MLB ballpark ratings: Fans vote Dome #26
Posted on April 30th, 2008 – 11:09 AMBy Michael Rand
Sports Illustrated has a rather interesting ranking of all the ballparks in the Majors, as voted upon by the fans in several different categories. Perhaps not surprisingly, the Dome — which will be a-rockin’ in an hour or so for the White Sox afternoon special, as long as you consider a tepid indoor hum on a sunny day to be a-rockin’ — came in 26th out of 30 when all was added up. Now, this isn’t exactly scientific, and we do take issue with some of the fans’ conclusions in the big picture (our favorite experiences are in Boston, San Fran and Colorado, which came in 21st, 17th and 7th, respectively, while the brutal White Sox experience came in 8th and the slightly above average Miller Park was a shocking No. 2), we did enjoy the detailed breakdown of the experience at the Dome and some of the fan comments included. While food rated a disappointing 25th at the Dome, the dollar dog night is of course a hit. Said one fan of the “must-have food item” offered at the Dome: “Hormel Dollar Dog Nights on Wednesdays. They are big hot dogs. They are also a dollar.” Can’t argue with that. The highest ranking (No. 7) came on the affordability piece, but many things lagged in the 20s, including atmosphere (29th). Hospitality was a very average 15th, with many people agreeing Twins fans are very polite. True enough, if you shout anything at all at a Twins game, you are likely to be glared at from multiple angles. Or so we’ve heard. Fan intelligence was rated No. 22, likely because fans at the Dome always do two things: clap and make noise for a 3-2 pitch, regardless of the situation in the game; and boo when an opposing pitcher attempts a pick-off. Clean up these two things, and we can easily be in the teens. In any event, we welcome your thoughts on the Dome and the rest of the rankings. (Gratuitous picture of garlic fries not courtesy of the Dome).
8 Responses to "MLB ballpark ratings: Fans vote Dome #26"
Who was worse than the dome in Atmosphere?
Pro Player-Joe Robbie-Marlins Field? Tropicana Field?
…
Miller Park is nice when the roof is open. when it is closed it is like going to the mall.
About 6 years ago I went to a Twins game at the Metrodome. The lovely lady in the row in front of me was wearing a button-up sleeveless shirt, and nothing underneath. Every time she clapped you could see God and all His glory.
If this stadium ranking has a “Jug Sightings” category I would have to believe the Metrodome would rank somewhere behind Philadelphia but ahead of San Francisco.
Wow. Super Rookie finally graduates college and now he has time for us again. When is the graduation party?
My life is rather lacking. At least, that’s what I’ve decided once I realized I’ve only been to 2 other ballparks (Seattle and San Diego’s old park). I’ve been slacking these past 29+ years.
One man’s rankings (I worked way harder on this than I should have):
1.) AT&T Park (Giants)
2.) Progressive Field (Indians)
3.) Safeco Field (Mariners)
4.) Wrigley Field (Cubs)
5.) Fenway Park (Red Sox)
6.) Memorial Stadium (Orioles)
7.) Kaufmann Stadium (Royals)
8.) Yankee Stadium (Yankees)
9.) County Stadium (Brewers)
10.) Miller Park (Brewers)
11.) Riverfront Stadium (Reds)
12.) HHH Metrodome (Twins)
13.) Kingdome (Mariners)
14.) Olympic Stadium (Expos)
15.) Municipal Stadium (Indians)
16.) Fulton County Stadium (Braves)
17.) Comiskey Park (White Sox)(the old one)
18.) Olympic Stadium (Expos)
19.) Dolphins Stadium (Marlins) where we sat halfway between the press box and home plate; it was so empty for a regular season game, when I went up to facilitate, I could hear my (admittedly loud Sicilian) colleague conversing with a vendor in the background of the radio broadcast.
I’m going out to Denver in a couple of weeks. The Twins are going to be playing at Coors so I might finally catch a game there. Other than that I really liked Yankee Stadium except for those tiny seats, I didn’t think the Cell was as bad as the Proprietor except for the neighborhood, Miller is great with an open roof and just as bad with it closed. And of course the Dome is horrible except for when the air pushes you out of the stadium.
+1 to Matt for the work.
I haven’t been to too many other pro stadiums, but I really think that the Ranger’s Ameriquest Field should have ranked higher than 27th overall. Granted no one wants to go there for a game in the afternoon, or you’ll turn to dust (much like living in AZ…), but going there for a Twins/Rangers game when I moved down there was a good time. Watching Rincon blow a 2 run lead late in the game (weird…) wasn’t exactly the hightlight when I was talking smack to half the section I was sitting in, but at least it was outdoors. And the beer is cheap too!
How would you rate the dining and drinking options within walking distance of the ballpark?
21.2% Poor
24.7% Below Average
27.8% Average
17.3% Above Average
9.0% Excellent
Well, that either indicates downtown Minneapolis restaurants suck or Minnesotans define walking distance as four blocks and less.
