by The Associated Press, The Oakland Press, July 12, 2013
DETROIT (AP) — The newest seats at the Detroit Opera House offer baseball fans a view of on-field action at the home of the Detroit Tigers.
The Coors Light Sky Deck, which has its grand opening Friday, offers a rooftop beer garden, bleachers and a view into Comerica Park from straightaway center field of most of the baseball action, the Detroit Free Press reported.
The rooftop is about 450 feet from the center field wall, and more than 900 feet from home plate. Still, visitors can follow each pitch. The crack of bats and the roar of the crowd inside Comerica Park can be heard, and there’s a view of the city — as well as a full bar.
“It’s a fantastic view,” said Jon Coutts, general manager of the Detroit Courtyard Marriott, who was given a rooftop tour during Thursday’s afternoon game between the Tigers and the White Sox. “You feel like you’re in the mix, but not in the crowd.”
The Sky Deck will be open to the public Fridays and Saturdays, from 6 p.m. to about 12:30 a.m. Admission is free this weekend, and starting next week, there will be a $5 cover charge for those who arrive after 9 p.m. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be offered for sale.
“It’s a chance to experience the opera house in a different way,” said Jason Warzecha, operations director for Michigan Opera Theatre. “Maybe we’ll even squeeze in a few opera singers to give people a taste of what we do inside.”
The rooftop also is furnished with tables, chairs and couches near a small music stage. A radio broadcast of the game will be run through a PA system.
John Ford, field marketing manager for MillerCoors in Michigan, said the sponsorship is separate from any partnership with the Detroit Tigers. The Michigan Opera Theatre and MillerCoors haven’t said how much money is being paid to sponsor the Sky Deck.
The Michigan Opera Theatre plans to rent the space during the week for corporate and other private events, starting at $1,500 for the space.