2011 MLB Playoffs: Ranking the Stadiums of the Playoffs Teams

One of the best parts about Major League Baseball is that every single ballpark is different from the next.

Of all of the teams that are currently left playing in the postseason, each and every one hosts opponents in a unique venue that opened its doors for baseball within the last 20 years.

In this slideshow, I will rank the home venue of the teams that made it to the playoffs this year from eighth to first.  

8. Tropicana Field, Tampa Bay Rays

Built in the early '90s as a multipurpose stadium for the expansion Tampa Bay Lightning of the NHL, Tropicana Field became the official home of the Devil Rays for their inaugural season in 1998. 

Just as the franchise struggled through its first 10 years of existence, “the Trop” has failed to attract many fans into its nearly 40,000 seats.  Even the Rays’ 2008 trip to the World Series was not enough to help the franchise earn the same attendance as its fellow American League East competition. 

Add the lack of a passionate fan base to the only non-retractable roof in all of baseball, and Tropicana Field is truly a failure as a ballpark.

7. Chase Field, Arizona Diamondbacks

The home of the 2011 All-Star Game and the Arizona Diamondbacks, Chase Field provides a safe haven for those searching to avoid the sun in the deadly summer heat of Phoenix. 

A swimming-pool in right-center field that costs fans $3,500 to rent per game and a massive air conditioning unit, which can cool the stadium down to 30 degrees lower than the temperature outside, are two features that make Chase Field one of the most unique stadiums in all of baseball. 

However, not everything about this sporting venue is as pleasant.  Known as Bank One Ballpark from its opening in 1998 until 2005, Chase Field can look a lot more like an airport than a baseball stadium when its roof is closed.         

6. Miller Park, Milwaukee Brewers

When the Brewers were looking for a way to move out of the aging County Stadium, they had a plan in place to build a ballpark in the heart of Milwaukee. 

Instead, the Brewers choose to cater to the desires of their fans and construct a massive quadruple-deck stadium in the parking lot of their old venue that could provide sufficient room for tailgating on game days. 

The stadium, which would eventually become known as Miller Park, has presented the Milwaukee faithful with a great place to watch a ballgame since it opened in 2001. 

If it were not for the monstrous roof, blinding glares and an unpleasant view of the freeway beyond the outfield seats, Miller Park would be one of the best venues in all of baseball.

5. Busch Stadium, St. Louis Cardinals

Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals, opened up in 2006 to replace the outdated ballpark of the same name.  

Built for a “measly” $365 million, this stadium has become a haven for the nearly 44,000 fans that walk through its doors to see their beloved Redbirds play. 

Among the many spectacular features that Busch Stadium has to offer is a jaw dropping view of the St. Louis skyline, which includes a glimpse of the Gateway Arch in right-center field. 

Although the ballpark has only been around for five seasons, it has already provided a number of great memories for the Cardinals faithful.  Besides hosting the 2009 World Series, Busch Stadium saw the Redbirds win the World Series in its first year of existence. 

4. Yankee Stadium, New York Yankees

Built for just more than $1.5 billion, the new Yankee Stadium cost more to build than any other stadium in all of baseball. 

The prospect of having 21st-century amenities and 56 luxury suites were too much for the Steinbrenner family to turn down, even if the Yankee faithful were opposed to the propostiion.

“The Boss” believed that building a new stadium that looked like the original ballpark did when it opened in 1923 would help recapture memories of “Murderer’s Row,” but he failed to realize that going to the ballpark would not feel the same if the price of admission was $100 just to sit in the nosebleeds.  

While the new Yankee Stadium is certainly an upgrade from the original, baseball in the Bronx just does not feel the same.

3. Comerica Park, Detroit Tigers

After spending nearly 90-years at the old Tiger Stadium, the Tigers decided it was time for a change of scenery.  The franchise chose to go with a retro look for its new $300 million ballpark located in the heart of Detroit. 

Comerica Park, as it has been called since it opened in 2000, is surrounded by a number of the Motor City’s most historic establishments, which helps provide those inside of the ballpark with breathtaking views of the city. 

A brick and ivy wall beyond the field of play, a two-tier grandstand and classic lighting help fans of this classic franchise fully experience the thrill of old-fashioned baseball. 

Now that the Tigers are no longer the laughingstock of the American League, Comerica Park can finally be appreciated as one of the best ballparks in the league.

2. Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas Rangers

If the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington is not the best venue in all of baseball, it is certainly the top stadium in the American League that will host a playoff game this season.  

Like many stadiums of its time, the Ballpark at Arlington decided to go with the retro style.  Taking many features from some of the game’s classic venues, including Tiger Stadium, the home of the Rangers maintains an old-fashioned feel while still managing to seat around 50,000 fans. 

Other assets to the Ballpark at Arlington include an office building that stretches across the outfield and “Greene’s Hill,” a patch of grass in the batter’s eye that has been used in a number of different ways through the years. 

There is no doubt that this would be the top stadium in this slideshow if not for the number of safety hazards that it contains. Besides the deadly Texas heat that infects the sporting venue during the summer, the low railings at the ballpark in Arlington have caused a number of injuries and even a fatality.          

1. Citizens Bank Ballpark, Philadelphia Phillies

Located in the same complex as the other major sporting venues for the City of Brotherly Love, Citizens Bank Ballpark has become one of the crown jewels of baseball since it opened in 2004. 

Home to the five-time defending National League East champion Phillies, this stadium provides fans with a number of experiences that are not offered anywhere else in the country. 

Among the many features that make Citizens Bank Ballpark so appealing is Ashburn Alley.  Ashburn Alley, named for Phillies Hall of Fame member Richie Ashburn, is a walkway that stretches across the outfield. It features a number of award-winning food choices, as well as team memorabilia. 

This stadium even offers entertainment for the kids, as it is home to a wide variety of games and even a few playgrounds.

All of these amenities make Citizens Bank Ballpark a great place to watch a ballgame.