MLB previews Play Ball Park at the All-Star Game

Photo boxes of the All-Stars greet you at the entrance to Play Ball Park

You can see the media tour of Play Ball Park in the video below:

The All-Star Game fan experience, known as Play Ball Park, is almost ready as construction crews work quickly to get it all done.

There’s a lot just to see at Play Ball Park, located at Lumen Field and the Event Center, from the World Series “Commissioner’s Trophy” to a Babe Ruth bat that just sold for $1.8 million to virtual reality Home Run Derby, but there’s also a lot to do, says Major League Baseball’s Jacqueline Secaira-Cotto.  “That’s the whole point because not everyone can get a ticket to the All-Star Game or the Home Run Derby,” Secaira-Cotto says, “This is where you come to get your All-Star experience.  That’s why we invite everyone to come out here, all communities, all groups.”  Secaira-Cotto says they usually expect between 70,000 and 80,000 people to come to Play Ball Park, but she says they thought the same thing last year and got more than 100,000 people.

One of Seattle’s favorite All-Stars, Edgar Martinez, was there, and Edgar tells Northwest Newsradio it’s a great family experience and great to get people involved in baseball.  Martinez says, “There’s so many things for every fan.  You know, you can take swings, you can listen to music, you can do many things here, so it’s a lot of fun.”

In addition to Play Ball Park’s exhibits and interactive experiences, there are several opportunities around Lumen Field for kids to swing a bat or run the bases, including some that are free outside of the paid experience.

10-year-old little league left-fielder, Elliott Russell came with his dad, Jason, from Federal Way and tried his hand at the Home Run Derby, where he says he knocked out 3 or 4 of the 10 pitches they get. Jason Russell says being able to come out here with his son was an emotional experience.  “I was almost in tears,” Russell says, “I just remember not being able to do this when I was younger with my dad, and so to be able to afford him this opportunity […] and to be able to have the All-Star Game in Seattle…wow!”

Play Ball Park tickets are going for $35, but you can get them for just $10 with the Play Ball Park offer.  MLB gave us what Secaira-Cotto called the “Secret Squirrel” code:  PBPO. Play Ball Park is open 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 to 6:00 Monday and Tuesday.

The All-Star Home Run Derby, featuring the Mariners’ Julio Rodriguez, is Monday evening. Julio, George Kirby and Luis Castillo will be on the American League squad for Tuesday evening’s All-Star Game.