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What Are The 5 Oldest MLB Stadiums? Ranked By Age

By Biraj Khanal / March 31, 2023 10:59 AM

Fenway Park is the oldest MLB stadium by age.
Fenway Park is the oldest MLB stadium by age.( Source : instagram )

The five oldest MLB Stadiums include Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, and Dodger Stadium. The stadiums are listed based on their age.

MLB is one of the country's recognized and oldest sports leagues, with a history of more than 120 years. Baseball provides a variety of venues rather than other sports. 

Many stadiums in MLB carry a history of over fifty years or more; some are even listed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. From Pesky’s Pole in Boston to the waterfront views in San Francisco, every Major league Stadium depicts its special characteristics.

Many venues are identified and recognized by their features, including seating arrangement, cool atmosphere, natural scenery throughout the stands, etc. After reading this article, baseball fans will gain something about these historic venues to love about. 


MLB Five Oldest Stadiums

The oldest MLB stadium Fenway Park was built in 1912. Below is a list of the five oldest MLB Stadiums categorized by age.

5. Oakland Coliseum (1966)

The fifth oldest MLB stadium by age is The Oakland Coliseum, established in 1966. The venue is home to the Oakland Athletics. 

It was the former home of the Oakland Raiders of the NFL from 1966 to 1981 and again from 1995 to 2019. Since then, it has been primarily used for baseball games. 

The venue was built as a multi-purpose stadium after city officials made the first proposal in 1940 to establish a professional baseball team in the town.

An Oakland fan enjoying the game from the stands at Oakland Coliseum
An Oakland fan enjoying the game from the stands at Oakland Coliseum( Source : instagram )

The Coliseum carries a seating capacity of approximately 63K, depending on its configurations. The upper deck got dubbed "Mount Davis" by the fans during the 1996 renovation.

In 2017, the playing surface was dedicated as Rickey Henderson Field, honoring the MLB hall of fame and former Oakland left fielder Rickey Henderson.

Over the past years, due to acquiring the rights by different companies, the stadium got its various names, including Network Associates Coliseum, McAfee Coliseum, and Ring Central Coliseum.

4. Angel Stadium of Anaheim (1966)

The 1966-built Angel Stadium in Anaheim is the fourth oldest MLB stadium by age. Since its opening 57 years ago, it has served as the Los Angeles Angels MLB home field.

The Big A hosted its first game on April 19, 1966. The fourth oldest stadium was formerly the home ground of the Los Angeles Rams of the NFL, where they played for 14 years till 1994. 

The baseball stadium in California has hosted the All-Star games for three years. It is primarily used as a ground for baseball games, including MLB games.

A photo of the Angels Stadium on the occasion of Memorial day on May 28, 2019
A photo of the Angels Stadium on the occasion of Memorial day on May 28, 2019( Source : instagram )

The venue holds a capacity of 45,517 now and has a landmark, the "Big A" sign which initially operated as a scoreboard support in the left field inside the ground. Due to the landmark sign, the venue is referred to by its unofficial nickname, "Big A."

Located in Anaheim, several years after the Rams left, Walt Disney took control of the Angels and was renovated again. The fans later can enjoy a restored view of local mountain ranges and the 57 freeway after destroying the outfield section.

The venue was formerly named Anaheim Stadium (1966–1997) and Edison International Field of Anaheim (1998–2003) but later changed again into its original name as the Angels Stadium.

3. Dodgers Stadium (1962)

The Dodgers Stadium is the third-oldest MLB stadium and was established in 1962 in Los Angeles, California. It is home to LA Dodgers.

This venue hosted its first game on April 10, 1962. The Dodgers Stadium has been a home ballpark for the Dodgers of MLB since moving from Brooklyn in 1962.

This stadium is an open-air stadium with a grass field with its largest capacity of 56000 fans. Further, the venue has hosted ten World Series and seen 12 no-hitters.

A mesmarizing view of Dodgers Stadium the day before the home game against Arizona Diamondbacks
A mesmarizing view of Dodgers Stadium the day before the home game against Arizona Diamondbacks( Source : instagram )

Primarily made as a baseball field, it has hosted concerts, boxing, and several cricket matches. The Dodgers is one of the third oldest and most iconic stadiums to enjoy the game in use.

This stadium is one of the largest baseball stadiums in the world, with ample seating arrangements. The team set an MLB attendance record of 2,755,184 fans in their first season at the stadium breaking the record set by Cleveland in 1948. In 2019, Dodger Stadium gained a record attendance of fans during the 2019 season with 3,875,656 spectators. 

The Dodgers Stadium is often referred to as "pitcher's ballpark and sometimes referred to as "Blue Heaven on Earth," coined by Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda.

2. Wrigley Field (1914)

In terms of age, Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois, is the second-oldest stadium. It was erected for the Chicago Whales in 1914.

The Chicago Cubs took over Wrigley in 1916 after the Whales, later known as Cubs Park until 1927. Since then, it has been a home ground for Chicago Cubs.

The stadium hosted its first official game on April 23, 1914. The stadium was named Wrigley Field after William Wrigley Jr. of fortune and fame.

A beautiful day at Wrigley Field before the game between Brewers vs Cubs on opening day
A beautiful day at Wrigley Field before the game between Brewers vs Cubs on opening day( Source : instagram )

Like the Dodgers Stadium, Wrigley Field also supports an open-air roof with a grass field. The stadium is unique, with an ivy-covered outfield wall and hand-turned scoreboard.

This venue has a seating capacity of 41,649 spectators. It is known as one of the historical landmarks among all the baseball stadiums in the world. 

Besides, the Cubs threw a centennial celebration of Wrigley Field during their 2014 season, completing the 100th-year mark. To mark the century, the stadium hosted the game between the Cubs and Arizona Diamondbacks in a throwback game.

1. Fenway Park (1912)

Fenway Park is the oldest MLB stadium and was built in 1912 in Boston, Massachusetts. The oldest baseball stadium is still in operation at 110 years old.

Fenway Park has been the home for the MLB team Boston Red Sox since its establishment. It is the oldest active ballpark in MLB history with unique features, including "The Triangle," Pesky's Pole, and the Green Monster in left field.

Though it is considered among the small ballpark in MLB, with a seating capacity of 37,755, it has hosted the World Series 11 times in which the home team won six times.

Fully Packed Fenway Park during the home game of the Boston Red Sox
Fully Packed Fenway Park during the home game of the Boston Red Sox( Source : instagram )

The first game was played on April 20, 1912, with the Red Sox defeating New York Highlanders 7-6 in 11 innings. Mayor John F. Fitzgerald threw the first pitch.

On March 7, 2012, the park joined the National Register of Historic Places, celebrating its century. The park is a well-known sports venue and Boston Landmark symbolizing Boston.

Besides baseball games, it hosted other sporting and musical events, including football games, concerts, soccer, and the 2010 NHL Winter Classic. 

Some Famous Baseball Stadiums Today

Some famous Baseball stadiums today include the likes of Wrigley Field, Dodgers Stadium, and PNC Park. There is a total of 30 stadiums used by MLB teams.

From Fenway Park in Boston to the newest stadium Globe Life Field in Arlington, every stadium and venue offers its unique features to the fans and spectators. Some venues are striking in appearance, seating arrangements, and beautiful environments.

Among all the stadiums used by teams in MLB, some of the top famous baseball stadiums counted as Wrigley Field, the second oldest stadium after Fenway Park, The Dodgers Stadium, Yankee Stadium, PNC park, and Oracle Park.

The Chicago Cubs play their home games at Wrigley Field in Chicago, renowned for its manual scoreboard and outfield walls covered with ivy.

Some famous MLB stadiums including The PNC Park and Yankee Stadium
Some famous MLB stadiums including The PNC Park and Yankee Stadium( Source : instagram )

Dodgers Stadium is renowned for having the most seats and providing fans in the stands with breathtaking views of the city and the mountains. 

The Los Angeles Dodgers, one of the most well-known clubs in MLB, call it home. Another famous stadium includes the Yankee Stadium of New York, the home to the New York Yankees. It is well known as the modern replica of its original stadium that hosted 27 World Series Championships.
The PNC Park in Pittsburgh is widely famous for its beautiful scenic location offering a panoramic view of the downtown skyline and Allegheny River. It is one of the most beautiful ballparks and is home to Pittsburgh Pirates.

Finally, Oracle Park, home of the San Fransico Giants, offers famous for its 24-foot high wall in a right field known as "The Wall" and a unique waterfront setting. It is also counted as one of the most famous baseball parks in today's date.

MLB Stadiums By Capacity

The Oakland Coliseum holds the largest number of people in terms of MLB stadiums by capacity.

The seating capacity varies from the largest to the smallest in every MLB stadium, including venues like Dodger Stadium and Chase  Field Stadium.

MLB remained one of the most popular sports leagues in the United States till today though it was eclipsed by football. The total number of fans reached 70 million, with an average of 28660 people, more than any other professional sports league worldwide.

A beautiful View of Coors Field Stadium (Left) and Rogers Centre (Right)
A beautiful View of Coors Field Stadium (Left) and Rogers Centre (Right)( Source : instagram )

Among all the 30 stadiums across the country, The Oakland Coliseum tops the chart in terms of seating capacity beating the Dodgers Stadium by a fewer margin.

Oakland has a seating capacity of 56,782 spectators while the Dodgers occupies 56000 people. Both stadiums are among the oldest stadiums after Fenway and Wrigley.

The Tropicana Stadium holds the least seating capacity in MLB with 31,042 people, 80% smaller than the largest stadium, Oakland Coliseum. 

Other stadiums after Oakland Coliseum and the Dodgers Stadium include:

  • Coors Field, Colorado Rockies: 50,144
  • Rogers Centre, Toronto Blue Jays: 49,282
  • Chase Field, Arizona Diamondbacks: 48,405
  • Globe Life Park, Texas Rangers: 48,114 

Coolest Baseball Stadiums In 2023

The Coolest baseball stadiums in 2023 include Oracle Park and PNC Park. 

Baseball stadiums are based on various factors such as the atmospheric feel, design, location, amenities, flooding, and character. PNC Park from Pittsburgh has to be the beautiful stadium to visit with the city’s downtown, the Allegheny River, and the two bridges painted in Pirates colors.

Some top-ranked stadiums to watch games with their excellent atmospheric environment are PNC Park, Wrigley Field, Petco Park, Oracle Park, and Dodgers stadium.

Wrigley Stadium (Left) and the PNC Park (Right) provides a wonderful atmosphere to the fans with beautiful scenery
Wrigley Stadium (Left) and the PNC Park (Right) provides a wonderful atmosphere to the fans with beautiful scenery( Source : instagram )

Every baseball stadium is constructed differently from other MLB stadiums with its specific dimensions and design. Inside the stadiums, they all offer different sporting atmospheres.  

Because MLB stadiums are not precisely the same as those used for other professional sports, every baseball fan has made it a goal to visit every one of them. 

They can be distinguished for watching the game from another location due to the differences in the field sizes and diverse surroundings.

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