reds have been around longer than both. Great American Ballpark, opened in 2003, acknowledges that tradition with a 50-foot-tall “Spirit of Baseball” limestone bas relief carving towering over the main entrance. And the sight lines of downtown Cincinnati, Mt. Adams and the Ohio River is almost American overload.

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3. AT&T Park, San Francisco, CA

You probably don’t need another reason to visit San Francisco, but you might want to bump a visit to AT&T Park up the itinerary, above a trip to Haight & Ashbury. AT&T Park is famous for not only the enormous fiberglass glove statue in left field, but the vistas of the San Francisco Bay. Just beyond the right field wall, weirdos paddle their kayaks into McCovey Cove, towing fishing nets to catch potential home run balls.

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4. Target Field, Minneapolis, MN

The newest ballpark in the majors, Target Field opened in 2010, bringing outdoor baseball back to the Twin Cities. The skyscrapers in the distance make for a nice view, but the limestone façade is perhaps the most stunning feature. And since it’s in Minnesota, you may want to check out the roof deck, which features the only bonfire in the major leagues.

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5. PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA

The Pittsburgh Pirates are one of MLB’s oldest clubs, and now they have a classic ballpark to match its history. Its views, with the Pittsburgh skyline rising above the Allegheny River which runs beyond the outfield wall, and the black-and-yellow Clemente walking bridge, make for the most stunning vistas in the majors.

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Tagged: California

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Jonathan Messinger

Jonathan Messinger

Jonathan is executive editor of Public Spend Forum, and founder of Featherproof Books.
Jonathan Messinger

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5 thoughts on “Baseball opening day: 5 modern ballparks worth a trip”

  1. 4. Target Field, Minneapolis, MN

    The newest ballpark in the majors, Target Field opened in 2010

    FALSE – you might want to check out Marlins Park in Miami (opened in 2012).

  2. No one counts Marlins Park as it is out in the middle of nowhere and good old Jeffrey is the worst owner in baseball.

  3. Target Field opened in 2010, bringing outdoor basketball back to the Twin Cities….didn’t know they played basketball there, too!

  4. Fortunate to have seen a game at Brewers, Reds, and Twins new parks – all nice parks but I really think the new St. Louis Cardinals Busch Stadium (2006) is better by far than any of these stadiums.

    We have PNC and AT&T on our list to visit and hear great things about them but I invite everyone to visit the Cardinals new stadium and I think you will be very happy you did take in a game at this stadium.

  5. Tom, can you tell March Madness has us a little fevered? Thanks for getting our heads back in the (baseball) game. ;/ —Martina, Orbitz Travel Blog Editor

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