Safeco Field

The Mariners’ $517 million ballpark, Safeco Field, opened in July 1999. The stadium, with its retractable roof, 47,000 seats and real grass, was funded in part by taxpayers and tourists; more than half the money came from taxes on food sold in King County restaurants and bars, and from taxes on rental cars. Money also came from profits on scratch-lottery tickets. The Mariners coughed up most of the difference. The stadium’s unique design means it commands fantastic views of the surrounding mountains, downtown and Puget Sound. There’s no 2:30pm tour on game days and no tours if the game is before 6pm.