Coors Field
Denver, CO

  Opening in 1995, Coors Field became the first baseball only park built in the National League since Dodger Stadium in 1962. Prior to the announcement of an expansion team in 1991, Denver had already began planning for a new ballpark. The team, called the Colorado Rockies played at Mile High Stadium during the 1993 and 1994 seasons, while their new ballpark,  Coors Field was being constructed in downtown Denver. Originally the team had planned to build a 43,000 seat stadium. However,

with record crowds at Mile High Stadium, the Rockies decided to increase the capacity of the stadium to 50,000 before Coors Field opened. Following Camden Yards and other ballparks, Coors Field was constructed with brick and steel. The first game played at Coors Field was on April 26, 1995 was between the Rockies and the New York Mets.

With its hand laid brick and clock tower, fans might think that they were entering a modern day Ebbets Field. Coors Field combines the nostalgic feel of a 1920's urban ballpark with 21st century technology and conveniences. To prevent the ballpark from being imposing, the field is located 21 feet below street level. Its old fashioned brick facade allows the ballpark to blend into downtown Denver. One of Coors Field signature features is the clock, located at 20th and Blake Street. This is a spot for fans to meet prior to the game. Inside, the main three tier grandstand extends from the left field foul pole to homeplate, to the right field foul pole, and around into right-center field. Marking one mile above sea level is a row of purple seats that wrap around the entire upper deck of Coors Field.  The "Rockpile," a 2,300 seat bleacher section, is located behind the centerfield backdrop. The main scoreboard is located beyond the left field bleachers, while a 14 foot high out of town scoreboard makes up part of the right field wall. The bullpens are found behind the right field fence; along with a tree/rock covered mountain scene that contains water fountains. The Rockies relievers even plant a small garden near their bullpen. Coors Field has a immense amount of amenities which include; over 4,400 club seats; the Roundeus at the Sandlot Brewery, Coors Fields' microbrewery located at the right field entrance; Diamond Dry Good gift shop, the Rockies merchandise store; and the Mountain Ranch Club which features fine dining on six tiers located down the right field line. Many fans would agree that Coors Field is one of baseball's pristine ballparks. At an elevation of 5,200 feet, Coors Field instantly became a hitters paradise. The thin air increases runs and homeruns by 50 percent. With its dramatic views of the Rocky Mountains, Coors Field has become one of the most popular ballparks in baseball. Fans attending Rockies games in 2005 will see several improvements. They include a new main video/scoreboard and a brick facing replaces the green padding facing previously behind homeplate.