Mariners enhance fan experience at Safeco Field

SEATTLE — With opening day just around the corner, a more fan-friendly Safeco Field is almost ready for its 2013 debut as well.

The new fence is up, creating hitter-friendly(ish) dimensions that should mean more offense, which is a nice change of pace for fans who have seen far too many 2-1 ballgames in recent years.

Construction workers are putting the final touches on Edgar’s Cantina, the new spot in left field that will offer food and drinks close to the action (seriously, pay attention out there. And bring a glove).

The most noticeable difference, of course, will be the ridiculously large HD video display in centerfield that has replaced the old scoreboard.

Of course, the Mariners know all too well that none of these changes, the total bill for which came to about $15 million, will mean much to fans if the on-field product isn’t also improved. But a demonstration of the new MarinersVision display, as well as a brief walk around the stadium made it pretty clear that the game-day experience at Safeco Field will be a bit better this year.

In addition to the new scoreboard, which at 11,425 square feet is pretty spectacular, the Mariners have created another “beer garden” are for fans to hang out in left field above the new Edgar’s Cantina (though they won’t call it a beer garden). Even better, the center-field area known as “The Pen” or as fans informally know it, the original beer garden, has increased in size thanks to the center-field walls moving in.

And from out there in center field, from that place where so many young people drink beer while sort of watching baseball, the view looking up and to the left at that new scoreboard will be quite impressive. Imagine the biggest, high-defiest TV that any of your friends owns, then blow it up about a million times and that’s what this new scoreboard looks like. (Note: that math may be a bit off. And yes, I know high-defiest is not a real word.)

The stat geeks will be happy to know that players’ on-base plus slugging percentage will be displayed this year along with the more traditional stats. But again, if those OPS numbers for the home team aren’t improved, Safeco’s shiny new toy won’t mean a lot to fans.

Even so, this was a needed upgrade for the Mariners. When Safeco Field opened in 1999, it was one of baseball’s best stadiums, and in a lot of ways it still is, but the old scoreboard was showing its age.

According to Mariners marketing wizard Kevin Martinez (OK, his actual title isn’t marketing wizard. At least I don’t think it is), the No. 1 fan request was for an upgraded scoreboard. And yes, a cynic — OK, me — could quickly point out that fans might like something else even more than a new scoreboard, namely, a winning team.

However, that big new scoreboard will provide a not-so-subtle upgrade to the stadium experience. And as a quick aside, if any gentlemen are going to end up on said gigantic screen, just a heads up, a few days of stubble really doesn’t look great on a 4,147,200-pixel screen. Not that I’m speaking from personal experience or anything.

Now if that power-hitting team that has gone 21-11 this spring can show up for the regular season, then Mariners fans will have something much better to look forward to than an impressive new scoreboard.

Herald columnist John Boyle: jboyle@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.