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A Safe Bet for a Good Time
One of the greatest moments in Seattle sports history was the implosion of the Kingdome. Not as a slight to the difficulties and dry times that the Pacific Northwest's sports scene has seen, the implosion of the Kingdome represents the beginning of the embracing of two of the most fantastic sports venues in all of sports. The Seahawks of the NFL moved on to CenturyLink Field, and the Mariners moved to beautiful Safeco Field.
Safeco Field is owned by the county and is one of the golden age stadiums that ushered in a new era of baseball stadia. It was a departure from the retractable roof stadium like the Rogers Centre where the design is round and the roof is a part of the stadium. The roof at Safeco Field is more like a canopy rather than anything else, remaining open during non-game times.
Regardless of the struggles the Mariners have been having on the field, Safeco remains one of the go-to destinations in Major League Baseball. If you get there you will agree that it was well worth your time and money.
What is FANFARE?
The FANFARE scale is our metric device for rating each stadium experience. It covers the following:
- Food & Beverage
- Atmosphere
- Neighborhood
- Fans
- Access
- Return on Investment
- Extras
Each area is rated from 0 to 5 stars with 5 being the best. The overall composite score is the "FANFARE Score".
Food & Beverage
5
At Safeco Field you will find a healthy mixture of traditional ballpark fare as well as more unique items. Maps are available to help you in your quest for cuisine. You will easily get your popcorn, hot dogs, and burgers at a decent price, but that is nowhere near the end of the story.
Although most would expect Seattle to offer some Asian cuisine (Japanese and Thai) and seafood, which you can find, you can also get cheesesteaks and a wide variety of sausages. Cupcakes and Fruit kabobs may hit your nontraditional sweet tooth. However, nothing says Seattle like an order of garlic fries, with the aroma taking over parts of the stadium, and ensnare patrons into buying their own order. In the end, your appetite will be more than satisfied at Safeco.
Atmosphere
5
Safeco Field follows what was at the time, a new generation of baseball stadiums. Following in the mold of Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Safeco Field features fantastic sightlines, comfortable Kelly green seats, and an overall atmosphere that simply screams baseball. The roof is simply there to keep the rain away on gameday. During our stay in Seattle, we must have driven past Safeco Field eight times, and every time, the roof was open.
With the ownership of the Mariners securely in the hands of videogame giant Nintendo, the world of technology has made its way into the ballgame. For those of you who are uber-stat geeks, or those who have kids that just aren't overly interested in baseball, you may consider renting a Nintendo DS at Safeco for the duration of the ballgame. DS features include a plethora of stats available at your fingertips, which is good considering the videoscreen is probably due for an upgrade.
The staff at Safeco Field are extremely friendly, and offer baseball cards to children entering the ballpark. The kids are also taken care of with a fantastic play area to enjoy before the game or during the game if they just can't sit still.
The history of Seattle baseball is on display at Safeco, with glass cases showcasing the old uniforms of the Pilots and other Seattle baseball teams. The Mariners Hall of Fame honors Mariner greats like Edgar Martinez, Randy Johnson and Dan Wilson. It is also a great idea to get your picture taken with the bronze statue of broadcaster Dave Niehaus sitting behind the anchor desk.
Neighborhood
3
The surrounding neighborhood of Safeco Field is okay. You are right near the port, which isn't the nicest, but there are a few spots that you may consider for pre or post game meals. Some options in the SoDo neighbourhood of Seattle where Safeco is located include Jimmy's on First, The Hawk's Nest and the King Street Bar and Oven. You may consider driving down a few blocks to the pier where you will find a massive number of restaurants, and your best bet may just be the original Ivar's Acres of Clams.
Fans
3
Save for a few strong years featuring the iconic Ichiro Suzuki, the Seattle Mariners have had a rough go of it. Seattle is well past the point of finding Safeco Field new and intriguing. As a result, the crowds at Safeco are not as large as anyone would expect. In fact, the Mariners have averaged under 22,000 in 2012, which is significantly down from over 25,000 in 2010. It is obvious though, that Seattle is itching for something to cheer for. When that time comes, I fully expect Seattleites to return to the park in droves, however until that time the mark for fans is average at best.
Access
4
Getting to Safeco Field is not too difficult. Located right beside CenturyLink Field, Safeco is also nestled between I-90, I-5 and Highway 99. Parking for the Mariners is a whole lot more affordable than parking for the Sounders, or the Seahawks. Once inside, the stadium is well laid out, and concourses are easy to maneuver. Washroom facilities are also more than adequate.
Return on Investment
4
Tickets for the Mariners are extremely affordable. A shrewd hunter can even find tickets under $10. You can also get excellent seats for a decent price if you look on the secondary market at times. The product is decent and well worth the dollars that you are putting forward. An added bonus is never having to worry about the Pacific Northwest's elements wreaking havoc with your baseball plans.
Extras
4
Two extra marks for the fantastically friendly game day staff at Safeco, giving away baseball cards.
An extra mark for the ingenuity of the Mariners renting out Nintendo DS systems.
An extra mark for the Mariners honouring ace pitcher Felix Hernandez on his perfect game, just a couple nights before the date of this review.
Final Thoughts
Safeco Field must be on your baseball bucket list. It is a great place to bring the family to catch some Major League Baseball. With the Houston Astros moving into the American League West next year, perhaps the fortunes of the Mariners will improve. Either way, it is a safe bet that you will have a blast at the Mariners game!
Crowd Reviews
Sliding In Safeco Field
Total Score: 4.57
- Food & Beverage: 5
- Atmosphere 5
- Neighborhood: 4
- Fans: 4
- Access: 5
- RoI: 5
- Extras: 4
Far and away, Safeco Field is in my top five of Major League Baseball stadiums to witness a game. It has everything you could ask for and all of the accompaniments to ensure you enjoy a game regardless of how well the team is playing.
After decades of domed baseball at the famous Seattle Kingdome, the Mariners now treat their fans to a taste of outdoor baseball at every game. After years of semi-competitive play on Astroturf, the team plays under a roof on inclement weather days, but with a view of the outside on all sides.
The roof serves as a canopy, as opposed to a dome, and slides over the field when it opens and closes. Its closing edge begins high above the third base side of the stadium footprint and opens along huge tracks out toward center and right field.
The first time I attended a game here was on opening day 2007 and my seat was a few rows from the top of the third base side. Right before first pitch, with the sun shining brightly, the public address announcer proclaimed this to be a great day for baseball. At that moment, the canopy began to open just a few dozen feet above my head, rays slowly reaching the field with every additional inch of movement along the rails.
As early as you can enter the stadium, usually two hours before game time, ascend from behind home plate at the corner of First Avenue South and Edgar Martinez Drive South to the main concourse. Make a right turn at the top of the steps and head right to guest relations behind section 128 where you can arm yourself with useful printed pocket guides and brochures detailing the wide array of food choices, art exhibits and other places to spend your time and money before the ballgame begins.
Seattle's Safeco Field
Total Score: 3.71
- Food & Beverage: 5
- Atmosphere 4
- Neighborhood: 4
- Fans: 3
- Access: 2
- RoI: 4
- Extras: 4
Known as "The House that Griffey Built," Safeco Field has been a treasure in the northwest since it opened its doors in July 1999. With a retractable roof to deal with the unpredictable Seattle weather, and some of the best food in baseball, you can be sure that your game will be played, and you will have a great time.
A Big Park That Feels Small
Total Score: 3.57
- Food & Beverage: 4
- Atmosphere 3
- Neighborhood: 4
- Fans: 3
- Access: 4
- RoI: 3
- Extras: 4
A great place to catch a game. I hail from the Bay Area where I feel we have ballparks that represent both the best and the worst in the league. I'm surprised to say that Safeco belongs in the same company as AT&T Park.
When I walked into the park, it seemed huge, with an expansive outfield and seating that seemed too distant. Once the game started, I felt as if I were right on top of the action.
The structure of the stadium lends itself as art. It's retractable roof doubles as beautiful and functional. The function of the ballpark is further enhanced by the wide promenades and convenient foot traffic areas. I wanted to check out every corner of this yard because every view revealed something unique about itself.
Without a doubt my favorite feature was the viewing area in the bullpens. Fans can stand mere feet away from the pitchers as they warm up and are on the same level as them, not standing high above them. One must only channel their inner child, lean up against the chain-link fence and wonder if they really could hit a 93 mph fastball.
The park is situated just outside of downtown with several sports bars (and regular bars) in the area. Sluggers Sports Bar in Pioneer Square has a ton of Seattle memorabilia and ample flat screens for viewing sporting events. I was told a more "local" place to have a drink before the game is at the Triangle Pub across the street.
If you're traveling on the cheap, The Green Tortoise hostel in Pike Place Market is just over a mile away and the walk is a breeze on warm summer night. Because of this, I can't comment on traffic or parking situations. There is however a train stop right outside along a line that runs from downtown to the SeaTac airport.
out west
Total Score: 3.57
- Food & Beverage: 4
- Atmosphere 2
- Neighborhood: 4
- Fans: 4
- Access: 4
- RoI: 4
- Extras: 3
First time to the stadium and overall a good experience. Easy to get to (I was staying downtown). Could easily walk to a bar afterwards. Fans were really nice and into the game, but the stadium was half empty (which I understand). There were many food options and they all looked pretty good.
Local Food & Drink
Local Entertainment
Lodging
Recent Stadium News
Recommended Food & Drink
- The Pyramid Alehouse (map it!)
(206) 682-3377
- Jimmy's On First (map it!)
(206) 204-9700
Stadium Journey
SJ Community
Information
Did you go to the right stadium? The beer selection is far from limited. In fact, of the 15 or sta
Did you go to the right stadium?
The beer selection is far from limited. In fact, of the 15 or stadiums I've been to, I think Safeco has the most different and interesting beer options I've seen.
I believe the centerfield stand alone has about a dozen taps, and many of the isolated kiosks offer unique options (including some from very small breweries like Lazy Boy, Elysian and Hale's)
Certainly many of the main concession stands sell the requisite Coors/Bud/Miller, but most have a microbrew alternate and in most cases it's either local or at least NW.
This incredibly false statement clouds my opinion of the entire review.
by BigGreenFrank | Apr 20, 2010 12:01 PM
No stadium lot?? Are you blind? Did you miss the 6 floor parking garage that has a sky bridge to th
No stadium lot?? Are you blind? Did you miss the 6 floor parking garage that has a sky bridge to the stadium?
Also you say "The beer selection is limited, with only a few non-macro options, and no local options to speak of." There are many local brews available at the game. How did you miss the specialty beer stands seemingly every few feet on the main level?
by ace71 | Apr 20, 2010 12:04 PM
1. The beer selection section is especially damning. I\'ve never been to a stadium with a better l
1. The beer selection section is especially damning. I've never been to a stadium with a better local beer selection. I have seen plenty of stadiums with pathetic selections, but Safeco is certainly not one of them.
2. There is a giant parking lot that you should have noticed. I do agree that parking is still a problem if you drive to the game, but to say there is no parking is not accurate.
3. I agree that there has been some lame cracking down on fun things like Yankees suck and stuff like that, but I don't see how this could be in evidence on a night with a passive 20,000 person crowd.
by Donkey | Apr 20, 2010 01:01 PM
Thanks for the comments about the parking. After looking into it, we have updated the \"Access secti
Thanks for the comments about the parking. After looking into it, we have updated the "Access section" regarding the parking options.
by paul | Apr 20, 2010 01:46 PM
I\'m a lifelong Chicagoan and recent transplant to Seattle. As a diehard White Sox fan, I think the
I'm a lifelong Chicagoan and recent transplant to Seattle. As a diehard White Sox fan, I think the Seattle fans - specifically for the Mariners - can be a bit anemic. I dare say that they're the opposite of Cubs fans. Your typical bleacher bum is loud and obnoxious with limited baseball knowledge. Mariners fans seem to sit on their hands for the entire game but are rather knowledgeable about the sport.
As a vegetarian I was pleased that they've added a stand (The Natural) that serves only vegetarian food! The best part is theres hardly ever a line for it. Aside from that, I've heard that there are some new items at the ballpark like prime rib nachos! The beer selection is better than average, you just need to know where to look.
If you get down to Safeco early theres a few bars to pre-game at but, as far as I know, there is no tailgating allowed in the parking lot.
I live near the stadium and have never dealt with parking but I don't think it's a major issue; traffic on the other hand is! If you're coming from East of Mercer Island leave plenty early as I90 is gridlocked on game day. I'm assuming 520 & I5 suffer as well, but haven't experienced that firsthand yet.
by Carpenter | Apr 22, 2010 10:03 AM
Here to echo my sentiments about a couple of things. Beer Selection In now way does Alex know wh
Here to echo my sentiments about a couple of things.
Beer Selection
In now way does Alex know what he is talking about. Multiple brews from Pyramid, Hale's, Georgetown, DeChuttes, Widmer, New Belgium ect. are available. (3 of the breweries I mentioned are local and the 2 others are from Oregon)
Access
Who parks at the stadium for $20-$40 buck a pop? Morons thats who!! Find a bus, or park in Pioneer Square somewhere (the 5 block walk is going to kill you?), or park in one of the many "event parking" lots that are littered around the stadium (usually around $10).
by John | Apr 27, 2010 10:38 AM
I love Safeco, and I love the M\'s, but one thing is for sure, the return on investment is minimal.
I love Safeco, and I love the M's, but one thing is for sure, the return on investment is minimal. Good tickets are going to run you $40 as a charter seat holder, $58 at the door.
With beers approaching $8-9ea, you can't afford to have food with your drink. A family of 4 trying to have the good 'ol fashion baseball experience can count on spending easily $300 between 4 decent tickets, 1 drink each, 1 meal each (say burger and fries?) and parking (which the stadium parking IS excellent for it's SUPER easy to park, SUPER easy to leave).
Want an officially licensed MLB souveniour? maybe a jersey for each member of the family? You're in $500+ for one game.
All this so a guy can make $20,000,0000 - $50,000,000 (possibly Puhols next contract?) per year playing baseball. Best game on earth, but prices of salaries and prices at the ball park are an insult to the game and the people who love it.
by Dustin07 | May 03, 2010 07:50 AM
DONT PARK AT THE SAFECO PARKING GARAGE !!!!!
We parked at the Safeco parking garage immediately across the street from the ballfield. We came out to find our car had been vandalized during the event. We contacted Malcom who is in charge of Seattle Mariners Parking and he said this is a regular event, but the Mariners refuse to help the people it happens to. They have attendants to take your $$$, but then they leave and the garage is left for car prowling and vandalizing !!!!!!
by markwsea | Dec 21, 2010 06:12 AM
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