Oakland’s new ballpark can’t come quick enough after US sports fans said the existing RingCentral Coliseum has the worst bathrooms and atmosphere in Major League Baseball (MLB).
In a survey of 8,000 fans conducted by SeatGeek, the ticketing platform, the home of Oakland A’s came 30th out of 30 in terms of both its toilet facilities and atmosphere.
The 47,000-capacity Coliseum, built in 1966, was awarded a score of just 2.7 out of 5 for its bathrooms by fans, with Atlanta Braves’ SunTrust Park adjudged to have the best facilities with a 4.2 rating.
Two of the sport’s most iconic venues – Boston Red Sox’s Fenway Park and Chicago Cubs’ Wrigley Field – were also in the bottom three in terms of bathroom standards.
A SeatGeek spokesperson told TheStadiumBusiness: “We surveyed 8,000 MLB fans about their local ballpark, asking questions about everything from the atmosphere and food, to the quality of bathrooms and traditions.
“We then ranked the teams based on the fan votes, and also created specific guides with local tips for each venue.”
A’s president Dave Kaval is currently progressing plans for a new 35,000-seat stadium arena that could open in 2023.
In the other categories, Pittsburgh Pirates’ 38,000-capacity PNC Park was selected as having the best atmosphere, with a score of 4.7. Oakland’s current venue was in last place on 3.0.
“Many fans may be surprised to see PNC Park as the highest rated atmosphere as voted on by fans, but this beautiful riverside stadium offers incredible views of downtown Pittsburgh that make it feel as though the bridges and city are within the ballpark walls,” SeatGeek said.
“Most fans recommended sitting behind home plate down the third base line for the most ideal view of the city beyond the outfield walls.”
Chicago White Sox’s Guaranteed Rate Field – or Comiskey Park – came out on top for food with a score of 4.3.
“No place offers the ultimate hot dog experience quite like Guaranteed Rate Field,” said SeatGeek of the 40,000-capacity arena.
One fan told SeatGeek: “My tradition is to get a Polish with grilled onions. Been the standard order since I started going to games with my dad and brother as a kid.”
While Toronto Blue Jays’ Rogers Centre was adjudged to have the worst food in MLB, there are also concerns about transport to the venue and queues.
“With the stadium located right in the middle of the fourth most populous city in North America, driving to a Blue Jays game can be very challenging,” SeatGeek said.
“Instead many fans recommended taking mass transit to the game, due to the quantity of Toronto Transit Commision stations located around the stadium.
“Another tip: Get to the stadium early, as the security lines can take longer than other venues.”
Image: myjanitors
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