Mass. has one of the best minor league ballparks in America, according to USA Today readers

Opening day at the ballpark is on March 27.

The Worcester Red Sox at Polar Park in 2021.

It’s officially baseball season, and a Massachusetts minor league ballpark just ranked among the best in the nation.

Experience an ‘unforgettable’ Easter weekend trip in this Maine city, according to Booking.com

USA Today released a list of the 10 best minor league ballparks in the U.S., part of its 2026 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, and Polar Park in Worcester ranked No. 6.

The No. 1 minor league ballpark is Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, Pa.

“Baseball is known as America’s favorite pastime, and minor league ballparks make the game accessible to everyone,” wrote USA Today, adding that the best minor league parks have excellent atmosphere, architecture, and amenities.

Here is what USA Today wrote about Polar Park:

Designed by the late Larry Lucchino and Janet Marie Smith — who collaborated to build Orioles Park at Camden Yards 30 years ago — Polar Park is home of the Worcester Red Sox. This cozy park opened in 2021 in the heart of Worcester and has helped revitalize New England’s second largest city. Fans love their new home, and the WooSox are the only club in all of Minor League Baseball to sell more than 500,000 tickets each of the last three years.

Smiley Ball, the mascot for the Worcester Red Sox, is also loved by USA Today readers, as it ranked No. 3 among the 10 best minor league mascots in the U.S.

“Sporting his own red socks, Smiley Ball electrifies the crowds at Worcester Red Sox games. This bright yellow ball not only represents the WooSox, but also the town’s history as the birthplace of the smiley face. That’s what’s called a win-win!” USA Today wrote.

The Worcester Red Sox begin their sixth season at Polar Park on March 27. Fans interested in attending a game this season can check out the 2026 Worcester Red Sox schedule.

For the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards lists, USA Today travel experts select 20 nominees in topics from food to lodging, destinations to things to do. Then the publication asks readers to cast votes to determine the top 10.

Check out the list of the 10 best minor league ballparks in the U.S.

The publication also released a list of the 10 best MLB stadiums in the U.S. and Boston’s Fenway Park, the oldest active ballpark in Major League Baseball, didn’t make the cut. Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia ranked No. 1 on that list.

Kristi Palma

Travel writer

Kristi Palma is the travel writer for Boston.com, focusing on the six New England states. She covers airlines, hotels, and things to do across Boston and New England. She is the author of the award-winning Scenic Six, a weekly travel newsletter.

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