Field: Coors Field
Official Site: https://www.mlb.com/rockies/ballpark
Year Completed: 1995
Capacity: 50,398
Covered: No – Rain Policy/Rain Delays
Mascot: Dinger (a purple dinosaur)
The Game We’ll See: Friday, September 1: Toronto Blue Jays vs. Colorado Rockies (see all 30 here!)
Parking & Transportation:
For fans who purchase in advance, parking for Rockies games at Coors Field costs $18, Monday through Thursday, and $23, Friday through Sunday. You may be able to purchase parking at the lot on the day of the game. If there is space, you will need to pay by credit card. Lots open 2.5 hours before the game time. Tailgating is not permitted.
Oversized vehicle: According to DenverField.net, Lots A and B accept RVs and buses. While the article suggests that parking may be purchased in advance, I did not see an option to reserve parking for an oversized vehicle online. If you are planning to park an oversized vehicle, I would call the Coors Field parking lot manager, SP+, at 303-312-2040.
The RTD does service Denver’s lower downtown/Ballpark Neighborhood with both light rail and bus routes. Find out more information about fares, routes, and schedules here.
Stadium Tours:
Coors Field offers tours Monday through Saturday. They do not offer tours on days with afternoon games. Tickets range from $15 to $17 and advanced purchase is highly recommended.
General Information:
Bags: Coors Field does not allow backpacks or other multi-pocket bags or purses. Only soft-sided, single-pocket bags no larger than 16” x 16” x 8” are permitted. The only exceptions are for medical bags and diaper bags. Claim checks are available at all five entry gates. However, any hard-sided container or cooler, and any bag larger than 16” x 16” x 8”, may only be claim checked outside Gate E.
Food & Beverages: Fans may bring single servings of food, factory-sealed plastic bottles with non-alcoholic beverages, and/or empty plastic or metal cups or mugs.
Cashless transactions: All transactions are cashless.
Signs: Signs are permitted if they are baseball-related, don’t block views, interfere with the game, contain advertising, or contain offensive materials.
Foul Balls: Fans may keep foul balls, as long as they don’t interfere with play or enter the playing area to retrieve them.
Gates: Gates A and E open two hours prior to first pitch. Fans who come to watch the batting practice must remain in the outfield Pavilion area until the remaining gates open. Gates B, C, and D open 90 minutes prior to the game.
Cameras: Coors Field permits hand-held video cameras and single-frame photography for personal use. However, they don’t allow monopods and tripods.
Umbrellas: Small, compact umbrellas are permitted when inclement weather is forecast.
Where to Sit:
For shade, sit on the third base line. Remember that you will get sunburned more quickly at higher altitude, so shade is an asset here!
If you aren’t on a tight budget, look for Infield Box seats in Section 131, 132, 120, 140, or 141. On a rainy night, look for seats in Rows 29 to 33.
The best value seats are the Club Level, Infield seats in Sections 221 to 227, and 234 to 241. Try for the first six rows. These seats are relatively close to the action and have access to air-conditioned vendors and shorter lines.
If you’re on a limited budget, consider lower reserved infield seats in sections 335 to 340, or the Rockpile, in Sections 401 to 403. The Rockpile is a long way from the action, but it’s a rather iconic place to be, and your ticket will be less than $10.
Avoid the Upper Deck and the Outfield, since this is a very large stadium.
Food:
- Almost every review of food at Coors Field recommended Rocky Mountain Oysters. In case you’re unfamiliar with this delicacy, they aren’t seafood. They’re bull testicles. In this case, they’re battered and deep fried, and served with fries in Section 144.
- For a mouth-watering burger, visit Helton Burger Shack near section 153. The Helton Burger was named after Todd Helton, and it is best when pared with onion rings and a hand-whipped milkshake. Ballpark Savvy recommends The Elvis Shake.
- Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs, located behind Section 201, features a variety of creative hot dogs, from wild boar to elk.
- Ballpark Chasers on Facebook recommended the Sandlot brewery connected to the stadium and the Mountain Ranch Bar and Grill inside the stadium, in right field.
First Time Visitors:
The MLB site for the Colorado Rockies has a downloadable PDF first game certificate, but they don’t appear to do anything at the stadium itself.
Autographs:
Fans can seek autographs from players along the railing between Sections 116 and 121 and Sections 142 to 146 up until 40 minutes prior to game time or the end of batting practice, whichever comes first.
Other Stadium Tips & Highlights:
Designated Drivers can register at one of the two booths, located in Sections 127 and 144. They will receive a free non-alcoholic beverage during the game.
Many Ballpark Chasers on Facebook reminded fans visiting Coors Field to stay hydrated, as altitude and alcohol do not mix well unless you are acclimated to the elevation.
Visit Coors Field’s Interactive Area, behind the bullpens on the Main Concourse at Gate A, to test your baseball skills. Fans may purchase game tickets at the kiosk to participate in a Home Run Challenge, a Speed Pitch, and, for the youngest fans, Tee Ball. Participants in the Speed Pitch competition could win a prize for their skills!
The water feature in the outfield includes native Colorado Spruce, Bristlecone Pine, Con Coloro Fire, Limber Pine, Gamble Oak and Curl Leaf Mahogany trees. There are seven fountains that shoot water almost 40 feet in the air, and three 10-foot waterfalls nestled among Navajo ruby sandstone and granite marble river boulders.
The Rotary Club of Denver donated The Player, a 9 foot sculpture of a baseball player representing the enchantment of the game and the honor of the sport.
The seats in the upper deck are all green except a single row of purple (Row 20). These seats mark the spot that is exactly 5,280 feet (1 mile) above sea level.
The Colorado Rockies have three retired numbers:
- 17 – Todd Helton
- 33 – Larry Walker
- 42 – Jackie Robinson (retired by the MLB)
Across the street from Coors Field, be sure to visit the National Ballpark Museum. It is the only museum dedicated to ballparks.
