Categories: SPORTS

Watching a Mariners Game at Safeco Field

The Seattle Mariners of the American League play at Safeco Field in downtown Seattle, Washington. The baseball-only ballpark has a seating capacity of 47,116, and a customized, natural grass playing surface composed of two types of perennial ryegrass and four types of Kentucky blugrass. Look at the Safeco Field seating chart for a more detailed analysis of the seats available for Mariners games.

In the first Major League game at Safeco Field, the Mariners played the San Diego Padres on July 15, 1999. Safeco Insurance, which has its headquarters in Seattle, purchased the naming rights to the ballpark.

The most salient feature of Safeco Field is the retractable roof. In designing Safeco Field, the Mariners took into account the mild summer weather prevalent in the Seattle area. The average high temperature in Seattle during July and August is around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, the team did not feel it was necessary to have a roof that creates a closed, climate-controlled environment in the ballpark. When the retractable roof on Safeco Field closes, it simply provides a canopy over the stadium to shield the fans from rain and/or wind. The ballpark remains open to the air. For every home game, it is up to the Mariners to decide if they want to start with the roof open or closed.

Instead of sitting down to watch the game, many Mariners fans prefer to stand in the open area in left and center field called The ‘Pen. This area is accessible via the center field gate or by using the stairs next to sections 152 and 187. The ‘Pen is next to the Mariners’ and visiting team bullpens, and there is a fire pit near the center field entrance. Nights in Seattle can get pretty chilly, especially in April and September, so this fire pit is a good way for fans in The ‘Pen to keep warm. One other thing about The ‘Pen that appeals to the fans is that the area has four concession stands serving cuisine created by three award-winning chefs.

Fans who would rather sit at a table and enjoy a meal while they watch the game, can have a fantastic view from the three levels of outdoor seating at the Hit It Here Cafe in right field. Fans can purchase advance tickets to a specific location in the cafe, and then the seat belongs to them from 30 minutes before the game until the game ends.

A trip to Safeco Field would not be complete without a visit to the Baseball Museum of the Pacific Northwest and the Mariners Hall of Fame. Fans can find both of these fascinating displays on the main level down the third base line near sections 133 to 136. The Museum of the Pacific Northwest presents the history of professional baseball in the states of Washington, Montana, Idaho and Oregon before 1977, the year the Mariners came to Seattle. The Mariners Hall of Fame honors six former Mariners players who had outstanding careers in Seattle. Some of these players include Alvin Davis (1984 to 1991) and Randy Johnson (1989 to 1998).