Prior to the June 30 game, the Tacoma Rainiers and the Fearey Group hosted a behind-the-scenes tour of Cheney Stadium. I, along with a few dozen others, was guided through the inner workings of the stadium to and was shown many of the amenities offered.
Cheney Stadium is a Tacoma landmark. People from all over the South Sound flock to the stadium in the summer to experience the excitement of Triple-A baseball. Rainiers president, Aaron Artman, refers to the mighty structure as the “boutique hotel of sports.” And now that the Rainiers’ ballfield has been selected to host the 2017 Triple-A All-Star Game, Cheney Stadium has become immortalized in the annals of minor league baseball history.
Cheney Stadium first opened its doors for the 1960 season. The brainchild of two local businessmen, Clay Huntington and Ben Cheney, the stadium was known as “The 100 Day Wonder” because of the aggressive construction schedule. And for the next 50 years, little was done in the way of upgrades or renovations.
All of this changed at the end of the 2010 season. With a combined effort of the City of Tacoma, the Schlegal Sports Group, and members of the Tacoma Rainiers ownership, Cheney Stadium set up plans for a complete overhaul. A few months later the design, led by Mortenson Construction, Populous and Belay Architecture, was approved and the real work began. Like the speedy construction 50 years prior, this new renovation took just 210 days, and has provided Rainiers fans more options to make their experience a special one.
Perhaps the most impressive option for experiencing Rainiers baseball is the Dugout Club. Similar to the Diamond Club at Safeco Field, the Dugout Club is a “completely inclusive, exclusive experience.” Members can enjoy a complimentary nightly buffet with a rotating menu, free beer and wine, in-seat wait service and VIP parking.
Yet the biggest draw is the seats. Cheney Stadium boasts seats closer to the action than any other ballpark in the country.
Another high-end option at Cheney Stadium is the 4,000-square-foot Summit Club. Members of the Summit Club get access to amazing views of both the field and Mount Rainier, a private entrance, box seats in the first 10 rows, and all-inclusive beer, wine, soda, and snacks. The Summit Club has become so popular that it has been sold out for the past two years, so be sure to plan well ahead of time to get access.
For those looking to celebrate as a group, luxury suites are available. Accommodating anywhere from 20 to 100 people, these “baseball bungalows” provide a way to cheer on the Rainiers in style. Each suite provides all-inclusive food, beer, wine, and soda, their own personal attendant and concierge, and full access to the suite for the whole day. For those with an even bigger group, be sure to check out the party decks along left field. These exclusive deck spaces can cater to groups from 50 to more than 1,000 people, and are ideal for company-wide gatherings.
For those looking for middle-of-the-road seating, there are options such as the We R Family Plan. This plan offers families up to eight reserved seats for every Monday through Thursday game for one flat rate.
For those who don’t want to spend a lot of money, the beautiful grass berm in right field is perfect for fans on a budget. Just don’t forget to bring a blanket to sit on.
If there’s one thing that did not change at Cheney Stadium in the massive overhaul, it’s the view. Whether sitting on the berm or hanging out in the R-Yard, guests are always front and center to the action.
For more information about wide variety of seating options, check out the Rainiers website, call 253-752-7707, email at tickets@tacomarainiers.com, or head over to the box office at the stadium located at 2502 S. Tyler Street.
