After starting off for a couple of years at Mile High Stadium, the Colorado Rockies moved into Coors Field, which is also nicknamed “Coors Canaveral” in a nod to the number of balls that are launched into the stands on a consistent basis. This stadium was built in the lower downtown district close to Union Station, which is the main transportation hub in Denver.
This stadium has the second largest capacity of all the MLB stadiums at 50,398, second only to Dodger Stadium, which has an official capacity of 56,000. Initially, the stadium was supposed to seat fewer fans, but attendance figures for their first year broke MLB records, with nearly 4.5 million attending games. In order to compensate for the thin, dry air that results in rocketing balls at mile-high elevations, the center field wall is 415 feet away from home plate, the fifth largest distance in the majors.
Coors Park was part of a sports venue revitalization of the area, which included the Pepsi Center and Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The cost of Coors Field was $300 million and the facility is owned by the Denver Metropolitan Major League Baseball Stadium District.
Colorado Rockies Stadium
After studies determined that dry air was more responsible than thin air for the record number of home runs hit at Coors Field, the league allowed the Rockies to install a humidor to keep baseballs at a more appropriate humidity, which has apparently caused the number of homers to dip. However, Coors Park is still the most productive in terms of the rate of runs scored, hits and triples by a wide margin, according to MLB Park Factor Statistics. These stats also show that home runs and doubles take place at a top five rate, while walks occur at a top ten rate.
Home field advantage is a significant feature of Coors Field, as the Rockies went 45-36 at home during the 2014 season, winning 24 more games than they did on the road, the largest such gap in the MLB. In 2015, the Rockies were terrible both at home and on the road, pushing them into the basement of the National League West Division.
Coors Park is a great venue for those who wish to imbibe, as the Blue Moon Brewery at the Sandlot is located behind the right field stands, with easy access to Coors Field, featuring delicious microbrews created in small batches, including experimental ales of virtue true.
Stadium Vitals
Date Opened: April 26, 1995
Construction Cost: $300 million
Architect: Populous
Ballpark Type: Retro Classic
Capacity Attendance: 50,398
Playing Surface: Kentucky Bluegrass & Perennial Ryegrass
Previous Colorado Rockies Stadiums
Mile High Stadium
Other Major Events
1998 MLB All-Star Game
The 1998 MLB All-Star Game took place at Coors Field on July 7th, resulting in the highest scoring All-Star game in MLB history. The American League beat the National League by a score of 13-8, featuring three home runs out of the 31 hits recorded.
2016 NHL Stadium Series
On February 27th, the Detroit Red Wings will visit the Colorado Avalanche for the 2016 NHL Stadium Series. On February 20th, the Denver Pioneers will face their rivals, Colorado College, for what’s being called the “Battle on Blake”.