The future of Chase Field is more uncertain than the rattle on the tail of the Diamondback Snake.
The Downtown Phoenix superstructure has become a landmark over the last 25 years. He is currently hosting another Major League Baseball season. The Arizona Diamondbacks are in the first homestand of the weekend against rival Los Angeles Dodgers.
But even with a booked calendar, the building’s future is uncertain as it’s been criticized for being one of professional baseball’s worst venues. There is talk of exiting to set up a new bargain elsewhere.
let’s cut to tracking — The Diamondbacks house has some flaws. In the league he is the 4th oldest ballpark and consistently ranks 5 worst among his 30 ballparks in the MLB.
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For fans who remember the stadium’s heyday, the “take me to a baseball game!” attitude has changed. to “Release me from my misery!”
Chase Field got off to a promising start. This was his MLB stadium with the first retractable roof in the United States, and in 2001 he became the fastest new expansion team in history to win the World Series when the D-backs won it in just four seasons.
But since then things have gone from bad to worse. Its retractable roof needs repair and can only be opened and closed when the pulley breaks and the stadium is emptied. A leaking roof, a phenomenon that left some fans soaking wet at the World Baseball Classic in March.
“We have continued regular roof inspections with a plan to address roof issues in the offseason,” said Jaycee Brown, senior vice president of communications for D-backs. phoenix new times“When the wind blows from certain angles in heavy rain, rain can be forced into the ballpark through the gaps between the panels. This is part of the roof design and not necessarily a repair issue.”
nevertheless, Grease fire in the kitchen, burst pipes, broken scoreboard lights, and other issues at Chasefield in recent years. In 2019, the franchise replaced the field’s dry natural grass playing surface with artificial turf.
Recent Ranking United States of America today and sports notebook It puts Chase Field 27th in professional baseball, or the 4th worst. sports illustrated Moved up a little to 25th place, states that “stadiums just end up feeling empty.” Despite being his one of the biggest stadiums in MLB, Chase Field was in the bottom 10 in attendance last season. According to ESPN.
The atmosphere for the fans doesn’t help as there is no natural light in the stadium when the roof is closed. It can feel like a yawning airplane hangar.
With the retractable roof closed, no natural light enters Chase Field, giving it the feel of a dimly lit airport hangar.
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“Quite a large scale renovation”
A quarter-century ago, the Diamondbacks and Maricopa County spent $364 million to build a sprawling 48,519-seat stadium downtown. However, the relationship between the D-backs and the county is complicated.
In 2016, Diamondbacks leaders threatened to sue the county after it refused to collect $187 million from taxpayers. since then, Arizona Passes Law While allowing a 9% sales tax surcharge to help upgrade the stadium, team executives Still considering tax options.
At a press conference in February, Diamondbacks CEO Derrick Hall said Currently, stadium renovations will cost as much as $500 million, more than construction costs. But it would cost $1 billion to build a new venue elsewhere in Maricopa County, he said. I showed that I was ready.
Fans hope the stadium will be renovated.
“I fully believe the team will invest in a fairly extensive renovation of Chase Field,” said Phoenix resident and D-backs enthusiast Todd Williams. new times“They have big concerts. Hall has mentioned the renovation of Wrigley Field in several interviews.”
From 2014 to 2019, Chicago Cubs owner invests $500 million Wrigley Field under renovation. It was the most expensive MLB renovation ever. Would D-backs do the same? Fans hope so.
“Downtown Phoenix has also improved dramatically, so the Chase Field location is the best right now,” said Williams.
the team decides in the next two months Stay in Chasefield or find a new home. Next to the field is the two-story Caesars Sportsbook. A Caesars Entertainment spokesperson declined to discuss the future of the venue should the team relocate.
Located inside Chase Field, this luxury suite features a swimming pool and bubbling spa, and costs up to $8,000 per game.
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The future of Chase Field is uncertain, but 2023 has some new exciting things to look forward to. The stadium added premium seating during the offseason and rolled out new specialties such as local favorite Footlong his Sonora hot dogs and baseball balls. A helmet full of carnitas nachos.
D-Bucks Offers This Season cheapest fan experience Across Major League Baseball, according to NBC Sports. Its Fan Cost Index (the total cost of taking a family of four to a sporting event) is $152.30. This means Phoenix fans will save him over $100 per game compared to league averages, and over $200 compared to fans in Chicago, Boston and Houston.
chase field grill cheapest frank — Only $2 a hot dog at any major league ballpark. Also, the ticket price he said is $22 per person, which is the cheapest in the country. Recent research Sports Gambling Clearinghouse by Play MA.
Oh, and if you want to watch a baseball game in the glittering pool and spa right center, that suite can accommodate up to 35 people.Despite its cost — Chasefield’s Suite Price range from $2,500 to $8,000 — it is often sold out.
D-back is Expected 3rd place finish He has a losing record in the National League West. less than 1 percent chance to win this year’s World Series, according to the Las Vegas oddsmakers.
But hey, anything is possible. At least we have a pool.
