Improving Safeco
Derek wrote the other day about improvements he’d like to see to the pregame show so, in that same vein, here are a few improvements I’d like to see made at Safeco Field…
Go green
Several teams have recently started to make their stadiums more environmentally friendly but, surprisingly, the M’s aren’t one of them. I know they do a great job at recycling but that’s not enough. The Pirates recently launched a great program that includes an emphasis on recycling, printing team materials with soy-based ink, converting their cooking oil into bio diesel, installing motion sensors for lights in the offices, eliminating all Styrofoam, and making all U.S.-based scouts drive Chevy fuel flex vehicles. The Red Sox and Giants recently installed (or plan to install) solar panels, the Mets new park is being built with recycled concrete and steel and the A’s have converted to corn-based beer cups that can be composted. Even minor league teams are going green. Baseball America reported last year that the Lake Elsinore Storm would conserve a million gallons of water every year by simply installing flushless urinals.Â
Allow noisemakers
Currently “noisemakers†are banned at The Safe — no thunder sticks, no cowbells and the Tuba Man has to stay outside. Here’s what the M’s site says on the issue:
For the comfort and enjoyment of our guests, noisemakers of any type (e.g., air horns, cow bells, etc.) are prohibited.
Now, they’re certainly not alone in that stance. I looked at every team’s stadium guidelines (except the Mets who took Shea’s down already) and here are the other teams that also prohibit all noise makers: Braves, Brewers, Diamondbacks, Dodgers, Marlins, Nationals, Padres, Red Sox, Rockies, Tigers, White Sox and Yankees. The Indians, who have a season ticket holder that brings a drum to every game, ban “plastic bazooka horns, air horns, bugles, cow bells or any other type of noisemaker that is deemed offensive or dangerous to fans.†Dangerous? Is a shotgun considered a noisemaker?
Some teams have limited restrictions, such as the Angels (team-issued noisemakers only), Blue Jays (no pressurized air horns), Giants (no air-powered noisemakers) and the Royals (no bullhorns or air horns).
That leaves the Astros, Athletics, Cardinals, Cubs, Orioles, Phillies, Pirates, Rangers and Rays with no restrictions.
So, depending on the Mets, it’s almost 50-50. But, to me, banning noisemakers at a ballgame is just crazy. It’s not as offensive as banning books from schools, but there’s a parallel level of counterproductivity.
Bring back fireworks
I’m not even a big fan of fireworks—I never go out on the Fourth and I never stay after minor league games when they have fireworks nights—but there’s something fun about a few loud, colorful bursts after one of the players jacks a three-run shot. A lot of the things the Mariners do just don’t make sense, but I’ve never understood why they shot off fireworks in a dome but not an open-air stadium.
More local food options
I know there’s already Dixie’s BBQ, Ivar’s and Kidd Valley—all solid choices. But how great would it be if they had Matt’s Famous Chili Dogs, a Daily Dozen donut stand and replaced Kidd Valley with Dick’s. Hey, a (fat) guy can dream, right?
Allow season ticket holders in early
The Orioles do this—probably other teams too, but I know the Orioles do because I bought a season ticket from someone when I was there a few years ago and got to go in 30 minutes before everyone else—and it’s a nice treat. Plus, a great selling point (“Tired of watching the M’s not hit during the actual games? Become a season ticket holder and you can come in early and watch them taking batting practice!â€)
Kiss cam!
Now that the Sonics are gone, no teams in Seattle are utilizing the awesome kiss cam. You know, where they play that song from The Little Mermaid or “Kiss Me†by Sixpence None The Richer, put the camera on couples and get them to kiss on the big screen. It’s cute, it’s funny and I have to admit that I get a kick out of it. Hate the wave, love the kiss cam…
And I saved the best for last…
Starbucks race
Here’s another dose of improved between-innings entertainment—a live race! Peace out, Digital Dave. This would be like the sausage race in Milwaukee or the Presidential race in Washington, except with a Seattle twist—Starbucks cups! This is essentially advertising, but entertaining nonetheless. And that’s not uncommon. The hydroplane race on the big screen is sponsored by Oh Boy Oberto and Milwaukee’s sausage race is sponsored by Klement’s sausages. For the Starbucks version, there could be a the traditional white paper cup, the clear Frappaccino cup, something else (A mermaid? Biscotti? My “best idea†isn’t 100 percent thought out), and the kicker…a bag of decaf beans that, like Teddy Roosevelt at Nats games, never wins! If Starbucks goes through with this, I expect free drinks for life.
I like it, all of it except “flushless urinals”.
have you ever tried one? have you ever tried one that 250 other people have also tried in the past 3 hours? not pleasant.
I went to about a half dozen Rays games this year. While the noise was definitely fun during a rally or big moment, at at least once a game I had wished there was a “no cowbell” section. However, Rays management now posts “cowbell etiquette” as not to over do it.
Since I want the team to be profitable above all else (that keeps the team in Seattle), I’d only support the green initiatives if they saved the team money. I don’t want them spending to be green.
Though, I’ve never been known for my environmentalism.
We used to have fireworks…
And, am I hallucinating, or did I see a kiss cam once at Safeco?
The new stadium in Washington D.C. is all about the local eats: Ben’s Chili Bowl, Hard Times Cafe, Five Guy’s hamburgers, Red Hot & Blue barbecue, Gifford’s ice cream, and so on. It seems like a no-brainer, and beats the heck out of most of the crap they serve at FedEx field for the Redskins.
By the end of the season, the radio ads were selling the food as a prime reason to go to the Nationals game — “Go out in D.C. … and see some baseball while you’re at it” kind of jingles.
There is a kiss cam…it’s run by security and helps the Safeco Field Usher Gestapo to locate and apprehend evil same-sex smoochers. Because two babes making out is much more offensive than Miguel Cairo in the three hole.
can’t say I’m crazy about all noisemakers– I have had an airhorn go off in my ear a time or two… and don’t just limit the race to Starbucks.. I want to see the Ivars’ Clam in the race.
re: fireworks– because Safeco sits between I5 and 99, apparently there are restrictions on the kind of fireworks they can set off– supposedly the M’s think that the punky little ones that they can set off on the north wall aren’t worth the trouble except on Opening Day…
a bit more on the Safeco recycling & composting
I must admit that I just don’t get the Dick’s love. Their hamburgers are on par with the ones they sell at AM/PM, and their fries are limp and soggy. They survive merely because of the nostalgia value of the brand, not on the merits of their cuisine. Give me Kidd Valley any day.
Great bit Conor, that older I have gotten the less enjoyable Safeco has become. An Usher once made me sit down during a 9th inning rally…I’m not joking.
One thing I believe you forgot. Move the walls in. Its been a pitchers park for years, but if we had good pitchers it wouldn’t matter if we moved the walls in a few feet. Lower the right field wall, do something to make this park a little more hitter friendly. Just make it a neutral park, I won’t mind.
PS: The Mariners use the rain water that comes off the roof to water the field. Thats slightly green.
Go Green: In every way we possibly can.
Allow Noisemakers: Good God no. Anything that prevents some idiot from waving a cowbell in my ear for three hours is OK by me.
Bring back Fireworks: Hell yes. Better yet- bring back the ship with the cannon they fired after every homerun.
More local food options: A Dick’s in Safeco Field would be mind-blowingly awesome.
Allow season ticket holders in early: Sounds like nice perk.
Kiss Cam!: A thousand times no. This team needs less retarded between innings cutesy bullshit, not more.
Starbucks Race: A million times no. I repeat: This team needs less retarded between innings cutesy bullshit, not more.
Yeah, considering the controversy, there is no way the M’s can use a kiss cam now.
The dream matchup would be the Ivar’s Clam versus the Sea Galley crab legs versus the Rainier Beer Bottle (“I’ll pop their tops!”).
Go Green: What the hell for? If there’s certain initiatives that save money, well that’s just smart capitalism. The rest? Circlejerking.
Allow Noisemakers: We shouldn’t need these. With Qwest Field right across the street, home of some of the loudest fans in football (12th Man for crying out loud), it’s embarrassing our fanbase has to be prompted to cheer. The fans need to be their own noisemakers. Lately the only noises I’ve been hearing are “boos”, sometimes for the wrong reasons. To their credit, the fans jumped out of their socks for Brandon Morrow’s first major league start. Needs more of that.
Bring back Fireworks: Agreed. I love these. Don’t have to go nuts. I remember days in the Kingdome where you couldn’t watch the action because of all the fireworks they let off before the game.
More local food options: Always for more food options, local or no.
Allow season ticket holders in early: No argument.
Kiss Cam!: It’s already been mentioned, but Kiss Cams would spawn an entire legion of same-sex couple trolls just waiting to be CLOSE to a Kiss Cam shot. Hell, I might kiss another dude just for the lulz it would cause.
Starbucks Race: Forget that. Mariner Moose 4-Wheeler Demolition Derby! You could have them aim for moving targets for more points. Make them look like Coco Crisp!
I don’t mind the Dick’s idea but why do that when Seattle is home to a much better burger place? Put a god damn Red Mill in Safeco. Go all out, don’t be cheap with a Dick’s. The Menu would probably have to be scaled back in the interest of time, but a Red Mill in Safeco would ensure I would renew my season tickets.
And no no no no NO races. You’re the one wanting to stop the wave Conor…I thought you were better than this..haha.
There will always be noise in between innings. The Starbucks race would be better than the hydros. Possiblities for the contestants include the following: coffee, latte, mocha, frappacino, chai, and americano.
They actually are already using corn-based beer cups, though I’m not sure to what extent.
I go to about 3-4 private suite games per year, and know for a fact those cups are corn-based (it says it on the cup).
IBM season tickets last year were in the Terrace Club, and I think those were the same.
However, I don’t know about the 100/300 level cups you get from the concession stands. I didn’t think to look at any of the games I went to this season.
i would also enjoy seeing a race like the suasage race but i would prefer it be fish – various salmon, trout, etc. something more nw than corporate coffee. Granted, I know, someone has to pay for the outfits.
for my money, the kidd valley burger is one of the better values in the stadium for food. dick’s burgers are good but i never get their soggy french fries.
I complained to a friend about the hydro races once and he pointed out that they’ve been around since the Kingdome days. So in keeping with that tradition, I’m for hydro races with people in huge, dorky, foam hydro costumes. You can sell advertising on the hydros, just like the real boats!
The best race I’ve seen is the president races in D.C. The huge Teddy Roosevelt head was awesome.
Corn-based cups are just a sop to the ever-expanding corn industry. They don’t biodegrade in landfills; NOTHING biodegrades in landfills. Stuff lasts longer in dry, airless, lightless landfills than it would stacked up in your living room. You can pull fifty-year-old newspapers out of there that are as white and supple as today’s.
What we really need to improve Safeco is a team that has a chance to win some ball games.
I miss working in Magnolia solely because of easy access to Red Mill.
Best burgers I’ve ever had, way better than Dick’s.
It seems they always start off the season with several new tin-horns for ushers who are overly bossy and don’t seem to realize the people they are ordering around paid good money to come to the game. By mid-season, enough complaints have been lodged that the worst offenders have been talked to and told to back off. Perhaps in 09 the M’s could start off by having that talk with ushers before the season starts? Same with the parking garage people who stand in the way, trying to officiously wave me in the wrong direction. Honestly, I didnt’ pay all that money to be treated like a gitmo detainee, so figure it out M’s.
Maybe just round off that deep corner in left-center. That seems to be where RH power hitters homeruns go to die as routine fly balls.
I gotta say I’m with Steve on this. Make tortilla chips and cornbread out of corn. Make industrial goods out of algae, switchgrass, and other generally non-edible plant material.
Agree on the corn. Think the Kingdome had flushless urinals…or those were just the floor/sinks.
No more races! How about ushering out anyone who tries to start ‘the wave’?
Yes, the Kingdome was one giant urinal. Ogden Volume Food Service employees made it so.
Interesting that they ban noisemakers when the volume on the speakers in the bleachers is turned up ear-bleedingly loud. Seriously. Sit in the left field bleachers and try to have a conversation in between innings. I only get to a couple games a year and when I’m buying, I buy field level seats because they put me at a safe distance from the team-sanctioned racket.
And please don’t host a mascot dodge-ball game like they did a couple of years ago. That poor armless Ivar’s clam didn’t stand a chance!
Yes! Hey you kids! Get offa my lawn!
Yes! Go pollution! Pollute as much and as fast as you possibly can!
I think the M’s should hire a Disney consultant to provide pre season training to all their employees who have contact with the public. Or, if that is too expensive, just go to a couple of other ballparks and take notes on how their ushers behave.
I’m sorry but I disagree with a lot of your suggestions, except the going green stuff. If you can find ways to go green and you have the money, they should do it. I’m against noisemakers, starbucks races, kiss cam, etc. And Kidd Valley IS local! Though I’m all for more choices here. I’d love to see a Paseo, for example.
I’ll get a lot of flak for saying this but…
I want as many noisemakers at the game as possible.
I’m biased though. I’ve been to NPB games and the Koshien tournament (National HS Baseball tournament) in Japan. It’s just unreal how things are over there when it comes to cheering.
In the NPB games, the outfield is generally designated for the oen-dan’s (cheering sections). For instance, my first NPB game was at Chiba Marine Stadium (home of Bobby V’s Marines). It was opening day and the inaugural game of the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles. When I looked to the outfield, there was a small section (from the LF foul pole to about left center) of people in the red color of the Eagles. The rest of the OF was a complete white-out of the Marine’s fans. It was amazing to hear individual cheers for each batter as they came up – so clear that it sounded like one big voice. Flags were waving, drums were beating, and it was just amazing to see the complete support these fans had.
And then for the Koshien tournament, you had the school’s bands coming down to play. Some better than others (Chiben Wakayama and Waseda Jitsugyo for instance). It’s not as visually impressive at times depending on the school, but it’s still impressive nonetheless.
Honestly, I think it’s a crime that noisemakers aren’t allowed. I know it’s done because of the “family experience”, but I also think it’s part of the experience to see people passionate about the team who are able to express it. If nothing else, do it like NPB and have them in the outfield sections. I think it’d be cool to have flags waving and chants going.
you mean like this or this or this?
Long time commenter scraps has had a stroke. You can learn more details at:
http://nielsenhayden.com/makinglight/archives/010650.html
Going green would probably actually save the M’s some money over the course of a few seasons. Also, since tax dollars are subsidizing their rent, I think this would count as a responsible thing to do, not just “circle jerking.” Presently, tax payers also get to pay for a portion of the waste that the stadium produces in additional to building the stadium for the team.
But let a guy dream for a moment:
Reasonably Priced Beer, and more than just a few decent ones. This isn’t just about the ballpark, it’s about Northwest Pride. We make some of the best beer in the country and we should sell it at our baseball games.
No Obnixious Advertising Get rid of all those horrible advertisement that are plaguing the feel of sitting down with the ballpark with the feel of sitting in rush hour traffic, listening to the radio.
Anyway, neither of those is ever going to happen (well, maybe the good beer part, but not the “at reasonable prices” part.)
do you mean the ones on the outfield walls?
More suggestions:
I’d actually think some cannons out in centerfield would serve the same purpose as fireworks, and you could even bring the U.S.S. Mariner back (seriously) beyond centerfield.
And instead of having these stupid “funk blasts”, play something cool after home runs. For years it was “Thunderstruck” by AC-DC. They can’t really use that song now because its JJ’s song and its also a song that belongs to a certain basketball team in Oklahoma City that shall remain nameless, but some type of Pearl Jam like tune would be awesome.
I’d also love to see a new, hard-core Mariners theme song. The same way the Red Sox have that remake of “Tessie” by Dropkick Murphy’s, the Mariners need an awesome tune that would stay in everyone’s heads and have Safeco Field ready to rock and roll every night and something that has Seattle written all over it.
Overall, yeah the “family friendly” environment is great. But just ask yourself, what’s a better atmosphere for a game? SAFECO Field or Qwest Field? It’s a no-brainer to me.
Believe me, you can get rowdy without noisemakers,
but the Mariners have SO MANY restrictions on what you can and can’t say in the park along with crappy teams that Safeco is just lifeless some nights.
We need to get the fans rowdy again a little bit like the Kingdome was in ‘95.
Because as it is, Safeco Field is just too boring and lifeless unless its time for the hydro races or hat trick.
and so young, as well. best wishes and thoughts and songs.
Noise is fine when it’s used sparingly and, ideally, strategically. Unfortunately, the tendency in professional sports (especially in the nearly unwatchable NBA) is to fill every second with extraneous noise. It’s especially annoying in baseball; the natural rhythm in a game requires silent interludes.
As to food … garlic fries should only be sold outside of Safeco Field, and not eaten within 25 feet of any entrance.
Living in a town with a minor-league ballpark, going to Safeco is like going to a cathedral for me. Personally, I hate noisemakers, but then I also think having individual music for each player is silly. In general, I mostly ignore what goes on in the ballpark except for the game, so whatever brings in the most fans, generating the highest revenue (even though the Mariners don’t spend it very well) is good with me.
Best to scraps.
another vote for the cannon. and maybe a ship that could sink when they lose.
better than Cotton Eyed Joe or the Irish Jig????
Well said, bergamot.
Nearly all structural steel is from recycled material (old automobiles making up a large portion). Safeco is made of nearly 100% recycled steel. The Mets are not unique in their recycled steel claim. However, recycled concrete is not standard practice and a good use of old concrete.
I think scraps needs his own post. Damned sorry to hear that. I hope he’ll be ok.
On to business:
Yeah! You’re either green with us or a pro-pollution bastard!
I’m a capitalist. That means that if it saves money or makes money then I’m all for it. What you’re implying is that because tax dollars are involved to pay for SafeCo Field then the public has a say in the day to day operations of the Mariners there. You’re also implying that the tax payers give a crap that SafeCo “goes green”.
Quite frankly, “going / go Green” has become a rallying cry for this generation’s “Sneeches”. As I pointed out in the above retarded blockquote, you’re either a greenie or a bastard. Same general bologna that happens whenever a devisive political agenda crops up.
I think so too, and now he has one.
I like that. I share season tix with some other guys; it would be nice to see M’s BP when I can get there early. And Lord knows they need to do something to get us suckers to sign up for another 81 games of frustration in 2009.
Alternatively, they could open up early for everyone on certain days, say Saturdays or Sundays.
As for going green, I’d like to see recycling made easier. In Oakland, they have guys going around collecting recyclables. You can pass down plastic bottles to them. Seattle people would love to do this. Anything that makes less junk to clean out from under the seats after a game would have to save the team a few bucks.
The racers have to run up the stairs to the upper levels with costumed ‘bears’ trying to swat them on the way?
im all with going green and being mindful of excess. after all this is the “evergreen state”.
also i’m all for the re-emergence of the cannon.
as for the race, it should be a starbucks cup vs, tullys, vs seattles best with a rainier beer bottle shoved in there.
what? Captain Plastic doesn’t do it for you?
Tread carefully, there are Rally Fry lovers around (not me, but I catch crap every time I harp on them).
One correction: the NBA is unwatchable.
I’m sorry you see it that way, but is there anything really unreasonable about expecting a team that rakes us over the coals (taxpayer funded stadium, terrible and uncompetitive team, high ticket prices, incompetent management, etc) to show a little progressive attitude toward one of the most environmentally resplendent regions of the world? I say no. Being a Capitalist and being environmentally responsible don’t have to be mutually exclusive. If anything, it’s the hyperbolic rhetoric that needs to go, and from both sides.
Let’s take it easy on “bastard”, “retarded”, and other similar sorts of language, thanks.
Well, no, since those are examples that sound all too much like the Safeco ushers.
I have never been to a game in DC, but have been to Shea and to Baltimore (albeit it was a long time ago and the people who were ushers back then are certainly not there any more) and was treated OK.
A few things…first, I think I sold the M’s short a bit on how much they do environmentally. According to this, they’re one of the only teams that has examined their carbon footprint, their groundskeeping equipment runs on bio diesel and, as noted by Carson up above, their cups are already made with corn and they’re composting food scraps (which is awesome).
Sadly, this doesn’t surprise me. I remember going to a game late in ‘07 and I had a good seat, but not a great one (the back end of section 114 or thereabouts). I was heading down to my seat probably 30 minutes before the game started—nobody was there—and the usher stopped me on my way down and asked to see my ticket. I laughed and said, “You have to be kidding.” He wasn’t…
Here’s my thing with noisemakers. I can’t actually envision myself ever thinking before a game, “This team has a fever…and the only cure is more cowbell!” But I think people should have that option. Fans should cheer and if noisemakers make that easier for them, I’m all for it. Safeco is waaaaaay too quiet—it’s like a library sometimes! I watch Seahawks games in awe at how loud the fans are. Part of can be attributed to the different sports, but there’s such a stark contrast for two teams in the same city. I would also be in favor of some limited restrictions that some teams have (such as saying noisemakers are ok, but no bullhorns or airhorns, etc.)
To me, between-innings events that actually involve real people are 100 times better than some automated crap up on the big screen. I’ll take a kiss cam over Digital Dave anyway. Same thing for a real race vs. the hydro race. This is where minor league teams have a big advantage over major league teams, in my opinion (that, and the crazy promotions/giveaways/contests).
Yeah, this is a great idea. Part of Dick’s appeal is that it’s open 24 hours and it’s really cheap. Both of those factors would be eliminated in a stadium setting. I’d take either over Kidd Valley.
As for the wave vs. between-inning entertainment, it’s apples and oranges in my opinion. The wave sucks because it distracts from the action on the field—it’s happening during the game. I’m much more mellow when it comes to between-innings entertainment.
I didn’t forget it, I’m just not a fan of the idea. Thanks for the tip about the rain water!
Amen, KaminaAyato
PUSA needs to do it!! That would be so awesome!
Good to know. Thank you!
Going green isn’t about politics. It’s about preserving our planet—the one that’s home to Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, Communists, Socialists, etc. Although, as others mentioned above, it can also save money too.
No, that’s not what I’m implying. I never said that they are legal required to do what tax payers want, though you could wonder just how much that is true.
But more importantly…
There are two kinds of capitalism: the kind that says you have to pay for the costs you create and the kind that says it’s okay to foist those costs onto others while you reap the profits. Institutions that save their money while spending mine (including MLB front offices) can–and should–all go to hell, and so should law makers that don’t regulate this totally unfair practice.
I think that there are questions of cost-benefit analysis to be done regarding SafeCo going green, and I don’t advocate wasting money to do so. But it would be totally wrong for the M’s or any other organization to do the cost-benefit in a way that simply figures out how to foist the cost onto everyone while they enjoy the benefit.
Just seems to be. I’ve had more then one person get after me for not doing everything I can for the environment. Worse, I’ve had them chastise me for not doing what is only perceived to be good for the environment.
I don’t know. When I pay my taxes that go to support this team’s ball field, when I watch them on TV, when I buy their merchandise, etc… I’m expecting them to repay my loyalty with a quality product and a winning team. Beyond that, the expectant relationship between a fan and the franchise is pretty much over.
There’s a definite line between public and private concerns. When a private enterprise does things that harm the environment, that’s public concern. That’s why there are regulations in place to curb and control environmental damage. But there are no regulations that say SafeCo Field and the team have to be more environmentally sound.
When I say “capitalist”, that means that I am all for enviro-friendly ideas that save money for the company. It doesn’t make sense NOT to use a corn (or other plant matter) based drink cup if it’s cheaper for the company to buy. However, if they don’t want to spend more money on bio-diesel then petroleum based fuels, then I don’t think it’s anybody’s right to force them. Then again, if they want to do it for public image, etc, then more power to them.
The problem is choice. A private company should be given the choice of what to do, not have it pressured or forced upon them. Unless, of course, it impacts the public directly in a negative way.
I’m afraid I have to disagree that it isn’t about politics. While preserving our environment is simply in humanity’s interest for survival, the levels of environmental protection and regulation is where the politics start to chip in.
I have no problem with limiting harmful gas emissions, finding more efficient and cleaner forms of energy, preventing toxic materials from being introduced to nature, or other such directly negative health risks to the public. However, when someone says I can’t expand my house because doing so would cut down a couple of trees older then my grandparents, I am more then prepared to give someone the finger.
Ok, well I’m not asking the Mariners to limit the expansions you can make to your house.
Per Dick’s at the stadium. I have always thought this was a brilliant idea. Dick’s is a greasy guilty pleasure and a great drunken snack, which would make it great for the ball park.
From what I was told, they wanted Dick’s at the stadium but wanted to jack up the prices. Dick’s wanted to offer their product at their normal prices. The disagreement ended up with Dick’s not selling their food in the stadium.
Conor, as far as the bio-degradable corn cups in the suite. I work up in the suites an i can tell you the bags those cups are thrown into are not bio-degradable. Now, we do use bio-degradable corn bags in the pantries but quite often compostable and non-compostable co-mingle in said bags. Which is to say nothing of the dumpsters the suites level trash goes into or its destination downstairs in the trash room
How to improve the Safeco experience?
Three words: Rally Fries Galore.
How about get rid of the stupid music that used to be cool? We can only take Louie Louie for so many years, and the stupid “funk blast”. Put out some cool music that all people would enjoy. Just don’t stay with the same crap everyday.
Blasphemy! What’s next? You want to get rid of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame?”
First two things I would include:
1) Expanding the Sounder for week day games would be great! The team has to get a lot more popular for that to happen. I hate driving from Olympia to Seattle 30+ times a year for a baseball games.
2) $1 dollar water for children. $4 bottle water is nuts. The M’s can make it a PR thing. Put the M’s Moose on a re-useable water bottle and pass them out to kids.
Agreed
I am with you on the thunder sticks and cowbells and the Tuba Man being allowed in.
The other stuff shouldn’t be allowed.
Fireworks for wins might help keep some people around to the end of the game.
Awesome! Love it their shakes and fires.
YES!
Please, YES!
PLEASE, YES!
NO!
Please, NO.
PLEASE, NO!
LOVE IT!
Maybe … Latte, Mocha, Frappuccino
[ot, the Schultz/Sonics thing has been beaten to death]
More local food options and CHEAPER food options in the ballpark:
————————————————
HELL YEAH!
Go green:
——————
Absolutely, however you can go green, do it.
Bring back fireworks:
———————————————-
A cooler home run song, and the return of the U.S.S. Mariner complete with cannons would work just as well as fireworks.
Kiss cam:
——————
HELL NO.
Starbucks race:
——————-
HELL NO.
Allow season ticket holders in earlier:
—————————————-
Sure, why not?
Allow noisemakers:
—————————————–
To an extent. I certainly don’t want a airhorn being fired off 2 feet away from me, but hey, let’s at least start with bringing Tuba Guy inside with tuba and all.
Did you know he’s never played the national anthem before a Mariners game?
Just thought I’d mention that. . .
Here’s another improvement everybody’s forgetting:
————————————————–
GETTING RID OF HOWIE AND CHUCK!!!!
No you’re not but that comment wasn’t really directed towards your requests, just a general feeling of mine when it comes to enviromentalists.
I do have to ask, though, exactly how does it improve SafeCo to go green? It might improve like-minded folks’ enjoyment of the place, but I seriously doubt there’s a huge difference in overall fan enjoyment between paper cups and corn/vegetable based ones.
Just sayin’.
Have Ichiro host a Japanese Game Show before every game.