TripAdvisor Announces America's Top 10 Ballparks

Best Venues in the Big Leagues Identified by Travelers Worldwide

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Mar 21, 2013, 06:00 ET

NEWTON, Mass., March 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- TripAdvisor^®, the world's largest travel site*, today announced the top 10 ballparks in the U.S., according to the TripAdvisor Popularity Index™. With baseball season in full swing starting on March 31, travelers can enjoy America's pastime in all its glory at these celebrated hardball havens.

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1. PNC Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Perched along the Allegheny River, this renowned ballpark features spectacular sights of the Steel City skyline and the beautiful Clemente Bridge. A unique two-level ballpark that opened in 2001, PNC provides an intimate setting and spectacular views and sightlines from anywhere in the stadium. A TripAdvisor traveler commented, "The views of the city from the ballpark are beautiful; great food and beer selections."

2. AT&T Park, San Francisco, California

Travelers visiting AT&T Park can take in amazing views of the San Francisco Bay in this stunning ballyard that opened in 2000. Visitors wait for home run balls to be hit into McCovey Cove, enjoy tasty local fare and beverages and can visit the 50-by-50 foot replica of the park designed for children. "Even if you don't like baseball, you must take in a game here," said a TripAdvisor traveler.

3. Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore, Maryland

A modern classic and first of the "retro parks," Camden Yards is located blocks from Inner Harbor and has been the popular home to Baltimore's big league team since 1992. Before the game, travelers can explore Eutaw Street where more than 60 home runs have landed, and marvel at the impressive B&O Warehouse in right field, claimed to be the longest brick building on the East Coast. A TripAdvisor traveler said, "Just an amazing ballpark truly the total package for going to a baseball game."

4. Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts

In the heart of Boston, baseball fans will enjoy a game at America's oldest ballpark. Since 1912, this "lyric little bandbox," as described by John Updike, has been home to Boston's beloved "local nine" and is famous for the Green Monster wall in left field, atop which visitors can now enjoy seeing games. "Absolutely loved watching our first baseball game at Fenway! Amazing fans, great beer and a good time," commented a TripAdvisor traveler.

5. Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri

Often referred to as "New Busch Stadium," this gorgeous park opened in 2006 and allows baseball fans to enjoy the game against the backdrop of the Gateway Arch and St. Louis skyline. Those big on game day goodies can indulge in many mouthwatering local foods including everything from turkey legs to pulled pork. "If you stroll around the park, you will find that Busch Stadium is an experience all in itself," said one TripAdvisor traveler.

6. Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

With its lowered field 23 feet below street level and bowl-style seating, visitors enjoy magnificent sightlines for the game as well as stunning views of the city skyline. At this stunning new stadium that opened in 2004, fans can partake in a local favorite Philly cheesesteak and catch a glimpse of the players warming up from the bullpen viewing platform. A TripAdvisor traveler commented, "I've traveled around the country visiting baseball parks, and nothing quite compares."

7. Petco Park, San Diego, California

Travelers visiting "America's Finest City" are invited to explore this seaside ballpark, which complements the beauty of the surrounding Pacific Ocean. Since opening its gates in 2004, Petco Park has allowed fans to cheer from one of the site's trademark dark blue seats or its grass-covered seating area known as "The Park at the Park." A TripAdvisor traveler noted, "The atmosphere is the best, the fans are super cool and the view is simply spectacular."

8. Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

Celebrating its 40^th anniversary this year, Kauffman Stadium claims to have hosted more than 70 million baseball enthusiasts since 1973. Known best for its 322-foot illuminated fountain and waterfall display, Kauffman Stadium is a fan favorite. "Every seat is a good seat, the fountains are iconic, and the outfield activities for kids are great," commented a TripAdvisor traveler.

9. Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Arlington, Texas

With an asymmetrical natural grass field, this 270-acre sports complex was designed to resemble the iconic ballparks of the early 20^th century. Travelers will enjoy state-of-the-art amenities, as the stadium features a premium sound system equipped with 1,200 speakers throughout the venue. A TripAdvisor traveler noted, "It is one of the few stadiums that have tried to make you feel like the old time major league stadium still exists."

10. Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois

Built in 1914, the Windy City's iconic "friendly confines" has witnessed many memorable moments in baseball, including Babe Ruth's famous "called shot." Today the traditions continue as the score-by-innings are still manually changed, the outfield walls are adorned in ivy, and Harry Carey's beloved "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" is still sung during the seventh-inning stretch. A TripAdvisor traveler commented, "No Chicago visit is complete without a trip to Wrigley Field!"

"Nothing says Americana like a day out at the old ball game, and the TripAdvisor community has identified these popular stadiums as the finest," said Brooke Ferencsik, director of communications at TripAdvisor. "From the architecture of the buildings, to the stunning views of the surroundings, to the local culinary delights, these parks provide travelers with baseball-rich experiences that will last a lifetime."

About TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor^® is the world's largest travel site*, enabling travelers to plan and have the perfect trip. TripAdvisor offers trusted advice from real travelers and a wide variety of travel choices and planning features with seamless links to booking tools. TripAdvisor branded sites make up the largest travel community in the world, with more than 200 million unique monthly visitors**, and over 100 million reviews and opinions. The sites operate in 30 countries worldwide, including China under daodao.com. TripAdvisor also includes TripAdvisor for Business, a dedicated division that provides the tourism industry access to millions of monthly TripAdvisor visitors.

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