Chase Field: Catching a Diamondbacks Game

The One with a Retractable Roof and Air Conditioning

A huge goal of mine is to visit all 30 MLB stadiums and catch a game and enjoy what each stadium and fan base has to offer. While in Arizona this past trip I had to squeeze in a game at Chase Field, and squeeze it in is what we did. Now we do have family in Arizona and are often there, but we have yet to make a trip to see a game before this past trip.

We decided to meet up with some friends, grab a few drinks, and catch the game. The Dodgers were in town so we knew it would be a good game to catch for high quality baseball. I have seen the Diamondbacks play a few times from my time in San Diego when they would come to visit, but we were extremely excited to see the game at Chase Field. From what I have heard prior to the game, the stadium is a must visit. It did not disappoint.

Location

401 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Chase Field, located in downtown Phoenix, AZ and is the beating heart of the Phoenix sports scene. Chase Field is located in a prime location, close to the freeways and easy walking and parking access to the field.

Downtown Phoenix is bordered by interstates 10 and 17 with exits onto 7th Ave which leads you right to the stadium. Along with road access fans can access the stadium via the Valley Metro, which runs from Phoenix to Mesa. Chase Field is also an easy walk from most downtown locations in Phoenix and the stadium offers an unmistakable image in the cities skyline so you always now where you are headed.

Parking at Chase Field

The stadium does have paid parking structures next to and connected to the stadium. However, just around every corner and turn are parking lots and parking garages for you to park for the game. So if parking at the stadium is not your thing, don’t worry. there’s plenty of parking available nearby.

We traveled to downtown Phoenix via Interstate 10 from Goodyear and had no trouble parking. After passing a few lots and garages, we chose East Parking off of 7th and paid $10 to park. We were a 2 block walk to the stadium and it led us past a busy pre game crowd filling all the bars and local eateries.

What To Do Around the Ballpark

Located in the heart of downtown Phoenix, Chase Field is surrounded by a great game day atmosphere. Game 7 Grill, located to the west of the stadium is a locals favorite for pre and post game festivities and drinks. Coach’s Corner Grille, and Majerle’s Sports Grill are also popular hang out spots for fans attending the game.

If heading to a bar for pre game fun is not your things, phoenix offers kids areas nearby with playgrounds, water fountains, and inside stadium restaurants for those dying to get into the stadium.

As for our pre game activities there’s not much to talk about. We were meeting friend nearby the stadium and like always (if you know us) we were a little behind schedule. So we hurried to the stadium and met up with our friends and headed in to the game.

History of the Stadium

Chase Field, formerly known as Bank One Ballpark, was built in 1998 when the Diamondbacks debuted as an MLB expansion franchise. It is the first stadium to feature a retractable roof over a grass field. The stadiums retractable roof is essential for play as temperatures soar above 100 degrees during the summer months and the stadium is completely air conditioned.

At the time of its completion, Chase Field (Bank One Ballpark) was the 3rd MLB Stadium with a retractable roof but first in the United States (Toronto and Montreal). Along with baseball, the stadium has hosted soccer matches, football games, concerts, and monster jam and motocross events.

Memorable Moments

The stadiums most notable moment was Luis Gonzalez’s walk off single in game 7 of the 2001 World Series. That hit denied the Yankees of a 4th straight World Series title and was the Diamondbacks first and only championship in the franchises short history. Along with Luis Gonzalez’s World Series heroics, Chase Field was witness to Diamondbacks great Randy Johnsons’ 4,000th strikeout.

The stadium hosted the 2011 MLB All Star Game, and first round games of the 2006 World Baseball Classic.

What to see inside Chase Field

Chase Field is easily one of the cooler and noise advanced stadiums that the MLB has to offer. Inside the stadium you will find a full sized gym, a luxury swimming pool just past the right field fence to watch the game, and an upper deck family play area called the Sandlot, for parents to drop their kids off and watch the game.

A massive scoreboard takes up all of right center and for those fans with vision issues, this scoreboard is incredibly helpful. TV’s litter the entire stadium so no matter where you are you will be able to catch the action.

The stadium offers luxury boxes, field level suits, group suites for meeting and events, feature a few premier restaurants and lounges within the stadium. BMW Homeplate Lounge, Four Peaks Draft Room, Sedona Club and Sonoran Room, and the BMW Club are few premier dining and drink options within the stadium.

Outside the stadium to the front is The APS Solar Pavilion. This structure designed for shade and activities generates 75 kilowatts of solar power and is a great way to get some extra shade for fans during Arizonas hot summers.

Where To Sit

Chase Field is honestly one of those stadiums where there really isn’t a bad seat in the house. Visibility to the field from just all about all seats are great. My personal favorite spots to sit are either in the stands in Right or left field as they offer you a great view of there action, and give you a great shot at catching a homer ball, or for all the kids, catching a ball from a player.

The stadium does feature 4,400 club seats, 57 suites, 6 party suites, and executive suite, batters box suite, 2 dugout suites, and a swimming pool and bar to watch the game. If sitting in the seats surrounded by fans is not for you, Chase Field has plenty of other options available for you.

Like all stadiums, where you sit depends on how much you are willing to pay for tickets. When we went to the game we paid $22 for 2nd row left field seats. They were great seats and the Backs were playing the Dodgers, so it was a hot ticket. Ticket prices for games are not too expensive and tend to be very affordable. Unless you want to watch the game from a box, you won’t break the bank to get as close to the field as you can.

Where to Stay Around Chase Field

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Phoenix is filled with amazing hotels especially surrounding or nearby to Chase Field. Phoenix is a great year round destination for travelers looking to escape the cold and get out int he heat, so hotels, AirBnB’s and housing options are plenty.

Hotels near Chase Field:

Residence Inn by Marriott Phoenix Downtown – 0.3 miles away
Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix Cityscape – 0.3 miles away
Courtyard by Marriott Phoenix Downtown – 0.3 miles away
Search for more hotels at Booking.com

Make a Trip and Enjoy all Chase Field has to Offer

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