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MLB Power Rankings: Top 30 stadiums of all time

By Joshua Sadlock

Aug 14, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; The sun sets over Wrigley Field during the game between the Chicago Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 14, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; The sun sets over Wrigley Field during the game between the Chicago Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 10, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; PNC Park is seen as the Pittsburgh Pirates host the St. Louis Cardinals the during the fifth inning Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 10, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; PNC Park is seen as the Pittsburgh Pirates host the St. Louis Cardinals the during the fifth inning Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

7. PNC Park

  • Year Opened: 2001
  • Capacity: 38,362
  • Defining Features: spectacular views of the Roberto Clemente bridge and downtown Pittsburgh, river walk, statues of iconic players

PNC Park is the stadium the city of Pittsburgh deserved after dealing with Three Rivers Stadium for far too long. The Pirates set out to design an intimate ballpark that played to Pittsburgh’s strengths. The view of the skyline and the yellow suspension bridge — now named after Roberto Clemente — are second to none. On gamedays, the bridge is closed to traffic, creating one of the more unique modes of getting to the game in the league. This increase in foot traffic has helped to revitalize the Northside of Pittsburgh.

The smartest thing the Pirates did when designing their new stadium was to keep the seating capacity low. Pittsburgh will never be mistaken for a major market, and would never be able to consistently pack a 45,000-seat stadium. By keeping PNC Park under 40,000, the Pirates were able to create an even more intimate setting with no bad seats. They also elevated the pressbox to the top of the seating bowl, leaving even more good seats for the pyaing customers.

It takes a real moonshot to clear the elevated bleachers in right field and hit the river behind the stadium, but it has happened. Pedro Alvarez once homered into a boat sitting in the river. Overall, it is a very enjoyable experience to wander around along the river behind the stadium checking out some of the better options for ballpark food. The Pirates nailed every part of this design.

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