8 MLB Ballparks That Will Never Have Pools… and Two That Already Do

By Daisy Barringer | Aug 6, 2014

Nothing says summertime in Arizona quite like baseball, hot dogs, and pool parties. So while it was a surprise to, well, everyone, that theArizona Diamondbacksincluded a swimming pool when they built their stadium in the late 90s, it also somehow made perfect sense. The 35-person pool suite (there’s a hot tub, of course) is located in right-center field, has fielded almost 40 home run balls, and remains one of the most popular features of the park, selling out every year.

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Despite the pool’s popularity, however, Chase Stadium was the only MLB ballpark where it made sense to wear a swimsuit until 2012 when Marlins Park opened up in Miami.

When Marlins Park was being designed, the architects said they wanted to break the retro ballpark mold that was so popular and, instead, build a stadium that embodied Miami. It was only fitting then that they included The Clevelander, a South Beach-themed nightclub in left field that includes a DJ, go-go dancers, full restaurant/bar… and a swimming pool.

For now, those are the only two stadiums where fans can watch the game and do water aerobics at the same time, which should ensure they’re on everyone’s “Ballpark Bucket List.” However, there are a lot of other great stadiums that will never have a swimming pool thanks to location, history, or just plain old practicality. When you get MLB tickets to these eight classic stadiums, you miss out on the trendy pool party, but you get so much more.

1. AT&T Park, San Francisco

There’s no swimming pool at AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants, (wetsuits would be required if there were), but sweeping views of the bay ensure that visitors don’t suffer too much. And fans who are determined to get wet can always kayak in McCovey Cove during a game in the hopes of seeing a “Splash Hit.”

2. Wrigley Field, Chicago

Swimming pools in ballparks weren’t exactly a thing when Wrigley Field opened in 1914. Though you miss out on the pool party, you can get Chicago Cubs tickets to a rooftop party. The team partners with its neighbors to see all of the action unfold while sitting on a rooftop across the street from the stadium (some of which feature bleachers, open bars, and food).

3. Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati

The name alone (it comes from the Great American Insurance Group who purchased the park’s naming rights) is pretty amazing. And though there’s no pool to chill in, fans can get Reds tickets to hang out on the two-story “Riverboat Deck” located about the batter’s eye. It has a great view of the field and the Ohio River.

Aug 24, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; Kids play in the beach area of the Park at the Park inside Petco Park during the fourth inning of the San Diego Padres game against the Chicago Cubs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

4. Petco Park, San Diego

Who wants to go to the pool when they could go to the beach? All you need is to go to “The Beach” at Petco Park. The a sandy play area behind the see-through fence in right field is Southern California style at its finest.

5. Coors Field, Colorado

Anyone can join the Mile High Club at Coors Field, all you need are Colorado Rockies tickets. Just sit in the purple seats that wrap around the stadium. They’re 20 rows up on the upper deck and six rows from the very top and are exactly one-mile above sea level. The view of the field might not be the best in the park, but the view of the Rocky Mountains will (hopefully) make up for it.

6. Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City

Again, no swimming pool access when you have Kansas City Royals tickets, but the cascading waterfalls in the outfield is a pretty impressive feature. Kansas City is known as the City of Fountains, so the 322-foot wide stretch of fountains and the 10-foot high waterfall make perfect sense. Fun fact: it’s the largest privately funded fountain in the world.

7. Rogers Centre, Toronto

Don’t want to make the trek home after the game? Just book a room at the Renaissance Hotel at Rogers Centre where 70 of the rooms have stadium-views (as well as into the Blue Jays’ bullpen). Visitors can hear all of the stadium noises, including the announcer, just by opening the windows. Hot dogs and beer are even available from room service.

8. Fenway Park, Boston

The oldest ballpark in MLB, Fenway has been the home of the Red Sox since it opened in 1912. It’s the second smallest park by total capacity, but that intimate feeling is why fans love it. The Green Monster (the nickname of the left field wall) is notorious for being the highest among current MLB fields and has a seating section on top for 274 fans. It’s one ballpark every baseball fan needs to visit, all you need is Boston Red Sox tickets, natch.

Pool or no pool, it’s time to check these stadiums off your ballpark bucket list. Get all your MLB tickets from ScoreBig, where you save on every ticket, every day.