Fans of the Colorado Rockies necessitated a change in the design of Coors Field before it ever opened to the public. Architects (HOK Sport, the standard-bearers in retro ballpark design) originally planned for the stadium to seat 43,800 fans. But as Rockies fans continued to pack the Rockies’ temporary home and make Rockies tickets one of the hottest items in Denver, Mile High Stadium, the team’s ownership stepped in and paid for an increase in Coors Field capacity to 50,200. The capacity later increased even more thanks to the addition of luxury suites-current capacity is 50,445. And although Rockies tickets aren’t the novelty they once were, crowds are still large.
It’s surprising now because of the recent ballpark explosion, but when it opened in 1995 Coors Field was the National League’s first new park built exclusively for baseball since Dodger Stadium in 1962, and the first overall new ballpark in the NL since Montreal’s Olympic Stadium in 1977.
Coors Field’s immediate contribution to major league baseball was a bevy of slugfests. The stadium is located in the thinnest air in the majors, and a row of purple seats on the 20th row of the upper deck signifies exactly one mile above sea level. The Rockies have tried a variety of tactics to neutralize the thin air, including placing baseballs in humidors before the game, but in the decade since Coors Field’s debut, the best solution has been to simply outscore the opposition. Fences are deep, as there’s a section of right-center that is 424 feet from home plate, but the runs still come in bunches.
One of the most unique Coors Field seating quirks is beyond those deep fences. The Rockies wanted to maintain some affordable seats, so they created the Rockpile in the deepest part of center. The seats are approximately 500 feet from home plate, but at only $4 per ticket, they’re some of the cheapest tickets available in the majors. The Rockpile is beyond an area of natural vegetation that somehow seems at home in the Denver environment.
Also at home is the stadium-its red brick façade fits perfectly in the former warehouse district known as “LoDo,” or Lower Downtown. Although Coors Field was one of the first of the retro ballparks, it’s held up even better than some of the newer facilities.
Capacity: 50,445
Year Built: 1995
2004 attendance: 29,595 per game; 2,338,069 total
Dimensions: 347 to left, 390 to left-center, 415 to center, 375 to right-center, 350 to right
Hotels Nearby: Oxford Hotel, Westin Tabor Center, Hotel Monaco, Marriott Courtyard Denver Downtown, Marriott Denver City Center
Thrill of victory: Despite the supposed advantage of playing in thin air, the Colorado Rockies haven’t translated it into much postseason success. No World Series tickets have ever been needed for a game at Coors Field; in fact, they’ve made only one playoff appearance, a 1995 Division Series matchup against the Atlanta Braves that saw the Braves pull off two ninth-inning comebacks in Denver and win the series 3 games to 1.
Agony of defeat: Sept. 17, 1996: They said it couldn’t be done. With the rarefied air of Coors Field, any hurler throwing a no-hitter seemed impossible. Hideo Nomo of the Los Angeles Dodgers proved otherwise on Sept. 17, baffling the Rockies with his unorthodox delivery and cruising through a former Colorado lineup that included Dante Bichette, Andres Galarraga, Ellis Burks, and Vinny Castilla. The only blemish on Nomo’s effort for the evening: he allowed four walks, but still was masterful in a 9-0 victory.
Rockies Ticket Tips: Coors Field seating options are vast. Upper reserved corner seats are reasonably priced and good options for families who want to have easy access to the kids play area (which, in a good bit of design, allows parents to still see the game while their kids are playing). Outfield seats are a bit high due to the luxury suites and press box, but provide a terrific view of the Rocky Mountains, especially the seats on the first base side. At most stadiums, it’s wise to check the opponent to find the best series. At Coors Field, just check the other team’s lineup. Find an opponent stacked with sluggers and get ready to watch the home run balls sail out of Coors Field.
