Clik here to view.
Tap the Rockies...Coors Field (Photo by Zach Cohn)
I attended the ball game Friday night at Coors field for my fiance’s birthday. Sixteen of us rolled deep to Lower Downtown to celebrate.
The Rockies lost 4-1. Chris Nelson made two bonehead errors on one play, Cargo got ejected, Tulo didn’t play and the Rockies never got the sticks going. Just another day at the office in the disappointing 2011 campaign.
Despite all of this, the entire evening was an outstanding time.
That’s the thing about Coors field. Even if the product on the field is less than desirable, it’s still a fantastic venue for a ball game. As long as you have good company, good food, and good drink, a good time is guaranteed.
Denver is a great city to go catch a game, and Coors Field is a quality establishment. Here are a few reasons why:
Accessibility
Coors Field is conveniently located right in the heart of lower downtown Denver, an easy bike ride for anyone who lives close. I live by a light rail station, so we took good old public transportation to the game. Light rail is quick and convenient, and takes you all the way to Union station. After a ten minute walk we arrived at 20th and Blake. Easy as pie. For those traveling by car, Coors Field is two minutes away from the main interstate which runs through town. For those who prefer helicopters, I believe there is a helipad in the left field concourse, but don’t quote me on that one.
Affordability
Although beer prices might be laughable inside the stadium, ticket prices are quite reasonable. We all sat in section 110 in right field for 14 bucks a pop. Near the right field pole, 12 rows up. You can’t beat that. Rockpile seats are four dollars each on game days. That literally is peanuts. (Peanuts are $3.50 inside of Coors Field.) There are price ranges for all pay grades. You can break the bank for baller front row seats, or get pampered in the Mountain Ranch club, but if you are just trying to get in the building, Coors Field is quite affordable.
Bar Scene
There are all kinds of local watering holes that surround Coors Field, adding to the overall atmosphere of Lower Downtown. Pick a bar, any bar. Drink specials galore. Roof-top decks. Big screen HD TV’s. Even if you don’t have a seat at the game, you can reserve a seat at a crowded bar, and still feel like your part of the action.
Sunsets
Sunsets over the Rocky Mountains in Colorado are a staple of the state’s beauty. With the architectural set-up of Coors Field, the stadium has a way of framing this beauty. The stadium opens up to the west. Some of the best sunsets I have ever seen are from a perch in Coors Field, peering over the Rockies. (I’m talking about the actual mountain range, not the players.)
This and That
There are all sorts of amenities that add to the experience at Coors. The Rockies Dog is delicious, with or without the generous helping of peppers and onions. Guessing the attendance is always fun. Guessing how fast the pitches are clocked is even more fun. The 7th inning stretch is a good pick me-up, and the “Be my Girl” song that always plays after “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” seems to invigorate the crowd, regardless of the score. The prospect of catching a foul ball or a home run gets the blood flowing when balls fly into your general vicinity. Watching Troy Tulowitzki is always worth the price of admission.
Bottom line, Coors Field is awesome. The Rockies’ season, not so awesome. But it’s still fun to go a game. That’s why our solid fan base keeps filling the seats, and that’s how the Monforts are able to pay Tulo’s contract until 2020.
By Zach Cohn