Coors Field

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.