Oldest MLB Stadiums: Fenway, Wrigley & More

By Sarah Miller · May 8, 2049

The oldest stadiums in Major League Baseball are Wrigley Field, Fenway Park, and Dodger Stadium, which have been hosting games since the early 20th century. These iconic ballparks offer a unique blend of history, tradition, and fan experience unmatched by modern venues.

Historic Ballparks: A Legacy on the Diamond

Major League Baseball (MLB) is home to some of the most storied sports venues in the world. The league's oldest stadiums not only host current games but also preserve decades of baseball heritage. Among them, Wrigley Field and Fenway Park stand as the two oldest active MLB stadiums, each opening over a century ago. Their longevity reflects architectural endurance, passionate fanbases, and resistance to replacement despite modern facility trends.

Why Older Stadiums Remain in Use

Historical significance: These parks are landmarks with deep cultural roots.
Urban location: Many were built in city centers before suburban sprawl.
Fan loyalty: Longtime supporters value tradition over luxury amenities.
Preservation efforts: Local governments and teams have invested in renovations instead of demolition.

Wrigley Field: The Friendly Confines Since 1914

Home of the Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field opened on April 23, 1914, making it the second-oldest stadium after Fenway Park. Located in Chicago’s Wrigleyville neighborhood, it has become synonymous with ivy-covered outfield walls and hand-operated scoreboards.

Key Features of Wrigley Field

Ivy-covered brick outfield wall installed in 1937
No lights until 1988; first night game held August 8, 1988
Capacity: approximately 41,649
National Historic Landmark designation (2020)

Fenway Park: America’s Most Beloved Ballpark

Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, opened on April 20, 1912, making it the oldest active MLB stadium. Situated in Boston’s Kenmore Square, its quirky dimensions include the famous "Green Monster"—a 37-foot-high left-field wall.

Unique Aspects of Fenway Park

Green Monster includes a manual scoreboard embedded in the wall
Tiny foul territory due to tight urban footprint
Capacity: around 37,755, one of the smallest in MLB
Hosted multiple World Series and All-Star Games

Dodger Stadium: The Oldest West Coast Venue

Opened in 1962, Dodger Stadium is the third-oldest currently used MLB ballpark. Located in Los Angeles, it sits in Chavez Ravine and offers panoramic views of downtown LA. Unlike Fenway and Wrigley, it was designed for automobiles and features ample parking.

Why Dodger Stadium Stands Out

First major league park built entirely off the ground (elevated design)
Largest capacity in MLB at about 56,000
Home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s “Dynamite” sculpture
Renovations completed in 2020s preserved retro feel with modern upgrades

Comparison of the Oldest MLB Stadiums

Stadium	Team	Opened	Location	Capacity	Notable Feature
Fenway Park	Boston Red Sox	1912	Boston, MA	37,755	Green Monster (37' LF wall)
Wrigley Field	Chicago Cubs	1914	Chicago, IL	41,649	Ivy-covered outfield walls
Dodger Stadium	Los Angeles Dodgers	1962	Los Angeles, CA	56,000	Elevated design with city views
Angel Stadium	Los Angeles Angels	1966	Anaheim, CA	45,050	Only MLB park with a moat
Rangers Ballpark (now Globe Life Field predecessor)	Texas Rangers	1994	Arlington, TX	48,114	Retractable roof pioneer

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that Fenway Park and Wrigley Field predate all others by nearly half a century compared to the next tier. Despite smaller capacities, they remain highly valued due to their historical charm and intimate fan experiences. Modern renovations have allowed older parks like Dodger Stadium to maintain relevance through infrastructure updates while preserving legacy aesthetics.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Oldest MLB Stadiums

What is the oldest stadium still used in Major League Baseball?

Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, is the oldest active MLB stadium, having opened on April 20, 1912. It has hosted over a century of baseball history, including numerous World Series championships and legendary players like Babe Ruth and Ted Williams.

Which MLB team plays in the second-oldest stadium?

The Chicago Cubs play at Wrigley Field, which opened in 1914, making it the second-oldest stadium in Major League Baseball. Known for its ivy-covered walls and historic atmosphere, Wrigley remains one of the most iconic ballparks in sports.

Has Fenway Park been renovated over the years?

Yes, Fenway Park has undergone extensive renovations since the 2000s to modernize facilities while preserving its historic character. Upgrades include improved seating, expanded concourses, new video boards, and structural reinforcements—all done without relocating the team or demolishing the original structure.

Why hasn't Wrigley Field been replaced?

Wrigley Field has not been replaced due to strong fan attachment, landmark status, and successful renovation projects that brought modern amenities into the historic structure. The Ricketts family, owners of the Cubs, invested heavily in the 2010s to upgrade infrastructure, ensuring the stadium remains viable for decades to come.

Are there any plans to build new stadiums for the Red Sox or Cubs?

As of 2025, there are no official plans to replace Fenway Park or Wrigley Field. Both organizations have committed to maintaining and upgrading their existing ballparks. Public and political support for preservation further reduces the likelihood of relocation or replacement in the near future.

In summary, the enduring presence of Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, and Dodger Stadium highlights how tradition and innovation can coexist in professional sports. These venues continue to draw millions of fans annually, proving that age does not diminish appeal when history, passion, and community converge on the diamond.