BUY THIS PHOTO AS A PRINT OR CANVAS >

📍 Denver, Colorado
⚾ Home of the Colorado Rockies

In the shadow of the Front Range and sitting 5,200 feet above sea level, Coors Field is Major League Baseball’s highest venue by far and has been the home of the aptly-named Colorado Rockies for more than thirty years. However, the ballpark doesn’t seem to have aged a day, cloaked in red brick and featuring a timeless art deco style that has helped it become a true temple for baseball fans in the Mile High City.

The Rockies, a 1993 expansion franchise, are the only MLB team to currently don the colors of purple and black. The former, to be sure, is a not-so-subtle nod to the purple mountain majesty which serves as a backdrop for the Rockies’ home at 20th & Blake. In addition to the early-season snow-capped mountain vistas beyond it, left field is also home to an enormous scoreboard that tapers into a craggy pinnacle at its peak.

BUY THIS PHOTO AS A PRINT OR CANVAS >

Known as Coors Field since its ground breaking in 1992, the stadium’s construction prompted the exciting discovery of dinosaur fossils of varying sizes. At the time, the hype of the newly-released Jurassic Park film caused rumors to swirl about what types of fossils were actually found, including the popular myth that a fully intact Triceratops skull was unearthed. Although it proved to be false, it later served as the inspiration for the team’s dinosaur mascot, Dinger. The ballpark finally opened in 1995 after two and a half years of construction.

Initially a notoriously hitter-friendly park due to the dry Colorado air, the conditions at Coors Field allowed an insane number of home runs and the deepest fences in all of the major leagues didn’t seem to lessen the problem. But the issue was solved in 2002, when large humidors were installed at the facility to help dampen the baseballs themselves, resulting in a more normal home run rate. However, the thin air at this elevation continues to affect the performance of the players – especially the visitors, who must contend with the challenges of high-altitude baseball.

For the fans, the most standout feature surrounding the ballpark’s high elevation is the “Purple Row.” Stretching across the entire 20th row of the upper level, these purple seats are precisely one mile above sea level and offer folks a truly breathtaking perspective. From this lofty perch, they can watch the gameplay unfold in front of the majestic Rockies.

Coors Field also boasts another unique Rocky Mountain tie-in – the alpine forest setting of the batter’s eye and bullpen areas. Nestled behind the center field wall, this verdant space is a serene and natural contrast to the bustling energy of downtown Denver, offering players a moment of respite and reflection before taking the field. The towering pines and lush greenery of these areas are designed to provide a glimpse into what a typical landscape in the nearby mountains might look like. The forest also features a cluster of water fountains that shoot high into the air after every Rockies home run or win.

Across the street from Coors Field’s main gate is the National Ballpark Museum, an amazing little gallery that highlights baseball’s 14 classic ballparks. Visitors can spend literally hours checking out the plethora of memorabilia on display and reading up on lore surrounding these jewel box venues. Housed in a historic building at 1940 Blake St., the museum is well worth the $20/person admission.

Taking advantage of their uniquely high-altitude home, the Rockies have done nothing but thrive since arriving in Denver. They’ve leveraged the thin, cold Colorado playing conditions en route to several playoff appearances, including an incredibly dominant run to the 2007 World Series. Led by past and present talent such as Todd Helton, Matt Holliday, Larry Walker and Charlie Blackmon, the Rox have enthralled crowds in the Centennial State for decades, and are fortunate enough to continue their trophy pursuit at some of the coolest digs in baseball.