With the first pitch of the World Series just days away, baseball fans are eager to see who the Detroit Tigers will battle on the diamond this year after sweeping the Yankees in the American League Championship Series.
But when it comes to naming the winning Major League Baseball team with the finest luxury suites, that game has just begun—some clubs have high-end amenities and prime seat locations, others serve local eats. Startle.com scouted ballparks around the league and found five teams with top-notch accommodations that knock it out of the park.
HSBC Club VIP, Toronto Blue Jays, Rogers Centre
When it comes to on-the-field play, the Toronto Blue Jays are perennial afterthoughts in the competitive American League East division. Yet when the conversation moves to the best stadium accommodations, Toronto sweeps them all. HSBC Club VIP is immaculate. With futuristic styling—think oblong lamps and parlor chairs—the place feels more like a Battlestar Galactica backdrop than a ballpark. VIP membership also gets you into the wine lounge where you have your choice of 60 labels. Grab a bite at the reservations-only restaurant—the ever-changing menu adds one more thing to keep Jays fans’ minds off the standings.
2013 must-get tickets: April 19-21 vs. New York Yankees
Thomson Reuters Champions Club, Minnesota Twins, Target Field
Three-year-old Target Field in Minneapolis is at its best inside the Thomson Reuters Champions Club. With dark woods and a navy palette, Target Field’s most exclusive area feels more like a cigar lounge than a ballpark, but the only thing smoking is the locally grown sausage and braised short ribs. And like the valet parking outside and pinot grigio flowing at the bar, all of the food is included in the ticket cost. While you can admire the Twins’ 1987 and 1991 World Series trophies in the display case, the real wow factor comes when you get to your behind-home-plate seats.
2013 must-get tickets: April 1, 3-4 vs. Detroit Tigers
Gehl Club, Milwaukee Brewers, Miller Park
It’s only natural that one of the most beloved parks in baseball would have one of the most appealing luxury suites, too. Located along the left-field line—with ideal views of all-star Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun at
work—the Gehl Club supplies all of the big-ticket amenities (giant flat-screen TVs, complimentary buffet) without the added pretense. At more than 9,000 square feet, the spacious, upscale bar-like area can host parties between 25 and 240. And if the exclusive Gehl Club doesn’t sell out to businesses and corporate sponsors (as was the case this past regular season), you can snag individual tickets for you and your buddies.
2013 must-get tickets: May 7-8 vs. Texas Rangers
Lexus Dugout Suites, Los Angeles Angels, Angel Stadium
With a lineup featuring three-time National League MVP Albert Pujols and 2012 American League MVP candidate Mike Trout, the Los Angeles Angels had reason to believe they’d be playing post-season baseball. But if we’re completely honest, Los Angeles’ most valuable player could be whomever came up with the idea for these dugout suites. At just 50 feet from home plate (pitchers stand more than 60 feet from the batter) your views in this section are second to none in the Majors. The biggest perk? The world-class treatment you’ll get from your personal suite concierge—for the entire game.
2013 must-get tickets: May 29-30 vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
Diamond Club, Miami Marlins, Marlins Park
Much like the festive city it calls home, the brand new Marlins Park is loud, energetic and a little on the kooky side. Regardless of the Marlins’ losing record, patrons of the Diamond Club were treated to a championship season of entertainment. Part well-heeled hideaway, part fashion runway, the stark white-colored retreat—on field level directly behind home plate—plays right into the South Beach aesthetic. Marble flooring and mood lighting make the stadium feel more like Collins Avenue than a ballpark.
2013 must-get tickets: April 8-10 vs. Atlanta Braves —DeMarco Williams
Courtesy Startle.com