Inside Coors Field

When discussing the beauty of ballparks, there are many different perspectives to consider. Some have spectacular city skylines, some feature views of water, one has a warehouse, another has an arch, and several boast retractable roofs. But only one has mountains, and a vista like this just can’t be replicated anywhere else in baseball.

Here's the twist: to experience the most breathtaking view, you should try to grab a seat in the upper deck in right field. While the view from behind home plate is certainly gorgeous, the panorama of the Rocky Mountains from right field rivals PNC Park or Oracle Park as the best backdrop in baseball. The best time to take in this view is around sunset, preferably from the Purple Row. 

The Purple Row? This distinctive feature spans the twentieth row of the upper deck across the entire stadium. It sits exactly 5,280 feet above sea level—precisely one mile high in the Mile High City. A thoughtful touch by the Rockies organization.

Best Places to Experience the Park

If you're looking to blend baseball with socializing, The Rooftop is one of the premier spots in all of baseball. Located high above right field in the top deck, it features a huge bar, cabanas, numerous TVs, and excellent pregame entertainment. And yes, you can still see those magnificent mountains in the distance.

The Rockpile section is another unique feature. Located straightaway in centerfield, these are the most affordable seats in the ballpark. Shaped roughly like a half-circle, the Rockpile section sits just above an actual rockpile—a hidden gem of Coors Field. This area includes a water feature in the middle and trees throughout, situated next to the visiting team's bullpen.

As you enter the ballpark from the corner of Blake and 20th Streets, look up at the small ceiling to spot headshots of that night's starting lineup for the Rockies—another nice touch!

The food and beer selections are abundant as you explore the concourse, including the famous (or infamous) Rocky Mountain Oysters (bull testicles). I once brought them into the broadcast booth on live TV to serve to my former broadcast partner, John Wehner, who would eat anything you put in front of him—though he was unaware of what these particular delicacies actually were. Hilarity ensued.

The jumbotron, shaped like a mountain (yes, another thoughtful detail), is enormous, and it delivers excellent video production and resolution.

While the team has faced challenges in recent years, the Rockies have featured their share of stars. Todd Helton and Larry Walker are both in Cooperstown, and Nolan Arenado—one of the greatest defensive third basemen ever—might just join them one day. And yes, Matt Holliday was safe!

One of my favorite memories from visits to Denver was hearing fan-favorite Charlie Blackmon step to the plate as his walkup song (“Your Love” by The Outfield) blasted through the speakers, with the entire crowd yelling "TONIIIGHT" in unison—a moment that stays with you.

If you can't tell by now... Coors Field is truly one of the best experiences the great game of baseball has to offer. Get there as soon as you can!

The Bat Rack in the visiting dugout -- Placed in its own special, designated area, separated from the rest of the dugout by the stairwell. Very few ballparks feature this unique setup.

The Rockpile -- Adorned with trees, rocks, and a spectacular water feature, this area sits beyond centerfield, adjacent to the visiting bullpen and below the Rockpile seating section, known for having the most affordable tickets in the stadium.

Ball from the 1998 All-Star Game -- Hosted at Coors Field, this game featured eleven Hall of Fame players in the starting lineups (plus three others who could join them in Cooperstown), with another four coming off the bench.

Base jewel from the 2007 World Series -- Won by the Boston Red Sox in a four-game sweep, 2007 marks the only year the Rockies have won the NL pennant in franchise history.

The Starting Nine, in photos -- As you enter Coors Field from the corner of Blake and 20th Streets, you're greeted by headshots of that night's Rockies lineup.

Blake Street Bombers pic -- An image of the Blake Street Bombers adorns one of the suite concourses. Larry Walker, Andres Galarraga, Ellis Burks, Vinny Castilla, and Dante Bichette led the Rockies to their first-ever playoff appearance in 1995, which coincided with Coors Field's opening season.

Catcher's Equipment Rack -- A unique feature not commonly seen around MLB—a catcher's equipment tree drilled into the wall just inside the visiting dugout. It's positioned along the wall to the left as catchers make their way down two flights of stairs from the clubhouse to the dugout. (Shown are the gear for former big leaguers Chris Stewart, an exceptional person, and Francisco Cervelli, one of the most personable and respectful people in baseball.)

Base Jewel -- Distinctive base jewels with the old scoreboard visible in the distance. The scoreboard received an upgrade before the 2018 season.

Hall of Stars -- These decorated walls line the path to the Rockies clubhouse. Larry Walker's 1997 star is among the many tributes to all-time great Rockies players.

Keli McGregor tribute -- Keli McGregor is memorialized in the hallways near the Rockies clubhouse. A former NFL player in 1985, McGregor later became president of the Rockies. He passed away in 2010 at age 47, leaving behind his wife Lori and four children, including daughter Taylor, who became a Rockies TV reporter and is one of my favorite colleagues in the business.

On The Way To Work -- The hallway traversed by visiting players, coaches, and staff as they come and go each day.

THIS IS OUR BIG SCENIC -- Simply one of the most stunning views in all of baseball. Captured from the upper deck in right field, this shot showcases both the beauty of the field and the old scoreboard (replaced after the 2017 season), with the majestic Rocky Mountains visible in the distance.

Shots from The Rooftop -- Possibly the best social space in all of baseball, The Rooftop offers an unmatched atmosphere. With lounge areas, cabanas, a stylish bar, and spectacular views of the mountains, the ballgame, and downtown Denver, it provides a complete experience.

The 20th and Blake Street Entrance -- Grab a drink before the game and walk right across the street into one of baseball's most beautiful parks.

The Purple Row -- Exactly 5,280 feet above sea level, the 20th row of the upper deck is colored purple and spans the entire ballpark—truly a mile high in the Mile High City.