Take Me Out to the Ballgame

by Janna Lopez | September 1, 2012 | 0 Comments

Ball Parks Living in Portland offers many advantages; beauty, livability, food carts, cool people. One thing we do miss, however, is our own major league sports teams. Although it’s great that Portland has the Trail Blazers, some also love to get their sports on with football and baseball in a major league way. For that, we have to drive to Seattle.

If you’re looking to take yourself and your kiddos for a quick major league baseball fix, than Safeco Field and the Mariners are your ticket. Considered one of the most beautiful ballparks in the country, Safeco Field brings together all the nostalgic aesthetics of baseball’s glory days, the modern services of technology, and amenities for an overall fantastic experience. Considered a newer ballpark since opening in 1999, Safeco Field seats 47,116 adoring fans.

It’s obvious by being at a game that the Mariners organization has taken deliberate measures to create a safe, clean, hospitable and family-oriented experience. From the moment you enter Safeco Field, there are tons of helpful staff people around the entire ballpark, waiting to answer questions or provide guidance about restroom locations, seating, or other amenities. You always feel as if you, as a valued guest, are being taken care of.

Also patrolling the concourse areas are alcohol monitors and security staff to ensure a safe, family-friendly environment. In the event you want more than a beer or wine cooler, there are several nice bar areas and restaurants with great views of the game field, so you don’t have to miss any of the action.

You can, of course, partake in the customary beer, hot dog and peanuts if you choose. However, unlike most ballparks, Safeco Field offers a whole lot more than Oscar Meyer and Coors. There is a concessionaire that offers both veggie and gluten-free versions of the hot dog standby (which were both yummy), in addition to other concessions with more gourmet fare, such as Thai, Mexican, bagels, chocolate-dipped fruit skewers, Italian, seafood, crepes and even sushi. The quality and quantity of food is impressive.

Other noteworthy amenities at Safeco include an area within the stadium with direct viewing access to pitchers warming up, as well as a designated play area for children, and the noteworthy, one-of-a-kind retractable stadium roof. The structure covers nine acres and weighs 22 million pounds—and with the push of a button, in 10–20 minutes, can protect the stadium and its contents of players and guests from the elements. In person, the enormity of the structure is awesome.

For baseball diehards interested in the structure of the field, Safeco is state-of-the-art, with a specially designed drainage system and unique blend of four kinds of Kentucky bluegrass and two kinds of perennial rye grass, to provide an optimal playing surface. The turf stays warm and is kept at its peak though a spider web of one-inch plastic hose, which circulates hot water under the grass to bring it out of dormancy and to compensate for low levels of direct sunlight. The way the grass is cut makes it gleam from the stands—a dramatic view during the game.

For a special treat and to make the most of the Mariners’ Safeco Field experience, you can learn more about the amazing attributes of the stadium and even get a rare, first-hand glimpse of the field, dugouts, press box and visitors clubhouse through a unique, year-round daily afternoon tour. The tour last about an hour, is offered for a small fee, and is highly recommended.

Excitement and energy are in major league supply at a Mariners game. The adoration of fans is obvious. With the backdrop of a warm summer breeze, a gorgeous stadium, and the nostalgia of a family-fun-filled evening of baseball, making a trip to Seattle to be part of the excitement is an outing worth including in spring and summer travel plans. Regular season runs from April through the end of September, with playoffs through October.

For schedule and information visit: www.seattle.mariners.mlb.com

STAY

When you travel to Seattle, make sure you stay at the Hyatt at Olive 8. A gorgeous new addition to the skyscape, Hyatt at Olive 8 is a place you can feel good about, as it is the city’s first LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certified “green” hotel. Key elements to being energy-saving and eco-friendly: low-flow plumbing fixtures and a low-chemical mechanical water system that uses less potable water. More than 95 percent of construction debris was diverted from landfill disposal by redirecting materials to be reused and recycled.

Hyatt at Olive 8 continues its dedication to sustainability by offering food options that are good for guests, community and the planet. Hyatt recently announced the “For Kids By Kids” thoughtfully sourced, carefully served, three-course organic meal program for kids. Kid-tested and approved, the “For Kids By Kids” menu offerings are meant to educate kids about where local food comes from and increase the health of Hyatt’s younger guests through nutritional choices.

Aside from being sustainable, Hyatt at Olive 8 is beautiful, centrally located and has fantastic amenities. One of the favorites is a generous 65-foot, non-chlorinated indoor lap pool (with saltwater purification system) that is only 4 feet deep and perfect for younger children to splash around in. For the parents, there’s also Elaia spa which has a full state-of-the-art gym and offers daily yoga and pilates classes. Hypo-allergenic guest rooms are well-appointed, artfully decorated and spacious. Your family will sleep well after a great night out at a Mariners game.

www.olive8.hyatt.com