Safeco Field played its inaugural game July 15, 1999, against the San Diego Padres. The stadium was created to replace the aging Kingdome, built 1976. Placed in the heart of Seattle, a perfectly placed fan can see into the \Pacific and Elliot Bay as well as the Seattle skyline, topped with the famous space needle. Mt. Rainer, the Olympic Mountains, and Capital Hill are also some view that can be seen from the towering ball park.

Safeco Field originally broke ground in March 8, 1997. After a year, budgeting became a problem, eventually putting work to a stand still. However, more funding was provided and they continued on schedule. After the entire stadium was built, the budget ran to $517 million dollars, which is the most expensive ballpark in the history of the game.

The ballparks accommodations are also top of the line. The "Art in the Park" section of Safeco Field is the home to $1.37 million dollars worth or sculptures and paintings. The younger children during the game can also visit the playfield, an interactive section of the stadium placed in center field created for total enjoyment. The mariner moose even hangs up his cleats there during the game. If your looking to see the stadium but the Ms are out of town, you can still view the stadium by one of its well informed tours. Safeco Field is truly one of the great ball parks in the game today, if you are interested in ticket information call (206) 622-HITS or visit the ticketmaster website.

The Safco field roof serves more as a canopy than a roof. It was built to cover the field from rain, however leaves the sides open so wind can still affect the game play. Its versatility helps maintain the grass field, despite the roof often being closed.(Hey, it's Seattle)The roof is made up of 3 sections and can close in 20 minutes. The 8.7 acres roof hovers over the parking lots when its open, directly behind the right field seats. The roof of Safeco Field definitely helps identify it among the best ball parks in America.

The dimensions of the park despite popular belief have been a bit of a controversy in Seattle. Ken Griffey Jr., the mariners big time star and franchise player if a lefty and likes to pull the ball. In the Kingdome the right field wall was only 319' away. The right field power alley(where Griffey likes it) is 386' away. Griffey, whose on pace to be the all-time home run king disliked this aspect of the stadium, and is one reason of his demanded trade. Also, the stadium is located close to Elliot harbor, and the heavy sea air can shorten a few of those shots by Griffey, but that's another story.

Other aspects in Safeco Field is what makes it such a great stadium. It is one of few ball parks where you can find a bar next to the bullpen. While watching the game live, you may not have the best seats. But no need to worry, you cant miss the up-to-the-minutes stats and live action on the 56' by 190' scoreboard. And if you are impulsive one day and through caution to the wind, you can afford a 16 person luxury suite. The suites are accommodated with full catering and bleachers to keep the ballpark genre alive.

---