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Stadium and bars, an Inside guide to where people go before and after Rockies games and their stadium..

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Colorado Rockies Ballparks and Beer Guide
Denver, Colorado

Within steps of Coors Field are all types of pre- and post-game entertainment choices.

The area is known as LoDo, which translates to "Lower Downtown." And while Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies, may not be in the geographical heart of Denver, Colorado, it is indeed the heartbeat of the city's revitalized warehouse area.

Located on the corner of Blake and 20th Street, this old-style stadium in a new-look neighborhood is a modern marvel of sorts, turning the surrounding area from aged edifices into a vibrant part of Denver's social fabric.

The stadium is as comfortable as a fielder's favorite glove, an easy-to-access venue in a clean, modern setting. It's spacious, comfortable and is surrounded by bars and restaurants, hemming it in like a baserunner caught in a rundown. Within a five-block area, there are more than 20 drinking establishments. That's nearly one for every out of a game. And people do gather before and afterward; read on for which spots are the most popular.

One of Coors Field's best attributes is the upper deck concourse (head for the clock tower). Who cares about a meaningless midseason non-classic game – one of 81 played here each year – when the moon and stars glow through the clear air and the Rocky Mountains and city skyline shines in the distance? Go up there and just, ahhh, take a few deep breaths – as well as a few sips from an ice-cold beer – and enjoy the moment.

This healthy mental cleansing helps draw in fans even when the team's performance does not – the Rockies haven't finished above. 500 since 2000. Attends falls off dramatically in late July and August when the team's fortunes become clear but still, the pleasant atmosphere and the thin air that can produce 20-run games makes a nice combination. Take time to walk around the place, get to know it. It's a very pleasant experience.

The crowd at Rockies games are like pretty much the rest of Colorado – relaxed and friendly. In good weather, they are most likely to be casually dressed in shorts, t-shirts and tennies or even sandals.

Residents drive (ample parking is available throughout LoDo) or arrive by Light Rail (Union Station via the C Line). Still more come via the 16th Street Mall bus, a free service that goes up and down the mile-long 16th Street Mall (actually a blocked off street with shops and restaurants – some good, some not). This is ideal transportation for visitors, as well. Step off at the last stop – Blake Street – and follow the crowds. It's a four-block walk to the stadium (at 20th Street).

As comfortable as a baseball glove, Coors Field delivers a hit for fans.

Before and after games, there's a bounty of bars within a foul ball of the stadium. Which one(s) to choose are really up to one's preference, but the most lively is Jackson's Sports Bar directly across from the stadium. Jackson's is a huge place; it has a bar area, a large patio (mainly for the seated and sedate) and a big game-watching room in the rear. The food is ballpark caliber. FYI, Jackson's is also the home bar for the University of Oklahoma transplants during football season.

The pregame crowd gathers at Jackson's, one of LoDo's many sports bars.

There's a really cool patio at the Soiled Dove. The spacious rooftop deck with the stadium in sight might just be tempting enough to cause some to toss out the anchor and miss the game entirely. At least it's no big deal if you don't make it until the second or third inning. The crowd here tends to be a bit younger, single people (and more girls) in their 20s as opposed to Jackson's 30ish and guys-away-from-the-wife/pound-'em-while-you-can groups.

The LoDo Tavern is another option, a large warehouse-style bar. On weekend nights, the place is packed, game or no game.

The SC, or Sports Column, is a bit more of a down-to-earth kind of place and it's purely sports – pool tables, games, the works. It, too, has rooftop patio and it features $2 drafts and domestics on "Thirsty Thursdays." In fact, most places please their patrons with Happy Hours starting at 11 p.m., making them ideal post-game watering holes on weekends. Or Thursdays, also a big night in this part of LoDo.

There are many other bars in the area, some a few steps from the stadium and even more a 5-minute walk away. There are dance clubs, martini bars, live music venues, two Irish bars (Fado's, right by the stadium, has small bands and is a good dinner call before night games),, a brew pub, a cantina with a margarita limit (three only, and for good reason), restaurants and restaurant/bars. For descriptions of the best ones, see our LoDo Bar Guide.

Game, what game? LoDo doesn't need a game to rock (but it helps).

Ballparks and Beers: SBC Park, San Francisco

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