Die-hard Mariners fans camp out days ahead of single-game ticket sales

Mariners single game tickets go on sale this Saturday, and the most dedicated of fans are already lining up to get the best seats.

For the last 15 years, Greg Holbron has packed up his car and headed from the Tri-Cities to his favorite camping spot: a little piece of pavement just outside Safeco Field.

“You’ve got to stick around so you’ve got to make sure you’ve got something to eat, something to drink. You want a tent, you want some sleeping bags and if you want to sleep well, you want some earplugs,” Greg said above the din of the traffic streaming by along First Avenue.

I met Greg kicking back on a lawn chair on the sidewalk beneath the oversized image of Mariners All-Star Robinson Cano, a propane space heater keeping him warm as he waits for the ticket office to open Saturday morning.

“I’ve got vacation I have to use. It’s just an opportunity to come and enjoy the city, see people we only get to see once a year.”

Greg’s buddy Tom Nostrant is one of them. Tom drove up from Aberdeen to pitch his own tent and claim his spot at the front of the line, just like he’s done every year for the past decade.

“2005 is when I met Greg standing in line and we were in competition to be first in line for a long time and then we finally made a team and so I meet Greg here every year,” Tom said.

It’s a unique friendship. The pair only see each other once a year during their two-day camp-out at Safeco Field.

Although they could buy their tickets online, Greg and Tom say their annual gathering has become a tradition and an event they cherish, even if it is just a couple of days.

“You know it’s surprising I have books and things to do but you never get around to doing it we talk and watch the traffic and say hi to the people walking by and time flies.”

The Mariners do their part to make the guys feel welcome, or at least comfortable, especially when nature calls.

“The ladies in the office are nice enough to let us use the restroom when they’re open. Thanks to folks at Jimmy’s, don’t tell them I said this, we occasionally use their restrooms and the team actually will bring out port-a-potties for those waiting,” Greg said.

Greg and Tom will likely have plenty of company by Saturday morning

There’s plenty of buzz around the team this year. The Mariners say season ticket sales are up 25 percent. Greg can hardly wait for the first pitch.

“We were left a little wanting after that Seahawks Super Bowl game,” said Greg. “I think people want to grab on and after last year with the Mariners being in it up until the sixth inning of the last game and then picking up Nelson Cruz, I think that a lot of people are really excited.”