Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona

Chase Field is the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, and a pretty cool stadium. For a new stadium, that is. I made my way to the ballpark on a recent trip to the Phoenix area. There is, unfortunately, not a great public transportation network available in the Phoenix area at this time. You can get to Chase Field by bus from Scottsdale, but it’s a pain in the…neck. It is my understanding a light rail is going in in the area within the next few years, which should [hopefully] help. The concierge at my hotel suggested taking a rental car. I like to have a few drinks at a game, so I wasn’t keen on the idea but it may be your best bet to check out a game.

So, the stadium is covered. I expected them to open the roof, as it was the primo perfect day outside, but they passed on that deal. The D-Backs were playing the Giants, so we expected to see Barry do something worthwhile. The one time he came in to the game to pinch hit, he walked. I LOVE baseball, but this was one boring game. I’m not sure if THAT was the issue or the fan base, but Chase Field lacked the energy, the buzz you find at many ballparks. You don’t have the fanatic fans like in larger cities or the spine tingling sound of the tomahawk chop.

Like many of the newer ballparks, Chase Field features a restaurant with better seating than you’d probably be willing to pay for yourself. You have to pay a ridiculous amount of money for the tables in the T.G.I. Friday’s with a decent view (think in the $250 range), but others are free. If you don’t mind seeing more of the game on screen than live, this can be a deal for you. The beer is much cheaper than those outside of the restaurant. I still prefer the stands, though.

For the after party, there is one HUGE bar adjacent to the stadium. I can’t tell you much about it but that it exists. But don’t expect a scene like you find around Wrigley or Yankee Stadium. If you are relying on public transport, take the number for the taxi company with you. There IS NOT a cab stand, only a few random taxis to be found.