Alexander Zaitchik
How to take yourself out to the ball game—in style
It’s appropriate that the modern skybox traces its origins to the Houston Astro Dome. Like the Dome’s other controversial innovation—AstroTurf—the growth of premium seating remains a subject of endless debate among fans. For some baseball purists, luxury suites detract from the number of quality seats available in a ballpark. They’re nothing less than an affront to the very idea of baseball as America’s quintessentially democratic game.
But as even the most fervently anti-skybox curmudgeon must admit, damned if they aren’t a pleasant way to watch nine innings. Privately catered and climate controlled, luxury suites combine the comforts of a good hotel and the immediacy of being at the ballpark, including the chance of a foul ball crashing onto your private terrace...
How to take yourself out to the ball game—in style
It’s appropriate that the modern skybox traces its origins to the Houston Astro Dome. Like the Dome’s other controversial innovation—AstroTurf—the growth of premium seating remains a subject of endless debate among fans. For some baseball purists, luxury suites detract from the number of quality seats available in a ballpark. They’re nothing less than an affront to the very idea of baseball as America’s quintessentially democratic game.
But as even the most fervently anti-skybox curmudgeon must admit, damned if they aren’t a pleasant way to watch nine innings. Privately catered and climate controlled, luxury suites combine the comforts of a good hotel and the immediacy of being at the ballpark, including the chance of a foul ball crashing onto your private terrace...
Alexander Zaitchik How to take yourself out to the ball game—in style It’s appropriate that the modern skybox traces its origins to the Houston Astro D... more
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Created 07/02/08
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1
Yankee Stadium, New York
The 2008 season is the last hurrah for The House that Ruth built. Opening day in 2009 will inaugurate a new Yankee Stadium with a new generation of prime luxury seating currently on display in Rockefeller Plaza. Until then, Yankee fans can choose between two luxury options in the Bronx. Eleven plush "Hall of Fame" suites feature private bathrooms, sliding glass windows, comfortable seating and VIP parking. Available on a per-game or multi-game package basis, the suites can accommodate up to 30 guests. Depending on field placement, they range from $3,150 and $7,500 per game. "Club Level" suites behind home plate offer similar amenities at a lower price for groups as large as 20.
2
Shea Stadium, New York
The New York Mets' Shea Stadium offers 15-person Diamond View Suites in full-season, 40-, 20- and individual-game packages. Located over the left and right field walls, the suites include theater-style seating, a refrigerator, private bathroom, closet and two televisions; two parking passes are also included. As with most suites around the league, catering is separate. Possible Shea-specific add-ons include your very own private suite attendant, scoreboard welcomes and birthday greetings and special surprise appearances by "Mr. Met", the Amazins' famous baseball-headed mascot. Opening day rates are $4,000 for a 15-person suite and $8,000 for a 30-person suite. Prices come down slightly during the regular season.
3
Fenway Park, Boston
Among the most coveted luxury suites in baseball are the newly revamped skyboxes at Fenway Park. Before the 2007 season, 23 of the park's 40 suites were modernized. The new touches include cherrywood floors, designer kitchens with granite countertops, food warmers and state-of-the-art audio-visual systems. The newer suites ring in at $283,000 for the season, or around $8,000 per game. The "Legends Suite," located behind home plate, offers the chance to watch the game with former Red Sox stars like Jim Rice and Luis Tiant. "Legends Suite" single game reservations are $15,000 (except when the Yankees are in town, when the price jumps to $20,000).
4
Turner Field, Atlanta
One of baseball's newer parks—it was financed exclusively by the Atlanta Committee for the 1996 Olympic Games—Turner Stadium offers more than 60 open-air luxury suites with sliding doors. Private suites at Turner Field range from $2,400 to $6,000, with rates dipping slightly for weekend games. All suites are air-conditioned, and come equipped with outdoor balcony seating, televisions, refrigerator, ice maker, wet bar and telephone. (Parking is included, too.) The field boasts 59 Private Suites that can hold between 16 to 22 people, and three larger Party Suites. Food options include private catering and the 755 Club, a private restaurant located above left field.
5
Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
One of only three National League parks built exclusively for baseball, Dodgers Stadium has elements of both a modern and classical ballpark. Built in 1962, the stadium received a face-lift during the 2007 off-season that included a multi-million dollar construction project on the Field Level concourses. Along with dozens of luxury suites, fans can enjoy private use of two Baseline Box Clubs. Located at the end of the first and third baselines, the clubs are reserved for Baseline Box Club season ticket holders and feature buffets and a full bar.
6
Camden Yards, Baltimore
Made notorious by convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who entertained politicians and clients at his luxury skybox here, Camden Yards has one of the most extensive menu of premium seating options in baseball. There are multiple private pre-game party and picnic locations (including the Oriole's bullpen on non-game days), as well as three classes of private suites that can accommodate between 20 and 30 guests each. Available on a seasonal or individual game basis, the suites include wet bar, private restroom and sliding glass doors that separate the climate-controlled interior from a two-tiered porch. Prices range from $1,900 to $3,700, with larger party suites ringing in at between $3,900 and $4,900 per game. Catering menus include famous local fare such as Boog's Pit Beef and Maryland crab cakes.
7
Comerica Park, Detroit
It's hard to imagine a stadium more unlike the old Tiger Stadium than the team's new Detroit home, Comerica Park. More than just a baseball diamond, the entertainment complex features a carousel, shops, restaurants and no less than 102 luxury suites. That number is apparently large enough to constitute a community, as the stadium publishes the Suite Holder Newsletter. Comerica Park skyboxes offer the usual accoutrements, as well as unique touches such as in-suite photographers for souvenirs and a personal suite host. The team's "Champion Suite Package" is tailored to games against the defending league champions. Comerica abounds with private event spaces, including the recently opened Cigar Bar, which offers a smoke-friendly upscale atmosphere for cocktail parties or mixers. Five-game suite packages at Comerica start at $10,500 and include 20 tickets and three parking passes per game.
8
AT&T Park, San Francisco
With the San Francisco Bay just beyond the outfield bleachers, AT&T Park offers the only waterfront luxury suites in baseball. Sixty-eight of them, to be exact. The stadium is unique in other ways as well. Premium ticket holders can participate in pre-game, in-suite events such as beer, spirit and wine tastings (Napa Valley wines only, of course). You can also reserve a special "Spa Day" in your suite, including massage chair.
9
Safeco Field, Seattle
The stylish suites at Safeco Field accommodate 16-24 people and include a 42-inch HDTV, a personal waitstaff and a concierge; ticket holders are also welcome to visit the members-only Terrace Club. Suites are available for full season, 10-game and individual-game purchase; on a single-game basis, they cost between $2,400 and $4,400, depending on its proximity to home plate and the game in question. Full season suites are available for $87,150 to $199,000, based on location. The park also offers 370 Diamond Club season tickets in the exclusive area located in the first eight rows directly behind home plate. For Diamond Club members, food and beverages are served in the private XO Communications Diamond Club Lounge or in-seat by an attentive staff; VIP parking is also included. Prices for the 2008 season range from $17,193 to $27,804 per seat.
10
Skydome, Toronto
There are many options for the luxury-seeking Blue Jays fan. Located in the Skydome's 400 Level along the 3rd base line, the fully convertible ".400" suite can accommodate any group from 35 to 350 guests. Per-game packages cost between $7000 and $18,000, depending on the size of the group. Then there's the HSBC Club VIP, a unique members-only club for season ticketholders in the 1000 seats behind home plate. There's no additional membership fee for these lucky fans, who are treated to a private buffet and wine bar. Though these seats tend to sell out each year, several were still available in the weeks leading up to opening day, 2008.
[source: https://www.forbestraveler.com/luxury/baseballs-best-skyboxes-story.html ]
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