Chase Field-Home of the Arizona Diamondbacks

Official Review by Mike Schwartzer, Stadium Journey Regional Correspondent

When this stadium was built in 1998, it was known as Bank One Ballpark but was renamed Chase Field in 2005. Back in the BOB days, the Diamondbacks found early success winning the 2001 World Series in only their fourth year as a franchise.

Chase Field has hosted more than just Diamondbacks baseball games. In 2006, Chase Field hosted a World Baseball Classic game between USA and Mexico, as well as Challenge at Chase games in 2006 and 2007 between the Arizona State University and University of Arizona baseball teams. Most recently Chase Field hosted the 2011 MLB All-Star game which included the 2011 Homerun Derby and the 2011 Celebrity All-Star Game.

Chase Field was home to the Insight Bowl (2000-2005), several women's college basketball games, bull riding, monster truck rallies, Supercross races, and concerts.

But this stadium was built for baseball, and out of all the teams that have played here, the Diamondbacks know how to put on the show.

Food & Beverage    4

It's hard to ask for more when it comes to food and beverage options at Chase Field. With an abundance of classic ballpark food stands, which even includes a gluten free food stand, your favorites aren't far away. There are even additional restaurants that will satisfy any of your taste buds with some popular places such as Cold Stone Creamery, Subway, Fatburger, Panda Express, and even a TCBY. Don't want to wait in line for food during the game? You can eat at the Arizona Baseball Club or even the TGI Fridays Front Row Sports Grill, both of which have a great view of the game right from your table.

Your choice of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages may be even more prevalent than the food stands, with 21 beer carts, a few coffee stands, and 10 liquor bars around the stadium. Drinks are also available at most of the restaurants.

The only drawback is the prices, which can make you second guess your choices. But what can you expect from a stadium that has more options than a mall food court?

Atmosphere    4

Walking into the stadium the first thing that catches your eye is the 136 by 46 foot high definition big screen, which is the largest in the MLB. Chase Field is a good example of these new age ballparks that work to make the game more of an event than just a game. The Diamondbacks took a page out of the Brewers book and developed a sausage race of their own called the D-Backs Legends Race.

Larger than life costumes of Randy Johnson, Luis Gonzalez, Mark Grace, and Matt Williams race from the right field foul pole all the way to the Diamondbacks dugout to declare the winner. Poor Mark Grace, who is also one of the television broadcasters for the Diamondbacks, has never won a race. His failure to come in first (or even second) seems to be the reoccurring theme of each contest, but the fans seem to enjoy it along with Gracey who will sometimes show his displeasure from the broadcasting booth.

Who says AT&T Park is the only stadium with splash landings? Chase Field has a swimming pool just past the outfield wall in right-center field. Grab 34 of your closest friends and enjoy a game from a completely different perspective. Add in t-shirt cannons, section giveaways, and fan giveaways on top of all of the other attractions and the casual baseball fan can turn into a frequent attendee.

Neighborhood    4

Practically leaning on the west wall of Chase Field is Sliders American Grill. A two level sports bar, Sliders can get very busy on the weekends, and many fans will stay there for the game itself. Toss in a new awning that connects the restaurant to the stadium, it provides a much needed covered area for those Arizona summers. Chase Field is located in the southeast corner of the central business district of Phoenix, just east of the US Airways Center. Staying at the downtown Hyatt or Sheraton? You are only a few blocks and a few bucks away from catching a quality ball game at a quality ballpark. If you have time before the game starts or want to stick around Phoenix after the game make sure to check out Majerle's Sports Grill, Hard Rock Cafe or Bar Smith all within a block or two.

Fans    3

Diamondbacks fans are good, not great. That isn't a knock on them at all, especially for a franchise that has only been around for 13 years. Now don't expect them to hassle an opposing pitcher when he throws back to first base, but they do enjoy cheering on their hometown team. The stadium is not always full, but having the seventh largest seating capacity in the majors at 49,077, it's no easy feat to pack the house every night. Fans of Arizona and Phoenix teams tend to be a little fair weather, but the good news is the Diamondbacks are in the hunt for the NL West this year so the stadium seems to be a little more crowded every day.

Access    4

There are a ton of bathrooms within reach of any seat so don't worry about missing out on the game. There is a good amount of parking with prices that won't empty your wallet, and many of the lots seem safe. If you go south of the stadium, the parking lot quality starts to decrease but the prices do not. The best option is the parking garage between Chase Field and US Airways Center, but make sure to get there early because it'll fill up quick.

Return on Investment    4

With a great deal of seats $30 or under, including the cheapest ticket at $8, the ticket is certainly worth the price.  Even the most expensive seat is only $170, which makes Yankee Stadium ticket prices seem more overpriced than movie theatre popcorn.

You can buy an $8 ticket along with a couple beers, a foot-long hot dog, and some fries and only spend around $30.

Extras    3

In the upper deck of left field is The Sandlot, an area dedicated to the young Diamondbacks fans. At The Sandlot there is a toddler's playground, a kids playground, and even batting cages. Futures Field is also located at The Sandlot, a miniature baseball field where the kids can take swings at live wiffle ball pitches and practice running the bases. Baxter's Den is also home of the beloved Diamondbacks mascot, Baxter the Bobcat. Baxter will sign autographs and pose for photos at his den, with lines that rival those for mall Santas. And the added bonus with Baxter is that the kids won't cry when they see him! Sorry Kris Kringle.

One of the best characteristics of Arizona can also be one of its worst. While the warm temperatures allow year round baseball, it can also make for some unbearable summer months. Do not fear, because if the temperature rises higher than 95 degrees, the stadium will close its retractable roof and keep the temperature comfortable inside.

Want to check on the score of other games around the league? Right past the left field foul pole is a giant scoreboard of all the games for that day. But if you want to see the box score for those games just use the Wi-Fi available at Chase Field.

Final Thoughts

Chase Field offers so much for any guest and is a great place for casual or hardcore baseball fans. With a great location in downtown Phoenix, going to a D-Backs game can either start off your downtown adventure right or finish it off with a bang.

Chase Field has a very welcoming environment and fans from all over. On a regular basis you will see the visiting team's colors all over the ballpark, most notably the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers. With most seats having a great view of the game, any ticket will do no matter what your price range is. For those seats that make it tough to see the field, just look past center field and see everything in high definition on the big screen.

With the Diamondbacks in the hunt for October and the fans filling the stadium more every night, now is as good a time as ever to catch a game at Chase Field.