The Best Seats for the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park
If you’re a Seattle Mariners fan, attending a game at T-Mobile Park (formerly Safeco Field) is a must-do experience. As a new season ticket holder, I have been attending a lot of games recently, and I’m getting pretty familiar with navigating the stadium. Before we talk about the best seats at T-Mobile Park, let’s get a primer on the stadium. Before we start, a quick note. Links in this post are affiliate links – you can see my affiliate policy here.
T-Mobile Park, home of the Seattle Mariners, is made up of several main sections – the main level, section 102-151, the club level, section 211-249, the suite level, section 1-69, and the view level, section 306-349. The image above shows the most up-to-date seating chart, which includes the new Press Club where the press box used to be.
In addition to these areas, there are bleacher seats in sections 180-195, and some premium clubs, namely the Diamond Club directly behind home plate in sections 25, 27, 33, 35, and 36, and the brand new VIP Press Club, where the press box used to be. The Press Club is located on the club level in sections PL1-PL7. Take a look at our in-depth review of the new Press Club, and why we think it has the best views for Mariners home games. Read our comprehensive review of the Diamond Club, and our comparison of the Press Club vs Diamond Club.
The Basics of T-Mobile Park
T-Mobile Park was built in 1999 and has a seating capacity of just under 48,000 people. It is one of the only stadiums in Major League Baseball with a retractable roof, which makes it comfortable to attend a baseball game even in Seattle’s finicky spring weather. In the 2023 season, I have seen the roof closed from the start at several games, and it was closed mid-game during one game as well.
Formerly known as Safeco Field, T-Mobile took over the naming rights in 2019, and the ballpark leans into the hot pink T-Mobile branding.
Best Premium and VIP Seats for a Seattle Mariners Game
In my opinion, the best option for Mariners tickets is the Press Club. It is the newest, most upscale option for attending a Mariners game. It’s where I have season tickets, and it has ruined me for all other ballpark experiences! Though it is less well-known than the Diamond Club, it offers great views of the field (better than Diamond Club), and better seats. See my comparison of the Diamond Club vs Press Club for more details.
Your full list of premium and VIP seats at T-Mobile Park include:
The Diamond Club
The Diamond Club is one of the most exclusive areas at T-Mobile Park. This area is located right behind home plate, and it offers a VIP experience that includes all-inclusive food and beverages, a private entrance, and in-seat wait service. You’ll also get access to a climate-controlled lounge, where you can enjoy pre- and post-game activities. See our full review here. See my comparison of the Diamond Club vs Press Club.
Terrace Club
The Terrace Club is a premium seating area located on the second level of the stadium. This section offers excellent views of the field and is perfect for fans who want a more elevated experience. Terrace Club seats offer access to a private lounge with comfortable seating, for-purchase food and beverages, and in-seat wait service. Some seats in the Terrace Club, like the loge boxes, come with a food and beverage credit, which means they usually can’t be found for resale.
Press Club
The newest addition to T-Mobile Park is the Press Club, located on the third level of the stadium in sections PL1 to PL7. Members of the Press Club also get all-inclusive food and beverages in their full bar, as well as huge, comfortable seating with excellent views of the field, in-seat wait service, a private entrance, and a large climate-controlled lounge. See our full review here.
Suite Level
For fans who want the ultimate luxury experience, the suite level at T-Mobile Park is the way to go. This area offers private suites for up to 20 guests with comfortable seating, flat-screen TVs, and private food and beverages. You’ll also get access to a private entrance, in-suite wait service, and a climate-controlled lounge.
All-Star Club
The All-Star Club is located on the 3rd level of the stadium and offers an included buffet, a cash bar, assigned, plush seating, and excellent views.
Which Is the Best Premium Seating Option at the Seattle Mariners?
In terms of exclusivity, I would rank the Mariners VIP seating options as follows:
1. Tie between Press Club and a suite. The real determining factor here is how private you want your experience to be. The Press Club is less private, but you get a huge selection of food and top shelf drinks, as well as service. I have attended several games in the suites and while they are a novel experience and give you a chance to really connect with your group, you are limited in the food and drinks you get. When you reserve a suite, you choose your food and drinks ahead of time and you pay for them separately from the suite. If you aren’t needing tons of privacy, I think the Press Club wins here.
3. Diamond Club – The Diamond Club is the best premium seating option if you want to be right in the action. Some seats are right near the dugouts, giving you an inside look at players and what happens when the team isn’t on the field. You are more in the elements in Diamond Club than in any other VIP seating option at T-Mobile Park, so keep that in mind.
4. All-Star Club
5. Terrace Club
No matter which premium or VIP option you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience at T-Mobile Park.
Where to Sit at T-Mobile Park – Best Value Seats for a Mariners Game
If ticket prices are your main concern, there are several ways to get great seats for a good price. There are several affordable seating options at T-Mobile Park that still offer excellent views of the game. Here are the best seats at T-Mobile Park for a Seattle Mariners game if your main concern is price.
View Level
The View Level is one of the most affordable seating options at T-Mobile Park. Despite its name, the View Level still offers excellent views of the game, and you can easily follow the action on the field. The View Level seats are located on the upper deck, and while they are further away from the action, they are an excellent value for the price. Additionally, the View Level has a wide selection of food and beverage options, making it a great place to grab a quick bite to eat.
Left Field Bleachers
If you want to get up close and personal with the action, the Left Field Bleachers are an excellent choice. These seats are located in the outfield, and they offer a unique perspective on the game. While the Left Field Bleachers are not as comfortable as some of the other seating options at T-Mobile Park, they are an affordable way to experience the excitement of a Mariners game.
Center Field Bleachers
Like the Left Field Bleachers, the Center Field Bleachers are an affordable option that offers a unique perspective on the game. These seats are located in the outfield, and they provide an excellent view of the entire field. Additionally, the Center Field Bleachers are an excellent place to catch home run balls, so bring your glove!
Standing Room Only
If you are looking for the cheapest option available, Standing Room Only (SRO) tickets are the way to go. With SRO tickets, you do not have a designated seat, but you can stand in designated areas around the ballpark. SRO tickets are an excellent option if you want to experience the energy of the game and do not mind standing for an extended period.
Main Level
If you are willing to spend a little more for a better view of the game, the Main Level of seats at T-Mobile Park offers a range of options that can still be relatively affordable. The Main Level is located closer to the field than the View Level and provides a more immersive experience. The best section on the Main Level for a great view of the field is Section 120, located directly behind home plate. This section provides an unobstructed view of the entire field, making it the perfect spot for avid baseball fans who want to follow every play closely. However, seats in this section can be more expensive than other areas on the Main Level, so plan accordingly.
Mariners Value Games
Another way to save money on T-Mobile park tickets is to watch for Mariners Value Games, where tickets are cheaper than usual. Value Games are priced at $10 for bleacher and View Level seats, $20 for main level, and $30 for Terrace Club seats. This is one of the best ways to experience a Mariners game without breaking the bank, and there are tons of options throughout the season, including a mix of evening and day games. To buy Value Game tickets, you will go directly to Ticketmaster or the Mariners website, rather than a reseller like StubHub or SeatGeek. Resale sites may have tickets in the same sections, but they could be sold above face value. However, the resellers are the only way to get access to seats in the Diamond Club and Press Club, as these are sold only as season tickets and are not available as single game tickets directly from the Mariners.
Which Seats are Shaded at T-Mobile Park?
Seattle doesn’t exactly boast the best weather, so you’ll want to carefully pick seats based on what kind of exposure or cover you want.
During daytime summer games, the first 20-30 rows of the right field seats are in the sun (sections 111-124). Then moving around home plate, you get more sun, with 2/3 of the seats in sections 125-135 getting full sun. Most of the left field is fully in the sun on the lower level, sections 136-151.
These photos were taken at 1:10 pm on August 2, 2023 from the Press Club. You can see that most of the right field is shaded, including the entire club, suite, and view levels. The Diamond Club and most of sections 125-135 are in the sun.
Moving around the field, most of left field is in the sun on the lower level, with a few rows of the club level and half of the view level in sun. Suites remain fully shaded. The left field bleacher seats are in full sun, though the center field bleachers are already mostly shaded.
The next pictures were taken at 3:42 pm the same day, showing the difference in the sun after 2.5 hours. At this point, the center field bleachers gain the sun and the lower level from sections 111-124 keep their same amount of sun. Sections 125 and higher have lost most if not all of their sun, except for the first few rows of sections 136-151. The rest of left field is now shaded. The left field bleachers remain in full sun.
Where Should Visitors Sit at T-Mobile Park for Mariners Games?
The visitors dugout is at left field, in front of sections 136-139, making these the best sections for visitors. If you’re looking for premium seats near the visitors section, go for Diamond Club seats in sections 34 and 35, which are directly next to the visitors dugout.
For upper level seats near the visitors side, my favorite is section 233, which is slightly smaller than other sections in the 200s and has fewer people walking by you to get in and out of the aisles.
Where to Sit at T-Mobile Park for the Best Food
If you’re really going for the food, you won’t be disappointed. The Mariners have moved beyond just hot dogs and are offering a large selection of restaurants and truly excellent food. If you’re looking to sit near great food, choose these sections.
Moto Pizza – Moto Pizza is a West Seattle cult-favorite that sells out months in advance…yes, a pizza joint with a waitlist. If you’ve been wanting to try it without the line, sit in Section 314, where you will find Moto offering 4 of their most popular versions, including Mr. Pig. Pies sell out by the 3rd inning usually, so don’t wait if you want some of Seattle’s most talked-about pizza!
Din Tai Fung – Din Tai Fung will have 2 locations in the ballpark, at Section 132 and in The ‘Pen. You can also get Din Tai Fung at the Walk-Off Markets in Sections 141 and 126.
Edgar’s Cantina – Check out Edgar’s Cantina in The ‘Pen, where you will find tacos, bbq brisket quesadillas, and cantina nachos. Vegetarians will find lots of options here, and the food and presentation are gorgeous.
Hit It Here Cafe – The Hit It Here Cafe is located in the right-field corner of the stadium, offering an excellent view of the game and the Seattle skyline. The cafe provides a casual dining experience with a menu featuring local fare, including seafood and craft beer. The cafe is a popular spot for home runs, with seating positioned to catch any balls hit out of the park.
Value Menu – The value menu is going strong at T-Mobile Park, and families looking to save money can find value menu locations throughout the ballpark. Menu items include Uncrustables sandwiches, apple slices, carrots and ranch, pretzels and hummus, pepperoni sticks, and ice cream sandwiches. You can also find ballpark favorites like hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, and fountain drinks. Some sections where you can find Value Menu items are 105, 109, 118, 132, 136, 183, 190, 309, 319, 329, and 347.
Transportation and Parking at a Mariners Home Game
There are several ways to get to downtown Seattle on game days. Fortunately, there are plenty of public transit options as well as parking available in the area. The ballpark has several parking lots surrounding it, but they tend to fill up quickly, especially on game days. Alternatively, you can take advantage of the city’s public transportation system, which includes King County metro buses, the link light rail, and the Seattle Streetcar. The park is conveniently located near several bus stops and light rail stations, making it easy to get to and from the venue. Plus, using public transit can save you the headache of trying to navigate the busy streets and finding parking.
The main parking garage is across the street from the ballpark on Edgar Martinez Drive S. For those looking for a more upscale parking experience, T-Mobile Park also offers VIP parking options. With easy access in and out of the Mariners garage, VIP parking allows you to bypass the crowds and traffic that can come with parking in the general lots. In addition, the VIP parking area is monitored by security and provides a reserved spot for your vehicle, ensuring that you’ll have a guaranteed spot when you arrive. Although VIP parking does come at a premium price, it may be worth it for those looking for a hassle-free and exclusive parking experience.
If you get VIP parking tickets, which sometimes come with premium tickets like Diamond Club seats or Press Club seats, you can park on levels 2 and 3 (3 is the best, because it is the level that you leave from so you get out fastest at the end of the game). Non-VIP parking are the other levels in the garage. Parking usually must be purchased in advance, but sometimes you can buy garage parking same-day. If you’re looking for parking-only tickets, StubHub and SeatGeek both have a parking-only filter for Mariners games where you can typically find VIP parking for $65-$100 a game.
The rest of the garage is available for general admission parking at a lower cost. The only real difference is that it will take you longer to get out of the garage after the game, so if you’re comfortable waiting an extra 10 minutes or so, this may be the option for you.
Unfortunately, there is very little street parking in close proximity to T-Mobile Park, so your best bet if you are driving is to park in the Mariners garage or at a nearby lot. Many streets get shut down for traffic control, and the downtown area is not super safe. A friend in the Seattle PD encouraged me to always park in the garage, saying that people know when the games are happening and are happy to wait until a few innings in to make sure you’re not coming back, and then doing a quick smash-and-grab to get whatever they can of value.
When to Arrive for a Mariners Game
T-Mobile Park has several entrances to choose from. The main entrance is the home plate gate. The home plate entrance is on the corner of First Ave S and Edgar Martinez Dr S. Very close to the home plate gate is the 3rd base gate, on First Ave S. On the far side of Edgar Martinez Dr S is the right field gate. On the other side of the stadium, along S Royal Brougham Way, there are the left field gate, the ‘Pen gate, and the center field gate. Diamond Club and Press Club ticket holders have a private gate just to the right of the home plate gate, near the ticket office.
All main gates open 90 minutes before the first pitch, except for the ‘Pen gate, which opens 2 hours early. Visitors going to the ‘Pen gate won’t be allowed in other areas of the stadium for the first 30 minutes, but you won’t want to leave anyway! The ‘Pen is the best spot for happy hour in the park, and features a fire pit at its entrance.
The Diamond Club and the Press Club both open 2 hours 15 minutes before the first pitch, making them the first visitors to enter the park (before even suite visitors).
There are ways to get in early without going to The ‘Pen, but you have to commit! Season ticket holders have the opportunity to enter the ballpark early during select home games in 2023. The schedule for 2023 is as follows:
- Saturday, April 1 – Game Time: 6:40 | Gates Open: 3:40
- Saturday, April 15 – Game Time: 6:40 | Gates Open: 3:40
*Members can also enjoy a photo opportunity with former Mariners OF, Ruppert Jones, at section 114 and take part in a Q&A with him by the Mariners dugout. - Saturday, April 22 – Game Time: 6:40 | Gates Open: 3:40
- Saturday, May 6 – Game Time: 6:40 | Gates Open: 3:40
- Saturday, July 1 – Game Time: 4:15 | Gates Open: 1:15
- Saturday, July 15 – Game Time: 6:40 | Gates Open: 3:40
- Tuesday, August 8 – Game Time: 6:40 | Gates Open: 3:40
- Saturday, September 16 – Game Time: 6:40 | Gates Open: 3:40
- Saturday, September 30 – Game Time: 6:40 | Gates Open: 3:40
Season ticket holders coming in early have to enter at the right field gate on Edgar Martinez Dr S, and Press Club and Diamond Club members should be able to enter early at their regular private entrance. Show your Season Ticket Member ID to enter through the Right Field Gate. Visitors entering early can watch batting practice from the front row, and enjoy 50% off at some concession stands. There’s also a fun hunt that season ticket holders can enjoy on early entrance days…there will be stamped baseballs during batting practice. If you find one, you can redeem it for an autographed baseball in Section 105!
The Best Seats at the Mariners
The best seats depend very much on what you value – aside from a great game by the home team! If you’re looking for value, stick with the bleacher or view seats. If you’re looking for a party, The ‘Pen is for you. If you’re looking for luxury, don’t miss the Press Club. If you want great food, consider the Hit it Here Cafe, The ‘Pen, or sections 109 and 132 for favorites like Moto Pizza and Din Tai Fung. If you can pay a bit more but don’t want to go all out, grab tickets at the All-Star Club or Terrace Club, and if you want to be as close to the action as possible, the Diamond Club is for you.
Ready to go get your tickets?
