DRAFT Magazine

By Matt Wilhalme

Last week, we batted around the ballparks of the Junior Circuit. Today, we take a look at the National League.

Chase Field, Arizona Diamondbacks
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Capacity: 48,652
Why we love it: The stadium formerly known as “Bob” boasts one feature that everyone always wants in a home or resort while on vacation: a pool. Just beyond the right-center field fence may seem like a poor vantage point to enjoy the game, but the field also includes one of the largest state-of-the-art HD video boards. So any action you miss cannon-balling into the pool is magnificently replayed in crisp clear colors. It’s almost like you were there…
Most memorable moment: After advancing to the World Series in 2001, the Arizona upstarts took on the reigning champs the New York Yankees only days after the attacks on September 11. The Diamondbacks prevailed and became the youngest franchise ever to win a World Series.
Beers: Amstel Light, Corona, Heineken, Tecate, Dos Equis Lager, Miller Chill, Miller Lite, Miller Genuine Draft, Bud Light, Budweiser, Bud Select, Coors Light, Bud American Ale, Michelob Ultra, Stella Artois, Bud Light Lime, Sam Adams, Sierra Nevada, Fat Tire, Black Butte Porter, Red Stripe, Pyramid Hefeweizen, Gordon Biersch Marzen, Gordon Biersch Hefeweizen.

Turner Field, Atlanta Braves
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Capacity: 50,096
Why we love it: When the Braves fans begin the Tomahawk Chop you can see the tension level rise in the opposing teams inside of Turner Field. This stadium’s intelligent design and attention to detail set the bar.
Most memorable moment: Hank Aaron, one of the greatest all-around baseball players ever, never played a game inside of Turner Field but he hit his 715th career home run on April 8, 1974 in front of a home crowd at Atlanta Stadium and surpassed Babe Ruth’s seemingly untouchable record. For that he earned himself a place on this list.
Beers: If you go, let us know.

Wrigley Field, Chicago Cubs
Location: Chicago, Illnois
Capacity: 41,210
Why we love it: Maybe it’s the curse of the goat or the ivory-coated walls but something about this 1914 relic connects one to the storied history of baseball.
Most memorable moment: There are home runs that shatter car windows outside of the ballpark, and there are home runs that go beyond the field, out of the stadium, across the street, and knock out windows in apartments across the street. Both Sammy Sosa and Dave Kingman have hit “long bombs” so far that the people in the apartments could have confused the broken window as the work of kids outside playing in the street.
Beers: Bud Light, Old Style, Old Style Light (Really? I didn’t even know there was Old Style Light, to be honest), PBR, Labatt Blue, Labatt Blue Light, Corona, Heineken, Heineken Light, Amstel, Tecate.

Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati Reds
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Capacity: 42,271
Why we love it: This park is great because whenever a batter manages to send a ball airborne it has a great chance of going all the way to the grandstands. Known by many as the “Great American Launch Pad,” this field gives hitters an advantage that all fans enjoy as they sit back and take in the show.
Most memorable moment: On opening day in 2006, George W. Bush became the first U.S. President to throw a first pitch in Reds history. Too bad for the Reds, that season they would finish 80-82, good enough for third place in the National League Central Division.
Beers: Bud Light, Budweiser, Budweiser Select, Guinness, Bud American Ale, Goose Island, Shock Top, Moerlein OTR, Moerlein Helles, Nutty Brunette, Pirahna Ale, Jeremiah Red, Brewhouse Blonde, Miller Lite, Amstel Light, Heineken, Michelob Ultra, Corona Extra, Sam Adams, Sam Adams Light, Great Lakes Dortmunder, Mt. Carmel Amber Ale, Stella Artois, Flying Dog, Left Hand Pilsner, Land Shark Lager, Great Lakes Burning River.

Coors Field, Colorado Rockies
Location: Denver, Colorado
Capacity: 50,449
Why we love it: One of the true “hitter’s parks” in all of baseball, the ball travels over nine percent farther at this mile high baseball stadium giving fans plenty of free souvenirs to take home while they watch the home team slug it out with their opponents.
Most memorable moment: On the Fourth of July in 2008 the Colorado Rockies were able to overcome a nine-run deficit to defeat the Florida Marlins, 18-17. The Rockies combined for six home runs and scored in every inning except for the eighth marking the largest comeback in Rockies history.
Beers: Coors Banquet, Coors Original, Coors Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, Rolling Rock, Blue Moon, Blue Moon Seasonal, Shock Top Belgian White, Dale’s Pale Ale, Right Field Red, Single Track, Hazed and Infused, Killian’s Irish Red, Corona Extra, Corona Light, Foster’s, Guinness, Fat Tire, New Castle Brown Ale, Coors Non-alcoholic, Dos Equis Amber, Stella Artois, Tsingtao, Heineken.

Dolphin Stadium, Florida Marlins
Location: Miami, Florida
Capacity: 36,331
Why we love it: You have to love a stadium that pays for itself to be built. The first ever privately funded stadium financed its entire construction from the licensing of private seats within the park. Hosting both the Miami Dolphins and Florida Marlins, this multi-use facility is perfect for any sport year-round
Most memorable moment: On opening day this season, the very first batter — Emilio Bonifacio — hit an inside-the-park home run. The Marlins went on to sweep the Washington Nationals.
Beers: Heineken, Heineken Light, Peroni, Blue Moon, Presidente, Sam Adams, Amstel Light, Stella Artois, Bass Ale, Budweiser, Bud Light, Miller Lite, Coors Light, Land Shark Lager, Shock Top, Yuengling, Grolsch, Michelob Ultra, Corona, O’Doul’s Non-alcoholic

Minute Maid Park, Houston Astros
Location: Houston, Texas
Capacity: 40,950
Why we love it: There is a train inside of the stadium. No, not the one that you took to the park, but an actual 19th-century train replica that blows its whistle and chugs down 800 feet of track along the west side of the stadium.
Most memorable moment: Originally named Enron Field, the stadium repurchased the rights to the name and re-sold them to Minute Maid. Now fans affectionately refer to their teams home as “The Juice Box.”
Beers: Bud Light, Miller light, Bud Select, Budweiser, Michelob Ultra, Shiner Bock, Sam Adams, St. Arnolds Amber, Lawnmower Lager, Negra Modelo, Leinenkugal’s Sunset Wheat, Blue Moon, Landshark Lager, Drop Top Amber Ale, Shock Top Belgian White, Coors Light, Amstel Light, Corona Extra, Corona light, Heineken, Heineken Light, Red Stripe, O’Doul’s Non-alcoholic.

Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles Dodgers
Location: Los Angeles, California
Capacity: 56,000
Why we love it: Because the players love it. In a 2003 poll of MLB players conducted by Sports Illustrated, Dodger Stadium was voted the “Best Stadium in all of Baseball.”
Most memorable moment: It wasn’t baseball but religion that marks the best moment for Dodger Stadium. When Pope John Paul II conducted Mass in Sept. of 1987 to a capacity crowd he may have blessed the people, but the Dodgers went on to win the World Series the very next year.
Beers: Budweiser, Bud Light, Blue Moon, Corona, Corona Light, Heineken, Dos Equis Lager, Tecate, Coors Light, Miller Lite, Gordon Biersch Marzen, Gordon Biersch Hefeweizen, Redbridge, O’Doul’s Non-alcoholic.

Miller Park, Milwaukee Brewers
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Capacity: 41,900
Why we love it: Miller Park definitely takes the award for most interesting retractable roof in all of baseball. This fan-shaped structure provides the perfect setting regardless of the temperature or weather outside of the stadium and looks good while it does it.
Most memorable moment: Sometimes if you can’t win in one league you are better off going to the other. In 1997 the Brewers took a chance and did just that. After years at the bottom of the American League East and Central Division (yes, they changed once before, too), the Brew Crew opted to give the NL a shot after MLB decided to add two new expansion teams.
Beers: Miller Lite, Miller Genuine Draft, MGD 64, Miller Chill, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Leinenkugal’s Honey Weiss, Leinenkugal’s Red Lager, Leinenkugal’s Classic, Leinenkugal’s Berry Weiss, Leinenkugal’s Summer Shandy, Heineken, Blue Moon, Red Stripe, Foster’s, Peroni, Beer Capitol, Lake Front, Corona Extra, Coors Light, Guinness, Pilsner Urquell, Sam Adams, Rolling Rock.

Citi Field, New York Mets
Location: Flushing, New York
Capacity: 41,800
Why we love it: Mr. Met. Has there ever been a more bizarre mascot for a professional team speak?
Most memorable moment: Man landed on the moon and the New York Mets rose from last place to World Series Champions. In 1969, the nation was engulfed in an unpopular war in Vietnam but the Mets, lead by pitcher Tom Seaver and a young gun named Nolan Ryan, captured the heart of America as they turned their title of “Loveable Losers” into World Champions.
Beers: Blue Point Lager, Brooklyn Brewery Sobroso Ale, Blue Smoke Ale, Shackmeister Ale, Brooklyn Lager, Miller Lite, Coors Light, Beck’s Budweiser, Bud Light, Bud Light Lime, Bud American Ale, Michelob, Michelob Ultra, Tennent’s Staropramen, Czechvar, Leffe Blonde, Harbin, Tiger, Hoegaarden, Kirin, Kirin Light, Heineken, Rolling Rock, Goose Island IPA, Kona Lager, Red Hook Blonde Ale, Beck’s, Beck’s Dark, Beck’s Light, O’Doul’s Non-alcoholic.

Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia Phillies
Location: Philadelphia, Pennslyvania
Capacity: 43,647
Why we love it: The “Angle.” This architectural freak of nature creates more problems out of town outfielders than losing your passport while on vacation in eastern Europe. As players run full sprint for long fly balls hit to left-center field, their journey is interrupted by the sudden inward diversion of a 19-foot wall sending baseballs every which way but to the fielder.
Most memorable moment: In the first ever rain-suspended game in World Series history, the Phillies and the Florida Marlins had to call it quits after five and half innings because the weather would not allow them to finish. The delay was enough to give Cole Hamels’ arm a rest so that when they returned to the diamond the Phillies’ were able to walk away victorious.
Beers: Yuengling, Flying Fish Brewing, Yards, HopDevil Ale, Sam Adams, Shock Top Belgian White, Blue Moon, Beck’s, Red Hook ESB, Victory Prima Pale, Copper Ale, Amstel Light, Sly Fox, Smithwick’s, Dos Equis, Heineken, Woodchuck Cider, Kensinger, Tröegs Sunshine, Sierra Nevada, Dortmunder Actien-Brauerei, Foster’s, Budweiser, Bud Light, Budweiser Select, Bud Light Lime Miller Lite Coors Light Michelob Ultra, O’Doul’s Non-alcoholic.

PNC Park, Pittsburgh Pirates
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Capacity: 38,362
Why we love it: This stadium offers one of the best overall skyline views from a seat that you can buy. While the team may look good inside of the park, the view of outside is always better than actually walking around Pittsburgh.
Most memorable moment: There haven’t been many memorable moments inside of PNC Park over the past few years since the Pirates have failed to reach the Series since 1971. Hey, at least Iron City has the Steelers.
Beers: Budweiser, Bud Light, Coors Light, Iron City, I.C. Light, Labatt’s Blue, Miller Lite, Yuengling, Penn Pilsner, Penn Gold, Miller Genuine Draft, Corona Extra, Heineken, Yuengling Premium, O’Doul’s Non-alcoholic.

PETCO Park, San Diego Padres
Location: San Diego, California
Capacity: 42,445
Why we love it: Aside from the beautiful weather and ocean in front of PETCO, this stadium gives fans one of the most intimate experiences in all of the major leagues. With seating so close to the field it’s like being apart of the show at Sea World just down the street.
Most memorable moment: Pitcher Jake Peavey was the man to beat in 2007, winning the Cy Young, MVP, National League Pitchers Triple Crown, and NL The Sporting News Pitcher of the Year.
Beers: Budweiser, Bud Light, Bud Light Lime, Coors Light, Miller Lite, Miller Genuine Draft, Stella Artois, Shock Top Belgian White, Longhammer IPA, Michelob Ultra, Michelob Amber Bock, Widmer Hefeweizen, Pyramid Hefeweizen, Sam Adams, Tecate, Heineken, Stone IPA, New Castle, Firestone, Sapporo, Sierra Nevada, Fat Tire, Carl Strauss Amber Lager, Red Hook Swim Chance, Bass, Dos Equis Lager, Corona Extra, Corona Light, Kirin, Foster’s, Ballast Point Yellowtail Pale Ale, Ballast Point Big Eye I.P.A., Coors Original, Gordon Biersch Marzen, Gordon Biersch Hefeweizen, Stone Pale Ale, Stone Levitation, Guinness, Peroni, Alaskan IPA, Rouge Dead Guy Ale, Blue Moon White, Pacifico, Deschutes Black Butte Porter, Green Flash IPA, Pete’s Strawberry Blonde, Rolling Rock, Landshark, Widmer Drifter Pale Ale, Anderson Valley Boont Amber, Woodchuck Pear Cider, Beck’s Non-Alcoholic.

AT&T Park, San Francisco Giants
Location: San Francisco, California
Capacity: 41,915
Why we love it: This park was designed with fans in mind by Giants owner Peter Magowan. The view from nearly every seat is immaculate with the Bay Bridge in the background. We especially like seeing home runs knocked completely out of the park and into the bay.
Most memorable moment: Barry Bonds hit a few home runs in his career, but when he surpassed Babe Ruth in May of 2006 by hitting his 715 career home run, all bets were off.
Beers: Amstel Light, Sam Adams, Anchor Steam, Shiner Bock, Bass, Shock Top, Beck’s, Sierra Nevada, Blue Moon, Smithwick’s, Budweiser, Bud Light, Bud Light Lime, Bud Light Chelada, Bud American Ale, Sol, Spaten, Speakeasy, Stella Artois, Tsingtao, Bud Select, Tecate, Coors Original, Coors Light, Trumer Pils, Corona Extra, Widmer Hefeweizen, Dos Equis, Widmer Drop Top, Fat Tire, Firestone, Foster’s, Full Sail, Gordon Biersch Marzen, Gordon Biersch Pilsner, Guinness, Harp, Heineken, Hoegaarden, Kirin, Lagunitas IPA, Miller Genuine Draft, Michelob Ultra, Miller Lite, Mirror Pond, Negra Modelo, Pacifico, Peroni, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Pilsner Urquell, Pyramid Hefeweizen, Red Hook ESB, Red Stripe, Red Tail Ale, Rolling Rock, Sapporo, O’Doul’s Non-alcoholic.

Busch Stadium, St. Louis Cardinals
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Capacity: 43,975
Why we love it: The ability to own an actual piece of Busch Stadium in your very own home is pretty spectacular. The Cardinals are offering fans the opportunity to purchase one of the 2.14 million bricks manufactured for the new Busch Stadium for a mere $30. Use it as a paper weight or door stop, but know that this part of the Cardinals franchise belongs to you.
Most memorable moment: The Midwest is known for its simple attitude towards life and chaotic weather. In July of 2006, only a few months after the third Busch Stadium opened, a storm blew through the stadium and damaged several infield tarps and one that protected the open air press box. One of these tarps collapsed on top of the unlucky fans below and injured at least 30 spectators.
Beer: Budweiser, Bud Light, Bud Light Lime, Bud Select, Bud American Ale, Busch, Schlafly Pale Ale, Michelob Amber Bock, Michelob Ultra, Goose Island, Shock Top Belgian White, Blue Moon, 5-day IPA, Land Shark Lager, Heineken, Red Bridge, Stella Artois, Sam Adams.

Nationals Park, Washington Nationals
Location: Washington D.C.
Capacity: 41,888
Why we love it: This stadium is green. Nationals Park is the first major stadium in the United States to earn Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) accreditation. As a leader in environmental awareness other fields look to the design and management of this park as the epitome of how a stadium should operate.
Most memorable moment: When Christian Guzman hit for the cycle in August of 2008 he became the first National to complete the cycle in National Park and only the second National to achieve this accomplishment in the team’s history.
Beer: Budweiser, Bud Light, Miller Lite, Michelob Ultra, Bud Light Lime, Miller Genuine Draft, Coors Light, Old Dominion Ale, Wild Goose, Gordon Biersch Hefeweizen, Gordon Biersch Marzen, Heineken, Amstel Light, Yuengling Lager, Drop Top Amber Ale, Starr Hill Jomo Lager, Fordham Copperhead Ale, Newcastle, Dos Equis, Stella Artois, Bass Pale Ale, Blue Moon, Leinenkugel’s Classic Amber, Shock Top Belgian White, Home Run Ale, Pilsner Urquell, Peroni, Stella Artois, Landshark Lager, Rotations of Dogfish Head brews, Arrogant Bastard Ale and Rogue brews.

(Additional reporting by Annie Woods.)