All Articles 5 oldest MLB baseball stadiums to visit

5 oldest MLB baseball stadiums to visit

These iconic venues keep “take me out to the ballgame” alive, even in the off-season.

By Susan Stephens11 Nov 2022 3 minutes read
Aerial view of Fenway Park in Boston
Aerial view of Fenway Park in Boston
Image: Marcio Silva/Getty Images

With more than 120 years of history, Major League Baseball (MLB) is one of the oldest sports leagues in the country with plenty of historic stadiums to go along with it—some of which are even listed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. To get a firsthand look at ballpark and team histories, we’ve gathered up the five oldest MLB stadiums across the U.S., with tips on how to go behind the scenes and where to spend your time before or after a game. Die-hard fans and baseball rookies alike will find something to love among these historic picks.

Fenway Park

Boston

Baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston
Fenway Park in Boston
Image: Marc Anthony Medes/Tripadvisor

America’s oldest operational ballpark opened in April 1912 and is home to the Boston Red Sox. Due to its age, the park remains relatively small by today’s standards with just 37,755 seats (for comparison’s sake, Yankee Stadium seats more than 54,000). To see some of the ballpark’s most distinctive features—like the 37-foot-tall left field wall, famously referred to as the “Green Monster”—book a spot on an official Fenway Park tour. Nearby, take a gander at the Red Sox Team Store, or catch a show (on a non-game night, of course) at the House of Blues Boston, just across the street.

Wrigley Field

Chicago

People waiting outside of Wrigley Field Stadium in Chicago
Wrigley Field in Chicago
Image: Kubrak78/Getty Images

You simply cannot think of the Windy City without bringing Wrigley Field to mind. The second oldest ballpark in the National League, the field was originally dubbed Weegham Park when it was built in 1914, then Cubs Park. In 1927, gum mogul Bill Wrigley decided to rename it after his successful company. Home to the Chicago Cubs, the venue famously did not have lights until 1988, when it hosted its first night game. You can dive deeper into the history on a ballpark tour. In the area around the stadium affectionately known as Wrigleyville, be sure to grab a pint before the game (or post-tour) at Cubby Bear Lounge. Super-fans should book a room at the Hotel Zachary Chicago, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, which features rooms with ballpark views and across-the-street access to the stadium.

Dodger Stadium

Los Angeles

Baseball field at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles
Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles
Image: EmptyNest_60/Tripadvisor

The illustrious home to the Dodgers began its life in April 1962 and has welcomed more than 147 million visitors over the years. Not only is Dodger Stadium famous for its rich history and memorable players, from Jackie Robinson to Fernando Valenzuela, but the venue itself is a marvel, carved into the hillside of Chavez Ravine with the gorgeous San Gabriel Mountains to the north. You can join an official tour for a look at the seven World Series trophies and a deep dive into the team's history Wednesdays through Mondays, but you should time your trip to join a pregame tour, which also includes early access to the stadium to watch batting practice and more. On non-game-days, be sure to check out the Frank Gehry–designed Disney Concert Hall and the Grand Central Market nearby.

Angel Stadium

Anaheim, CA

The Angel Stadium of Anaheim, California
Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA
Image: wellesenterprises/Getty Images

The home turf of the Los Angeles Angels opened in April 1966. Originally purpose-built for baseball games, it was renovated in 1980 to increase capacity by 23,000 and make room for Rams football games. When the Rams’ contract with the stadium ended in 1996, it reverted back to a baseball-only facility. Get close to the action on an official tour, which makes stops both on the field and in the dugout, on non-game-days between April and September. We are in Anaheim, after all, so Disneyland is an obvious and easy second choice, given it’s a mere 10-minute drive from the ballpark.

RingCentral Coliseum (formerly Oakland Coliseum)

Oakland, CA

Baseball field at RingCentral Coliseum in Oakland, California
Baseball field at RingCentral Coliseum in Oakland, CA
Image: Brix510/Tripadvisor

This multi-purpose venue first opened its doors in September of 1966 and is home to the Oakland Athletics. (Until 2020, it was also home to the Oakland Raiders, who moved camp to their new arena in Las Vegas.) With room for nearly 57,000 spectators, it’s the biggest MLB stadium in use today. To see the best of the ballpark, you’ll have to book tickets for a home game, since stadium tours are on hold at the moment. If you’re in the area—game day or not—be sure to visit the Oakland Museum of California and spend some time outdoors in Redwood Regional Park, both about a 10-minute drive from the ballpark.

Susan Stephens
Susan Stephens is a scientist-turned-travel writer, with a passion for exploring new places and eating fantastic cuisine. Based in Portland, Oregon, her love of nature and of the Pacific Northwest inspired an unending quest for off-the-beaten path journeys. She will always seek the road less traveled, yet still get in the longest line for street food (that’s how she knows it’s good).