Colorado Rockies: Is the All Star Game coming to Coors Field?
Across Major League Baseball, Coors Field is renowned as one of baseball’s nicest facilities. From its mountain views to the outdoors-themed bullpen, and the new 8,369 square foot video scoreboard, Coors Field has maintained its status as one of the premier stadiums in the league despite being the third-oldest ballpark in the National League.
Because of the carefully-considered upgrades and a diligent commitment to upkeep, Coors Field manages to feel like one of the sport’s classic venues while also feeling like a newer ballpark. And now that the team is constructing the new McGregor Square convention center near the stadium, ownership is making a push to host an All-Star Game in the near future.
Rox Pile first reported on this effort in September when the club submitted the paperwork to host the 2022 midsummer classic. Those efforts took another step forward earlier this month when MLB officials visited Denver as the next step in their selection process.
More from Rox Pile
- A Colorado Rockies Thanksgiving
- Colorado Rockies: What if Todd Helton had played football instead?
- Colorado Rockies: Charlie Blackmon out for the season
- Colorado Rockies: Injuries shift look of roster ahead of Dodgers series
- Colorado Rockies: Has Sean Bouchard earned a second look in 2023?
The Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, and Houston Astros are the Rockies’ main competitors for hosting the 2022 All-Star Game.
However, awarding the Astros such a big honor after their cheating scandal broke this offseason would be an even bigger PR nightmare than what many saw as an already weak punishment from the commissioner’s office. In other words, I think we can take them out of the running for the time being.
Coors Field last hosted the midsummer classic in 1998 when the ballpark was just 3 years old and had yet to institute its infamous humidor. Given the exaggerated perception many outside of Colorado hold of Coors Field, the baseball world should be thrilled at the prospect of holding a home run derby a mile above sea level.
Just think of the hype Major League Baseball can generate around that idea alone. More people might tune into the derby than the actual game itself. In all seriousness though, All-Star Weekend at Coors Field could be marketing gold for MLB.
Even if the Rockies aren’t awarded the 2022 All-Star Game, considering the condition of their venue and the recent upgrades, they’ll likely host one very soon. Every slot from 2022 up until Philadelphia hosts in 2026 is open so it may not be long until the All-Star Game returns to Denver.