If you’re a baseball fan, you probably have a mental bucket list of ballparks you need to visit before you kick the bucket. I know I do. There’s something special about seeing a game in a stadium that’s basically a religious site for the local fans. But when it comes to the Midsummer Classic, the stakes are different. It’s not just about a random Tuesday night in May; it’s about the entire sport descending on one city for a week of chaos, home runs, and overpriced souvenirs.
People always ask, "When is my team going to host?"
Honestly, the way MLB picks future mlb all star game venues is kind of a mystery if you aren't paying attention to the behind-the-scenes politics. It’s a mix of rewarding new construction, honoring history, and—let’s be real—lining up with massive national anniversaries.
Philadelphia 2026: The Big One
The 2026 game is already locked in, and it’s going to be massive. We’re heading to Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Why Philly? Well, 2026 is the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. America’s birthday party. MLB actually announced this one way back in 2019 because they wanted to make sure they claimed the "birthplace of liberty" for the Semiquincentennial.
It makes sense.
The Phillies haven't hosted since 1996, back when they were still playing at the concrete doughnut known as Veterans Stadium. This will be the first time Citizens Bank Park gets the nod. If you’ve ever been there for a playoff game, you know that place gets loud. Like, "can't hear yourself think" loud. Plus, with the World Cup also hitting Philly in 2026, the city is basically going to be the center of the sporting universe that summer.
The Return to the Friendly Confines in 2027
For a long time, there was this weird rumor that Wrigley Field was being snubbed for an All-Star Game because of some political beef or facility issues. Well, those rumors can officially die. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred finally made it official on August 1, 2025: the Chicago Cubs will host the 2027 All-Star Game.
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It’s been a long wait.
The last time the North Side saw an All-Star Game was 1990. Think about that. Most of the guys playing in the 2027 game weren't even born yet. Wrigley has undergone massive renovations over the last decade—basically a billion-dollar facelift—and MLB finally felt it was "up to code" to handle the massive infrastructure requirements of a modern All-Star Week. Seeing the Home Run Derby at Wrigley with the wind blowing out? That’s the stuff of dreams.
2028 and 2029: The Leading Candidates
Now we’re getting into the territory where nothing is officially signed in ink, but the "insider" chatter is getting really loud. If you follow guys like Bob Nightengale or the beat writers in these cities, a few names keep popping up for the end of the decade.
The Case for Baltimore (2028?)
Oriole Park at Camden Yards is basically the "Godfather" of modern ballparks. It changed everything when it opened in 1992. But here’s the crazy part: it hasn’t hosted the Midsummer Classic since 1993. That is a thirty-five-year gap by the time 2028 rolls around.
The new ownership group in Baltimore, led by David Rubenstein, has been very vocal about wanting the game. They’re planning massive renovations to the stadium and the surrounding "stadium district." MLB loves rewarding owners who spend money on their facilities. Baltimore is the front-runner for 2028, and honestly, it’s long overdue.
The Toronto Connection
If Baltimore doesn't get 2028, the Toronto Blue Jays probably will. They’ve been pushing hard. Rogers Centre just went through a $400 million renovation to turn it from a multi-purpose concrete bowl into a baseball-first stadium. Mark Shapiro, the Jays' president, hasn't been shy about his desire to bring the All-Star festivities back to Canada for the first time since 1991.
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Boston and the 1999 Anniversary
Then there’s Fenway Park. 2029 marks the 30th anniversary of the legendary 1999 All-Star Game where Pedro Martinez struck out five of the first six batters he faced. Fenway is tight, it’s old, and it’s a logistical nightmare for a modern event—but it’s Fenway. It’s hard to imagine MLB letting that anniversary pass without a return to the Green Monster.
The Las Vegas Wildcard
We have to talk about the Athletics. They’re scheduled to move into their new Las Vegas stadium in 2028. Typically, when a team opens a billion-dollar new home, MLB gives them an All-Star Game within the first three years.
Vegas in July is... hot.
Like, "melting the rubber on your shoes" hot. But with a retractable roof stadium on the Strip, MLB will find it hard to resist the glitz and the betting partnerships that come with a Sin City All-Star Game. 2030 seems like the most logical slot for that to happen, giving the team a couple of years to work out the kinks in the new building first.
What Actually Goes into the Decision?
Most fans think it’s just a rotation. It’s not. There is no "fair" schedule where every team gets it every 30 years. If that were the case, the Tampa Bay Rays would have had one by now, but Tropicana Field is... well, it’s the Trop.
When MLB looks at future mlb all star game venues, they look at three big things:
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- Hotel Capacity: You need thousands of high-end rooms for sponsors, media, and players.
- Convention Space: The "All-Star Village" is a massive fan fest that needs a huge indoor space nearby.
- Local Government Support: The city has to agree to shut down streets and provide massive security detail.
This is why you see cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York in the mix more often than small-market teams with older stadiums.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you’re planning on attending one of these future games, don’t wait until the month of the event to look for tickets.
- Check your local team's season ticket policies. Often, the only way to guarantee a seat at the All-Star Game is to be a season ticket holder for the host team.
- Book hotels 12 months out. As soon as the dates are announced, rooms in the host city will triple in price.
- Keep an eye on the official MLB announcements. Usually, the league announces the host city about two years in advance, often during the current year's All-Star break.
The 2026 game in Philly is going to be a tough ticket because of the national anniversary. If you want to go, start saving now. It’s not just a game; it’s a piece of history.
Summary of Known and Likely Hosts
| Year | Venue | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Citizens Bank Park (Philadelphia) | Confirmed |
| 2027 | Wrigley Field (Chicago) | Confirmed |
| 2028 | Oriole Park or Rogers Centre | Rumored |
| 2029 | Fenway Park (Boston) | Predicted |
| 2030 | New Athletics Stadium (Las Vegas) | Speculated |
Baseball is changing, but the Midsummer Classic remains the one time a year where the whole league stops to breathe. Whether it’s the history of Wrigley or the neon lights of a future Vegas stadium, the venue sets the tone.
Keep an eye on the Orioles' renovation progress over the next few months. If they announce a massive sound system and scoreboard upgrade, you can bet your bottom dollar they’re prepping for a 2028 announcement.
That’s basically how the game is played.