Building The Perfect Stadium

The ballpark is home away from home. Each stadium has a unique structure that makes it different from all the rest, whether it’s the famous Green Monster at Fenway Park or the Omni San Diego Hotel connected to Petco Park.

Even with these iconic ballparks, I have some million-dollar ideas to create the perfect stadium. Don’t get me wrong; I love the atmosphere of baseball stadiums purely because I love baseball and being surrounded by people who do, too. However, I think stadium builders could step it up, and I will show them how.

Fun By The Field

Now I know that some parks like Comerica Park and Chase Field have a ferris wheel and a pool, respectively, but I’m talking about a complete amusement and water park. Rides, games, waterslides — everything. I wouldn’t just make it open on game days, but all the time, because who doesn’t wanna go to a waterpark at a baseball stadium, game on or not? I do! 

I think this would be the most remarkable attraction to hit up before the game or even during a game because I would make sure that you could see the action crystal clear from the rides. This can be accomplished by adding flatscreens or moving the attraction closer to home plate rather than behind center field. I would also include a zip line because why not. 

I’d also like to have some sort of glass pathway around the area, where you could bike around during batting practice. But, of course, the glass would have to be sturdy, like the one used at the Grand Canyon Skywalk. 

This is a significant benefit to every baseball fan. I mean, I think we’ve all been to a game with an annoying kid sitting beside you, not even paying attention or respecting the beautiful game. Better yet, when they have to pass you seven times an inning to hit the bathroom or get more food. You cannot look me in the face and tell me that isn’t the most annoying thing ever. So, when kids don’t want to watch the game, they can head on over to the highly supervised amusement park. Of course, I haven’t figured out the complete logistics, but a lot could happen with a dream and a couple of billion dollars!

A Canadian Classic

Here in Canada, we have this beautiful little thing called Tim Hortons. Essentially, it’s a Dunkin’ type coffee and donut chain, but it’s genuinely the best thing on earth. I’m not a coffee drinker, but it’s the best coffee ever. My personal favorite is their Iced Capps, a blended Ice coffee, and it’s to die for. I think a Timmies would be a perfect addition because once everyone tries it, they’ll agree it’s a stadium essential. Sure, all stadiums have yummy treats, but how appealing does it sound to watch your favorite team with an Iced Capp and Timbits, their signature donut holes. That sounds perfect to me. Especially on a hot, sunny day when you don’t want something too heavy, they have many delicious pastries and fresh food options. Oh, they also have the best breakfast. I could go on, but needless to say, it’s like heaven on earth and a must for any stadium.

Shop Till You Drop!

At first, I was thinking, let’s make a shopping center in the stadium, but I thought that was a bit lame. So instead, there will be one store where you can buy and customize anything. Do you want a Gucci bag with a New York Yankees patch sewn on? We got it. Do you want a new pair of Nikes painted with the New York Mets colors? We got that. Do you want different designs on your Fernando Tatís Jr. jersey? Step on up because we got that, too! This would be so cool because there would be options for anyone, and the creativity is endless with the different things to do. It is also an awesome hands-on experience, and you can make a piece of fan gear that is truly one-of-a-kind. I know this would be a real hit.

A Field With A View

So now that I have included fun, food and a shopping aspect, it’s time for something to get more involved with the players and the stadium itself. Taking a page from the Rogers Centre’s book, I would have a hotel behind left field to comfortably watch the game from your hotel bed. Don’t worry, these beds would be plush and not like some Super 8-type deal. This would be popular because even when a game isn’t on, every baseball fan would want to look out their hotel window and be in their favorite team’s stadium.

I can attest that it’s hard to get comfortable when I am staying in a hotel because it’s not very homey and welcoming. However, when surrounded by a team that you love, in an atmosphere with many other fans who love them just as much, it feels like home. But wait, I’m not done there. I would also have a contest every month that includes a night’s stay in the hotel and tickets to sit in the dugout. Again, I don’t have the exact logistics figured out, but I know that every baseball fan should experience it. I wouldn’t charge an arm and a leg for it but do it more fairly with a draw. But, to enter the draw, you need to have purchased a regular game ticket that month or for that month you’re trying to enter. I like it better this way because then the average baseball fan has the chance to experience it, and not just someone who is extremely wealthy. Of course, there would be many safety precautions, but how could you not love watching a game from the dugout, sitting with the stars?

I could go on and on about what else my perfect stadium would include, but I think I got the basics down. These ideas are genius. Jokes and novelties aside, an ideal stadium to me is one with a great atmosphere, surrounded by people who have a deep love and passion for the greatest sport on earth, rallying behind a team they all care so much about. Of course, everyone has a different story on how they became a fan, but regardless, the love for the game is endless. Now that is heaven on Earth.

Cover photo courtesy of Steve Russell/ Getty Images