Fansided

Seattle: Classy Fans, Classy Ballpark

By Nick Lee |
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Game Atmosphere

As I just moved 50 miles from Seattle, I had the privilege of attending both San Diego Padres games at Safeco Field this week.

I donned my navy blue and orange Tony Gwynn jersey – if we have to bring back any uniform, my vote is the 90’s navy and orange unis – with our modern era on-field cap on.

The second I stepped into the ballpark, people were talking to me. They were very nice, complementing the man whose name I had on my back – I mean, come on, if you don’t like Tony Gwynn or think badly of him, you should see if you have a reflection in the mirror, because you might not have a soul. A lot of fans came up to me and told me, although they oppose the team I represent, they couldn’t hate on the player I chose to represent.

I was also surprised to see about 50-60 Padres fans walking around. We found each other and pumped fists and passed with a “Go Padres!”. I even met a guy from Oceanside who passed by me numerous times.

Safeco Field is one of the most beautiful ballparks around. It is just a notch below Petco Park, AT&T in San Francisco, and PNC Park in Pittsburgh in my opinion. The roof was closed as a cold front was present during the week, bringing on and off rain.

Despite the San Diego Padres receiving a beat-down on Tuesday night, I didn’t hear any trash talking or have it rubbed in my face. Everyone was just having fun watching home runs fly out of the ballpark like it was the Home Run Derby. I just shrugged my shoulders, acknowledging it was not the Padres’ night.

I also didn’t hear any bitterness as the Padres silenced the Seattle Mariners Wednesday night. It was mostly good fun and lots of sportsmanship.

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Fan Experience

The one thing Safeco Field is miles ahead of Petco Park in, is the food. There are so many different selections. From bacon-wrapped hot dogs, carnitas tacos and a bowl of Thai food or sushi, to a whiskey burger and their famous garlic fries. Going during the week was nice because due to the attendance being south of 20,000, there were hardly any lines.

I chose the bacon-wrapped hot dog with garlic fries and a mountain dew. If you ever find yourself wandering up the I-5 to Seattle and come to Safeco, get the garlic fries. Almost every ballpark has them and I have had them in numerous ballparks, but Safeco takes the cake. Word of caution: get yourself a drink and maybe a mint, those things are potent!

Another fun part of this ballpark are the interesting vendors. If you sit on the field level within the boundaries of the infield, a special peanut vendor may come your way. This guy is a slender, older man with a goatee. You wouldn’t think it by looking at him, but he can sling bags of hot peanuts with more accuracy than Russell Wilson. He can be 20+ feet away from you, if you wave your hand acknowledging your desire to eat peanuts he will throw them to you and hit you right in the chest. The dude has game.

Aside from some people having a few drinks too many, it is a very family friendly environment. I have been to Dodger Stadium, Turner Field, AT&T Park, Citizens Bank Park, Angel Stadium, Yankee Stadium and of course Petco Park. Safeco Field is one of the more laid-back ambiance in baseball.

I recommend everyone take a trip to the Emerald City and see the Mariners play a home game here at Safeco Field. Even if you’re in a Padres cap, you’ll still be welcomed.

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