The Cincinnati Enquirer from Cincinnati, Ohio • Page 63

The Cincinnati Enquirer BASEBALL '95 Wednesday April 26,1995 G11 Spotlight: Coors Field 'If God isn't he can't be far The Associated Press r-f 1 A I i The Associated Press Coors Field, in Denver's lower downtown district, sits in the city's oldest neighborhood, steeped in railroad history. thing like it." Today the Rockies' season DENVER Last month, replacement players gave Coors Field, the Colorado Rockies' spanking new $215.5 million ballpark, an unofficial christening in an exhibition game against the New York Yankees. Nearly a month later, the "real Rockies" were soaking up the ambience of their posh new ballpark as they prepare for a new season and the official opening of Coors Field today. Shortly after flying in from spring training camp in Tucson, Rockies' management led players through the facility, signaling the homecoming of Colorado's real boys of summer. First baseman Andres Galarraga sent four balls into left field stands during batting practice, drawing cheers from stadium employees.

Galarraga said he'd never forget Mile High Stadium, where the Rockies played two seasons, but he, like most of his teammates, is impressed with Coors Field. "It's unbelievable everywhere you look, inside and out. When I got here, I couldn't find the words to describe how nice it is," he said. Catchers Joe Girardi and Jorge Brito were equally effusive. "If God isn't here, he can't be too far away," Brito said, quoting a Spanish adage.

"I love it. I think everyone here is in awe," Girardi said. Outfielder Dante Bichette compared it to Baltimore's Camden Yards, "the only stadium that even comes close." "It's great out there," he said looking over his shoulder toward the outfield. "It's cozy. I feel like a little kid here.

This has got to be the most beautiful stadium in the world." Infielder Roberto Mejia, taping the neck of a bat in the Rockies' dugout, said, "I've never seen any- WHAT FALLS FROM THE SKY IS BEYOND OUR CONTROL. BUT WITH ALL SEASON TRACTIONJHE GROUND IS ANOTHER STORY ENTIRELY. any applicable taxes and fees. To experience the 525i and our All Season Traction, visit your local BMW dealer for an exhilarating test-drive. ed view of the field.

Dozens crowded into the Sand-lot Brewery, an on-site microbrew-ery run by the Coors Brewing which paid $30 million for stadium naming rights. A few minor adjustments have been made since eager fans first flooded through turnstiles to tour the state-of-the-art ballpark the National League's first new baseball field in nearly 30 years. Coors Field, in Denver's lower downtown district, sits in the city's oldest neighborhood, steeped in railroad history. "Lodo," once Denver's skid row, is now bustling with baseball paraphernalia shops, art galleries, restaurants, pricey lofts and trendy pubs with names like The Dugout. After the March 31 exhibition game, euphoric fans streamed onto nearby streets, raising expectations the ballpark would fulfill its promise of further reviving downtown Denver.

opener against the New York Mets season ticket holders who snubbed replacement players last month will watch team officials go through the motions of inaugurating the ballpark again. This time, team officials assure, it will be official and, hopefully, uneventful in terms of security and parking. Rockies officials tried to keep the March 31 game with replacements low key, saving the fireworks for the return of the regular players. Still, about 47,563 fans toured Coors Field that day. Most said they were there to see the ballpark, not the game.

They peered over upper-deck railings at the diamond below, then took in vistas of the Denver skyline and the Rocky Mountains. Hundreds promenaded around Coors Field's 350-yard main concourse, one of only two in the majors offering fans an unobstruct Maintaining traction is one of the keys to safety. And with optional All Season Traction, ww rmw slippery roads will LEASE be less 30 issua MX Sophisticated I3mor sensors, anti-lock brakes, and a throttle control system all work at compensating for wheel slippage, helping you maintain more control. You can now experience AST through BMW's 525i lease program for $419 a month for 30 months.That is with a down payment or trade equity of $2,500 and a refundable security deposit of first month's payment brings the total due at the lease inception to $3,369, plus THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE." Visit your authorized Cincinnati Area BMW dealer for a test-drive. Or, call 1-800-334-4BMW for additional information.

CABLE CUSTOMERS, GALL TODAY AND 02DER THE REDS 021 SPORTSCHANNEL FQ3 AS LITTLE AS 'Actual lease price determined by dealer. Offered to qualified customers by BMW Financial Services NA, through participating dealers. Estimated monthly payment of $419 for a 1995 BMW 525i with All Season Traction is based on a Suggested Retail Price of $36,865 including dealer prep and destination charge less dealer contribution, which could affect final negotiated transaction; with a down payment of $2,500, for a 30 month closed-end lease. First month's payment of $419, plus $450 refundable security deposit or last month's payment to be paid in advance, and the down payment of $2,500 for a total of $3,369 is due at lease signing. Title, taxes and registration fees may be due at lease signing.

Title, taxes, registration, license fees, insurance, maintenance, and other options are the responsibility of the lessee and are not included in the monthly lease price of $419. Total amount of monthly payments is $12,570. At the end of the lease, lessee pays an excess mileage charge of $.15 per mile over 25,000 miles at lease termination, a charge for any excess wear and tear as defined in lease contract and a termination fee of $250. End of term purchase option is available for an estimated price of $23,594. Lessee acquires no ownership rights in the vehicle unless purchase option is exercised.

Subject to credit approval. Offer effective until April 30, 1 995. Specific vehicles are subject to availability and may have to be ordered. See your participating BMW dealer for details. 1995 BMW of North America, Inc.

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