Chase Field

Two Stadiums In One

After seeing games with the retractable roof closed and ones with it open, I can definitely say that I prefer Phoenix's Chase Field (known for years as Bank One Ballpark) better as an open-air park!  With the roof closed, it reminds me of a cavernous gym, complete with a gym-esque roof panels (see the shot on the left), but with it open, it is an enjoyable place to watch baseball.  I know, I know . . . day games in the dead of summer would be unbearable without the roof closed and the AC on, but night games with the roof open is the preferable way to see the D-backs play.  And by the way, the team makes a very big production out of opening the roof, as is happening in the righthand photo above.  For more views, click here.

The arrangement of seats at Chase Field is somewhat unusual. In other retractrable-roof ballparks, the foul lines typically run parallel to two outside edges of the structure. Not here. Instead, the foul lines run at 45-degree angles from the southern (long) edge of the rectangular structure, meaning far more seats are behind first base and third base than behind home plate. For this reason, you want to be careful in picking out your seats, so click here for tickets at Chase Field. Also, for a wonderful poster showing the Diamondbacks capturing the 2001 World Series, visit the Rob Arra Collection of the poster store in the Grand Slam Mall.

RANK IN THE DIVISION:  5th out of 5
RANK AMONG PARKS BUILT SINCE 1990:  18th out of 19

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