Globe Life Field

My visit to Globe Life Field was a chance to see how the Rangers’ new home stacked up against the old one. I had already been to Globe Life Park across the street, so I was curious to see what Arlington built to replace it, especially with a World Series championship now hanging inside.

The game was the Texas Rangers hosting the Cincinnati Reds on April 27, 2024, an afternoon game about six months after the Rangers won the first World Series in franchise history. The Reds won 8-4 behind Hunter Greene, who held Texas to one hit over seven scoreless innings and struck out six. Jonathan India had four hits and four RBI, including a two-run homer in the seventh, and Will Benson added another two-run shot in the same inning.

The Rangers made the ninth inning interesting. Davis Wendzel hit the first home run of his big league career, and Corey Seager followed with a back-to-back homer on his 30th birthday. It was not enough, but it sent a crowd of 36,553 home with something to cheer about.

Here are my thoughts on Globe Life Field.

Pros

The roof is the biggest upgrade from the old ballpark. If you have ever sat through a July afternoon at Globe Life Park, you know how brutal the Texas heat can be. Globe Life Field has a retractable roof and air conditioning, so the weather is never a factor. You get a comfortable game no matter what the thermometer says outside.

The sightlines are good from all over the building. The seating bowl is built close to the field, and from the lower level you feel right on top of the action. The concourses are wide and open, so you can grab food and still keep an eye on the game.

The history of the franchise is on display outside the ballpark. There are statues of Rangers legends around the plaza, including Nolan Ryan, Iván “Pudge” Rodríguez and Adrián Beltré, and they make for good photo stops before you head inside.

The area around the ballpark gives you plenty to do. Texas Live! is right next door with restaurants and bars, Choctaw Stadium (the old Globe Life Park) is across the street, and AT&T Stadium is a short walk away. If you are a stadium chaser, you can see three venues in one afternoon.

The food selection is still a strength. Just like at the old ballpark, the Rangers go big with their concessions, and the Boomstick, a two-foot hot dog, is still around for anyone who wants to take on the challenge.

Cons

You need a car. Arlington does not have rail service to the ballpark, so it is driving or rideshare. Parking lots fill up and prices add up, especially when there is something going on at AT&T Stadium or Texas Live! on the same day.

The roof takes away some of the outdoor ballpark feel. On a nice spring day, I would have liked to see the sky more. It is a trade-off most Rangers fans will take in August.

Overall Game Day Experience

I would give Globe Life Field an 8.5 out of 10. The roof and air conditioning fix the biggest problem the old ballpark had, the sightlines are good, and the entertainment district gives you plenty to do before and after the game. The only knocks are the lack of public transportation and the loss of that open-air feel.

If you are a baseball fan visiting Dallas-Fort Worth, Globe Life Field is a must-see venue. Get there early, walk the plaza, and make a day out of the Arlington entertainment district.