Best Sports Venues You've Been To

[BALTIMOREFLACCO]

Self explanatory:

 

1. Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium - Energy and passion is incredible. A sea of orange. So many traditions, and so much history. 100,000 + fans screaming "Texas Fight" and singing "The Eyes of Texas" before and after every game. It's a special place to see a game.

 

2. M&T Bank Stadium - Rated the #1 home field advantage in the NFL by many, and for good reason. Very savvy fans, and extremely LOUD! The seven nation army is awesome, and so are the "manure" chants. By far my favorite professional sports venue.

 

3. Madison Square Garden (Both NYK and NYR) - The "world's most famous arena" has a well deserved rep. Even though I like basketball much better than hockey, seeing Rangers' games there are some of my favorite sports memories. It's extremely overpriced though.

 

 

In total I've been to the above 3, Yankee Stadium, Citi Field, Camden Yards, Fenway Park, Michie Stadium (Army football), Metlife Stadium, and old Giants' Stadium. (Lived in NY most of my life). The top 3 are the ones that really stood out to me. 

 

Edit: I left out the Barcelona soccer stadium. It was crazy because it was so big and the fans were so into it, but I had no clue what was going on during the game, so it took away from the experience

[flaccopoe]

Agree with you on MSG!  Another great venue in the area is the Barclays Center.  The seating arrangement is very fan-friendly: there's nary a bad seat in the house!  Also hosts many high-profile concerts (Alicia Keys, Beyonce) and sporting events (Golden Gloves Boxing Tournament, various NCAA games and, starting next season, the New York Islanders!!!

[Cville-Raven]

Not to be that homer guy, but M&T and Camden Yards(best ballpark in all of baseball)

[ghost1986]

I've never really been to anywhere other than Camden Yards and M&T, but I'd have to say M&T ranks first. I do remember going to the Arizona Baseball Park in Phoenix when i was a teenager, but I forget the name of it. I thought that was better than Camden Yards due to cleanliness, but when it comes to fans, I gotta go with Camden Yards. I know. I'm a homer.

[flaccopoe]

Not to be that homer guy, but M&T and Camden Yards(best ballpark in all of baseball)

 

Fenway?  Wrigley?

[Cville-Raven]

Fenway?  Wrigley?

I think its better than both. Sure both Fenway and Wrigley have more history and character than any stadium in the MLB, but that doesn't make them better venues per se. Not to mention what other stadium has a 110+ year old warehouse and railroad station  that are actually incorporated with the ballpark. Camden Yards is the first and best of the "retro" ball parks. Also the skyline is really good, it was better before they built up that Hilton hotel because you could see the Bromo Seltzer tower. I personally really like PNC Park, the skyline looks absolutely amazing. Honestly there a good  5 or so stadiums you could put at #1. 

[flaccopoe]

I think its better than both. Sure both Fenway and Wrigley have more history and character than any stadium in the MLB, but that doesn't make them better venues per se. Not to mention what other stadium has a 110+ year old warehouse and railroad station  that are actually incorporated with the ballpark. Camden Yards is the first and best of the "retro" ball parks. Also the skyline is really good, it was better before they built up that Hilton hotel because you could see the Bromo Seltzer tower. I personally really like PNC Park, the skyline looks absolutely amazing. Honestly there a good  5 or so stadiums you could put at #1. 

 

Ever been to old Yankee Stadium?

[Cville-Raven]

Ever been to old Yankee Stadium?

No but I've heard that the new one just isn't as good as the old one even though it aesthetically wants to be be that stadium.

[Ragin'Raven]

Wimbledon

M&T Bank

Wrigley Field

Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (also known as The Swamp) :)

[Guest Moderator 6]

I have been to a number of MLB fields and Camden Yards is hands down the best. I don't have enough to make a call on NFL stadiums but I do like M&T. Lincoln Financial is not that bad, either.

[Guest nflfan123]

Oracle Arena is awesome. Fans go crazy, Raiders Coliseum sucks. I like AT&T Park too.

[Gordo52]

M&T Bank & Camden Yards hands down.

[BirdWatcher]

The new Dallas stadium is a pretty incredible venue, but it is surprisingly quiet, even with music blaring. I think there's something that dampers the noise.

[flaccopoe]

No but I've heard that the new one just isn't as good as the old one even though it aesthetically wants to be be that stadium.

 

Correctomundo.

[The Oakland Cathedral]

Fenway is spectacular. M&T is great. Never been to Camden. PNC Park is really cool and so is Heinz field as unfortunate as it is to say... American Airlines is really fun. Sunlife can be fun. The new Marlins stadium should be burned down. The Orange Bowl was just an awesome experience especially the last game at the orange bowl. But Mark Light Field the home of the Hurricanes baseball team is probably one of the most fun experiences I've ever had at a sporting venue. Roger dean for spring training and Jupiter Hammerhead games is cool. Coors is a very different experience than your average game. Turner field is pretty neat with its Olympic history and Hank Aaron Marker. Plenty of others up there but those are a couple of my favorites. My brother went to a night game at LSU and said it was the single coolest sporting experience of his life. I tend to trust his judgement on such matters since he took a couple months off and traveled around to see games in some of the countries top sporting venues. He did this a few times. His trips included the likes of Heinz, M&T, Wrigley, Fenway, Yankee Stadium (old), Turner Field, a Seahawks game, a Chiefs game (he said the tailgating was great), a Michigan-Ohio St. game, (forgive me I'm not sure on college stadium names so I'm just going to say the team names) Alabama for an Iron Bowl game, the last game at the Orange Bowl, a Baylor football game (pre RG3), and Superbowl XLIV. So I think he's pretty well versed in great sporting venues. I'm quite jealous.

[H8R]

Fenway? Wrigley?

Both are historic... but not great parks IMO. Ive been to both. Dumps for the most part

[H8R]

The new Dallas stadium is a pretty incredible venue, but it is surprisingly quiet, even with music blaring. I think there's something that dampers the noise.

Bad play... that dampens the noise. lol

[The Oakland Cathedral]

Both are historic... but not great parks IMO. Ive been to both. Dumps for the most part

I've been to Fenway more than a handful of times and it isn't a dump at all. Not really sure what you are talking about there.

[Moderator 2]

M&T for football because it is lol "Older Stadiums" nothing beat RFK-- I loved it in the 80's and early 90's the Vet was a dump always and I really like Byrd stadium before all the renovations and of course Memorial Stadium. I hated Fed-ex-- the seats are so smushed in there was NO leg room and the bathroom reminded me of a cave-- I couldn't stand up in the stall I chose.
The stadium in JAX is very pretty but has narrow concourses.

[H8R]

I've been to Fenway more than a handful of times and it isn't a dump at all. Not really sure what you are talking about there.

The seats are crappy, the surroundings of the stadium are crappy, it's just an eyesore to me. Of course, this could be fueled my my deep disdain for the BloSox and their fans...

[The Oakland Cathedral]

The seats are crappy, the surroundings of the stadium are crappy, it's just an eyesore to me. Of course, this could be fueled my my deep disdain for the BloSox and their fans...

Lol that might have a little something to do with it. I'm not a sox fan though, just have a lot a family in the Boston area.

[Mt. Crushmore]

Ones I've been to in no particular order:

Rogers Centre: Blue Jays and its decent. I haven't been for a while though.

Nationals Stadium: Great place but it wasn't anywhere close to full (back when Nats were awful).

Target Field: Twins. Good but try not to go there when its cold.

Tropicana Field: The Rays have a nice stadium, it's just a shame no one ever goes.

Arrowhead: Great atmosphere and the Chiefs fans next to use were friendly.

Ralph Wilson Stadium: Bills. To long ago to remember good enough. Will say that the Bills have some very passionate fans.

Metrodome: God-awful. Walkways are tiny and higher seats aren't good. They needed that new stadium.

Superdome: Went for the Super Bowl and it was an awesome experience. Upper deck seats have great views. Overall great stadium.

[The Oakland Cathedral]

Crush, what did you like about Tropicanna? I've been there a few times and thought it was pretty dull.

[Cville-Raven]

Crush, what did you like about Tropicanna? I've been there a few times and thought it was pretty dull.

Yeah the trop is pretty ugly on TV. Not to mention its where offenses go to die.

[Mt. Crushmore]

Crush, what did you like about Tropicanna? I've been there a few times and thought it was pretty dull.

It seemed modern, cheap tickets, and good views from the seats.

[Dubs]

Mine are limited to:

 

Pengrowth Saddledome - Calgary Flames hockey, nice stadium great atmosphere

Rexall Place - Edmonton hockey arena, little creepy there..I am not a huge hockey person so it may bias my feel for these two

McMahon Stadium - Calgary Stampeders football, I absolutely love this place, rowdy and great when Rider fans come in flocks

 

and the piest de resistance

Seahawks Staium - That place is a thing of beauty. The crowd did not sit for the entire game..not sure if thats common across all NFL stadiums but our section never sat. We were wearing Stampeders (Doug Flutie & Garcia) apparel and it was vs San Fran and the fans around us were extremely hospitable with several even looking up stuff on the Stamps and making fun of our current QB situation...great atmosphere there and one of the best experiences I have had

[Cville-Raven]

Mine are limited to:

Pengrowth Saddledome - Calgary Flames hockey, nice stadium great atmosphere
Rexall Place - Edmonton hockey arena, little creepy there..I am not a huge hockey person so it may bias my feel for these two
McMahon Stadium - Calgary Stampeders football, I absolutely love this place, rowdy and great when Rider fans come in flocks

and the piest de resistance
Seahawks Staium - That place is a thing of beauty. The crowd did not sit for the entire game..not sure if thats common across all NFL stadiums but our section never sat. We were wearing Stampeders (Doug Flutie & Garcia) apparel and it was vs San Fran and the fans around us were extremely hospitable with several even looking up stuff on the Stamps and making fun of our current QB situation...great atmosphere there and one of the best experiences I have had

you need to come to the bank

[berad]

No order but:

M&T Bank Stadium: I'm super biased but I love the Bank. Stare everytime I go past on 95 and sometimes get chills re-living moments in my head. Awesome stadium experience, fans are always raucous, and team is awesome.

FirstEnergy Stadium (Cleveland Browns): Actually been to this one twice, my cousins have season tickets. It's a good stadium but a good amount of seats are unfilled and the fans are more bitter than zealous. They'll attack their own team maybe more than the opposing one.

Camden Yards: Can't beat it, the brick and scenic view of Baltimore is charming. Couple that with the historic feel and memorials throughout the park. Team hasn't been very good, which leads to low attendance, but games are always fun. They make sure you're involved, with plenty of giveaways, songs, and chants. Unfortunately, you may see more opposing fans than Oriole fans - especially if the Yankees, Red Sox, or Phillies are in town.

Nationals Park: Top of the line facility but, in my opinion, lacks the charm of a Camden Yards. Great fan experience and the surrounding areas have gotten a lot better since the city pumped money into it.

 

Citizens Bank Park (Phillies): This park is great because of both the team and fans. Team is competitive, stadium staff keeps people entertained, and the fans are always into it. Baseball is a long sport but Philly fans are always on point and yelling at a bad call by the ump in the 4th inning with a 1-1 count.

 

Verizon Center (Wizards): Now this one is almost sad. I love the Verizon Center, it's a great arena, but whenever I go the seats are only half full. The non-basketball aspects are astounding - giveaways, music, game introductions, videos, half-time shows - but the on-court product is what is keeping people away. Of the fans that are there, most are just in street clothes (little Wizards gear) and disinterested. Washington/Baltimore are big basketball areas, there's TONS of interested people but the Wizards are squandering a marketplace that wants to spend money on basketball.

[Mt. Crushmore]

Fratton Park:  Its the stadium for Portsmouth FC in England.  I went there for a game and the atmosphere is great.  Really passionate fans despite the team's struggles.  It is a small stadium as well but still a great place to go to.  

 

This is the entrance to it:

 

[flaccopoe]

 

Verizon Center (Wizards): Now this one is almost sad. I love the Verizon Center, it's a great arena, but whenever I go the seats are only half full. The non-basketball aspects are astounding - giveaways, music, game introductions, videos, half-time shows - but the on-court product is what is keeping people away. Of the fans that are there, most are just in street clothes (little Wizards gear) and disinterested. Washington/Baltimore are big basketball areas, there's TONS of interested people but the Wizards are squandering a marketplace that wants to spend money on basketball.

 

Maybe you should work in the Wizards' front office?!  Jordan couldn't fix them, so they'd have nothing to lose.  S/O to Jason Hollins, btw.