Our Trip to Coors Field on Independence Day

Greetings Rockies fans!

A few weeks ago I posted here asking for suggestions and tips on a great Coors field experience. You guys gave us some great intel and I wanted to report back on how our trip went.

We attended the game on July 4th, against the Giants. It was a gloriously sunny day, and the energy from everyone was good as it was a holiday. We drove in on the freeway that passes Invesco, and that was really cool to see from the freeway. Getting to the ballpark from the freeway was surprisingly easy which relieved us. After a week of driving, we really didn't want to get lost in Denver, you know?

We ended up parking right across from the home plate entrance, so we entered there. I LOVE the big COORS FIELD sign out front, great photo op! It was just a visually impressive, big brick exterior that looked beautiful and classic.

One of my most pleasant surprises (Which may seem small, but is one of my pet peeves) is that at the gate, they did not care where our seats were, so we didn't have to trek halfway around the ballpark to get in. Honestly, why everyone does not follow suit is beyond me. THANK YOU Colorado Rockies for making sense. I figure they stand to make more money anyway, because if you walk in and half to walk halfway around the stadium, you are more likely to stop and buy something. (We did, too. Stopped in the Team Store and dropped 30 bucks on souvenirs)

From the very beginning, my wife and I noticed how extraordinarily nice everyone was. The ushers, gate staff, vendors, and people who we probably blocked from walking when we would stop and take random pictures. People were genuinely nice. We got there an hour early to really take in the whole park. We started by walking down to home plate and getting some pictures from that vantage point. An usher took our pitcher, and then told us we weren't supposed to be down there. I just appreciated he let us get a picture first. Then we walked up to the upper deck. We did not see an escalator (we didn't really look either) and we saw lots of stairs, so we figured Coloradonians must just be health nuts who take the stairs. So we hoofed it all the way to the top. We had been staying at 8,500 feet elevation for the previous 4 days, and had gone to Pikes Peak the day before, (14,110 ft) so we were probably not as weak lunged as we would have been had we just flown in from Minnesota. (Elevation 1,100) Well, we had to take two breaks going up. My LORD that was a lot of stairs. We got to the upper deck behind home plate and talked to a very sweet and friendly usher named Betty who literally chatted us up for about 20 minutes. She was like our own personal tour guide. Gave us a book of info, told us about the Mountains, and sincerely apologized for the fact that the clouds were low that day and we couldn't see the mountains. (We told her not to worry, that we had seen lots over the last few days, but she still seemed sad about it:)

We then made the final hike up top the Purple Row. Very glad for that tip from you guys, we got some great pics from there, and took some of the actual seats. The stadium is amazing take in and really absorb. Very different, too. I really like the overall design. The extension of the right field line/seats that cut into right field is very unique, and even though they were good seats up there, the place seemed HUGE. The center field screen and rock gardens were great too. The whole concept was wonderful. I had not heard a great deal about Coors except what I had researched or seen on TV. For some reason I went in to this with lower expectations. Not sure why. But this park totally blew them out of the water.

We then walked around the lower concourse and took our time checking out views from the outfield. Saw FSN taping their live show, and spent some time above the bullpens. LOVE the bullpens. I'm sure the opposing relief pitchers are not as big a fan as I was though. I imagine a lot of heckling goes on over there. We really enjoyed the outfield. It was so much fun to walk around out there. Seems like a great place to watch a few innings, and hang out. Noticed the Gluten-Free food stand, which was cool to see. I don't eat Gluten Free but know some who have to due to health issues, and think its fantastic this was offered.

Prior top the game the Military brought up a big flag and fighter jets flew over. It was outstanding, and everyone was really into it. Great general feeling of appreciation and gratitude. I know CO has a lot of Military facilities, so this was a special treat.

We sat and watched the first 4 innings. Both people on either side of us were great and were very chatty. They offered us sunscreen as the heat and sun was brutal that day. Also filled us in on the pertinent questions of the day. (Where is Troy Tulowisky? Where is Todd Helton? Don't you wish you had a DH...?? Stuff like that:)

Then we went and got some offerings...Wifey got the Spicy Pickle box based on a suggestion here. She LOVED it. I got half the cookie. I got a hot dog because I'm doing a taste test for all the parks. (On this trip, Busch got best, Rocky hot dog was 2nd, Kaufman dog was 32nd) We also got a bag of Kettle corn, because it is good, and also because it is nice to have in the car for a road trip.

Watched the game until the middle of the 7th and then had to jet out of there for travel time reasons, but really wanted to stay for about 3 more games.

Overall a fantastic experience. Loved everything about the place and have been talking it up since returning home. You guys have a great ballpark and great fans, you should be very proud. Stop by TwinkieTown if you ever come to see Target Field, we'd love to have you. Good luck this year, and thanks for your hospitality!