Sports
$55 Million Renovation Project Planned For T-Mobile Park
The Seattle Mariners will fund some major renovations at the ballpark, aiming for completion ahead of the 2023 season and MLB All-Star Week.
![The Seattle Mariners will pay for an estimated $55 million in park renovations to improve the experience for premium members.](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/23562256/20220413/030831/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-2112688307___13150759353.jpg)
SEATTLE — Major renovations are planned for Seattle's T-Mobile Park, which will see the current press box converted into a new premium club space and the ballpark's Diamond Club expanded to accommodate more fans. The Seattle Mariners unveiled the plans Wednesday, and the team plans to cover the project's $55 million cost without tapping taxpayer money.
While earlier upgrades to the park have focused on everyday fans, the Mariners said the latest projects aim to improve the park's premium amenities.
"We are now focusing on overdue improvements to the premium guest experience," said Catie Griggs, the M's president of business operations. "By updating and expanding the Diamond Club and creating the new Press Club, we are responding to our fans' requests, and we are meeting our lease obligation to ensure our premium offerings keep pace with what is available in the Seattle market and in professional sports in general."
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Although revenues from King County's lodging tax help fund upgrades at the ballpark, the Mariners' current lease requires the team to pay for an estimated $100 million in improvements over the next decade, and the team will foot the bill for the project.
The new "Press Club" will have the capacity for more than 200 guests with seating indoors and outdoors, offering unmatched field views, a large bar, and a special menu curated by top Seattle chefs. The Diamond Club will see its first major upgrade since opening in 1999, expanding to 13,000 square feet, with room for 400 club members, with a new kitchen and restrooms.
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The Mariners said the press box will move to the Terrace Club Level, ensuring sightlines for media members, with plans to complete the move mid-way through the 2022 season, allowing for work to begin on the Press Club.
The team expects the renovations will be complete in time for the beginning of the 2023 baseball season, and before Seattle hosts the MLB All-Star Week next July. Learn more about the upcoming renovations on the Mariners' official website.
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