Safeco Field: Plan Your Trip to Seattle's Baseball Paradise

Collin CooperMay 27, 2009

Located just south of downtown Seattle as part of a new stadium complex, Safeco Field took over for the Kingdome in 1999.

Safeco Field cost $518 million to construct and has a capacity of 47,116 for baseball (other events are also held at the park).

The most unique feature of Safeco Field is its retractable steel roof.

The roof is essentially a huge 665-foot railroad, as it rides along railroad ties. It acts more like an umbrella than a climate controller as it does not fully enclose the stadium the way other retractable-roofed stadiums do (such as in Houston, Arizona, and Milwaukee).

Seattle’s weather is very finicky but Seattle has very hardy fans who appreciate being outside; the roof was a compromise between the two.

Major League baseball has very strict rules about the opening and closing of the roof. Once it's shut, it can not be re-opened during the course of the game.

Going to a game at Safeco Field is a real treat for anyone who is visiting the Pacific Northwest.

The Mariners attract decent-sized crowds, but getting tickets is not impossible. Good seats are available throughout the facility. The best seats in the house, according to Director of Public Relations for the Seattle Mariners, Rebecca Hale, are the Diamond Club seats behind home plate.

Here you are actually closer to home plate (56') than the pitcher (60'6"). If those seats are beyond your budget, opt for the 300-level reserved seats behind home plate to get a solid feel for the game and the building‘s architecture.

For a view of Qwest Field and Seattle's skyline, purchase tickets along the first-base side.

One of the best features of Safeco is that no matter how little you pay for your tickets ($7 is rock bottom), you can still roam around the entire ballpark. Safeco offers many standing room arenas and plenty of nooks and crannies that are worth exploring.

Seattle does not yet have a great public transit system that drops you off at the door of the stadium like some other cities, but you do have options.

There is a commuter rail line that runs from Tacoma and Everett. This summer should see the completion of a light rail line connecting downtown, the stadiums, and the airport.

Safeco is conveniently located at the I-90 and I-5 interchange. There is parking near the ballpark, but it can get pricey. Rebecca Hale noted the best option might be to park in downtown Seattle or near Pioneer Sq uare, where you can enjoy a nice and short walk to the game (After 6:00 pm metered spots are not enforced).

If you don’t mind catching the bus, there are also plenty of park and ride stations through the Seattle area.

Beer and food selection at Safeco is simply amazing, definitely come hungry and ready to eat.

For starters, there is a Seattle favorite, the Ivar Dog. It is a cod filet shaped like a hot dog coupled with cole slaw and tartar sauce.

Caesar Salads come recommended by Hale, as they are served up with a half pound of fresh salmon.

Local chain Kidd Valley brings a great hamburger to Safeco. The Ichi-dog rounds out the traditional ballpark fare.

Where Safeco goes above and beyond is in their effort to cater to their large contingent of Asian fans. They offer sushi (Ichiroll), sake (warm and cold), edamame (flavored soy beans) and Miso soup.

As home to the Mariners (a team that shares ownership with Nintendo), Safeco boasts one of the most technologically-advanced ballparks in the country. You can even order food via your cell phone.

The beer selection is as impressive as the food. Local brews like Pyramid (try the Curve Ball Ale), Red Hook, and Oregon-based Winder are present throughout the park. Other interesting beer offerings include Sapporo and Pabst Blue Ribbon.

According to Hale, the best place to enjoy your beer is at the Bull Pen Market, which is in the center field area of the park. This turns into a hot spot for local 20-somethings during the weekend games.

In between exchanging numbers, you can still sneak a peak at the game or walk over the terrance that overlooks the bullpen and heckle the opposing pitcher warming up.

If somehow all the food mentioned did not whet your appetite, the best food option may actually lay outside the stadium‘s turnstiles.

Skillet Street Food is a vintage winnebago-like street vendor that sets up before ball games. They offer amazing out-of-the-box takeaways like a grass-fed hamburger with bacon jam and hand cut fries…and yes, you can bring it into the game.

If you are looking to go out, Pioneer Square is probably your best bet for nightlife atfter the game. Before the game it’s nice to grab a beer at the Pyramid Brewpub across the street.

Safeco also does a nice job of catering to the younger crowds and families.

Thinking about going on a Wednesday night? The Mariners offer a family deal which includes four tickets, four sodas, and four hot dogs, all for half price.

Have hungry little ones? Try Moose’s munchies in the center field club house, it’s a concession stand designed for kids (think PB & J).

Safeco is a beautiful ballpark that really hits home runs when it comes to food and drink selection.

It has mastered catering to their multicultural fan base and the rewards are tremendous. The ballpark is very large and some of the seats are a ways away from the action on the field, but thats not what Safeco is all about