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COORS FIELD
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DENVER, CO
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Opening in 1995, Coors
Field became the first baseball only park built in the National
League since Dodger Stadium in 1962. For years the City of Denver
was the home of two professional sports franchises, the Denver
Broncos (NFL) and Denver Nuggets (NBA). By the 1980s the city had
grown considerably and wanted a Major League Baseball franchise. In
August 1985 the National League was permitted to expand by two
franchises. Interested cities had to have plans to construct a MLB
stadium before they would be considered for expansion. Cities vying
for a franchise other than Denver included Buffalo, Miami, Orlando,
Tampa and Washington DC. By 1989 the Denver Metropolitan Major
League Baseball Stadium District was formed by the state to get a
ballpark constructed. In August 1990 voters in a six county area
approved a one percent sales tax for funding. This came before the
city was awarded a franchise, but showed MLB that the city was
willing to build a ballpark. In June 1991 MLB awarded Denver and
Miami franchises. A site at 20th and Blake Streets was chosen and
construction on the ballpark began October 16, 1992. Named
the Colorado Rockies, the team played at
Mile High Stadium during the 1993 and 1994 seasons
while their new ballpark, Coors Field was constructed in downtown
Denver. Original plans called for the ballpark to have a seating
capacity of 43,000. However after the team attracted three million
fans during their first season they announced in November 1993 that
they would enlarge Coors Field to seat 50,000 fans. 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 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 1920s urban ballpark with 21st
century technology and conveniences. To prevent the ballpark from
being imposing on nearby neighborhood buildings, 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 location 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 extend around the
entire upper deck of Coors Field. The "Rockpile," a 2,300 seat
bleacher section is located behind the centerfield backdrop and offers a
unique view of the playing field. The main HD video/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 that includes 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 that
features fine dining on six tiers located down the right field line.
Many fans 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 upon opening. The thin air increases runs and homeruns
by 50 percent. With its dramatic views of the Rocky Mountains, Coors
Field ranks as one of the most picturest ballparks in baseball.
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FACTS & FIGURES
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-Tenant:
Colorado Rockies
-Capacity:
50,445
-Surface:
Grass
-Cost:
$215 Million
-Opened:
April 26, 1995
-Dimensions:
347-L, 390-LC, 415-C, 375-RC, 350-R
-Architect:
HOK
-Owner: Denver Metropolitan Baseball Stadium District
-Former Name(s): None |
-Naming Rights: Coors Brewing Company
until 2018 -Public Financing: 75%: 1/10 of 1% sales tax increase
-Private Financing: 25%: Rockies contributed $53 million
-Coors Field Seating Chart
-Home Dugout: First Base
-Coors
Field Ground Rules
-Directions & Parking
-Fan Experiences |
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CURRENT WEATHER AT
COORS FIELD
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MAP & DIRECTIONS TO
COORS FIELD
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Address:
2001 Blake Street, Denver, Colorado 80205-2008
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MEMORABLE MOMENTS
AT COORS FIELD
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World
Series: 2007
All Star Game: 1997
Dodgers
Hideo Nomo pitches no-hitter on September 17, 1996.
Gold Glove
Award Winners: Larry Walker, Neifi Perez, Todd Helton, Carlos
Gonzalez & Troy Tulowitzki.
1997 NL
MVP Larry Walker.
Team
record 92 wins in 2009.
Silver
Slugger Award winners Carlos Gonzalez & Troy Tulowitzki in 2010.
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