Inside Chase Field

Chase Field is a place with a distinct sound and a distinct look, but overall is a “cool” place to watch a game.  

For starters, it is easy to get to, and has a nice little entertainment area around it, with plenty of bars and restaurants to get a pregame beer or a bite to eat, and you will see plenty of “misters” along the way to keep you cool as you walk in and out.  There is a public train that essentially drops you off a few steps from the ballpark, which is convenient.  

But man….it is HOT in the desert!  That may explain why Chase Field is the only ballpark in Major League Baseball with “windows”.    

The windows are there to allow sunlight into the ballpark without overheating the whole place. 

The roof is unique, as it opens from the middle, with two segments that can be opened/closed in unison or independently. It takes four-and-a-half minutes to open/close and operates on four miles of cable strung through a pulley system.  One of the coolest things around the game is the ceremonial opening of the roof before the game begins, as it’s set to music, which is a nice tradition.   

Chase Field also has one of the better concourses in baseball.  You can walk the entire main concourse and pretty much not miss a pitch! It is one of few ballparks across Major League Baseball where you can say that.  

For a TV reporter, the camera well is unique.   The visiting reporter sits on the inside end of the dugout, next to the manager and the bat rack, separated by a thick wall.  There is short roof that that basically tucks you in a corner, and I’ve banged my head on it a few times when getting up and paying half attention.  Not fun when you’re about to go on camera.  

The visiting clubhouse is one of the largest in all of baseball, with couches, loungers and tables lined across the middle.  The players walk a few steps down to the batting cage, and then about a few feet later, a few steps up into the far end of the dugout.  There are only nine stadiums in baseball where the players enter from the “opposite” end of the dugout and walk to the bat rack.  

The PA announcer is fantastic, as is the in-game entertainment.  But before you go, make sure you drink LOTS of water, as you won’t sweat as much as you’d think you will, but may end up feeling like a camel in the desert by the time the final out is recorded. 

SCENIC – Located in downtown Phoenix, Chase Field is the only home the Arizona Diamondbacks have ever known. Has hosted two World Series (2001 and 2023) and one All-Star Game (2011). 

The Joe Garagiola Broadcast Booth – Former MLB catcher Joe Garagiola played nine big league seasons before embarking on a legendary broadcast career that lasted almost six decades. The home broadcast booth at Chase Field bears his name.

The Bat/Helmet Rack and Dugout – The roof on the visiting dugout at Chase Field is one of the lower ones in baseball. The taller personnel must use the lower bench. 

The Retired Numbers – Luis Gonzalez is the first player in Arizona Diamondbacks history to have his number retired. His #20 hit the rafters on August 7th, 2010. Randy Johnon’s #51 was retired on August 8th, 2015. He became the first player to enter Cooperstown in a Diamondbacks cap in 2015. Jackie Robinson’s #42 is retired leaguewide.

The First-Ever Diamondbacks Lineup – Baseball in the desert was born on the final day of March, 1998. The Colorado Rockies won that game by a 9-2 score, but Andy Benes’ pitch to Mike Lansing officially brought America’s Pastime to downtown Phoenix.

Each Opening Day Lineup – As you walk along the hallway on the way to the Diamondbacks clubhouse at Chase Field, the walls are lined with every Opening Day lineup the home team has fielded in franchise history. 

The “Windows” at Chase Field – In an effort to allow air and natural light to flow while keeping ballpark attendees shielded from the hot desert sun, Chase Field has “windows” in the outfield. 

The Accomplishments – Hanging in left centerfield are the accomplishments of the Diamondbacks, who, along with the Tampa Bay Rays, is Major League Baseball’s newest franchise.

The Pool – Not included in the original design, the pool at Chase Field may be most iconic ballpark quirk in all of baseball. The inspiration for the pool came from the outfield shower at Comiskey Park in the 1970’s. Fans can rent the pool for any occasion and swim while they watch the game. Wild!

The Legends Race – At the end of the 5th inning of each game at Chase Field, the likenesses of Diamondbacks legends Mark Grace, Matt Williams, Randy Johnson, and Luis Gonzalez sprint from the right field foul pole to the finish line, located at the on-deck circle near the D’Backs dugout.

Gonzo and The Big Unit – The two most famous Diamondbacks in team history, Randy Johnson and Luis Gonzalez, have a neat memorabilia display at the 20th Anniversary Experience at Chase Field. 

The Unit’s PG – On May 18th, 2004, Randy Johnson became the oldest pitcher in MLB history to throw a perfect game. The “Big Unit” struck out 13 of the 27 batters he faced at Turner Field in Atlanta.

The Logos – The Diamondbacks logos have evolved since their inception in 1998, with the first one being the rattlesnake coiled up and ready to strike.