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Tacoma Rainiers - User Comments Add your own

Historic, if dated, stadium -- 2005-09-21

Cheney stadium is a throwback in an era in which even minor league clubs look to build 'destination' stadia in downtown areas. Cheney stadium is close to the 16 freeway (and thus I-5), but it's quite a ways west of downtown Tacoma. For much of its lifespan, that's been a feature, not a bug: downtown Tacoma was the beirut of the northwest. But Tacoma's revitalization may spur the ownership (although the Foster family still hasn't sold the team, despite looking for a buyer for years) to look for a downtown location or another city. While it's there, you owe yourself a look at a great, old, AAA stadium. Cheney was constructed largely using the old WPA-era Seals stadium of San Francisco. The wooden seats, the light towers and more were all built in the 1930s for San Francisco's minor league team. When SF got the Giants, they made Tacoma their AAA affiliate and trucked their now surplus stadium north. While that's a nice story, and lends even more history to the place, it does explain why it's so outdated. The facilities aren't up to par with the newer ones in AAA, but it's still a great place to see a game.

Box seats have attendants who will go get your food and bring it to you, which is a great deal. Outfield is very large - center field wall is gigantic, and is 425 feet away. Ergo, Cheney stadium has one of the lowest 'Park Effects' in baseball (though that's somewhat skewed by the bandboxes in the PCL). Great place to watch a good pitcher's duel. Free parking is available most games - just park along the youth baseball fields from the s. 19th st. entrance. This won't work for all games, but at least 80%. You have to walk around the entire stadium to get to the entrance if you park there, though.

marc w.

-- 2003-04-13

We went to the baseball game today (4-13-03) because my daughter was to sing the National Anthem with the Lacey Elementary Choir. It would have been the first time she or the school would get to sing at the Rainier Game. She was very upset about the rainout, but that couldn't be helped. We are however disappointed that we couldn't receive our money back for the parking (our PTA president is working on getting the choir another chance to sing or a refund on our tickets that we paid for). I feel very strongtly that since the game was cancelled that we should be getting a refund on our parking or atleast a pass for the next time that we come to a Rainier Baseball game. This was our first visit and the ball park if very nice and we were quite excited about watching our daughter sing and watch the baseball game. I am hoping that you can either send us the $5 refund or a pass for another game for the park entrance fee that we paid. Thank you for your time and consideration in this important matter. My address is Kathleen Watson, 2126 Agate CT, SE, Lacey, WA 98503. Thank you

Kathleen Watson

Cheney -- 2003-01-23

Cheney is a Mecca. For those of us who rememember the park before Safeco Field, and before the Kingdome and Mariner baseball was born, it was a great place to spend a summer day.

It may be out of date (build in 1960), locker-rooms, bathrooms and press boxes all circa 1960, but for the ability to attend an outdoor game at good prices, a great staff, and superior food and drink, it is an outstanding value.

I pay $3.00 to sit in the bleachers, my children are allowed to run with the mascot, run the bases after the game, watch fireworks, and see some great baseball: HOF: Marichal, Mcovey, Perry, as well as Alou, Hooton, Mcgwire, Canseco, Steinbeck, Bostock, Tom Kelley, Alex Rodriguez.

Old? Perhaps, but absolutely outstanding!!!!!!!!!

Shaun P Hanon

Tacoma -- 2002-05-15

I have to disagree a bit with the previous poster. I get to Seattle most summers and always make a trip here. I found the seats comfortable enough, concession prices very reasonable, and a wonderful atmosphere.

Free parking is not really feasible but the lot is cheap. There are a couple of decent brewpubs in town for anyone who's interested.

Alex Bensky

Cheney Stadium -- 2001-05-30

How can one explain Cheney Stadium? In an earlier submission I talk a bit about Safeco Field, home of the Seattle Mariners. I speak about it's beuty and about it's warm, homey feel. I mention it's overall WONDERUL baseball atmosphere....

None of this applies to Cheney Stadium. Cheney Stadium, in older times, would have been refered to as "the rock-pile". It is a small, uncomfortable stadium. The seats are uncomfortable. The restrooms are uncomfortable. This is not MLB. This is most definately AAA ball. Cheney Stadium does has it's plusses, however.... It is easy to get to, it has it's own entrance off of State Road 16. It is cheap to go to a game. In the late July and early August the weather is almost always nice, and the field itself is very well maintained.

The Mariners traditionaly have a strong farm system. If you are a baseball fanatic, Cheney Stadium is a great place to go and catch a future major leaguer. Tickets are easy to come by, and, less than an hour away, it is a good inexpensive alternative to Safeco Field.

Aaron Snyderman

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