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Mariners Analysis: A Fresh Perspective on Safeco Field

By Nick Lee |
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158 games of the year, I will root hard for the Seattle Mariners. However, the four games they have scheduled against the San Diego Padres, I revert to my roots and don the “SD” cap and root for my hometown Friars. I went to Safeco Field this past week as an opposing fan, something I don’t normally do there.

Game Atmosphere

As I just moved 50 miles from Seattle, I had the privilege of attending both San Diego Padres games at Safeco Field this past week.

I donned my navy blue and orange Tony Gwynn jersey with our modern era on-field cap on.

The second I stepped into the ballpark, people were talking to me. They were very nice, complementing the man whose name I had on my back (I mean, come on, if you don’t like Tony Gwynn or think badly of him, you should see if you have a reflection in the mirror, because you might not have a soul). A lot of fans came up to me and told me, although they oppose the team I represent, they couldn’t hate on the player I chose to represent.

Safeco Field is one of the most beautiful ballparks around. It is just a notch below Petco Park, AT&T in San Francisco, and PNC Park in Pittsburgh in my opinion.  It is right up there. The roof was closed as a cold front was present during the week, bringing on and off rain.

Despite the San Diego Padres receiving a beat-down on Tuesday night, I didn’t hear any trash talking or have it rubbed in my face. Everyone was just having fun watching home runs fly out of the ballpark like it was the Home Run Derby. I just shrugged my shoulders, acknowledging it was not the Padres’ night.

I also didn’t hear any bitterness as the Padres silenced the Seattle Mariners Wednesday night. It was mostly good fun and lots of sportsmanship.

Next: Fan Experience

Fan Experience

The one thing Safeco Field is miles ahead of Petco Park in, is the food. There are so many different selections. From bacon-wrapped hot dogs, carnitas tacos and a bowl of Thai food or sushi, to a whiskey burger and their famous garlic fries. Going during the week was nice because due to the attendance being south of 20,000, there were hardly any lines.

I chose the bacon-wrapped hot dog with garlic fries and a mountain dew. Almost every ballpark has them and I have had them in numerous ballparks, but Safeco takes the cake. Word of caution: get yourself a drink and maybe a mint, those things are potent!

Another fun part of this ballpark are the interesting vendors. If you sit on the field level within the boundaries of the infield, a special peanut vendor may come your way. This guy is a slender, older man with a goatee. You wouldn’t think it by looking at him, but he can sling bags of hot peanuts with as much accuracy as Russell Wilson. He can be 20+ feet away from you, if you wave your hand acknowledging your desire to eat peanuts he will throw them to you and hit you right in the chest. The dude has game.

Aside from a few people having a couple drinks too many, it is a very family friendly environment. I have been to Dodger Stadium, Turner Field, AT&T Park, Citizens Bank Park, Angel Stadium, Yankee Stadium and of course Petco Park. Safeco Field is one of the more laid-back ambiance in baseball. That doesn’t mean they don’t love their Mariners. These fans are passionate!

I recommend everyone take a trip to the Emerald City and see the Mariners play a home game here at Safeco Field. Even if you’re in a Padres cap, you’ll still be welcomed.

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