Mile High Baseball

By Eva Miranda | STC Member

After the 2019 Technical Communication Summit & Expo is over, you might not be ready to leave the beautiful Mile High City, and I can’t blame you. So instead of leaving on a jet plane, join your fellow technical communicators at a Colorado Rockies baseball game. The Rockies play at Coors Field, located downtown and easily accessible from the Summit hotel. Surrounded by historic buildings and delicious food, you can meet at the hotel and head to the field with a group, or you can find a new restaurant to enjoy before the first pitch.

The Rockies play the San Francisco Giants in their second series matchup of the season. The game starts at 6:40 PM. Pack your purple shirts and jackets to show your support for the home team!

Because of the central location, the hardest part about going to the game is deciding where to go first. I’ve compiled a short list of recommendations, based on my time living downtown, going to school downtown, and my affinity for good food (and happy hours). I’ve also included some suggestions for getting to the game, so you can choose to walk, bike, or take the bus.

I never know what I can or can’t bring to a game (I always forget I can bring my own peanuts until it is too late), so you’ll find the stadium’s permitted and prohibited items listed below. If you’d rather get to your seat and then get something to eat, you’ll find a list of the wide-ranging concession stands at the field and where to find them.

Already interested? Register here.

Local food

In Lower Downtown (LoDo as the locals call it) and the Ballpark neighborhood, you’ll find a wide range of options for a pre-game bite. Whether you’re looking for steak and bourbon or a quick slice, you’ll find something great. Here are a few of my favorites from when I lived downtown, and a one or two local favorites I haven’t tried yet.

  • Biker Jim’s Dogs. If you’re feeling casual but adventurous, check out Biker Jim's Dogs. Located three blocks from the field, this is a great quick stop on your way over. Biker Jim's isn’t just hot dogs like those you can get at the game. Rattlesnake, wild boar, and pheasant options make the menu interesting, but topping combinations like The International (Wasabi aioli, caramelized apples, and shaved Irish Cheddar) make it a great place to eat. Wash it down with sodas, shakes, craft beers, or cocktails.
  • Denver Chophouse. Just one block from the corner of Coors Field, you’ll enjoy a diverse menu of steaks, seafood, beers, wine, and whiskey, along with professional service in a friendly atmosphere. Plan for a little extra time to enjoy your meal. For all you railroad history buffs, the restaurant is in the historic Union Pacific building.
  • Marco’s Coal Fired. Coal-fired Neapolitan pizza (including gluten-free options), a friendly atmosphere, and a good happy hour are all just four blocks from the field at Marcos. It’s a great place to enjoy imported Italian ingredients and, if there’s some famous Colorado sunshine, a patio.
  • Two-Fisted Mario’s. If you’re in the mood for something quick, pop into Two-Fisted Mario’s. A small place that sells pizza by the slice however you like it, along with beer and a few retro video games. The employees here are friendly, and the music is usually loud. You could even take your pizza to go on the  four block walk to the ballpark. This place is a local favorite and located in the historic Market Station.
  • Lazo Empanada. On the North side of LoDo you’ll find Lazo Empanada, three blocks from the field. Besides the obvious, Lazo serves up Argentinean fare, pastries, desserts, beer and wine. Like many of the best places downtown, Lazo is in a cheerful historic building and has the best counter service.
  • Vesta. Vesta is self-described as funky, offering American dishes, creative cocktails, and a hip space. About a block and half from the field, Vesta is a great place to eat and enjoy the atmosphere before the game.
  • Hopdoddy Burger Bar. Down the street outside of Union Station, you can find burgers and brews at Hopdoddy burger bar. Fast, casual, and with infinitely creative (sometimes indulgent) menu offerings, Hopdoddy is a sleek stop for a quick burger and beer before the game.
  • Dairy Block. A unique and photogenic marketplace in downtown Denver, the Dairy Block, once home to Windsor Dairy, has just about everything. You can eat, drink, shop, stroll and even look at art here. Food choices range from Southwestern to Asian, and all of them are delicious. For an eclectic taste, I recommend the Denver Milk Market.

Local drinks

If you’re just looking for a drink and maybe a small bite to eat before or after the game, you’ve got plenty of options that are rich in local flavor.

  • Jagged Mountain. Mountaineers will feel at home at Jagged Mountain. With climbing hooks, topo maps, and delicious popcorn, Jagged Mountain guarantees you’ll try something new. Make sure that you have your ticket with you, because you can usually get a discount at the bar! Check out their website to see what food truck they’ll have outside.
  • View House. Two stories and an impressive patio space make up the View House. A local favorite for drink specials and a wide-ranging menu, this place is a popular destination on game nights.
  • 1-up. The main attraction of 1-up is the video games; the drinks are just a bonus. Downstairs from street level and just around the corner from the field, this is the perfect place before or after the game. Just be sure to bring cash!
  • Falling Rock Tap House. Just around the corner from the field, Falling Rock has a long beer list and bar games, so you can stop in and start the fun before the first pitch.
  • Jackson’s LoDo. Across the street from Coors Field, you can’t get any closer than Jackson's. Check out the rooftop patio if the weather allows. Otherwise, enjoy the game-day drink specials inside. This sports bar has plenty of room and is a popular stop.
  • Cowboy Lounge. Find a little bit of the West in LoDo at Cowboy lounge. You can check out the dance lessons on the weekend, but before the game you can enjoy the drink specials and the short walk (barely a block) from the field.
  • Wynkoop Brewery. Across from Union Station, Colorado’s first brewpub offers fresh-brewed beers, pub grub, and an upstairs pool hall. Sit downstairs and enjoy a friendly dining experience with views of the busy streets outside.
  • Ginn Mill. The bar rules at the Ginn Mill are simple: be nice, meet friends, and make memories. A local watering hole with a laid-back atmosphere, you’ll feel the community of Denver. Expect unique drinks and just a little bit of weirdness. And free popcorn.
  • The Refinery. Stop by for a pre- or post-game happy hour at The Refinery. Infusions from peach to pepperoncini, along with the rest of the drink menu, fit right in at this old-school stop.

Getting to the game

The field is a mile walk from the Summit hotel, and you can make those 10 blocks on foot or on wheels. My recommendation (especially if you like to enjoy the view) is to walk west on 15th street over to Larimer street, and then walk up to 20th. If you’d prefer something climate controlled, Denver offers a free shuttle service on 16th and 18th streets that can take you right to the stadium. Hop on at any block but expect to stop every block, too.

To get yourself there, you can rent a bicycle (https://denver.bcycle.com) for $9.00 for 24 hours, or hop on a scooter starting at $1, plus 15 cents every minute.

Denverites have a great entrepreneurial spirit, and an affinity for pedaling. You’ll find pedicabs (basically a bicycle with a bench for passengers) along the 16th street mall and by the hotel. Pedicabs are a fun and quick way to get to the game, but prices are about $2 a block in Denver so expect to pay at least $20 plus a tip.

Uber and Lyft are great options to make the trip, but be warned that the downtown traffic makes driving rarely faster than other options.

Stadium specifics

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