Safeco hosting Opening Day viewing party

OAKLAND -- More than 15,000 fans have RSVP'd to a Mariners invitation for a free shirt for those who register in advance to attend Monday's Opening Day viewing party at Safeco Field, Mariners vice president of marketing Kevin Martinez said on Saturday.

Fans can come to Safeco Field to watch the Mariners' opening game in Oakland on the gigantic new center-field video screen, which will be the largest board in Major League Baseball.

Gates will open at 6 p.m., so fans can check out some of the park's new additions, including the new Edgar's Cantina down the left-field line, as well as the new fences and the big screen that will show the game starting at 7:07 p.m.

Admission is free and parking will also be free in the Safeco Field and CenturyLink garages, as long as space is available.

Fans who RSVP online by 5 p.m. PT on Sunday will receive a voucher for a free "True to the Blue" T-shirt. The RSVP can be linked to on Mariners.com.

The event is open to anyone who wants to attend, but only those who RSVP will get a T-shirt.

"This is the first event of its kind here at Safeco Field," Martinez said. "There are so many new aspects of the ballpark. The open house will give fans a chance to see what they can look forward to all season. From Edgar's Cantina and Home Run Porch, to the expanded 'Pen in center field to the new field dimensions to the video screen, fans will have plenty to explore and enjoy on Monday and throughout the season."

Martinez is among those who've gotten a sneak preview of the new big screen and he says fans are certain to enjoy the high-definition images and ability to show full-screen replays as well as divide the board into smaller sections.

"I was struck by the resolution," Martinez said. "The clarity of the video and graphics on the screen really are incredible."