Seattle Times / Ellen M. Banner

The Mariners filed a formal objection with the city about plans to open a Déjà Vu strip club at 1530 First Ave S., in building at right, about 400 feet from Safeco Field.

SEATTLE - The Mariners lost off the field Friday morning as a King County Judge ruled a strip club operator has the right to open up a new club just a few hundred feet from Safeco Field's home plate.

The Mariners had argued that Roger Forbes, who wants to open up a "Déjà vu" strip club, violated a city ordinance which bans adult establishments within 800 feet of any community center, child care center, elementary or secondary school or public parks and open space use.

The Mariners had argued the stadium fits that description.

But Judge John Erlick disagreed with the definition and upheld a permit for Forbes to open the club at 1530 1st Avenue South.

"We're very happy," said Forbes' attorney Peter Buck. "It's a huge go ahead signal, with a strong opinion by a good judge."

Buck says the Mariners have 30 days to appeal the decision, and if there is none, his client could have the strip club up and running six months later.