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  • Writer's pictureMeg Minard

Chase Field - Arizona Diamondbacks


Photos by Chris Green and Meg Minard, Stadium Journey


Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00

Chase Field 401 E Jefferson St Phoenix, AZ 85004

Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 48,519

 

Twenty-Five Years of D-Backs Baseball

The MLB Arizona Diamondbacks (D-Backs) claimed their one and only World Series Championships over 20 seasons ago. The team has made it to the postseason several times over the years and fans are looking for that to happen again soon. The team is celebrating its 25th season in 2023.


The D-Backs play their home games at Chase Field, formerly known as Bank One Ballpark. It is one of eight major league baseball stadiums with a dome or retractable roof. It’s needed for the extremely hot summers in Phoenix, AZ.


Chase Field hosted WBC (World Baseball Classic) games in 2006, 2013, and 2023. It serves as a concert hall several times throughout the year. It has held soccer matches, bull-riding contests, Supercross and Monster Jams, and more.


The D-Backs put on a good game day operation. To me, there is a vast difference in seeing a game with the roof open vs. the roof closed, so if doable, try attending a game in April when the weather isn’t as hot and the roof is open.


Food & Beverage 4

Like most MLB facilities, all varieties of food stands, concessions, bars, snacks, and drink offerings are widely available at Chase Field at traditional high-priced stadium prices.


New for the 2023 season, the D-Backs are selling visiting team-themed hot dogs (near section 105). For example, when the Phillies come to town, they offer a Philly Dog (Whiz, Philly Steak, and grilled onions) or when the Brewers come to town, lots of cheese and fried cheese curds come with those dogs. A new Gyro stand and BBQ concessions are also open.


Some offerings include: Hungry Hill sangwiches – yes, spelled with a g (sausage, bratwurst, meatball, etc.) $10 - $11, Rey Gloria’s Tamales, Cold Stone Creamery, and Streets of New York Pizza ($11). Vegan burgers and wraps are available at some concessions. Gadzooks (a local Phoenix restaurant known for their enchiladas), a Fry’s Food grab-and-go, and the Still at Cutwater (canned cocktails) are other options. Several stands offer ‘avoiding gluten’ and/or vegan and vegetarian choices.


Craft beers include local Phoenix Four Peaks, as well as Elysian, Golden Road, and Cerveza Importada. A Hop Valley stand is on the first level down the first base side. Beer and cocktail stands line the entire concourse.


Chase Field provides value items at their Double Header concession stands where a Pepsi, hot dog, corn dog, or popcorn are each just $2.99. That’s quite a deal when all that’s desired is a snack, however, the hot dogs are cold and not tasty. Get the popcorn instead if purchasing a value item.


Three restaurants are at Chase Field:

The first level of Chase Field has way more concession options than the third level. Outside food is permitted in the stadium as long as it’s in a clear plastic bag. Fans can bring sealed bottles of water in as well.


Atmosphere 3

The Diamondbacks provide a decent game day experience where, for the most part, the actual game still seems like the focus of attention. The stadium is a bit dark inside when the roof and panels are closed. It’s much brighter and cheerier when it’s open. That said, it is a relief to have a roof and air conditioning during the hot months of the summer.


The stadium has three levels of seating, with the middle level being the club level. Most seats are the comfortable standard green fold-down stadium seats with cup holders and plenty of legroom. The upper third level is rather steep. The lower left and right field seating areas have metal bleachers with backs and cup holders. Nets protect the first level seating areas from sections 111 – 134.


Installed in 2019, Shaw B1K synthetic turf expects to reduce water consumption by two million gallons per season. To the naked eye from the third level, it looks quite natural.


The scoreboard features clear game information and video replays. Panels on each side of the scoreboard display the lineups for each team. Out-of-town scores are also posted on dot matrix boards in the outfield. The scoreboard provides closed captioning for ‘canned’ announcements.


The organization runs promotions throughout the season and includes things like bobblehead giveaways, fireworks, ethnic heritage days, etc. The music volume is acceptable. Fans can have conversations with their neighbors without having to yell over the music.


A unique feature at Chase Field is the swimming pool in right-center field. A few other stadiums have that now (like the Marlins’ loanDepot Park and the Jacksonville Jaguars’ venue), but Chase Field was the first. Another item to visit when in the park is the History & Championship Exhibit– a museum documenting the Arizona Diamondbacks’ history - its origination, logos, victorious moments, signed autographs, gold gloves, and more. The museum is on the first level center field concourse.


Chase Field Swimming Pool, Photo by Chris Green, Stadium Journey


Neighborhood 5

Located right in downtown Phoenix, Chase Field is within a few blocks of many restaurants, bars, hotels, and other entertainment.


The Arrogant Butcher, Pizzeria Bianco, The Kettle Black Kitchen, Ingo’s Tasty Food, and Majerles’ are just a few blocks away. If you’re just looking for an affordable craft beer before the game, check out the Whining Pig. A Huss Brewing Brewpub is a few blocks from the stadium.


Recommended places to stay within walking distance of the stadium include the Hyatt Regency Phoenix, Renaissance Phoenix Downtown, Courtyard by Marriott Phoenix Downtown, or Springhill Suites. Plenty more are in the neighborhood. Since these are right smack downtown, they are pricey. Other hotels near the Valley Metro light rail stations may offer more affordable choices.


Attractions near Chase Field include the Arizona Science Center, Wells Fargo Museum, Heritage Square, and St Mary’s Basilica. The WNBA Phoenix Mercury and the Arizona Rattlers (indoor football) are other sports in the area during baseball season.


Fans 3

Diamondback fans provide decent encouragement to the team, albeit in small numbers. However, when popular teams like the Red Sox, Cubs, or Yankees come to town, the stadium gets sold out. Fan attendance generally runs a tad over 50% full and the Diamondbacks are about the middle of the pack in overall MLB attendance.


Most fans sport their Diamondback hats and jerseys to games and they are quite welcoming to visiting fans.


Access 5

Chase Field is very accessible via automobile as it has close and easy access to I-10 and I-17. Plenty of parking is available for $10 - $22 in nearby garages and lots. The Chase Field Garage at 401 S 4th St is the closest. Parking is cashless at most garages, but some of the lots are cash-only.


Even better than driving, Phoenix’s Metro Light rail system has a stop right near Chase Field’s entrance either at the 3rd St/Washington or the 3rd St/Jefferson stop depending on which direction you are travelling.


Light Rail Station at Chase Field, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey


If travelling from out of town, Sky Harbor International Airport is the most popular airport in the area. A fan can take the light rail right from the airport to Chase Field. Located in the APS Solar Pavilion by the main entrance, the stadium offers lockers to store luggage or oversized items.


Gates open 1 ½ hours before the first pitch on Sunday - Thursday and two hours before on Friday and Saturday. Chase Field allows fans to bring in clear stadium bags (12” x 6” x 12”) and small hand-sized clutches.


Inside the venue, the concourses are wide (even on the third level) though I expect during a sold-out game even those can get crowded. Only one escalator is available near the main entrance at Jefferson and 4th St. Elevators are on hand to get patrons to the higher seating levels.


The stadium is equipped with seven all-inclusive restrooms which have baby changing tables.


Return on Investment 4

Single-game ticket prices range from $19 up to $190 (even more when the Yankees, Red Sox, or Cubs come to town). Prices vary based on the game day and the opponent. Check third-party sites to see if there are less expensive tickets if attending just one game. The D-Backs have extremely affordable season ticket holder packages and deals (even mini plans) so if living in the area, that is a more affordable option.


Concession prices are high but not uncommon for MLB stadiums. They do have the $2.99 deal so that’s a fantastic bonus.


Inexpensive parking or a $4 day pass ($2 for seniors) on the light rail makes getting to the ballpark quite reasonable.


All in all, attending a game at Chase Field is worth any fan's sports entertainment budget.


Extras 4

Chase Field has several additional items worth noting.


Energy Efficient Pavilion – The APS Solar Pavilion provides 14,000+ square feet of shaded entry, plus it generates additional solar power energy.


Organ Music - Organist Bobby Freeman, located on the third level just near the top of the escalator and kid’s zone, is a joy to listen to at points during the game.

Swimming Pool – Chase Field is the first sports venue in North America to provide aquatic delight for its fans.


Chase Bank Card Holders – The Taste of Chase concession stand next to the main merchandise shop offers 25% off your purchase if you use a Chase credit or debit card.


D-Backs Insider – The organization provides a printed program with team articles, a scorecard, the schedule, advertisements, and stadium features.


Final Thoughts

Chase Field provides good game day enjoyment and it is easy to reach and traverse. The swimming pool and the retractable roof and panels offer unique elements to the ballpark. A recommendation is to visit early in the season (April) to enjoy a game with the roof open. Phoenix is a vacation destination in early spring and late fall so enjoy a D-Backs game when in town.

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