The best aspect of going to a Colorado Rockies game is that you can be in Colorado during a time of year that is perfect for RVing, camping, and generally enjoying the outdoorsy nature of the state. There is so much to do in both the City of Denver and the surrounding areas that spending time at a sporting event is only the beginning. If you are in town to watch a Rockies game on a lazy and beautiful summer afternoon, you may find this to be a great start to your vacation.
The Rockies play at the iconic Coors Field in Denver, a stadium where the home runs fly free and mascot origins are truly bizarre. The team is cheered on by a mascot named Dinger, who was introduced in 1994 in a very 90s way. The lore states that Dinger was hatched from an egg that was discovered inside Coors Field, which makes it a story unique to Denver.
While tailgating is something that you don't see at Rockies games, Coors Field welcomes fans to join the baseball adventure. The LoDo area in Denver is where the stadium is located, and this is one of the best places to get a drink or find a meal in the city.
Taking a break from camping and hiking the Rockies to watch a baseball game in Denver is an amazing way to cap off a vacation. By adding in trips to places like Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods along with the game, you will be able to build a Colorado vacation that will have memories that last for a lifetime.
With 81 home games in a season, fans have more than one chance to visit a Colorado Rockies game. Checking the schedule as soon as it is released will allow you to see when the Rockies have a homestand, with a series of home games often stretching a week or more, giving you plenty of options to catch a game on a whim. Buying Rockies tickets online has never been easier, with tickets to some home games being available for as little as $10 in recent seasons. Ticket prices increase with better seating and better opponents.
Denver traffic can be packed, so plan your trip to Coors Field in plenty of time to avoid missing the first pitch. The stadium is located at 20th and Blake streets in the lower downtown neighborhood, and this area of the city is well signposted in all directions. The way most people will drive in is via the traffic-heavy I-25 and be sure to watch for road closures in and around the stadium that will impact the normal flow of traffic before and after the game.
Advance parking passes to get into the lots surrounding Coors Field are available for individual games and have cost around $20 in recent seasons. These passes can be purchased from the Coors Field Ticket office online. There are over 4,300 parking spaces in these lots so finding a spot close to the stadium is usually viable.
RV parking is allowed in lots a little further from the stadium like at 22nd and Wazee streets. These RV spaces have cost around $25 in recent years.
One way to avoid Denver traffic is to get to Coors Field by public transportation. The Free Metroride bus operates during specific hours daily as it is targeted at commuters, but if the game is in that travel window, then this is a great option. There is also a light rail stop near the stadium, but fans need to be on the Light Rail E line to access it.
Coors Field is located in the lower downtown area, and as a result, RVers will want to plan to stay overnight in a Denver RV park or local campground. The best bet is to leave your RV at a campground and bring a rented or towed vehicle with you for the game.
Denver is an ideal location to combine sports and the outdoors. There are RV parks within the city itself, but the better way to enjoy the area is to get out into the suburbs (and sometimes a little beyond) to find a Colorado State Park with the activities that are best suited to the needs of your family.
There are many of these within 30 miles of the stadium and most offer full hookups for your RV during most months of the year. Check out sites like Cherry Creek State Park and Chatfield State Park to get a feel of the real Colorado.
Getting to the stadium area via bus, car, or light rail will open up a bevy of options for how to spend your time pregame. Renting a bike in the LoDo district is a great way to explore while getting in a little exercise, and there are plenty of options available for food and drinks within an easy cycle of the stadium gates. When inside the stadium, be sure to find and get a photo of the purple row of seats among the green. This row signifies you are exactly one mile above sea level!
Baseball season starts as winter comes to a close following into spring, summer, and then into the fall. This means that the clothing for your trip will be highly dependent on when your game is scheduled. Keep in mind that the season starts in what is essentially ski season and runs through some of the best lake weather in the country throughout spring and summer.
Layers are always a good idea in Colorado as the altitude makes any dip in temperature feel cooler than it is. A light jacket in the spring, late summer, and fall would work, but for those braving games in March you may want a heavy winter coat, gloves, and hat.
Packing the RV with your camping gear is always fun. If you are going to a Rockies game, then consider adding purple, black, and silver to show your team spirit. For at the game, this might include a hat or t-shirt.
To help share your Rockies love at your campsite, lawn chairs for enjoying the Colorado evenings or a logoed cooler are helpful items. If you are into fishing, hunting, or other outdoorsy sports, then the Denver area has plenty of places where you can practice your passion. Remember to follow local rules with the appropriate licenses for your gear.
Altitude sickness can undoubtedly be a thing in Denver as the mile-high air is much thinner than found at sea level. Keep in mind that this may also increase if you leave Denver for Colorado Springs or other cities in the region that are at an even higher elevation. If you feel nauseated, have a headache, or even have a sudden nose bleed, then be sure to treat for altitude sickness with electrolyte tablets and sports drinks. Go steady for the first few days in the region if you aren't used to hiking at this altitude.
Tailgating is prohibited at Coors Field and in the lots surrounding the stadium, so any actual tailgating will take place a little further afield. Check fan sites and forums for the Rockies to see where those are happening on the day you plan to attend a game.
When it comes to cooking at the campsite, an RV kitchen can help keep the trip cost down and bellies full. Be sure to know the specific rules regarding open flames (gas grills vs. charcoal) at your site. Consider preparing food in advance to help with time on the road. You may not want to miss a minute of the mountains and water sports on offer in Colorado.
Denver is a hotspot for foodies and craft beer drinkers the world over. The water from the Rocky Mountains and the crisp air a mile high just seems to give everything you eat and drink a little extra taste, so be sure to check out the restaurant scene both around the ballpark and in the other distinct regions of the city.
There is a serious food truck scene in Denver too, so check social media during your stay to see which of the multi-cultural trucks slinging everything from BBQ to Asian fusion food is the most appealing to your taste buds. Using public transportation or biking around is a great way to investigate restaurant options near Rockies Stadium.
Baseball and ballpark food are an important combination of items in the history of America. Hot dogs are always a good option here, while the beer guys and peanut slingers will be walking around the stadium selling their wares as if it were still the 1930s. More modern alternatives are available, too, with salads, shishito peppers, and even elote-topped tots.
Security is a top consideration at Coors Field, and the Rockies follow MLB guidelines when it comes to keeping guests safe. In recent years, the maximum bag size allowed inside the venue has been 16" x 16" x 8" with all bags searched prior to entry. Coolers and other hard-sided containers are not allowed. There is also a text-based communication service that fans can contact if they feel like there is a safety of security threat. Appropriate personnel will then be sent to the scene to take action.
The weather can be pretty wild in Colorado, and the Denver area and can change suddenly from hour to hour or day to day. Having an RV kitted out for both hot weather and for a snowstorm will be very useful, especially if you are attending games either early or late in the season. Weather systems here can also bring severe conditions on occasion, so be sure to observe local reports during your trip.
There are two first-aid stations inside Coors Field. These are located behind Sections 133 and 330. These stations will help guests who need band-aids, aspirin, or other small medical issues, as well as dealing with larger medical emergencies. Notify a staff member if emergency medical attention is needed to ensure a fast response.
