Jon HoeflingUSA TODAY
As Master Yoda once said, "Size matters not." If your resources are limited, you can still use them efficiently in a way that culminates in success. That theory could not ring more true than with baseball stadiums. Even though some ballparks cannot hold as many fans, some of baseball's loudest moments of all-time have happened at those parks.
In 2023, Atlanta Braves' fans at Truist Park registered on the Richter scale, and they have the 20th-highest capacity in MLB. Imagine what a few disgruntled Yankees fans could accomplish with that kind of willpower.
Some people argue that lower capacities also enable for more intimate moments among fanbases as individual fans feel luckier to be one of the few capable of witnessing moments from their favorite teams firsthand. Clearly, it doesn't matter how many fans get in, just how loud they cheer.
Here are the eight active MLB ballparks with the lowest capacities. All capacity numbers are sourced from BetMGM.
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Smallest ballparks in MLB:
*Rankings listed based on USA Today's rankings
22) Globe Life Field, Texas Rangers
Capacity: 40,300 (8th-fewest in MLB)
A very vertical ballpark, Globe Life Field's upper concourse is just 184 feet from the field. At Choctaw Stadium, formerly Globe Life Park, that number was 207 feet. So, although the team's new stadium holds fewer fans -- Globe Life Park could hold over 48,000 -- the design of Globe Life Field is supposed to help fans feel closer to the game.
19) Progressive Field, Cleveland Guardians
Capacity: 34,830 (fewest in MLB)
Cleveland's stadium is still relatively new, having opened up in 1994. The stadium has undergone renovations since, and most of them have been well received, especially the inclusion of food courts beyond right field. More renovations are planned for 2025 as well, so in two or so years, this field could be much higher on USA Today's rankings.
18) LoanDepot Park, Miami Marlins
Capacity: 37,442 (2nd-fewest in MLB)
A decade ago, this ballpark probably would've been much lower on this list. Considering that new ownership took over in 2017, the adjustments made to the ballpark have been surprisingly well-received.
12) Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City Royals
Capacity: 37,903 (4th-fewest in MLB)
Given that the Royals planned on building a new ballpark for 2028, Kauffman Stadium ranks rather high on USA Today's list of best ballparks in MLB at 12th.
Kauffman Stadium certainly lacks in the seating department though, and anyone who has watched a game there even from their TV can see that the stadium doesn't have many seats beyond its outfield walls. Still, the beauty of Kauffman Stadium cannot be overstated, and that's why it ranks so high.
10) Target Field, Minnesota Twins
Capacity: 38,544 (5th-fewest in MLB)
The Twins really made the most of a very small site with this stadium. There are bleachers stacked on top of bleachers on top of bleachers in some areas. Given the massive lack of space, it's amazing how well the stadium does at making everyone feel comfortable. It sort of excuses the lack of total seats as well. If they added any more, the stadium may not feel as great for fans.
6) Petco Park, San Diego Padres
Capacity: 40,209 (7th-fewest in MLB)
The Western Metal Supply Company building down the left field line alone makes this one of the most beautiful ballparks in America. After throwing in the San Diego skyline as well though, this ballpark is elevated to elite status.
Not to mention, Gallagher Square, the grassy slope beyond the center field wall is open at all times during games, allowing fans a different viewing experience if they please. That addition also contributes to Petco Park being one of the best fan experiences in baseball.
5) Fenway Park, Boston Red Sox
Capacity: 37,755 (3rd-fewest in MLB)
It's hard to beat a classic like Fenway. This ballpark feels incredible to look at. History jumps out at fans with every step. It's got its quirks with a very deep right field, massive wall in center, and the even more massive Green Monster in left. Still though, this ballpark manages to be surprisingly hitter-friendly. The only problem? Parking is a nightmare.
1) PNC Park, Pittsburgh Pirates
Capacity: 38,747 (6th-fewest in MLB)
What's shocking about PNC Park is that, although it opened up in 2001, it has undergone minimal renovations. Most of the touch-ups have involved certain restaurants being added or changed, or the playing field material being altered. The ballpark itself has gone mostly untouched since it opened, and everyone still loves it.
The sights, the atmosphere, the beautiful color scheme. Everything about PNC Park is made to make fans go "wow," and it succeeds. If only more fans could get into each game, that's the only thing this ballpark could improve upon.
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