With baseball season swinging into action, fans right across the US are flocking to the ballpark to enjoy America's favorite past time. Whether you're a die-hard follower or a casual observer, these five ballparks are must visit destinations. It's time to grab some peanuts, soak up the sun and get Tripping:
1. AT&T Park, San Francisco
Situated directly on San Francisco Bay, AT&T Park plays host to some of the most stunning views in baseball. Potentially the most famous feature of this stadium is the splash hits counter, a tally of every Giants home run that ends up in the bay (64 and counting). Add some famous garlic fries, a fresh lemonade or a locally crafted brew and you have the perfect Sunday afternoon.
2. Petco Park, San Diego
Heading south to sunny San Diego, Petco Park encapsulates everything that is great about this laid-back beachside city. For the truly casual fans the 'Park at the Park', a grassy hill above the outfield fence, is the perfect spot.
Adding to the unique vibe, The Western Metal Supply Co. building, a hundred-year old brick structure that had been scheduled for demolition to make way for Petco Park, was saved and incorporated into the design of the ballpark.
3. Safeco Field, Seattle
Home to the Seattle Mariners, Safeco Field was constructed in the late nineties in a retro-modern that incorporates many of the features of ballparks built in the 1950s and earlier with modern amenities. Known for its wide variety of local food, Safeco is the type of place you'll see fans passing up a hot dog for an oyster po' boy.
4. Coors Field, Colorado
Heading up the mountain to Denver, Coors Field has a reputation as a home run-friendly park, making it a great place to bring your glove. While most of the seats in Coors Field are dark green, the seats in the 20th row of the upper deck are purple, marking the city's one mile elevation point. Behind the center field wall is a mock Rocky Mountains landscape, complete with a fountain that is activated by home runs.
5. Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
The third-oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball, Dodger Stadium is also the largest by capacity. Constructed from 1959 to 1962, the stadium remains one of the most recognizable sporting venues five decades later. Due to southern California's warm, dry climate fans can rely on Dodger stadium, only a handful of games have been rained out in its entire history.
This blog was written by Ben Crock, Tripping Blogger.