Photos by Chris Green and Meg Minard, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14
Chase Field 401 E Jefferson St Phoenix, AZ 85004
Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 48,519
Las Serpientes
The MLB Arizona Diamondbacks (D-Backs) unexpectedly claimed the 2023 National League Championship but fell to the Texas Rangers in the World Series. The team has made it to the postseason several other times over its 26 seasons, winning the World Series in 2001.
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, definitely needed for the scorching hot summers in Phoenix, AZ.
The D-Backs organization enhanced the gameday experience this 2024 season. The organization added new, colorful lighting used expertly to heighten the pregame introduction and intensify the game highlights, home runs, etc. Red and white lights flash, strobe, and propel throughout the stadium. All very nicely done. The organization also added a new sound system using CO12 loudspeakers for better announcements, broadcasts, and music sound clarity.
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. With its new audio and lighting systems, expect even more concerts and events at the stadium.
The D-Backs put on a good gameday 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. There are too many to list but click here to get the full directory.
Some offerings include Hungry Hill sangwiches – yes, spelled with a g (sausage, bratwurst, meatball, etc.), Rey Gloria’s Tamales, Bat Flip Burgers, D-Backs BBQ Alley, Cold Stone Creamery, Streets of New York Pizza, and Gadzooks (a local Phoenix restaurant known for their enchiladas). Vegan burgers and wraps are available at some concessions. To help reduce wait time, some Grab N Go stands are set up along the concourse. Several stands offer ‘avoiding gluten’ and/or vegan and vegetarian choices.
Concession stands sell canned and draft beers, hard seltzers, cocktails, margaritas, and wine throughout the stadium. Craft beers include local Phoenix Four Peaks, Elysian, Golden Road, and Cerveza Importada. A Hop Valley stand is on the first level down the first base side. A Leinenkugel stand is on the third level.
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 you desire is a snack.
Three restaurants are at Chase Field:
Guy Fieri DTPHX Kitchen & Bar @ Caesars Sportsbook (across from the main entrance)
Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers (left field – open 7 days a week)
Estrella Jalisco Cantina (upstairs in right field – open to the public)
The first level of Chase Field has way more concession options than the third level. Even though the organization added more express lines this season, concession lines can get long (especially for Cold Stone Creamery and Icees). Outside food is permitted in the stadium as long as it’s in a clear plastic baggie. Fans can bring sealed bottles of water in as well.
Atmosphere 4
The Diamondbacks provide an excellent gameday 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 sweltering hot months of the summer.
The stadium has three levels of seating, with the middle level being the club level. Most seats are 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. A net protects the first-level seating areas from sections 111 – 134. The turf is Shaw B1K synthetic turf, installed in 2019.
The scoreboard features game information and video replays. Panels on each side of the scoreboard display the lineups for each team. The scoreboard provides closed captioning for ‘canned’ announcements.
The organization runs a slew of promotions throughout the season which include events like bobblehead giveaways, fireworks, ethnic heritage days, religious celebration games, etc.
Even though the venue has a new, clear, focused and directed sound system, the volume is still perfect for a ballgame. Fans can have conversations with their neighbors without having to yell over the music. Because of its design, the audio works just as well when the roof is open or closed.
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 spot 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 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. You may be able to catch a WNBA Phoenix Mercury game or a late season NBA Phoenix Suns game at the Footprint Center a block away. You may also be able to catch a Phoenix Rising FC (soccer) game when in town. It's just a few stops east on the light rail.
Fans 3
Diamondback fan attendance has increased since the team’s 2023 conference championship. The fans provide decent encouragement to the team. Fan attendance generally runs over 50% full. However, when popular teams like the Red Sox, Cubs, Dodgers, or Yankees come to town, the stadium sells out. [I switched sentences] 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 very 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 $25 - $30 in nearby garages and lots. The Chase Field Garage at 401 S 4th St and the Jefferson Street Garage at 333 E Jefferson St are the closest and are covered. 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 have increased and range from $25 up to $225 (plus astronomical Ticketmaster fees). Prices vary based on the gameday 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 you live in the area, that is a more affordable option.
Take advantage of one of the many promotional games, even a Kids Free Weekend, to get the best bang for your buck.
Concession prices are high but not uncommon for MLB stadiums. They do have the $2.99 deal, so that’s a fantastic bonus. 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.
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.
Audio and Lighting Enhancements – Upgrades to the sound system and lighting structure improve gameday excitement with the use of advanced technology.
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 near the top of the escalator and kid’s zone, is a joy to listen to during the game.
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 pleasurable gameday enjoyment and 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.