The new generation of ballparks places fans close to the action and provides first-rate concessions (often with a regional flavor) and amenities such as luxury boxes, swimming pools, and children’s play areas.

Because so many new venues were built over the last decade, choosing the cream of the crop for the upcoming season is difficult. So we turned to the experts at Minor League News to see what stadiums they think are guaranteed hits in 2008. This year’s Top Ten list is based on a mix of fan input and editor rankings for overall quality of the venue, food and beverage services, special amenities such as play areas, spectacular views, area lodging and tourism quality, and a general “fan energy” category. To read more expansive descriptions of each stadium, head to minorleaguenews.com.

1Dell Diamond Location: Round Rock, Texas Team and League: Round Rock Express, Pacific Coast League MLB Affiliation: Houston Astros Class: Triple A Just minutes from Austin, the Dell Diamond’s home team gets its moniker from owner Nolan Ryan’s nickname “The Ryan Express.” Try the Steak on a Stick, or head out to the “back porch” early to grab one of the rocking chairs that front the bleachers.
2 Raley Field Location: Sacramento, California Team and League: Sacramento River Cats, Pacific Coast League MLB Affiliation: Oakland Athletics Class: Triple A This park is known for its fun atmosphere, and it has the highest attendance numbers in Minor League Baseball. The place is hopping on Friday and Saturday nights when fans gather to socialize and enjoy the baseball action.
3 KeySpan Park Location: Brooklyn, New York Team and League: Brooklyn Cyclones, New York-Penn League MLB Affiliation: New York Mets Class: Short Season Single A This small park, set in the middle of Coney Island, is packed throughout the short season of the New York-Penn League. In fact, you’ll have an easier time getting a ticket for a nearby Mets game. But it’s worth the effort — this is the most fun you can have in Coney Island without riding the Cyclone!
4 Durham Bulls Athletic Park Location: Durham, North Carolina Team and League: Durham Bulls, International League MLB Affiliation: Tampa Bay Rays Class: Triple A This isn’t the park in Bull Durham, but it’s home to the most rabidly loyal baseball fans outside of Red Sox Nation. The loud, raucous park has good food, and the team frequently boasts some of the top talent below the major leagues.
5 Hammons Field Location: Springfield, Missouri Team and League: Springfield Cardinals, Texas League MLB Affiliation: St. Louis Cardinals Class: Double A Here’s proof positive that if you build it, they will come: The stadium was built before it had a team. Located en route to regional tourism mecca Branson, Missouri, this is the place to go to see a great game in one of the better Double-A stadiums.
6 Isotopes Park Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico Team and League: Albuquerque Isotopes, Pacific Coast League MLB Affiliation: Florida Marlins Class: Triple A Fans chose this team name for a Simpsons episode. (Mr. Burns famously sold the Springfield Isotopes to Albuquerque.) The stadium boasts breathtaking views: At an altitude of over 5,300 ft., the park sits at the base of a 12,000-ft. mountain. It’s notable that you can make a complete circuit inside the stadium and have a view of the game the entire time. The close proximity to Santa Fe and Taos make the town an ideal vacation destination.
7 Fifth Third Field Location: Toledo, Ohio Team and League: Toledo Mud Hens, International League MLB Affiliation: Detroit Tigers Class: Triple A This outstanding ball field is in revitalized downtown Toledo. Thanks to an excellent farm system, the franchise has been a championship contender for the last few years. M*A*S*H fans know the Mud Hens as Corporal Klinger’s favorite team.
8 Riverwalk Stadium Location: Montgomery, Alabama Team and League: Montgomery Biscuits, Southern League MLB Affiliation: Tampa Bay Rays Class: Double A This unique stadium combines a historic building, the city’s old train station, with a brand-new ballpark. The result is one of the most fan-friendly parks in Minor League Baseball.
9 AutoZone Park Location: Memphis, Tennessee Team and League: Memphis Redbirds, Pacific Coast League MLB Affiliation: St. Louis Cardinals Class: Triple A MLB ambitions may have been frustrated in this town, but the Redbirds stadium helped spur rejuvenation in downtown Memphis. AutoZone Park is big and spacious, and Memphis fans rival any major-league team’s for being loud and proud.
10 Coca-Cola Park Location: Allentown, PA Team and League: Lehigh Valley IronPigs, International League MLB Affiliation: Philadelphia Phillies Class: Triple A This ballpark debuts this summer and will be the newest and finest Triple-A ballpark in Minor League Baseball. Formerly the Ottawa Lynx, the Iron Pigs will not only be closer to their affiliate, but they’ll also be playing in a top-notch facility with 20 luxury suites, two party decks, and a right-field bar.