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Safeco Field
Category: Arts & Entertainment Stadiums & Arenas Stadiums & Arenas [Edit]
1250 1st Ave SSeattle, WA 98134
Neighborhood: SODO
(206) 346-4001
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
312 reviews for Safeco Field
312 reviews in English
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Review from Joshua B.
Shoreline, WA
1/29/2012
Beautiful ball park to watch the Mariners play. The wonderful aroma of garlic fries flow through the stadium. A hot summer day game is by far my favorite with the roof wide open. My most memorable experience was when my wife surprised me with tcikets to opening day a few years back when Ken Griffey Jr. returned to play for the Mariners. It was such an amazing day watching Griffey run out from center field and eveyone in the stands standing and cheering as loud as possible. It sent a chill down my spine and gave me goose bumps. By far one of the best gifts I have ever received.
I have been to quit a few M's games and sat behind home plate to both the first and third base sides and up in the cheap seats. There is not one bad seat in the house. I love Safeco Field. There is wide variety of food to choose from so there is no way you can go hungry during a game. -
Review from Gladys B.
Bay Area
11/4/2011
This is a wonderful, beautiful ballpark!
The location of the park is pretty convenient in downtown Seattle. When we were in town,they were playing the Oakland A's...and pretty much the LAST game of the season. It is nice to visit other ballparks when from out of town. Since we are from the bay, it worked out great that the A's were playing (although I am a Padres fan).
The food selection is definitely Seattle. They also have a sushi section I had to try the "Ichiro Roll" named after the Mariners star players Ichiro Suzuki. A lot of roll for the $$. Can't really go wrong with the food here. Also..a Starbucks @ a ballpark? Wow, only here!
They had a small section that displayed the history of the Mariners. I never knew they used to be called "The Pilots"! Pretty cool to see the Mariners evolve through time with photographs and old baseball paraphernalia.
Would love to come back again and visit! -
Review from Allan g.
11/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
I came here when the Mariner's played the Rangers for one of the last games of the season this year. I'm not sure which one it was, but it was on a Friday. Anyway, I really dig the view at Safeco, it's the kind of field that lets you enjoy the view almost as much as the game.
I remember grabbing some garlic fries and some hot wings, for a whole lot less than I remember spending at AT&T park in sf. -
Review from Mo Y.
Kirkland, WA
12/31/2011
I used to have the Red Zone Suite at Quest Field for Three years and both the service and management are the best. The Seahawks Management that handles business relationships and suites leasing or tickets sales are First Class. It was great to work with the Seahawks and experience the way they do business.
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Review from Tony M.
Hillsboro, OR
1/31/2012 1 Check-in Here
good time at the game.
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Review from Tres B.
Denver, CO
Safeco is a great ball park, one of the best and food selection is great. Very well run and easy to navigate. First ten rows of seats are cushioned. Great sight lines everywhere. The moving roof and trian whistles are super!
I now live directly across from Coors Field in Denver and I will give the edge to Coors, its not quite as full of vagrants and the parking is better.It also has much more involved fan base. -
Review from Lauren M.
Cerritos, CA
9/13/2011
This is such a nice field. It has the most jumboest jumbotron ever!
May I recommend buying some of those insanely garlicky garlic fries and dipping them into a huge bowl of Ivar's clam chowder? This combination is seriously what made it worth it to come here and watch the most boring slaughterfest that was the Mariners vs. Rays. -
Review from Andy R.
Renton, WA
1/4/2012
I love this ballpark. Wish I could go to more games. Go M's!
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Review from Olivia H.
9/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been here twice, most recently in August. Not a huge sports fan myself, but I really get into the game when I see it live. I think it's laid out very nicely and it is very clean. You don't have to walk far or feel like you are going to miss too much if you have to get a bite to eat, beer or use the bathroom. The Garlic Fries are awesome! The dugout is a great place to hangout, you have a great view and it's not as busy down there as you would think.
I got an awesome shirt at the team store, too! They had a ton of selection and I think I spent a little too much time there. It was incredibly busy, though.
I would recommend using the parking garage. Seattle did a really good job and routing the traffic and getting into and out of the game is really pretty easy considering there are thousands of others doing the same.
I can't wait to go again next year! -
Review from Olive H.
8/27/2011 1 photo
Good game tonight. Yes we lost, but since we expected it, we just enjoyed ourselves, especially with the extremely pricey food! We'll consider it a treat...
A very lovely field. While leaving the stands, I was surprised by all the garbage. Which is even more surprising when you think, wow, they really do clean it up good if they can keep this place in vibe.
$17 for some seats by the score board. Sadly, no home runs there. But even the bleachers are comfortable.
If you want to move up, just wait a few innings; they'll check you. Although, we had no complaints about the bleacher seats, so we just remained there (we usually move up... Lala).
$6 for Garlic fries.
$5 3 scoop ice cream
$8.25 for beer
$3.25 for cotton candy (gone in seconds)
$0.00 (technically) sneaking in own water.
Nothing is cheap when people stop going to ball games because they don't wanna see the home team lose. Nothing is cheap even when people do come - holy, I bet when the Yankees come, not only will the fans multiply, everything that has a price tag will multiply two-fold!
Great game nonetheless.
Buy your tickets at a store - bought mine in the Alderwood mall. Simple and fast, no extra fees. -
Review from Cheryl R.
9/11/2011 2 Check-ins Here
A very nice MLB ballpark. Especially when sitting in the suite or club levels. Located right in the heart of downtown Seattle's Pioneer Square neighborhood. Convenient accessed by bus, Water Taxi, foot or bike, you really can't beat seeing a game here... well, other than watching our home team get beat. A lot.
Retractable Roof = BONUS with our weather
Food = some of the best I've had in any MLB ballpark
Beer/Wine= expensive, but you expect that right?
Parking = Kind of a hot mess, and expensive. But it is available at and all around the stadium. Just be prepared to shell out at least $25
Seats = Surprisingly comfy, no matter where you're sitting.
Team Merch Store = HUGE and with a great selection of team logo swag. Give yourself time to shop here if that's your thing. I like perusing the kids section for cute Mariners tees and such for my daughter.
My only complaint is how empty this big, beautiful stadium often is during games. Come on Seattle, it's not that expensive a ticket. Show the M's some love and get out to the ballpark once or thrice a season, will ya?! -
Review from Eric L.
7/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been to many MLB ballparks throughout the country, and I have to say, Safeco is probably the nicest. First of all, it's location is prime, right next to Qwest Field and within a 15 minute walk of city central. The seats are actually pretty roomy for a ball park and although I usually always sit field level 1st or 3rd base, I have roamed around many a times and I don't think there is a bad seat in the place? Of all my times there, I haven't encountered any rude or rowdy fans. I wish I could say the same about Oakland.
Food selections are plenty. From sushi and sake to those oh so delicious garlic fries. There's even a pizza stand operated by Polynesians who always seem to be dancing, chanting, hooting, hollering, or all of the above.
The only negative I can think of is the Mariners are playing pretty crappy these days. Oh, and the beer is ridiculously expensive. A domestic pint costs $8.50? And a pint of craft beer at $9.25? I can't even get a buzz on without tearing myself a new butthole! -
Review from Lorace R.
San Jose, CA
8/29/2011
This review is for the tour only. I didn't have the opportunity to catch a game because the Mariners were out of town during our Seattle visit. =(
I came to the park with five other friends. We bought the Go Seattle Card and the Safeco Field Tour was one of the attractions listed! Sweet!
The tour was awesome! Our tour guide, Uncle Bob, made us feel like we were having a private tour. He took us to the visitors' pitching warm-up area, locker room, even the showers (smelly), then onto the field to check out the dugouts (couldn't step on the grass of course). Two of my friends found two balls in the Mariners dugout and snatched them...so lucky!! After that, Uncle Bob took us around the club level area (I think it's called the Keybank Diamond Club), press room, Bill Gates executive suite, then looped around to the concessions area.
We took a whole bunch of pictures everywhere and there weren't any restrictions in what pics to take...just restrictions on what areas to enter of course. We weren't allowed to check out the Mariners locker room area because the players have their personal belongings there of course.
The whole stadium is well kept. The staff we interacted with were very friendly, reminded me of AT&T park...it had a "good people" feel. I'm a new baseball fan and learning more and more about the game everyday and falling in love with it! This tour, seeing the behind the scenes was a great experience. So if you bought your Seattle Go Card, make sure to stop by and say hi to Uncle Bob! -
Review from Darth V.
Bellevue, WA
6/27/2011 47 Check-ins Here
The stadium itself is an easy 5 stars, one of the finest stadiums in baseball. When I conquer this planet, I'm going to make sure that this is one of the stadiums that is saved for the Stormtrooper's softball league. The fan support/hometeam crowd is a 2.
The Lady Vader and I went to the 1st game of the 3-game set against the Phillies. I'm not even exaggerating when I state half the crowd were Phillie fans. You would have thought it was Patriot Night, what with all the red, white and blue in the stands. Thing is, only the blue were Mariner fans, for the most part. And to make matters worse, it was Ichiro jersey night, so everybody in the stadium was already walking around with a teal blue jersey! I mean, I get that the team has problems, but geez. The Empire had problems for a while, and you know what we did? We struck back! Show a little love, for crying out loud.
I'm a big fan of the myriad of food choices, though the sushi selection has really gone downhill since the first time I visited this place year 1. It never gets old seeing Chewie get nacho cheese stuck in his fur, and the garlic fries are one of the most devilishly delicious things in town. As a matter of fact, I'm anointing them a member of the Seattle Foodie 100 list, replacing the defunct blueberry oat bar from Top Pot Doughnuts. Don't you look at me like that, I will Force Throw you clear across the Sound! Besides, since I'm the only one aiming to complete that list, I have executive oversight. It's right here in this contract...in the back...written in crayon. Don't you judge me!
Anyhow, wonderful stadium. There are few better places to be on a crisp and gorgeous summer day - especially if you're a disinterested 3rd party who doesn't have to lament the lack of fan support on a personal level. It'd be one of the best anywhere if the cheering was at least there.
4 Deathstars.Listed in: The Seattle Foodie 100
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Review from Katie O.
9/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Awesome park for our M's! I'm not a huge sports fan, but I love seeing games live. I recently saw a home game against LA. We lost, but that's not the point.
Safeco Field itself is awesome, and there are plenty of options if you get a case of the munchies (which I did). -
Review from Jamie Q.
Pico Rivera, CA
7/10/2011
Man this place is nice. As an A's fan, I am obligated to hate this place because the Mariners play there, but man, this place is nice. This is the 11th ballpark I've been to, and it has overtaken Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City as my new favorite park I've been to.
The sun was out and the roof was open. I got a ticket for $15 and it was 20 rows back from home plate. I also took a jaunt around the place and the sightlines from everywhere are amazing.
It's too bad the food didn't match the stadium in it's awesomeness. I started off with a bowl of clam chowder from Ivar's, which was serviceable at best. I then tried an Ivar's Dog. The fish was OK but the tartar sauce was too tart and the bun had the consistency of cardboard. Then I had an Ichiroll which wins the title of the worst single item I've eaten at a ballpark to date, knocking the infamous Dodger Dog out of the top spot. -
Review from Ryan N.
Seattle, WA
6/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
TICKETS:
Least expensive of the major sports in Seattle. Rare sellouts (since they haven't been to the playoffs in a while, although I sense a change in their fortunes very soon!). You can buy them on game day without worry (unless of course they're playing the Yankees).
STRUCTURE:
Tier 1 stadium in the MLB. Retractable roof so the games never get rained out. Wide enough walk ways and multiple exits and entrances to get around quickly.
(credit to Jim Caple of http://ESPN.com)
FOOD & BEVERAGE
TALK ABOUT VARIETY! You've got all the classic stand-bys; but you've also got clam chowder, salmon sandwiches, sushi, chocolate-covered strawberries, garlic fries, wok-fried noodles, southern barbeque and much, much more.
Red Hook, Pyramid, Sapporo, Fat Tyre, Henry's Weinhard, Pabst, Alaskan Amber to name a few.
They don't come cheap, but that's expected at a typical sporting event.
Complaining about beer prices at a stadium is like complaining about real estate taxes
RESTROOMS:
Lots of restrooms, short wait lines, reasonably clean
COOL:
Silhouettes of Fred Hutchinson under the armrests
QUICKTIP:
Pickup the cheap tickets and wander around the stadium. There are plazas and nooks and bars and concourses around the stadium where you can go and stand (or even sit at a table) and watch. It doesn't matter where your actual seat is, you can go anywhere else you want in the stadium. -
Review from Katie J.
7/26/2011
Where are all the fans?
I love what they did to the bullpen area this year. Booze! Very classy.
If only the product on the field was as good? -
Review from Josh W.
Somerville, MA
8/17/2011
Fantastic park!
Got some $22 tickets in the left field bleachers. These were, without a doubt, the best seats I've ever had for any game ever.
Pair this with the all around pleasant staff, decent crowd, rally fries and nice beer selection, you've got yourself a winner.
You should all go to Safeco more often. -
Review from Sarah K.
Seattle, WA
9/20/2011
My favorite, favorite, favorite ballpark. Ok, I'm being biased, I'm a Mariners fan. And even though my team hasn't had a decent season since 2001, I'll keep coming back to watch them play!
The ballpark is pretty convenient to get to, though parking can cost you a pretty penny. If it's a day game I prefer taking the bus over! My favorite part is that you can bring in outside food. Where I come from, that's unheard of and we are constantly looking for ways to sneak in food. Not here, you can bring in one bumbucha bento if you like! Drinks are pretty expensive here, a $9 beer and $2 bottle of water! So have a couple of beers at the bar outside of the stadium before you go in!
There's never a bad seat in the house, I sat in the bleachers, behind homeplate, and near right field in the lower area, and each time I was able to see everything (well almost everything I couldn't see a couple of outfield catches when I was sitting in the bleachers, and the jumbotron is in back of you there too). -
Review from Jess b.
Renton, WA
6/30/2011
Very nice place!
Its clean, good food, very friendly workers, also they have a great area for the kids to play (when they get bored of watching the game) :) -
Review from Joshua B.
5/13/2011 2 Check-ins Here
What's not to love - oh yeah, the Mariners, they suck. But you can hardly blame Safeco Field for the crap-sandwich that is the Seattle Mariners. Safeco has really good sight lines, the retractable roof is hella cool and the food choices beat the pants off of what I remember getting at stadiums when I was a kid.
Tip: If you get a chance to sit in the "Terrace Club" seats it's totally awesome. Separate concession and merchandise makes it a much better experience, plus I got to see Bill Nye the Science Guy (ZOMG!).
Little known fact - you can bring in any food you want from the outside, which can be a cheaper option. You can bring in some kind of drinks too (water bottles, I think), but don't quote me on that. Just don't be bringing in the glass to throw at everyone not named Ichiro (and sometimes even him) when the Mariners lose another on their way to a 100+ loss season.
If you like the throwback stadiums like Coors Field and Camden Yards, you'll be right at home at Safeco.Listed in: Pioneer Square
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Review from Jon R.
Aurora, IL
9/17/2011
Very nice park, VERY good ballpark food.
GET THE GARLIC FRIES. -
Review from Marc M.
5/13/2011 6 Check-ins Here
Review 100.
On a warm July evening during the summer of 1999, I was introduced to a building that will always hold a special place in my life. First of all, sitting in any seat at Safeco Field is an experience that no other venue can compete with. There is just something about the architecture of the ballpark and the sight of the freshly manicured grass field opposite the beautiful blue skies above that transports you away from the rest of the world that is happening just outside the gates. Granted, blue skies may be a rare treat in Seattle, but that is why we have a retractable roof so we know we will have a game no matter what the weather is like.
I will never forget the stark contrast this outdoor stadium was in comparison to my memories of the concrete monolith that was the Kingdome. Although it had its own history and an odd charm to it, the old domed building still came off as generic and lacking in style or substance which always seemed a bit out of place in a city known for being a bit different. Safeco Field however, was built to be a baseball shrine that would reflect the glow of the emerald city and give a proper home to a team that, for a time, had some of the great baseball talents of their era in guys named Griffey, Martinez, and Johnson.
After opening in 1999, Safeco Field quickly became one of the premier sporting venues in the entire nation. People came from all over just to see this modern marvel with the moving roof that was constructed to house a modest baseball team that wasn't really known for much of anything up to that point other than one historic run which also happened to be part of the reason the ballpark exists in the first place.
A year later I was taken down a path that actually lead me to becoming employed by the Baseball Club of Seattle and began a nine year run within the front office that gave me an opportunity to get to know every inch of the ballpark both inside and out. After this experience, I can truly say that this building is world class in every way and I wouldn't trade Safeco Field for any of the other ballparks in America. Every day that I would walk across the sky bridge and into the ballpark from the parking garage, I would just be thankful that the office I commuted to and from each day was located inside Safeco Field.
The Mariners organization excels at making Safeco Field a place that can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone and the building is constantly being refreshed and reshaped to keep up with what fans are looking for. Of course, no baseball stadium would be complete without classic concession options like hot dogs, beer, and peanuts but here you will also find anything from Thai food and pasta to fresh baked pizzas and sushi. A recent addition to the ballpark is a redesigned area under the left field bleachers simply called "The 'Pen" where you will find a lot of great food and drink options as well as a fun place to hang out before and during the game.
Other unique experiences include the All Star Club which is a block of suites that was opened up and turned in to an open area where people can enjoy a different version of the luxury experience of being in a suite or the famous Hit it Here Café that features amazing views and a menu of creative culinary selections found nowhere else in the building. Of course, just grabbing a cheap ticket and enjoying the game and ballpark atmosphere from the bleacher seats is always a great option as well that will not disappoint. There is also the opportunity to take a tour of the ballpark on certain days and times, and I must say that it is a very thorough and worthwhile trip through the ballpark that anyone should take advantage of at some point whether you are a local resident or a tourist visiting for just a few days.
I haven't been to a lot of other Major League stadiums, but I have seen a few of the better ones including historic Wrigley Field in Chicago and the one in San Francisco where the Giants play (I'm not even sure what it's called any more and I still think of it as Pac Bel Park) and those are definitely great places in their own right, but for some reason Safeco Field just has something about it that no other park has. I have had the opportunity to talk with people from around the country as they have visited Safeco Field and most if not all walk away very impressed with what we have here in Seattle.
Of course, I may be biased having grown up in Washington, raised as a Mariner fan, and eventually working for the organization, but this review is not about the team or the front office, it is simply a love letter to what is my favorite building in the city of Seattle. This is one of those places that makes you turn around for one last look as you walk away feeling sad about leaving but happy that you were able to enjoy such a special place and maybe, just maybe, the Mariners will also have put on a show worthy of being presented at the ballpark known as Safeco Field.Listed in: Fives
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Review from Hideki K.
6/30/2011 4 photos
Safeco Field, home of the Seattle Mariners, opened in 1999, two years before the arrival of Ichiro.
http://en.wikipedia.or...
From the outside, the structure looks ugly and like a steel skeleton structure resembling a mutli-story parking lot. The inside, however, is much more visually appealing.
Pros:
- Where else an American ballpark can you buy sushi and sake? I know not of any other place.
- If you're sitting in the outfield, where we were, you are really close to the action. The outfield walls are low, and the gap between them and the first row is only a couple of feet.
- Natural grass. I can't stand synthetic turfs.
- Draft beer is affordable. I bought a local craft brew for $5.75.
Cons:
- The scoreboard isn't all that large.
- You can't really view the pitchers warming up in the bullpen.
- There's no K counter (to count strikeouts by the home team starting pitcher).
While we were at the game on Sat 6/25/2011, the Mariners were in their grey away jerseys and even the Moose mascot was, as well. It was a historical anomaly because the visiting NL Florida Marlins were the "home" team due (so the Mariners pitchers had to bat) to a scheduling conflict at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, thanks to none other than Bono and U2, who had already booked the venue for their concert tour. Thanks Bono, because of you my friends and I were able to catch an M's game while in town.
As for the product on the field, the game was disappointing. The M's lost 4-2 without hitting any homeruns, and Ichiro didn't get any hits. We're glad that we were able to watch him though, and enjoy an Ichiroll and Seattle Roll at the same time. -
Review from Wes Y.
Seattle, WA
9/6/2011
As of 2011 there are only 5 MLB stadiums with a retractable roof. And this should be enjoyed! Right now, the team is in rebuilding mode and isn't a championship contender. The downside, of course, is we lose a lot and the stands don't fill up much. The upside? Cheap tickets!
A team's down year is great for you to get the experience of different spots of the park. Take advantage of StubHub. Many people are turned off by their fees (I am, too) but you'll be able to find some great seats for much cheaper than regular prices even with the fees. Plan your visit in advance and it's even easier.
Here's a guide:
CF bleachers are just $7 regularly and $8 on game days at the team store. Seats may not be great but it's a cheap ticket and it's fun to spend some time down in the 'pen. The 'pen is located in the lower level behind center field. It's a good spot to watch pitchers warm up, get some beer and food from their big bars, and get on TV. Root sports has their pre game and post game show hosted from the pen. Also, if you get a spot right along the CF wall, you get some unique views of the game.
Sections 315 to 325 or so will give you some spectacular views of downtown from the upper deck.
106 to 109 give you the best chances of catching a home run ball. And you're right behind Ichiro.
On the days that Felix Hernandez (2010 Cy Young winner) pitches, they have sections designated as "King's court" (named after felix's nickname, King Felix) for about $30 you get a ticket at a good value and you get a t-shirt you can't get any other way.
Food. Of course, Garlic fries, hot dogs, beer, etc are good ballpark foods. Walk around a bit and you see some stands of microbreweries. In the 'pen, you have multiple options including hard liquor. Behind home plate, there's an area where there's food, if you're a fan, there's a thai ginger there. It's not so "ball-park-ish" but you get a ton of food for about 12-14 dollars and relatively speaking, that's a good value!
Peanuts, cracker jacks and a few items are available outside of the park, you see the stands if you take the bus or the light rail, purchase them there, much bigger, much cheaper.
Enjoy the game and be a fan! You've gotta figure they're gonna be good again someday, when that day comes, you can point to others and say "you bandwagon jumpers!!!!". Until that day, I'll be on this wagon myself, driving it. -
Review from Micah A.
5/7/2011 3 Check-ins Here
What a weird thing to review. Safeco Field has a monopoly on Seattle baseball, so it's not as though someone is going to say:
"Well, I was GOING to go to the baseball game, but then I saw that a Yelp reviewer named 'Chone F.' gave it only 1 star, so instead I drove to Everett to watch Evan Sharpley hit a dinger against Zachary Varce."
Still, Safeco is pretty [base] baller. I've long been a big baseball fan, all the way to the advanced stats. I know what WAR is good for (absolutely something!) and why ERA is a terrible statistic that is pretty much worthless. I've also been a Mariner fan since I was six, back when they were terrible all the way until now when they're still terrible. I'd watch these games even if they took place if in the bathroom of a Tacoma McDonald's.
But Safeco is excellent. There is no such thing as a bad view, as this place was so well designed that the only reason to buy a seat up close is to brag that you got a seat up close. The field is well maintained and the retractable roof helps ensure that the only weather you have to worry about is wind. They also serve Mac and Jacks. They have garlic fries but they aren't very good. They smell like they'd be good, but they're not. They're a lot like Fruit Stripe gum.
The only things wrong with this place are the pricing structure and third baseman. Otherwise Safeco is a great place to go to watch a baseball game or get a useless bobblehead.Listed in: Great
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Review from Steve S.
8/17/2011
Safeco is one of the best parks in the MLB. Too bad the Mariners are one of the worst in the MLB.
They offer great food choices that aren't just hot dogs and hamburgers. If you don't believe me, check out the 'Pen in the left field consession area. The park is clean and is very easily accessable by light rail from downtown or the airport. A great $3 option if you don't want to pay $10+ for parking.
For $65, I was able to get front row, third base side seats. That is an amazing deal! I'm a Cubs fan at heart and would be lucky to find nosebleeds at that price in Wrigley. I would highly recommend this park to someone who just wanted to enjoy a sunny, but not to hot day at the park. -
Review from Ninja C.
Santa Clara, CA
8/24/2011
Disclaimer: Yes, I'm a Yankees fan. A diehard, hard-core Yankees fan. But I'm also a fan of the game of baseball, regardless of the team. Ken Griffey Jr was one of my favorites growing up so having a chance to see the Safeco Field tour on a recent trip was a treat I didn't want to miss.
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My girlfriend and I had tour tickets for Safeco, thankfully on a day when the Mariners were out of town. Unluckily, the Seahawks were having a pre-season game and parking lots were charging well over $30 for parking. With our tour starting in 5 minutes, we went to park at the parking lot across the street...$30, oh well. To our surprise, the woman taking cash said that people taking the tour didn't have to pay! Sweet! $30 saved is $30 earned...or was that a penny? Either way, $30 not spent on parking = very good.
I won't go into every detail but I'll say that Safeco is a very beautiful ballpark. I had been to the Kingdome as a teenager and saw it firsthand so Mariner fans are much luckier today! The tour included stops on the field (on the dirt, not on the grass), in the press conference room, one of the owner's boxes (very nice! can I win the lotto please?), visitor's locker room and even the Diamond Club lounge.
The best part of the tour was easily the tour guides. I don't remember our guide's name (tall Caucasian guy, glasses) but he was very informative, engaging and kept a good pace during the tour. He didn't try to take over and be the show, he was there to showcase the stadium, give some facts and answer questions. He started off with "Please take all the pictures you want", never gave anyone grief about walking around and exploring when he made stops and talked and only had a few rules: rules about going onto the field like stay off the grass, don't pick up the phones in the dug-out, etc).
For $9 a pop and about an hour and a half of our time, it was a fantastic trip. I def. wouldn't mind visiting when the Yankees are in town and at this wonderful stadium. -
Review from George C.
Seattle, WA
6/16/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I've been to many ballparks but Safeco is my favorite.
The games never get rained out. That's a huge plus!
The concessions are great and serve up some tasty local beer. Most stadiums only serve crappy beer like Coors, Bud and Miller. Safeco offers good local beer for the same price as the domestic crap.
The hallways are wide enough so that you can actually walk around and not have to walk through the concession lines.
They have some above average food. The garlic fries are my favorite!
The field is really nice and the beer and peanut vendors are quirky and entertaining.
Now they just need to find a few players that can score some runs! -
Review from Colleen W.
Seattle, WA
6/3/2011 7 Check-ins Here
This is my review of the top 5 Safeco Field Eats:
5. The Dragon's Kettle Korn: it's way better than the stuff you find inside. It's authentic, salty sweet, crunchy kettle corn. You can also pick up a Seattle Marijuaners t-shirt with your munchies. $5 per big bag = worth it.
4. Grilled polish dog with cream cheese outside of the stadium- where the hell did this stand move to? It used to be at the now non-existent Home Plate Parking. I've heard it's still around, but where?? I miss you.
3. Hot Dog Nachos at the Flying Turtle Cantina (inside the bar) in the new 'Pen area: HUGE nachos with many toppings including sliced sausage. It's glorious and more than enough to split for dinner.
2. Garlic Fries: you will reek of garlic for days and get nasty looks from seating neighbors...but they're so damn irresistible.
1. IVARS: anything from Ivars. That's how we do. My favorites include clams and chips on warm days and chowder on a cold day. -
Review from Michael J.
Seattle, WA
6/1/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Ummmmm kill yoself if you don't have an Eric Wedge mustache....
All jokes aside though this place is pretty top notch. There's not a bad seat in the house (even when its packed). It has a ton of concessions to suit various taste buds, etc. I do wish they had more Starbucks mini concession stands though. The coffee is pretty sub par. I expect more seeing as how Seattle is known for coffee.
The field level seats along the base line & out field are the best. Enjoy your time & pray that the M's A: Pull out the win & B: Score four or more runs.
Enjoy. -
Review from Erik M.
5/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
I remember going to Safeco for the first time after years of suffering through the Kingdome and thinking "This is as good as it gets."
Today, over a decade later, I still think it's one of the best ballparks in the league. It was at the fore of the stadium design trend of redbrick and exposed structural members, and it set the bar for ballpark amenities and services. They're doing a great job of letting it show some age without getting run down, and refresh the services often enough to keep things interesting when the game's a snoozer.
The downside, as with any pro stadium, is the price. They have done a fairly good job keeping the ticket prices from inflating too quickly, and you can still get into the ballpark for under $10 if you can score the centerfield bleachers. But food and drink is at a premium, parking anywhere near the stadium is going to sting (take the bus if you can), and it's a pretty pricy night out if you can't take advantage of the pre-game refreshment options along Occidental or at the bars surrounding the stadium.
Even though the M's have a habit of not being much fun to watch, there aren't many better ways to spend a nice summer evening than at the ballpark. Many nights turn into it being a really expensive bar that happens to have a baseball game going on, but it sure beats sitting on the couch. -
Review from Mary S.
Richland, WA
6/3/2011 2 Check-ins Here
The food is fantastic (DO NOT MISS THE GARLIC FRIES) but not cheap. The drink options are extensive (go to the Hit It Here Cafe for the bigger, better priced beers).
The crowd is so much fun. The Mariners are a great team.
Park near Pike Place for $9/day and walk down. You'll walk by some great shops, pubs (HELLO ELYSIAN!), and Seattle sites.
LOTS of fun to be had at Safeco :) -
Review from Kristin C.
Kirkland, WA
4/11/2011 8 Check-ins Here
Having grown up never going to an MLB game, I was super excited to go see the M's at Safeco field when I first came here for a summer internship in 2008. When my boyfriend and I first started dating, he brought me here for a game. And I have loved MLB, the Mariners and Safeco field ever since. We usually try and go to at least 5 games a season. This year we got the 6 game pack, and went to opening night. It was great to see the stadium packed with fans! We love sitting out in the left field bleachers.
I grew up in Fresno,CA going to Triple A games for the Fresno Grizzlies, the Giants minor league team. I loved it, but it doesn't compare to the big league games. Although, I did prefer the beer prices.
Safeco field has a great location, I love going to a Sounders and Mariners game the same day, and eating and drinking at Pyramid in between. I have done that for my birthday every year since I moved here.
My new favorite place at Safeco Is "the Pen" the new area our near center field near the Bull Pen. They have lots of great food, including delicious cheeseburgers, and crepes. They also have $5 beers up until an hour before first pitch. Which is awesome!
I am looking forward to many more games at Safeco Field for years to come!Listed in: Beer!
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Review from Gabriela S.
Seattle, WA
6/7/2011
If this review was based solely on the ballpark for the purpose of watching baseball, I would give it at least 4 stars. There is not a bad seat in the house. The tickets are spendy unless you get nose bleeds, however which is frustrating.
If this review was based solely on the concessions, I would give it one star. It is ridiculous to think that it takes at least one full inning (usually longer) to wait in line to get food and beer. The prices are outrageously expensive and to add insult to injury you wait and wait and wait. I seriously felt like I had to get a beer to wait in line for food then eat my food while I waited in line for a beer. I missed two innings for 2 polish dogs, a soft pretzel, and four beers! Plus it cost me $50!!!!! I don't know if it is a lack of training the staff who work concessions, a lack of communications, or just general incompetence but whatever it is, it is ridiculous. -
Review from joeboy a.
Seattle, WA
5/26/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Take me out to the ball game.....
yup, its a ballpark, with alot of food vendors...
First time i came here is cause our company has a suite...and it pretty much spoiled me, food galore, drinks galore, caters...the seating and view of the place...yeah...i didnt want to be down in the bleachers, but the second time, won tickets at a golf tournament, sat behind 3rd base...and OH WOW...wat a thrill...then the 3,4th time out...sittin in nose bleed and the back sections...just as good, and exciting...oh and the food, too many options...like i said,first time, all catered, second and so forth...went on an adventure...and boy did i go...and i think my eyes were bigger than my stomach....i went everywhere...from pizza's,fish and chips...and the must have GARLIC FRIES....yeah, i was a pig..but who cares...
Now if i can juss go back when its sunny and HOT....till next time safeco... -
Review from Laurie S.
10/26/2011 8 Check-ins Here
Not a bad place to see a game. There are a lot of options for food and drink. Prices are reasonable compared to other ballparks. The bullpen renovation is awesome. A nice place to go before the game to get a drink. Love the happy hour they offer.
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Review from JR P.
Seattle, WA
4/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
I went to opening day with a group of 20 and was not happen with the experience. The lines for food and beer were ridiculous! At least 20 minute waits. The flow of traffic is horrible so it's tough to know who is and isn't in line which leads to a lot of line cutting.
To make matters worse, one of our group members was wrongly accused of drinking outside alcohol. Someone had left an empty bottle on a table we happened to walk by and they assumed if was hers. She was questioned and then kicked out of the stadium. NOT ACCEPTABLE! -
Review from Edgar M.
Renton, WA
5/9/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I've only been to a few MLB parks, but out of those, this one has the best views of the game. Not a bad seat in the house! Every season there seems to be some new toy as well. My only complaint....and I'm not gonna complain about the M's.....is that the food isn't up to snuff with the other parks I've been to. Ivar's...delish, but this year they got rid of Porter's. Now there isn't much if anything worthwhile in there. Thank goodness for Pioneer Sqr. being so close.
I would say that's an extra bonus. The stadium is in a great locale. After the game you can just walk on over and work off that over-priced stadium beer!
