Safeco Field

T-Mobile Park is a retractable roof baseball park located in Seattle, Washington. Owned and operated by the Washington State Major League Baseball Stadium Public Facilities District, it is the home stadium of the Seattle Mariners of Major League Baseball (MLB) and has a seating capacity of 47,715 for baseball.It is located in Seattle’s SoDo neighborhood, near the western terminus of Interstate 90. The first game was played on July 15, 1999.

General information

Arena capacity: 47,574 spectators

Address: 1250 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134, USA

GPS coordinates for the navigator: 47.5914° N, 122.3325° W

Year of construction: July 15, 1999

Construction cost: $517 Million

Field: grass lawn with dimensions of 331-L, 378-LC, 405-DP, 401-C, 385-RC, 326-R

Seating plan of the Safeco Field

Terrace Club

Terrace club seats are located on either side of the field on the second level of seating at Safeco Field. Their position above the 100 level gives fans in these seats a good elevated view of the field without being too far away.

These seats are padded and wider than traditional seating. They also offer in-seat wait service (select sections) and access to the Terrace Club Lounge with televisions and a full bar. Seatholders will also find some of the best food at Safeco Field on the exclusive Terrace Club Level. Edgar’s Cantina near section 212, the pasta bistro near section 216 and the seafood bar on the first base patio are among the most popular food destinations that only club ticketholders are able to enjoy.

Diamond Club

The Diamond Club seats at Safeco Field are made up of the four odd-numbered sections between the player dugouts. These are often regarded as the best seats at a Mariners game due to their proximity to the field and all-inclusive perks. Besides for an outstanding view of the field from behind home plate, these seats include free food and beverage with a menu that changes daily.

Ticketholders will have a private entrance to the ballpark and access to the Diamond Club Lounge with buffet and open bar. In-seat wait service and a free program and media guide round out the amenities.

All-Star Club

One of the best ways to impress guests at Safeco Field is to treat them to an outing in the All-Star Club down the right-field line. Situated on the suite level, ticketholders will enjoy a taste of the good life in an indoor/outdoor setting.

You’ll have the option to enjoy the game from our over-sized padded chair exposed to the elements, or indoors in the climate-controlled lounge with views of the field. Within the lounge you’ll find a buffet and dessert selections that are included with your ticket. The lounge also includes a cash bar with beer, wine and liquor.

Best Seats for Kids and Family at Safeco Field

If you’re planning on bringing the kids to a Mariners game, arrive a few minutes early and be sure to enter through the Center Field Gate off of Royal Brougham Way. Kids will find a number of fun activities in center field, including the Playfield, Moose Den and Kids Clubhouse store.

The Moose Den is located on the main concourse near section 191 under the big videoboard. Kids will have a chance to meet Mariner Moose throughout the game and have their picture taken. Nearby seating in bleacher sections 190-195 is among the most affordable ticket options for an M’s game. Just keep in mind that these are bleacher-style seats (with backs) and are heavily exposed to the sun. Another nearby section – 104 – is made up of traditional stadium-style seating and is a no-alcohol section that specifically caters to families.

All children aged two and under do not need a ticket to enter the stadium.

While seating in the outfield is relatively affordable, the seats are extremely sun-drenched during afternoon games. If you’d prefer to stay out of the sun, your best bet is to purchase a ticket in the main seating bowl (100 level sections in foul territory) in rows 35 and higher. These seats are most likely to be covered by the overhang and shielded from the sun. Other considerations include high row numbers in club level (200) and upper deck (300) sections on the third base side of the field. The sun will set behind these sections and put fans in these seats in the shade the earliest.

Best Seats for Visiting Team Fans at Safeco Field

With the nearest MLB stadium more than 800 miles away, Safeco Field is the most isolated park in the big leagues. Never-the-less, it often receives excellent reviews for being a great stadium to visit for fans of the away team. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend set or just a single game, there’re plenty to see and do around Safeco Field.

When purchasing tickets to a Mariners game as a fan of the visiting team, first consider the sections located directly behind the visitor dugout. Sections 136-139 are located on the third base side of the field, and row 5 in each of these sections is just above the visitor dugout. In addition to close proximity to your favorite players, you’ll have an excellent view of the field and the league’s largest videoboard. Before settling into your seat, grab a cup of garlic fries outside section 136 and a local beer from the nearby Power Alley bar.

If you’d prefer to immerse yourself with the locals, consider arriving to the stadium a little early and grabbing a spot in The Pen – a general admission standing area that opens 2.5 hours before first pitch. The Pen offers four different concession stands featuring burgers, wings, tacos and pizza from a local chef. You’ll also find a wide beer selection to wash it all down and plenty of televisions to catch up on the early action from around the league.

Another popular pre-game destination within the ballpark is the Hit it Here Cafe. Located above 100-level sections in right field, the Cafe is a first-come, first-serve indoor/outdoor seating area featuring a menu labeled as “Northwest-fresh”. If you’re heading to a night game, arrive to the ballpark a full two hours before first pitch to grab a seat facing the field.

You can watch the visiting team take batting practice while you indulge in the cafe. You’ll be asked to leave 30 minutes before first pitch (these seats are reserved while the game is in progress), giving you enough time to grab a drink for the road and head towards your seats.

Best Seats for Great Views of the Field at Safeco Field

Safeco Field is a fairly traditional stadium in that it features three distinct levels of seating. The lower lower level is comprised of roughly 40 rows of seats, the second level is primarily club seating and the upper deck is above a large ring of suites. As a result, when purchasing tickets for a Mariners game, you tend to get what you pay for.

With Major League Baseball’s largest videoboard in center-field, home plate seats at Safeco Field are easily the best choice for keeping an eye on the game. Even if you miss a play, you can get a clear view on the 200-feet-wide replay board.

For catching the actual action on the field, we recommend rows 20-35 in sections 126-133 for their unobstructed and elevated views from behind home plate. The only other home plate seats with elevation (besides for suites) are located in the upper deck. In these sections (328-332), we recommend spending a few extra dollars to sit in one of the first four rows as the views from rows 5-8 can be somewhat obstructed by the staircases.

If you’re looking to combine an excellent view with some special treatment, Terrace Club seats on the 200 level offer comfortable sitelines and exclusive amenities. These loge-style seats hang over the 100 level – bringing them closer to the field – and come with in-seat wait service for fewer trips away from your seats. While terrace sections closer to home plate will have the best views – and the highest pricetag – sections towards the outfield still have a good angle back towards home plate.

Sitting down the line can help you save a few bucks, and you’ll end up with the same padded seats and club access as someone sitting near the infield.

For an exciting and unconventional view, consider the front rows of sections 112, 114, 146 and 148. Lower level sections down the line are progressively angled more and more towards home plate to improve fans’ sitelines. As a result, the sections farthest down the line are located just a few feet into foul territory and the front rows of these sections face towards home plate to give you a similar perspective to what the outfielder sees. We recommend paying the premium to sit in the first three rows of these sections for an exceptional experience.

Recommended Seats for Impressing a Guest

Sections Diamond Club 25, Diamond Club 27, Diamond Club 33 and Diamond Club 35:

1. Amazing views from right behind home plate;
2. Access to the Diamond Club with buffet and full bar;
3. In-seat wait service allows viewers to receive refreshments without leaving their seats.

Recommended Seats for Partying and Socializing

Sections 330, 331, 332 and 333:

1. Close to a lot of alcohol vendors on the upper level;
2. There is an overhang to protect from a lot of the sun and precipitation;
3. Ticket prices in the lower tier on the upper level, can spend more on alcohol.

Where to buy tickets?

Guests can purchase tickets to upcoming Seattle Mariners home games in a number of ways:

1. Internet: Mariners.com/Tickets.
2. By Telephone: (206) 346-4001.
3. In Person: T-Mobile Park Box Office or any Mariners Team Store location.

How to get there?

Interstate 5 (I-5), Interstate 90 (I-90) and State Route 99 (SR-99) all serve T-Mobile Park within ½ mile of the ballpark. Below is a list of exits that will put you in the vicinity of the ballpark; the exit you plan to use will likely depend on where you plan to park.

Use Google Maps below or the Waze app (available for iPhone and Android) to help identify the best route to get to the ballpark.

From the North

I-5 Southbound:

1. Exit 165A – James St.
2. Exit 164 – Dearborn St, 4th Ave S/Edgar Martinez Dr. S and Airport Way S.

SR99 Southbound:

1. Exit at S. Atlantic St.
2. T-Mobile Park is located on 1st Ave S at Atlantic St./Edgar Martinez Drive S.

From the South

I-5 Northbound:

1. Exit 163 – West Seattle Freeway/Columbian Way.
2. Follow signs to Spokane St/T-Mobile Park via 6th Ave S Northbound or 1st Ave S.
3. Exit 164B – Edgar Martinez Dr. S
4. Exit 164A – Dearborn St

From the East

I-90 Westbound:

1. Exit to 4th Ave S to park North or East of T-Mobile Park
2. Exit to Edgar Martinez Dr S to park South or West of T-Mobile Park

Entering/Exiting the Game

Seattle Police Traffic Unit personnel will direct travelers exiting after games and follow pre-determined traffic control plans. However, when needed, temporary route restrictions are implemented to move traffic safely around construction zones and out of the area. It may not be possible to follow a direct route to a nearby freeway onramp. Drivers are encouraged to identify and use alternate onramps to I-5 or I-90 that are located away from the ballpark.

Road Construction

This season there will be a number of street and highway construction projects in progress near the ballpark. Planning ahead and knowing what your options are will make your trip more enjoyable, and will ensure you get to the game for the first pitch.

Parking

T-Mobile Park offers visitors a wide range of options for parking, with something available for every price range and preferred entrance and exit. Take a look below to find the parking option route that’s best for you.

1. Mariners Garage.
2. CenturyLink Event Center Garage.
3. Union Station Garage South (Most affordable).
4. More parking.

Mariners Garage

Located at 301-337 Edgar Martinez Dr S, Seattle, WA 98134.

The basics:

1. Right next door to the ballpark, just across Edgar Martinez Drive to the south.
2. Price range: $20-$60.
3. Good for traveling to and from all directions, and via I-5, SR 99, First Avenue.

More details:

1. Purchase online by selecting from dates below.
2. Garage opens 3 hours prior to game time.
3. Height limit: 7′ 0″.
4. Easy access to the Suite Level and Terrace Club via the sky bridge.
5. Accessible parking can be purchased in advance by calling 206-346-4001 at the earliest possible time.
6. Charter bus parking is available by reservation only by calling 206-346-4001 at least 10 business days in advance of the game.
7. Day of game parking for cars, when available, is $20-$50.
8. Motorcycle parking is available at a discounted drive-up rate of $10-$20 per motorcycle (pre-purchase unavailable). Each motorcycle must have a pass, with a maximum of two motorcycles per stall.
• Find the best odds for sports betting.
9. Bicycle parking available.

CenturyLink Event Center Garage

Located on S Royal Brougham Way, Seattle, WA 98134

The basics:

1. Next door to the ballpark, just to the north, accessed via the Royal Brougham overpass.
2. Price range: $10-$50.
3. Good for traveling to and from the north, east and west-and via SR 99 and First Avenue.

More details:

1. Charter bus parking on space available basis, call 206-254-0811 for more information.
2. Height limit: 8′ 3″

Union Station Garage (South)

Located at at 820 4th Ave South, Seattle WA 98104

The basics:

1. Located a short half-mile walk from the ballpark.
2. Price range: $8-$30.
3. Good for traveling from the north, east and the west-and via I-5 and 4th Avenue.

More details:

1. Height limit: 6′ 6″.
2. Offers covered parking and parking attendants to assist with any questions you may have.

More Parking Around T-Mobile Park:

1. There are many parking garages and lots in the central business district to the north of T-Mobile Park that offer very reasonable evening and weekend parking rates. Garage entrances are located mostly on east-west streets.
2. The City of Seattle’s Interactive Parking Mapcontains detailed information about on and off street parking locations.
3. Several on-street curb locations are not available for parking or stopping before, during or after games. Please read and obey all posted signs. Violators are subject to immediate towing by the Seattle Police Department.
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Ride Link light rail to T-Mobile Park

An affordable and easy-to-use option for getting around Seattle, riding Link right rail is a great way to get to T-Mobile Park. Link light rail travels between UW Station and Angle Lake Station, making 14 stops along the way, including the Stadium and International District/Chinatown stations– both just a short walk from the ballpark.

Link trains run every 6, 10 or 15 minutes depending on the time of day. Service is available postgame to 1 a.m. Monday through Saturday and until midnight on Sunday and holidays. Adult fares range from $2.25 to $3.25 depending on how far you travel.

Parking

Free parking is available at Angle Lake and Tukwila International Boulevard Link light rail stations. If you find Link stations full, Sea-Tac airport offers a $12 game day parking coupon for weekend games.

Skip the parking, avoid the traffic – public transportation is a great way to get to any Mariners home game, with a number of options available for getting down to the ballpark.

Ride Link light rail to T-Mobile Park

With stops throughout Seattle and the Stadium station just two blocks from the ballpark, Link light rail is an affordable and easy-to-use option for getting to T-Mobile Park.

Transit Tools

Great for navigating to T-Mobile Park via public transit, or anywhere in Seattle, here are two tools to help plan your trip down to the ballpark.

1. OneBusAway – Available on the web, the Apple App Storeand the Google Play Store, this app will show you every Seattle bus stop and where buses are in real time.
2. King County Metro Trip Planner- Use this invaluable tool to route yourself from home to the ballpark and back, all using public transportation.
• Follow the link and get your prediction before the match starts.

Link Light Rail

Link light rail serves T-Mobile Park through the Stadium Station from the University of Washington, Capitol Hill, downtown Seattle, Beacon Hill, the Rainier Valley, Tukwila and SeaTac. Parking is available at the Tukwila International Blvd and Angle Lake Stations.

Details on the stations with parking:

1. Tukwila International Blvd Station.
2. Angle Lake Station.
3. Link Light Rail Information.

Ferries & Water Taxies

The Washington State ferry terminal (Pier 52) and King County Water Taxi terminal (Pier 50) are less than 1 mile from T-Mobile Park – a nice, flat walk or short ride away.

Regular Transit Routes

Take the Sounder trains to King Street Station (just a short walk to T-Mobile Park) on select weekend day games. You can also take Link light rail or ST Express bus service to T-Mobile Park every home game.

1. Phone: 800-201-4900.

King County Metro

There are a number of regular bus routes that stop within a few blocks of the ballpark. For assistance in finding regular route service, please contact your local transit agency. ORCA cards may be used on regular routes.

1. Phone: (206) 553-3000.

Uber, Lyft & Ridesharing

Use Uber, Lyft and other ridesharing alternatives as a way to get down to T-Mobile Park without having to park. Starting in 2018, T-Mobile Park will have a designated ridesharing lot. More on that to come.

Bicycles

Seattle has many bicycle paths and is user friendly for bicyclists (as long as you don’t mind a few challenging hills!). The path along the waterfront is flat and provides a great opportunity to get in a nice bicycle ride along with the game. T-Mobile Park has secured parking for over 150 bicycles in the Mariners Garage located on Edgar Martinez Drive east of Occidental Avenue. There is no charge for bicycle parking.

Additional bicycle racks are available next to the garage on the west plaza and on the Centerfield Gate Plaza on the north side of the stairs. Bicyclists are advised to avoid chaining bicycles to parking meters, trees or other objects that might impede the very heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic around the ballpark. Bicycles blocking, walkways, stairways, elevators, sidewalks or building entrances are subject to immediate removal by the Seattle Police Department.

Limousines

Limousines cannot be accommodated in the garage but may purchase parking in the charter bus parking area by calling 206-346-4001 at least 10 business days in advance. There are no limousine waiting areas near the ballpark.

Taxis

Taxi stands are located outside of most major hotels in downtown Seattle. Taxi rates are regulated in Seattle. Taxicabs can drop off passengers near the ballpark, but cannot guarantee a drop off on streets adjacent to the ballpark. A taxi zone is located across from the Home Plate Gate at the northwest corner of First Avenue South and Edgar Martinez Drive S.

Walking

Seattle streets are user friendly. Many downtown hotels are within a 15-30 minute walk of the ballpark. Just remember to bring a jacket, as a late evening stroll back to your hotel can be a bit chilly.

History

The original naming rights to the stadium were sold to Seattle-based Safeco Insurance, who paid $40 million for a 20-year deal. 2018 was the final season played under this name, and the Safeco signage was removed from the ballpark beginning that November. The naming rights were awarded to T-Mobile on December 19, an agreement that will last 25 years. The name change officially took effect on January 1, 2019.

Ken Griffey, Jr. returned to Safeco Field with the Cincinnati Reds to a hero’s welcome. In commemoration of Griffey’s achievements with the team, the Mariners unveiled a new poster that declared Safeco Field “The House That Griffey Built.”

The Mariners moved the fences at T-Mobile Park closer to home plate prior to the 2013 season “to create an environment that is fair for both hitters and pitchers,” according to General Manager Jack Zduriencik. Safeco Field had been considered one of the most pitcher-friendly ballparks in the majors since it had opened. The center field scoreboard and ad panels were replaced with an 11,435 square-foot board during renovations, becoming the largest among all stadium scoreboards in the major leagues at the time.

After the 2017 season, the field surface, which had been in place since the stadium opened in 1999, underwent its first full replacement. The infield and foul territory were redone in 2012, but the outfield had never been replaced before the resodding.

Features

Like most ballparks built from the 1990s onward, T-Mobile Park is a ‘retro-modern’ style ballpark that incorporates many of the features of ballparks built in the 1950s and earlier with modern amenities. In contrast with the Kingdome and the other multi-purpose stadiums built primarily during the 1960s and 1970s, T-Mobile Park features a brick façade, an asymmetrical field dimension, a natural grass field, spectator sightlines more suited for baseball, and is surrounded by city streets, a railroad line, and buildings.

Modern features include a retractable roof, luxury suites, extensive food and beverage selection beyond traditional ballpark fare, full ADA-accessibility, and previously had technology that allowed spectators to monitor special game-time features with Nintendo DS receivers.

Layout

The ballpark has four main gates open to all ticket holders during Mariners games, located at the southwest, northwest, northeast, and southeast corners. These are identified as Home Plate, Left Field, Center Field, and Right Field, respectively. Entry to all ticket holders is also available through the Mariners Team Store off 1st Avenue and at “The ‘Pen” entry behind the bull pens in left field. Special entrances for media and holders of certain ticket levels are located on the southwest and south sides of the stadium.

There are five main levels to the stadium: Field (or Street), Main Concourse (100 level – 20,634 seats), Club Level (200 level – 4,585 seats), Suite Level (1,945 seats), and Upper Concourse (300 level – 15,955 seats). Two bleacher sections are located above left field and below the center field scoreboard, with 3,706 seats.

The Broadcast Center (press box) is located on the Club Level and sub-level between it and the Main Level. As the field is approximately at street level, entry into any of the main gates requires visitors to ascend a flight of stairs, escalator, or elevator to access the main concourse, with the exception of the Right Field Entry, which opens onto the main concourse. Stairs, escalators, elevators, and ramps located around the ballpark provide access to all levels.