If they don’t win, it’s a shame

But they did!

I went and checked out the Seattle Mariners square off against the woeful Oakland Athletics on Sunday. And I had a great time. I got to hug a moose, watch magic tricks and eat ice cream out of a plastic hat.

It was colder than it looks

Having been to two Seahawks games and then having covered a Sounders match, I was interested to see how the Mariners stack up.

The fan base has been notoriously lackluster. Especially when compared to the ‘hawks and the Sounders. Those were three of the most amazing sporting experiences I’ve ever had. Amazing.

But as it is with baseball, the Mariners and Safeco take a low-key approach. Nothing wrong with that.

Optional skylight

Safeco is a beautiful park. Insular and comfy. The retractable roof adds a nice appeal and alternative to the Seattle mists. It also gives the park a cool “loft feel” inside and out.

Should Mile High get one?

So, producer Dave and I think we’re going to make sport outings “a thing.” We enjoyed our Seahawks/Eagles game and enjoyed last Sunday.

I found the tickets on StubHub and love saving some money here and there. And as the season wends along, no doubt the Mariners will fade and club seat prices will plummet.

More than they already did by the Sunday of opening weekend.

But thanks to that, I hugged Moose.

Crikey! Up close with real Pacific Northwest wildlife!

Dave had already been to a Mariners game during last season (67-95 record), but he did find a winner. Nintendo offers a free 3DS app download so you can follow stats, track video and even order food in your seat (with a 17% extra service fee). Neat use of the technology.

Not just for Mario anymore

It didn’t quite always connect, but it was a neat showcase of the possibilities of in-seat apps and such.

Our seats were really great and I was happy to have saved a bunch and still have a nice view.

The fans weren’t very feisty but they were warm and knowledgable about the game.

And speaking of warm, this lil guy was bundled into a blanket. It was surprisingly crisp in the shade!

Spotted: tiny Ewok who loves baseball

I know Seattle is dog-friendly, but as I’m writing this, I didn’t really understand how people can just bring small pooches into a sporting arena.

Safeco’s animal policy only allows for service animals. 

This adorable fellow was not a seeing eye dog. I think he was there simply to cure the disability we all have sometimes: Notenoughcuteitis.

Since Dave and I are five years old and the option was open to us, we threw caution to the wind and decided to make the chillier day chillier-er.

$7 each. Pretty good value. Mine's on the left. Because mint choco chip is awesome.

Getting the ice cream in a plastic helmet is pure nostalgia. It’s awesome. I remember many a summer night going with Dad up to the Dairy Queen near Broadway and Bellevue (which according to Google Maps still exists) and getting soft-serve into a tiny hat. I remember how he was always kind of sneaky about it and sprang it on us as a random event.

Oh heck yes, we’ll go! I remember one time it was a very warm summer night in Englewood and we were watching SeaQuest DSV (now on Netflix instant) about a half hour before dusk. Total curve ball when one expects to stay all the way through until the cliffhanger ending.

"Yes, I'll have that Peanut Buster Parfait." Source: TVshowsondvd.com

Jump into the car. It’s DQ time. In a shared parking lot with a bowling alley. Across from car dealerships.

It was fun getting a great surprise like that from time to time and enjoying a nice night.

But back to Safeco.

One thing I didn’t expect was the usher doing magic. Yep.

Maybe he can conjure up some run support

One of the ushers pulled out the old three rope trick. It was pretty incredible. He was rushed and had to do it in between innings, but I liked his style. Seemed like some of the folks there were regulars and he had a nice rapport.

The Mariners did quite well, snagging an early lead, losing it and then sending the fans home happy with a Smoak-bomb, which is a thing.

Afterword, we caught up with some KOMO friends at one of my favorite places, Pyramid Brewery. Ever so close right across the street. But you knew I liked it already.

Delish

Oh. And I bought a Mariners hat. I totally love this town.

The old school logo is actually pretty cool

But I especially love cheaper seats with a premium view.