Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:1250 First Avenue South
Seattle, Washington
Our Sports Superfan Says:
Safeco Field is, undoubtedly, the best ballpark when it comes to pampering fans. It is both traditional and modern, retro and corporate, intimate and sprawling. The attention to detail is truly amazing, both for those planted in their seats watching the game, and those who want a little diversion while wandering around the spacious ballpark surroundings. This a major upgrade from the dull Kingdome, the stadium the Mariners previously called home. After various rumors of franchise relocation, the city of Seattle granted the Mariners a new stadium. This amazing ballpark opened mid-season, in July of 1999, and the Mariners have enjoyed great crowds, and universal adulation, ever since.
Safeco Field, sometimes referred to as "The Safe" or "The House That Griffey Built" (in honor of former Mariners' great Ken Griffey Jr.), has a unique, retractable roof that only acts as an "umbrella" for the stands and field rather than forming a complete climate-controlled enclosure, as is the case with other retractable roofs around the league. "The Safe" is the only one among roofed or domed stadiums where it is possible for a home run to leave the ballpark when it is covered. Safeco Field features a running train line traveling through the yard, which can be seen from the balcony behind the center field seats. During games, train horns are a common sound heard through out the stadium and this can add some extra excitement to the game.
The main entrance behind home plate is the coolest one from which to enter the stadium. Once inside, you walk up a wide staircase to the main concourse level, and overhead is a huge chandelier composed of hundreds of baseball bats. At the top of the staircase, built in to the floor design, is a beautifully tiled reproduction of the Mariners logo.
Splendid views are a trademark of Safeco Field. Depending on where you sit, you'll have breathtaking views of Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, downtown Seattle, or the Space Needle as a backdrop to the game.
On July 15, 1999, the first game was played in front of a maximum capacity 47,116 excited fans. The San Diego Padres came to town, and walked away with a 3-2 victory. Safeco Field hosted the 2001 All-Star game. The game resulted in the American League defeating the National League by the final score of 4-1 in what would be baseball legend Cal Ripken, Jr.'s 19th, and final, All-Star Game. The Mariners enjoyed successful 2000 and 2001 seasons at Safeco. In 2001 the Mariners won 116 games, matching the previous Major League Baseball record for single season wins set by the 1906 Chicago Cubs. The Mariners reached the American League Championship Series in both years, failing to reach the series in both, as the Yankees took the latter 2 of what would be 4 consecutive AL pennants.
Other events that have been held at Safeco Field include the 2001 college football Seattle Bowl and WWE WrestleMania XIX in 2003.
The Mariners have established a special connection to Japanese baseball. You can spot Japanese fans and media at every game. The city's proximity to Japan, and its star Japanese players (most notably Ichiro Suzuki, one of the most exciting players in the game) are making the Mariners a success, both on and off the field.
Tours of the ballpark are available, and include areas that are usually restricted from the public: the press box, luxury suites, field, dugout, and visitors' clubhouse.
Safeco Field is located just south of the "SoDo District," downtown Seattle. To the north is Pioneer Square, the original, historic "downtown" of Seattle. To the west is the bustling Port of Seattle. You might want to consider combining a trip to these wonderful locations with a day at the ballpark.
Freeways serving the ballpark include I-90, I-5 and SR99. All of these routes pass within 1/2 mile of Safeco Field. A good tip is to avoid the heavy traffic congestion around the ballpark by exiting the freeways early. Exits nearer to the ballpark become quite congested in the hour prior to a game. There are several large, and many small, parking lots and garages within a short walk of the ballpark. Fans are encouraged to ride the bus to games at Safeco Field. Metro has 25 regular routes that operate within walking distance of the ballpark. King Street Station, just a short walk north of Safeco Field, serves Amtrak, Cascade and Sound Transit trains.