Which Parks Give You the Most Bang for Your Buck?
Paul Forrester at SI.com has assembled something called “Fan Value Index” which, in his words, “is an effort to find the ballparks that offer the best experience for the money, not the ballpark that has the best experience in an absolute sense.” In other words, which parks give you the most bang for your buck?
I’ve only been to five current parks — all the ones in California except San Francisco, and Rogers Centre in Toronto. I’m partial to Petco Park here in San Diego. Then again, I have a sweet parking deal (my wife works downtown) and with so many excellent food options within a few blocks of the park, except for the occasional soda or popcorn, I almost never hit the concession stand.
I also like Angel Stadium in Anaheim. One of the great things about that park, at least from a San Diegan’s perspective, is that you can hop on the train and be let off just across from the parking lot beyond center field.
Anyway, the Fan Value Index allows you to drill down to each team for a more detailed look at their home park. You can see how more than 8500 fans rated each on ticket price, accessibility, amenities, atmosphere, and more. Thanks to my friends at Gaslamp Ball for the heads-up on this one.
So. What are some of your favorite places to catch a game, and why?
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POSTED IN: Stadiums
6 opinions for Which Parks Give You the Most Bang for Your Buck?
Brian
Sep 14, 2006 at 4:42 pm
Definitely the Rogers Centre in Toronto, gotta love the retractable roof.
robert
Sep 14, 2006 at 10:04 pm
Pac-SBT&T Park in San Francisco is an amazing place. mmmmmm, I can almost taste the garlic-fries.
Strangely enough, I like Oakland Coliseum. But then again, growing up near Pittsburgh and going to Three-Rivers helped shape my opinion.
Scott Goldblatt
Sep 14, 2006 at 10:19 pm
For as bad as the Royals are, the Crown seats behind home plate are nice at Kauffman where waitresses will bring KC BBQ right to your seat.
With that said, it is time for a new ballpark in downtime KC. Kauffman is falling apart.
Geoff Young
Sep 14, 2006 at 10:35 pm
Brian: I enjoyed Rogers Centre quite a bit when I was in Toronto last summer. Great city, too.
Robert: I haven’t been able to make it up to PhoneCo Park in SF, but it looks awesome. I’ve been to Candlestick and Oakland Coliseum, and neither impressed me much. Actually, Candlestick was impressive in its way. ;-)
Scott: Mmmm, BBQ…
Kelly O'Connor
Sep 16, 2006 at 12:23 am
As a Red Sox/Padres fan in Boston, I have more of an East Coast perspective… I can’t avoid choosing Fenway first, of course, but next up would be Citizen’s Bank in Philly. Gorgeous park, easily accessible by car or transit; terrific open concourse ringing the park so you never feel like you’re away from the action. Plus Victory Hop Devil on tap!
Geoff Young
Sep 16, 2006 at 12:53 am
Kelly, thanks for the note. I would love to get to Fenway one of these days. Almost made it in ‘87 but the game rained out and I had to settle for the Maine Guides in Old Orchard Beach.
Victory Hop Devil? Hmmm, I don’t think we have that out here.
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