Published on Nov, 2024
I have been to all 30 MLB stadiums, and this is by far my favorite. I am not an avid fan of the Giants, but I am a huge fan of their ballpark. The location (the view of the bay!), the design of the stadium, the food/drink offerings, the kid-friendly areas, and the "little things" about this ballpark puts it head and shoulders above the rest.
The location along the bay provides for amazing views. It also allows fans to kayak just beyond the right field fence and wait for home runs to be hit out of the park. Runners, bikers, and such can come to a game on the trail leading to the promenade. There is a ferry that drops fans off from spots across the bay.
The stadium design puts a majority of the fans very close to the field and with great sightline. The stadium is oriented to minimize the effect of the cold winds that can occur in the evenings...something that made night games at old Candlestick Park brutal to attend. The park has been built with seismic seams that allow for seismic activity without damage to the ballparks structure.
The food and drink options are fantastic. There are multiple spots to get a Ghirardelli chocolate ice cream treat or hot chocolate. Garlic fries are a fan favorite...and a favorite of the seagulls after the game. You almost have to have some clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl since you are in San Francisco.
The little things include awards for sustainability. This ballpark has recycled the most in the MLB all but a couple of years since it opened. The Giants have a small area with views through the right field fence that you don't need a ticket to enter. It is limited in number, and you can only stay for a few innings before they switch you out for another small group, but no other MLB team has this feature.
Now that the MLB schedules all teams to play all of the other teams, it means the team you follow will play in San Francisco at least every other season. I highly recommend that you take the opportunity to see this ballpark for yourself on your team's next visit.