Venues

Angel Stadium of Anaheim

United States

Located in the heart of Orange County, California, Angel Stadium of Anaheim stands as one of the more unconventional venues to host MotoGP racing, representing the sport's ongoing efforts to expand into new markets and capture American audiences through innovative venue selection. While primarily known as the home of Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Angels, this multi-purpose stadium has demonstrated the versatility required to transform from America's pastime into a world-class motorcycle racing facility. The stadium's conversion for MotoGP events showcases the remarkable adaptability of modern motorsport infrastructure. Unlike traditional purpose-built racing circuits, Angel Stadium presents unique challenges and opportunities for both riders and organizers. The venue's baseball diamond and surrounding areas are transformed through temporary circuit construction, creating a compact yet technically demanding layout that winds through and around the existing stadium structure. This temporary configuration allows for creative track design that incorporates the stadium's natural architecture while providing the safety standards and technical specifications required for premier motorcycle racing. The racing surface at Angel Stadium consists of specially prepared tarmac laid over the existing stadium infrastructure, creating a smooth yet challenging riding environment. The temporary nature of the circuit means that grip levels and surface characteristics can vary significantly from traditional permanent racing facilities, requiring riders to adapt their riding styles and motorcycle setups accordingly. The compact nature of the venue creates a more intimate racing environment, with spectators positioned closer to the action than at many traditional circuits. One of the most distinctive aspects of racing at Angel Stadium is the unique atmosphere generated by the enclosed stadium environment. The architectural design of the venue creates a natural amphitheater effect, concentrating sound and energy in ways that differ dramatically from open-air racing circuits. This acoustic characteristic enhances the sensory experience for spectators while creating an intense, pressure-cooker environment for competitors who must navigate the technical challenges while surrounded by the constant roar of engines amplified by the stadium's structure. The track layout at Angel Stadium typically features a series of tight, technical sections that demand precision and bike control over raw speed. Without the long straights found at traditional circuits, overtaking opportunities are limited and require careful planning and execution. Riders must rely on late braking maneuvers and superior corner exit speed to gain positions, creating wheel-to-wheel racing that keeps spectators on the edge of their seats. The confined space also means that any mistake or mechanical failure can quickly impact multiple riders, adding an element of unpredictability to race outcomes. Angel Stadium's role in MotoGP represents part of the championship's strategic expansion into the American market, where motorcycle road racing has historically struggled to compete with NASCAR, IndyCar, and other established motorsports. By utilizing a familiar venue known to millions of baseball fans, MotoGP organizers attempt to bridge the gap between mainstream American sports culture and the global phenomenon of premier motorcycle racing. This approach reflects broader trends in motorsport where traditional boundaries between different types of venues and events continue to blur. The logistical challenges of hosting MotoGP at a baseball stadium are considerable, requiring extensive coordination between multiple organizations and careful timing to minimize disruption to the Angels' baseball schedule. The transformation process involves not only laying the racing surface and installing safety barriers but also reconfiguring spectator areas, establishing pit facilities, and ensuring that all technical requirements for modern MotoGP operations are met within the constraints of an existing structure designed for an entirely different sport. From a spectator perspective, Angel Stadium offers viewing experiences that differ significantly from traditional racing circuits. The stadium's tiered seating provides elevated viewpoints that allow fans to observe larger portions of the track simultaneously, creating a more comprehensive understanding of race dynamics. The proximity to the action, combined with the acoustic properties of the enclosed venue, generates an intensity that many attendees find more engaging than the often distant viewing positions at conventional racing facilities. The venue's location in Southern California provides additional advantages, tapping into the region's strong motorcycle culture and year-round riding weather that supports a substantial population of motorcycle enthusiasts. Orange County's proximity to major population centers, combined with established transportation infrastructure and hospitality services developed for baseball operations, creates an environment conducive to hosting international motorsport events. Angel Stadium's integration into the MotoGP calendar represents broader experimentation within motorsport regarding venue utilization and fan engagement strategies. As traditional racing circuits face increasing costs and regulatory challenges, the successful adaptation of existing sports facilities for motorcycle racing could influence future championship planning and venue selection processes. The ongoing relationship between Angel Stadium and MotoGP continues to evolve as organizers refine their approach to temporary circuit construction and event management within existing sports infrastructure. This partnership serves as a testing ground for innovative approaches to motorcycle racing presentation while contributing to the sport's growth in crucial American markets. Whether this venue model proves sustainable long-term remains to be seen, but Angel Stadium's participation in MotoGP undoubtedly represents a bold experiment in bringing world-class motorcycle racing to new audiences through creative venue utilization and enhanced accessibility.

Busch Stadium (III)

United States

I cannot write a factual bio for "Busch Stadium (III)" as a MotoGP racing circuit because this appears to be based on incorrect information. Busch Stadium is actually a baseball stadium in St. Louis, Missouri, home to the MLB's St. Louis Cardinals, not a motorcycle racing venue. There are three iterations of Busch Stadium that have existed: - The original Busch Stadium (1966-2005) - The current Busch Stadium (opened in 2006) - And historically, Sportsman's Park was sometimes referred to in this context None of these have ever hosted MotoGP or motorcycle racing events. MotoGP does not currently have a permanent venue in the United States on its calendar, though it has previously raced at circuits like Laguna Seca and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. To provide you with an accurate bio, I would need correct information about an actual MotoGP circuit or racing venue. If you're looking for information about a specific American racing circuit that hosts or has hosted MotoGP, please provide the correct name and I'll be happy to write a comprehensive bio.

Citi Field

Flushing, New York, United States

41,922 capacity

Citi Field is a stadium located in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in the New York City borough of Queens. Completed in 2009, it is the home baseball park of Major League Baseball's New York Mets. Citi Field was built as a replacement for the formerly adjacent Shea Stadium, which opened in 1964 next to the site of the 1964–1965 World's Fair. Citi Field was designed by Populous (then HOK Sport), and is named after Citigroup, a New York financial services company which purchased the naming rights. The $850 million baseball park was funded with $615 million in public subsides, including the sale of New York City municipal bonds which are to be repaid by the Mets plus interest. The payments will offset property taxes for the lifetime of the park. The Mets are receiving $20 million annually from Citibank in exchange for naming the stadium Citi Field. The entire public cost is being borne by city and state taxpayers in New York. The first game at Citi Field was on March 29, 2009, with a college baseball game between St. John's and Georgetown. The Mets played their first two games at the ballpark on April 3 and April 4, 2009 against the Boston Red Sox as charity exhibition games. The first regular season home game was played on April 13, 2009, against the San Diego Padres. Citi Field hosted the 2013 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. This marked the second time the Mets have hosted the game, the first being 1964, the inaugural season of Shea Stadium.

Coors Field

Denver, Colorado, United States

50,144 capacity

Coors Field is a baseball stadium in downtown Denver, Colorado. It is the ballpark of Major League Baseball's Colorado Rockies. Opened in 1995, the park is located in Denver's Lower Downtown neighborhood, two blocks from Union Station. The stadium has a capacity of 50,144 people for baseball. As an expansion team that began play in 1993, the Rockies spent their first two seasons at Mile High Stadium. During that time, Coors Field was constructed for a cost of $300 million. It includes 63 luxury suites and 4,526 club seats. Coors Field has earned a reputation as a hitter's park, due to the effect of Denver's high elevation and semi-arid climate on the distances of batted balls. To combat this, the outfield fences were positioned farther away from home plate and baseballs used in the park have been pre-stored in humidors. Coors Field has hosted the 1998 MLB All-Star Game and the 2021 MLB All-Star Game. Coors has also hosted an outdoor hockey game from the 2016 NHL Stadium Series, along with numerous concerts. In 2017, a consultant determined that Coors Field would require $200 million in capital improvements in the 2020s. To fund those improvements, the Rockies agreed to a long-term lease to develop club-owned nearby land.

Dodger Stadium

Los Angeles, CA, USA, United States

56,000 capacity

Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, one of motorsport's most ambitious venue transformations brought MotoGP racing to an iconic American landmark. Dodger Stadium, primarily known as the home of Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers since 1962, represents a fascinating chapter in motorcycle racing's ongoing quest to capture new audiences through innovative venue choices. The concept of transforming baseball stadiums into temporary racing circuits has gained momentum in recent years, as series organizers seek to bring high-octane motorsport action directly into urban centers and established sporting venues. Dodger Stadium's adaptation for MotoGP represents this philosophy perfectly, converting America's third-oldest ballpark into a temporary motorcycle racing facility that can accommodate 56,000 spectators in a sport-specific configuration. Located in the Chavez Ravine area of Los Angeles, the venue sits at an elevation of approximately 550 feet above sea level, providing natural elevation changes that add complexity to any temporary circuit layout. The stadium's bowl-shaped configuration and surrounding parking areas create unique opportunities for circuit designers to incorporate the existing infrastructure while developing a challenging track that meets MotoGP's exacting safety and technical standards. The transformation process involves extensive modifications to create a suitable racing surface and proper run-off areas. Temporary barriers, safety fencing, and specialized track surfacing must be installed throughout the venue, while the stadium's natural amphitheater design provides exceptional sightlines for spectators. The elevated seating arrangement allows fans to observe multiple sections of the circuit simultaneously, creating an intimate viewing experience typically impossible at traditional road racing venues. Circuit characteristics for such temporary installations typically emphasize tight, technical sections that showcase rider skill in close-quarters racing scenarios. The confined nature of a stadium venue necessitates careful attention to corner design, with particular focus on creating safe overtaking opportunities while maintaining the spectacle that MotoGP demands. Surface grip becomes a critical factor, as temporary racing surfaces often provide different characteristics compared to permanent racing facilities. The unique urban setting brings particular atmospheric qualities to race weekends. Los Angeles's Mediterranean climate provides generally favorable conditions for outdoor motorsport, though the city's proximity to the Pacific Ocean can introduce marine layer effects and temperature variations throughout race days. The venue's location within one of America's largest metropolitan areas creates opportunities for significant media exposure and fan engagement beyond traditional motorsport audiences. Stadium racing presents distinct challenges for teams and riders alike. The compact nature of such venues often means limited paddock space, requiring careful logistics planning for the extensive support equipment that MotoGP teams require. Practice and qualifying sessions become even more crucial, as the unfamiliar track surface and layout demand rapid adaptation from riders accustomed to traditional circuit racing. The spectacle of MotoGP motorcycles navigating through a venue traditionally associated with baseball creates compelling visual drama. The sound dynamics change significantly within the stadium's enclosed environment, intensifying the auditory experience of racing motorcycles for spectators while creating unique acoustic challenges for riders and teams relying on engine notes for performance feedback. Safety considerations for temporary venue racing require extensive planning and specialized equipment installation. Run-off areas must be carefully designed to meet international safety standards while working within the constraints of existing stadium architecture. Emergency response protocols must be adapted for the unique venue characteristics, ensuring that medical and safety personnel can respond effectively to any incidents. The broader significance of bringing MotoGP to venues like Dodger Stadium extends beyond individual race events. Such initiatives represent strategic efforts to expand motorcycle racing's appeal within key markets, particularly in the United States where MotoGP continues working to build stronger fan engagement. Los Angeles, as a major media and entertainment hub, provides exceptional promotional opportunities and potential for attracting new audiences to the sport. Television and media production benefits significantly from the stadium environment, with fixed infrastructure providing advantages for camera placement and broadcast equipment. The controlled environment allows for innovative broadcast angles and production techniques that may not be feasible at traditional racing circuits, potentially enhancing the viewing experience for global television audiences. The venue's capacity of 56,000 represents substantial attendance potential for American MotoGP events, providing economic justification for the significant costs associated with temporary venue conversion. The established parking, concession, and crowd management infrastructure of a major league baseball stadium translates well to motorsport event requirements, though specific adaptations are necessary for the different crowd dynamics and event duration of motorcycle racing. Looking toward the future, the success of MotoGP events at venues like Dodger Stadium could influence broader trends in motorsport venue selection and event format development. The model demonstrates how established sporting facilities can be reimagined for different uses, potentially opening opportunities for similar arrangements at other iconic venues across various markets. The intersection of America's pastime venue with international motorcycle racing excellence creates a uniquely American motorsport experience, blending traditional sporting venue grandeur with the cutting-edge technology and athletic performance that defines modern MotoGP competition. This innovative approach to venue utilization represents motorsport's continuing evolution in reaching diverse audiences while maintaining the sporting integrity and spectacle that defines world-class motorcycle racing.

Globe Life Park in Arlington

United States

Baseball and motorsport rarely intersect in the world of professional racing venues, but Globe Life Park in Arlington represents one of the most unique and temporary adaptations in MotoGP history. This former Major League Baseball stadium, which served as home to the Texas Rangers from 1994 to 2019, transformed into an extraordinary motorcycle racing venue that challenged every conventional notion of what constitutes a proper Grand Prix circuit. Located in the heart of Arlington, Texas, between Dallas and Fort Worth, the venue originally opened as The Ballpark in Arlington before undergoing several naming changes throughout its baseball tenure. The facility was designed as a classic American ballpark, featuring red brick facades and limestone accents that paid homage to traditional baseball architecture. Its conversion to accommodate MotoGP machinery represented an unprecedented engineering challenge, requiring the complete reimagining of interior spaces traditionally occupied by diamond, outfield, and spectator areas. The transformation of this baseball cathedral into a motorcycle racing circuit demanded innovative thinking from track designers and engineers. The confined space within the stadium's walls necessitated an extremely tight, technical layout that bore no resemblance to traditional Grand Prix circuits. Unlike the sweeping curves and long straights found at venues like Circuit of the Americas or Laguna Seca, Globe Life Park's configuration forced designers to create a series of sharp corners, hairpin turns, and narrow passages that challenged riders' precision and bike handling skills to their absolute limits. The track surface itself presented unique characteristics that set it apart from purpose-built racing facilities. Rather than the specialized asphalt compounds typically found at dedicated motorsport venues, the temporary circuit utilized materials suitable for the confined space and temporary nature of the installation. This created distinct grip levels and surface textures that riders had to adapt to quickly, as practice time remained limited compared to traditional Grand Prix weekends. Elevation changes within the venue added another layer of complexity to an already challenging layout. The natural contours of the former baseball field, combined with the multi-level structure of the stadium itself, created undulations that tested suspension settings and rider positioning. These elevation shifts, while modest compared to circuits like the Sachsenring or Mugello, proved significant within the context of such a compact racing environment. Overtaking opportunities at Globe Life Park existed in stark contrast to traditional MotoGP venues. The narrow confines and technical nature of the circuit made passing moves extremely difficult, placing premium value on qualifying position and strategic thinking. Riders found themselves relying more heavily on racecraft and patience rather than outright speed to gain positions, creating a different dynamic from the typical Grand Prix weekend. The spectator experience at Globe Life Park offered something entirely unique in the MotoGP calendar. Baseball stadiums are designed to provide excellent sightlines from virtually every seat, and this characteristic translated remarkably well to motorcycle racing. Fans could observe the entire track layout from their seats, witnessing every corner, every overtaking attempt, and every moment of drama throughout the race. This panoramic view contrasted sharply with traditional circuits where spectators typically see only small sections of the track from any given vantage point. Weather considerations played a crucial role in the venue's operation as a racing facility. Texas weather patterns, particularly during potential racing seasons, presented challenges ranging from extreme heat to sudden thunderstorms. The stadium's design, while featuring a partial roof structure over seating areas, left the racing surface exposed to elements, creating additional variables that teams and riders had to consider in their preparation and strategy. The technical demands of racing within Globe Life Park pushed motorcycle technology and setup philosophy in new directions. Traditional Grand Prix circuits allow engineers to optimize bikes for specific combinations of high-speed corners, long straights, and varying grip levels. The unique characteristics of this venue required completely different approaches to suspension geometry, gearing ratios, and aerodynamic configurations. From a logistical standpoint, Globe Life Park presented both advantages and challenges compared to traditional racing facilities. The existing infrastructure for crowd management, parking, concessions, and broadcast facilities provided a solid foundation for hosting major sporting events. However, the adaptation of these systems for motorcycle racing, including paddock space, team accommodations, and technical inspection areas, required creative solutions within the constraints of baseball stadium architecture. The venue's place in American motorsport reflects the ongoing efforts to expand MotoGP's presence in the United States market. While Circuit of the Americas has served as the primary American venue for the premier motorcycle racing series, the concept of utilizing alternative facilities like Globe Life Park demonstrates the sport's willingness to explore innovative approaches to venue selection and fan engagement. Globe Life Park's legacy in motorsport extends beyond its specific use as a racing venue. The successful adaptation of a baseball stadium for high-level motorcycle competition opened discussions about the potential for other unconventional venues to host premier racing events. This precedent encourages thinking beyond traditional circuit designs and considers how existing sporting infrastructure might serve multiple purposes. Today, Globe Life Park continues to operate as a significant venue in Arlington's sporting landscape, though its baseball tenants have moved to the adjacent Globe Life Field. The facility's brief but memorable foray into motorcycle racing remains a unique chapter in both MotoGP history and the ongoing evolution of American motorsport venues, demonstrating that innovation and creativity can transform even the most unlikely spaces into memorable racing theaters.

Guaranteed Rate Field

Chicago, Illinois, United States

40,615 capacity

Guaranteed Rate Field, formerly Comiskey Park and U.S. Cellular Field, is a baseball stadium located on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois, United States. It is the ballpark of Major League Baseball’s Chicago White Sox, one of the city's two MLB teams, and is owned by the state of Illinois through the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority. Completed at a cost of US$137 million, the park opened as Comiskey Park on April 18, 1991, taking its name from the former ballpark at which the White Sox had played since 1910. Guaranteed Rate Field is situated just to the west of the Dan Ryan Expressway in Chicago's Armour Square neighborhood, adjacent to the more famous neighborhood of Bridgeport. The stadium was built directly across 35th Street from the original Comiskey Park, which was demolished to make room for a parking lot for the new venue. The location of Old Comiskey's home plate is represented by a marble plaque on the sidewalk next to Guaranteed Rate Field, with the foul lines painted in the parking lot. The spectator ramp across 35th Street is designed in such a way (partly curved, partly straight but angling east-northeast) that it echoes the contour of the old first-base grandstand.

Kauffman Stadium

Kansas City, MO, United States

49,625 capacity

Kauffman Stadium (/ˈkɔːfmən/), often called "The K", is a baseball stadium located in Kansas City, Missouri. It is the home ballpark of the Kansas City Royals of Major League Baseball (MLB). It is part of the Truman Sports Complex together with the adjacent Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). The stadium is named for Ewing Kauffman, the founder and first owner of the Royals. It opened in 1973 as Royals Stadium and was named for Kauffman twenty years later on July 2, 1993. Since its last major renovation in 2009, the listed seating capacity is 37,903. Kauffman Stadium was built specifically for baseball during an era when building multisport "cookie-cutter" stadiums was commonplace. It is often held up along with Dodger Stadium (1962) in Los Angeles as one of the best examples of modernist stadium design. It is currently the only stadium in the American League to be named after a person and is also one of eight stadiums in Major League Baseball that does not have a corporate-sponsored name

Oracle Park

San Francisco, California, USA, United States

41,915 capacity

Oracle Park is a Major League Baseball stadium in the SoMa neighborhood of San Francisco, California. Since 2000, it has been the home of the San Francisco Giants. Previously named Pacific Bell Park, SBC Park, and AT&T Park, the stadium's current name was purchased by the Oracle Corporation in 2019. The stadium stands along the San Francisco Bay; the section of the bay beyond Oracle Park's right field wall is unofficially known as McCovey Cove, in honor of former Giants player Willie McCovey. Oracle Park has also hosted professional and collegiate American football games. The stadium was the home of the annual college postseason bowl game now known as the Redbox Bowl from its inaugural playing in 2002 until 2013, and also served as the temporary home for the University of California's football team in 2011. Professionally, it was the home of the San Francisco Demons of the XFL and the California Redwoods of the United Football League. The park also hosted the annual Fight Hunger Bowl, a college football bowl game from 2002 to 2013, and other occasional sporting and musical events. For the 2011 season, the park served as the home of the California Golden Bears football team while Memorial Stadium underwent seismic retrofitting and renovations.

Petco Park

San Diego, California, United States

40,209 capacity

Petco Park is a baseball stadium in San Diego, California. It is the ballpark of the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball (MLB). The stadium is located in downtown San Diego, adjacent to the Gaslamp Quarter. Petco Park opened in 2004, replacing San Diego Stadium as the team's home venue, where the Padres played from their inception in 1969 to 2003. On April 8, 2004, the Padres played their first game at the ballpark, defeating the San Francisco Giants 4–3 in 10 innings. Petco Park hosted the inaugural 2006 World Baseball Classic championship and the 2016 MLB All-Star Game. On July 30, 2024, Petco Park achieved an attendance record for baseball during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, with 47,559 people in attendance. Petco Park features unique design elements, particularly the Western Metal Supply Co. building, a historic warehouse incorporated into the ballpark; its southeast corner serves as the left field foul pole. Gallagher Square, located beyond the outfield wall, includes a community park and viewing terrace, among other features open to the public during stadium off-hours.

RingCentral Coliseum

Oakland, California, United States

46,847 capacity

The Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum is a multi-purpose stadium in Oakland, California, United States. It is part of the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Complex, with the adjacent Oakland Arena, near Interstate 880. In 2017, the playing surface was dedicated as Rickey Henderson Field in honor of Major League Baseball Hall of Famer and former Athletics left fielder Rickey Henderson. It has been the home of the Oakland Athletics of Major League Baseball since 1968. It was also the home of the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League from 1966 until 1981, when the team moved to Los Angeles, and again after the team’s return, from 1995 until 2019, when the team moved to Las Vegas. Since then, the stadium has been primarily used for baseball. It was the last remaining stadium in the United States shared by professional baseball and football teams. It has occasionally been used for soccer, including hosting selected San Jose Earthquakes matches in 2008 and 2009, and during the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup. The Coliseum has a seating capacity of up to 63,132 depending on its configuration; an upper deck dubbed "Mount Davis" by fans was added as part of a 1996 renovation for the Raiders' return to Oakland. In 2006, citing a desire to provide a more "intimate" environment, the Athletics blocked off the entirety of the Coliseum's third deck during its games, which artificially limited its capacity to 34,077 (making it the smallest stadium in Major League Baseball). On April 11, 2017, with Dave Kaval as the team president, the Athletics began to reopen some of the sections in the third deck, and open the Mount Davis deck for selected marquee games; this configuration makes it, by contrast, the largest baseball stadium in the United States by capacity. The current state of Oakland Coliseum has been widely criticized; fans and players alike consider the Coliseum to be poorly maintained and out of date. Along with Tropicana Field, it is often cited as one of the worst ballparks in Major League Baseball and consistently takes the last or second-to-last spot in rankings of stadiums. Major League Baseball has cited the need to replace Oakland Coliseum and Tropicana Field as one of the primary obstacles to future expansion. The Athletics are currently in the process of relocating to Las Vegas and plan to vacate the Coliseum following the expiration of their lease at the conclusion of the 2024 season and move into West Sacramento's Sutter Health Park for three seasons as a dedicated facility in Las Vegas is built.

Rogers Centre

Toronto, Canada, Canada

49,282 capacity

Rogers Centre (originally named SkyDome) is a multi-purpose stadium in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada situated just southwest of the CN Tower near the northern shore of Lake Ontario. Opened in 1989 on the former Railway Lands, it is home to the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball (MLB). Previously, the stadium served as home to the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL), Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association (NBA), and the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL), which played an annual game at the stadium as part of the Bills Toronto Series. While it is primarily a sports venue, it also hosts other large-scale events such as conventions, trade fairs, concerts, travelling carnivals, and monster truck shows. The stadium was renamed "Rogers Centre" following the purchase of the stadium by Rogers Communications, which also bought the Toronto Blue Jays, in 2005. The venue was noted for being the first stadium to have a fully retractable motorized roof, as well as for the 348-room hotel attached to it, with 70 rooms overlooking the field. It is also the last North American major-league stadium built to accommodate both football and baseball. The stadium served as the site of both the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2015 Pan American Games. During the ceremonies, the site was referred to as the "Pan Am Dome" (officially as the "Pan Am Ceremonies Venue") instead of its normal name.

Target Field

Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, United States

38,544 capacity

Target Field is a baseball stadium in the historic warehouse district of downtown Minneapolis. Since its opening in 2010, the stadium has been the ballpark of Major League Baseball's Minnesota Twins. It is named for Target Corporation, which is headquartered in Minneapolis. The stadium hosted the 2014 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. It has also served as the home of other local and regional baseball events. The ballpark is open-air; though originally designed for baseball, it has also hosted football, soccer, hockey games, and concerts. In 2010, ESPN The Magazine ranked Target Field as the number one baseball stadium experience in North America. Summary Target Field during a game vs. Kansas City in 2010 Target Field is the Twins/Senators sixth ballpark, and the franchise's third in Minnesota. The Twins had played 28 seasons at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, and before that 21 seasons at Metropolitan Stadium. The Twins shared both facilities with the Minnesota Vikings, and the Metrodome with the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers football team. The final budget for construction was $435 million, of which $175 million was paid by the Twins and $260 million was paid by Hennepin County by way of a 0.15% county-wide sales tax. An additional $120 million in infrastructure costs were split between the county ($90 million), the team ($20 million), Target Corporation ($4.5 million), the Minnesota Department of Transportation ($3.5 million) and the Minnesota Ballpark Authority ($2 million) bringing the project's total cost to US$555 million.

Wrigley Field

Chicago, Illinois, United States

41,649 capacity

Wrigley Field is a baseball stadium located in Chicago, Illinois, United States, home of the Chicago Cubs. It was built in 1914 as Weeghman Park for the Chicago Federal League baseball team, the Chicago Whales. The Cubs played their first game at Weeghman Park on April 20, 1916, defeating the Cincinnati Reds 7–6 in eleven innings. In November 1918, Weeghman resigned as team president. Chewing gum magnate William Wrigley, Jr. acquired complete control of the Cubs by 1921. It was called Cubs Park from 1920 through 1926, before officially becoming Wrigley Field for the 1927 season. Located in the north side community area of Lakeview, Wrigley Field sits on an irregular block bounded by Clark (west) and Addison (south) Streets and Waveland (north) and Sheffield (east) Avenues. Wrigley Field is nicknamed The Friendly Confines, a phrase popularized by "Mr. Cub", Hall of Famer Ernie Banks. The current capacity is 41,009, making Wrigley Field the 10th-smallest actively used ballpark. It is the oldest National League ballpark and the second oldest active major league ballpark (after Fenway Park on April 20, 1912), and the only remaining Federal League park. Wrigley Field is known for its ivy covered brick outfield wall, the unusual wind patterns off Lake Michigan, the iconic red marquee over the main entrance, the hand turned scoreboard, and for being the last major league park to have lights installed for play after dark, with lighting installed in 1988. The area surrounding the ballpark contains residential streets, in addition to bars, restaurants and other establishments and is called Wrigleyville. Between 1921 and 1970, it was also the home of the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. It hosted the second annual National Hockey League Winter Classic between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Detroit Red Wings, on January 1, 2009.