There are always those ‘bucket list’ sports venues out there that you’d love to see and experience one day. Some of those structures may be modern and state-of-the-art, while others are rooted in history and tradition. Some even have newfound fandom. This article is going to touch on all of those traits.
Fenway Park (Boston, Massachusetts)
Fenway Park in Boston is classic Americana. The oldest ballpark in the country, it epitomizes everything we love about the game of baseball. The park is situated right in the heart of the city. It’s awesome to be able to walk up to the park entrances with little winding streets all around. Those streets also happen to be loaded with restaurants and bars. Once inside, the unique dimensions of the park take you back to an era over a century ago. Whether you’re sitting next to Pesky’s Pole in right field, or atop the Green Monster in left, there’s really no bad seat in the house for a Red Sox game.
Rose Bowl (Pasadena, California)
Dubbed ‘The Granddaddy of Them All’ by famous broadcaster Keith Jackson, the setting at the Rose Bowl is unparalleled with any other venue in the country regardless of sport. Aside from being the home of the UCLA Bruins, the Rose Bowl is the setting for significant College Football postseason games every year. Not only that but it’s also played host to multiple World Cup Finals. The stadium sits on a golf course, making tailgating super fun. From a view standpoint, looking out at the mountains with normally picture-perfect weather makes everything that much better.
AT&T Stadium (Dallas, Texas)
Speaking of state-of-the-art, everything is bigger in Texas — and this stadium is no exception. AT&T Stadium is jaw-droppingly massive. You can get easily overwhelmed upon setting foot on this property. Once inside, you’re in awe of the levels it possesses. Of course, the crown jewel inside is the massive jumbotron. With that in place, it doesn’t matter where you’re sitting. Players might look like ants from the top level — though you’ll be watching the game essentially on a gigantic television with real crowd noise and excellent concourse food to enjoy.
Madison Square Garden (New York, New York)
There are nicer, more comfortable stadiums. However, there’s something about the energy of The Garden that is unparalleled. Many say New York City is the mecca of basketball within the country. In the biggest city in the United States sits the most famous arena. Every prominent musician of the last century has played shows here. When the Knicks are good, this stadium is rocking. There’s a true passion here, and that semblance of tangible energy elevates this somewhat dilapidated arena to a special standing.
BMO Stadium (Los Angeles, California)
This is the newest stadium on this list with less than 10 years of existence. Home to Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC), it’s bar none the best environment when it comes to professional soccer within the U.S. It’s a smaller, intimate venue. While offering all of the modern touches, it was constructed to mimic the loudest European soccer facilities. The sound stays inside the bowl, reverberating from wall to wall. On the far end of the field, the supporters section stands the entire game — chanting songs, flying flags, and unleashing colored smoke whenever LAFC scores. Even cooler, you can see the entire LA skyline beyond one of the corner kick flags should you be sitting opposite of it. Perhaps the most unique facet of the experience is the fact that LAFC’s mascot is a live falcon. “Ollie” participates in a daring flight all around the stadium, bombing up and down before latching onto a target that features the logo of the opposition that game.
