Hey all, I hope you've all had a great summer. My summer ballpark journey would take me through the Pacific Northwest, taking in a Mariners game at Safeco, and then a couple of Minor League Parks as well. My Visits to the Minor's I'll do in my next blog, since I had the chance to visit 3 AAA Parks this season, all here on the west coast. But first, Safeco Field. This would actually be my second visit here to Safeco Field. I came by here a year ago and was really impressed with this facility. Of the 4 ballparks with retractable roofs i've been to ( Not counting the Rogers Centre ), this one is definately my favorite. This ballpark is unique in that the roof , while it provides cover when in use, doesnt entirely enclose the stadium but yet acts as an umbrella , so even with the roof over your head, you can still feel natures elements. The best part of the roof here is that, unlike it's cousins Chase Field and Minute Maid Park, it's acts as an option, not a necessity, thanks in part to it's mild weather. Tickets to a Mariners game really isn't hard to come by and , like I did, all the likely you can walk up to the ticket window on game day and purchase a ticket. When entering Safeco, you'll want to enter through the main entrence behind home plate, where a chandalier made up of baseball bats hangs over the fans.



If you should arrive early, you may want to check out the baseball exhibit behind the 3rd base concourse that gives a history of baseball in the Pacific Northwest





Here you can also catch a glimpse of Ken Griffey's old locker from the KingDome days



Being that Mariner games hardly sell out these days, like I did, you can get a cheap CF seat at $7 , ( those seats arent bad BTW ), and move around and check out various views. If you dont mind standing and really want to be behind the action, there's a nice SRO area behind the left center field fence. It's also a great hangout to mingle with other fans as well, you could even call it a baseball " Meet Market " if you will. And oh yeah, a beer stand featuring the Northwest's finest brews is conveniently located right behind you as well.

Safeco Field definately ranks up there as one of my favorite parks to visit, and should I make it up here again to one of my favorite US Cities, the only thing I hope is that a packed house is in order. And with the M's steadily improving, it just may happen. As for the game

9/2/2009

Mariners 3 Angels 0

As a Dodger fan, you dont even have to ask whom I was cheering for...LOL...

Oh yeah, one more thing, if you're like me and have some kid left in you, or if you have kids of your own, you may want to pay a visit to the Moose's Den in the CF concourse. He'll be happy to take a pic with you between the 2nd and 3rd innings.




Now, my slide show from the Safe , Qwest Field, and the International Disctrict ( Chinatown )