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Safeco Field
Home of the Seattle Mariners
Groundbreaking was held in March 1997 and, just two years later, SAFECO Field celebrated it's inaugural game in July 1999 with a crowd of 47,000 fans. Under the architectural guidance of NBBJ and the construction of Hunt-Kiewit, this new facility welcomed Ken Griffey Jr., along with 30,000 fans for the ground breaking ceremony. To this day, SAFECO Field offers a spectacular view of the downtown Seattle skyline and beautiful sunsets. Of course, there's also the terrific view of the baseball game being played in 1,172,127 square foot facility, which is comprised of over 19 acres. Naming rights were purchased in 1998, for a whopping $40 million, by Seattle-based Safeco Corporation. Fittingly titled after it's rights were purchased, SAFECO Field was officially named.
With a seating capacity of more than 47,000 fans, some spectators would still rather watch the game from standing areas, which are located at various places throughout the ballpark. The patio of the Bullpen Market has become a tradition for fans who wish to gather before and during games. Fans enjoy the fact that they can circle the ballpark while on the main concourse and still watch the game.
The Seattle Mariners are home here at SAFECO Field with a large number of modern amenities and conveniences for the players. The ballpark's unique retractable roof is designed to cover, but not completely enclose the facility which provides for an open-air environment. The roof covers almost 9 acres, weighs 22 million pounds and is comprised of enough steel to construct a skyscraper that would stand 55 stories tall. The roof can be opened or closed in 15 minutes, is self-grounded and is designed to withstand up to 84 inches of snow and 70mph winds.
SAFECO Field's scoreboard system is one of the most thorough in Major League Baseball, including 11 electronic displays along with a vintage hand-operated scoreboard located in left field. SAFECO Field's playing surface features a specially designed drainage system and a customized combination of Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass. This unique combination is said to provide one of the best playing surfaces available to athletes.
Among the fan attractions as SAFECO Field are The Bullpen Market, Fan Walk personalized bricks, food and beverage vendors, excellent views at Lookout Landing, a picnic patio area, a play area for children featuring baseball-themed playground equipment, a charitable wishing well, Mariners official team store and an amazing display of artwork by 11 different artists.
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