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Pennsylvania’s FirstEnergy Stadium Named One Of The Best In America

Author Kayla Morgan

One thing many people love about spring is the return of baseball. Could it be the smell of fresh hot dogs and popcorn under the bright stadium lights? Maybe the sound of the crowd cheering and the crack of a bat excites fans. Whether you’re a super fan of baseball or going for food and cold beer, a baseball game has something for everyone to enjoy.

Of course, Pennsylvania has its Major League Baseball teams, the Phillies and the Pirates. But there are plenty of minor-league baseball teams too. Recently, USA Today, 10 Best compiled a list of America’s best minor league ballparks. And one of the state’s minor league parks made the top 10.

“To find the best minor league venues across the country, an expert panel selected their top picks, taking several things into consideration, from atmosphere and amenities to architecture and homages to major league fields or legendary players,” they said. “Readers then voted for their favorites to decide the winners,” they continued.

FirstEnergy Stadium, One Of America’s Best Minor League Ballparks

According to their ranking, Reading’s FirstEnergy Stadium snagged spot number 4. Firstenergy Stadium is home to the Reading Fightin Phils, which is a Class AA affiliate of the Phillies. The magazine highlighted how the stadium has a museum preserving the city’s baseball history in the main concourse. They also pointed out that you can find a pool, picnic, area, and boardwalk-style concessions,” they wrote.

So, who ranked at number one? Davenport, Iowa’s Modern Woodmen Park holds the number one spot. It’s home to the Quad Cities River Bandits, which is a High-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. Following behind Modern Woodmen Park is Buffalo, New York’s Sahlen Field, and Polar Park in Worcester, Massachusetts.

What other minor league ballparks were named as the best in America? Check out the complete list here.

12 Of The Most Unique MLB Stadium Attractions

Major League Baseball has a deep respect for their game’s rich history. Attending a ballgame can be a great experience that allows fans to marvel at baseball culture. Furthermore, most MLB parks have designed stadium attractions that make them unique amongst the 30 venues in the league.

From museums to bodies of water to fan-zone fun, the MLB stadiums across the country each have something that is representative of their character. Often you will find baseball enthusiasts track how many ballparks they have been to. In addition, it is common for fans to build trips to other cities to have a new MLB park experience.

MLB is the only professional sport in the country where each team has its own dedicated stadium. For example, in the NFL, the Jets and Giants share Metlife Stadium. Many NBA team share their home arena with the NHL team in their city. In professional baseball, each of the 30 teams has their own home field that is theirs alone. This enables the organization to build more character specific to the club.

The interior of an MLB ballpark is all about the players. Though there is a mysterious aura about the clubhouse, given that they are underground. The common thread in modern-day construction is centered around the ballclub. The intent is to make each clubhouse comfortable, hi-tech, and private for the players and coaches. The rest of the stadium is all about the fan experience.

Inside The Park

Here, we will look at some of the most unique MLB stadium attractions. Each is representative of their city and team history. They provide character to the ballpark. In many cases, these features make the park a landmark in their home state.

If you want to take in an MLB game in a ballpark you have not visited yet, here are some attractions to consider.

  • The Pool at Chase Field - Arizona Diamondbacks

    Behind the outfield wall at Chase Field, there’s a pool area. From here, you can see the entire game. At the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, you can take in a National League West game while going for a swim. The area accommodates 35 people.

    A general view of action between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Philadelphia Phillies during the game at Chase Field Phoenix, Arizona.

    Christian Petersen/Getty Images

  • The Green Monster Seats at Fenway Park - Boston Red Sox

    You surely know all about the infamous Green Monster left field wall at Fenway Park, but did you know you can sit on top of it? There are 269 seats available for Red Sox ticket purchase. This area is a common spot for lucky fans to catch a home run ball.

    A view of the Green Monster at Fenway Park

    Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

  • The Museum at Yankee Stadium - New York Yankees

    Hundreds of signed baseballs by Yankee greats, plagues, and statues are just some of the incredible monuments in the museum at Yankee Stadium. Some of the exhibits rotate, but “Yankees by the numbers” jerseys, World Series rings, and trophies are always on display.

     

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  • McCovey Cove at AT&T Park - San Francisco Giants

    If you want to kayak up against the outfield wall of a picturesque stadium, McCovey Cove in San Francisco is your spot. While its common to see boats overshadowing right field, this is also a common spot for those looking to catch a memorable home run ball.

    McCovey Cove at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California.

    Michael Heiman/Getty Images

  • The Ivy at Wrigley Field - Chicago Cubs

    “There’s magic in the ivy and the old scoreboard,” Eddie Vedder sings in his Cubs tribute song “All The Way.” The legendary ivy covering the outfield walls at Wrigley might arguably be the most iconic ballpark look of all.

    Outfielders of the Chicago Cubs chase after during the fifth inning at Wrigley Field The ball was lost in the ivy.

    Brian Kersey/Getty Images

  • The Park at Petco Park - San Diego Padres

    Technically it’s called Gallagher Square, but the Park at Petco Park is located outside the outfield walls but inside the gates of the stadium. You need a ticket on gameday to access this space, which has mini fields and a statue of the late Padres great Tony Gwynn.

     

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  • Touch Tank at Tropicana Field - Tampa Bay Rays

    A tank containing real live stingrays rests within the outfield of the stadium. This is a 35 foot, 10,000 gallon exhibit that is in partnership with the Florida Aquarium.

    Fans gather around the touch tank in Tampa at a Rays game.

    Julio Aguilar/Getty Images

  • The Train at Minute Made Park - Houston Astros

    15-foot-high and 56-foot-long replica of an 1862 steam locomotive goes for a ride each time the Astros hit a home run. Sitting 90 feet above the field, you will hear this train go for a 40 second ride back and forth. This area of the park used to be Union Station, which is why the train was brought in as an attraction in 2000. It is driven by Bobby Dynamite.

  • The Bobblehead Museum at loanDepot Park - Miami Marlins

    Along the main concourse in center field, there’s the Bobblehead Museum at loanDepot Park in Miami. This is the home of over 500 bobbleheads that are enclosed behind glass. While many of these are MLB and minor league players, a section includes entertainers and special giveaways the Marlins have done.

    The Bobble Head Museum at Marlins Park in Miami.

    Jason Arnold/Getty Images

  • Bernie Brewer's Slide at American Family Field - Milwaukee Brewers

    When the Brewers hit a home run, their mascot Bernie slides down a giant yellow slide out of his outfield treehouse. Fans can take a ride down as well. Tickets are available for purchase for some pre-game fun ($150-$175).

  • The Fountains at Kauffman Stadium - Kansas City Royals

    The city fountains are well represented at the home of the Royals. The fountains in outfield are 322 feet wide. They can change colors and offer a magnificent display. Select 200 level seats near the fountains can be purchased. There are eight programmed fountain shows, where 600 nozzles can launch into 150 combinations of effects.

    A general view of the fountains in the outfield at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.

    Jamie Squire/Getty Images

  • The Rockpile at Coors Field - Colorado Rockies

    You can sit high above centerfield in Colorado. The Rockpile offers $4 select tickets. It’s a bleacher style seating, giving you a true Rocky Mountain feel.

    A general view of the Rockpile in center field at Coors field in Colorado.

    Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

Kayla is the midday host on Detroit’s 105.1 The Bounce. She started her career in radio back in 2016 as an intern at another Detroit station and worked her way here. She's made stops in Knoxville, TN, Omaha, Ne and other places before returning to Detroit. She’s done almost everything in radio from promotions to web, creating content on social media, you name it. She’s a true Michigander, born and raised. So, you can catch her camping or vacationing up north to exploring the downtown Detroit or maybe even catching a sports game. During her free time, Kayla enjoys watching movies, roller-skating, crafting, and music festivals. She and her husband together dip into many of the great things Michigan has to offer. Together they also like to travel. A few hobbies of hers include wine and beer tastings, crafting, hiking, roller skating, movies, home improvement projects, gardening, and festivals. She’s always looking to take on more local events happening in the community. She loves connecting with the community. When writing, Kayla covers topics including lifestyle, pop culture, trending stories, hacks, and urban culture.

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