Saturday, June 29, 2024

Phoenix, AZ | Chase Field | Home of the Arizona Diamondbacks

Today was a special day. I not only chased the A’s to my second ballpark, but I chased with my son, Nate.

I drove almost three hours from the Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma, Arizona, where Nate is currently stationed, to Phoenix. It was 108°F or 42° C when we arrived, and it was only 11 a.m.

But the welcome we received was not as warm as the temperature or the welcome I received at Angel Stadium.

Before we even stepped one foot inside the stadium, two security personnel  threatened to kick us out if we displayed the SELL flag that I held folded in my hand. They gave us two choices: leave it in the car or place it in my bag. I chose the latter. But because I chose to place it in my bag, they noted our section and seat numbers and said they would inform their security team to monitor us in their cameras, etc. One of them told me that this directive came from the request of the A’s and not the Diamondbacks. But their approach was rather aggressive and intimidating. Was that also the directive of the A’s? Did something happen in the past that triggered this course of action and is only isolated in Chase Field, or is this now a league-wide mandate?

I decided not to let that ruin our trip. I traveled all the way from San Jose to support and cheer on the Oakland A’s TEAM.

My first impression of Chase Field was that it did not have that ballpark feeling. Maybe because of the retractable roof and me not being used to indoor baseball games? The stadium also looked too commercialized with ads galore, signage, and a plethora of dining and concession options everywhere that baseball seemed secondary.

The dining signage of “Cold Beers and Cheeseburgers” was in the line of my sight from my seat. Perhaps this was the Diamondbacks intent: capitalized to the max on our love for food and alcohol! Unlucky for them, baseball won. I did not have a cheeseburger or beer. I did buy two hot dogs and two bottled water for around $30. Total highway robbery, right?

Fans who sat next to us kept going in and out of their seats- at least six times in four innings. They definitely weren’t there to watch a baseball game. After the 6th time, I got frustrated and told my son let’s stand and watch from the outfield.

It was a great fan turnout! How I wish the Coliseum could experience the same. Phoenix does have a population of 1.6 million people. And what else is there to do indoors, besides watch a game, when it’s over 108°F outside? Thank God for retractable roofs!

I did not get the same friendliness vibe from the workers at Chase. Was there a memo that was sent out to watch out for all A’s fans wearing SELL t-shirts?

Some of the things I liked:

• The digital scoreboard layout and design were neat and easy on the eye. 
• The game announcer was fantastic! His voice reminded me of Michael Buffer, and I was ready for him to say, “Let’s get ready to rumble!”
• Both the DJ and an organist kept things lively with music. The DJ made it like a club-like atmosphere, but I can see why some people, especially older fans, don’t like it.
• There was a cheerleading team that engaged fans throughout the event. Even the digital screens prompted and directed the fans to cheer frequently and often. 
• Active and retired first responders and military service members were recognized.  I was told this is done at every home game. My son chose not to stand. He told me he doesn’t feel the need to be recognized.
• I was again able to stamp my unofficial ballpark book. It was quite easy, really. The stamp was on the left side of the cash registers in main team store, and you can literally just stamp the book yourself.
• The only friendly interaction we received was actually from an A’s fan who traveled from Stockton, CA. She saw us standing in the outfield area watching the game from there and offered the two seats she had that were close to the visitors dugout. What a thoughtful gesture that was.
• They had Chick-fil-A!

But when I saw the pool out in the outfield area, that’s when I realized that I am a baseball traditionalist. I doubt those folks swimming during the game are real baseball fans. Perhaps I may be quick to judge and maybe wrong, but I still don’t believe a pool belongs in a ballpark. Is this truly Chase Field or Chase Resort? I wonder how much the team makes from that area alone.

One may argue it’s because I’m used to the Coliseum, a place considered a dump by many people. But at least I am not distracted there, and it’s not as commercialized.

It’s just baseball as it should be.

(The A’s lost again today after snapping their nine-road game losing streak the night before. It’s really frustrating to be an A’s fan right now. But at least we did manage to get a picture with the SELL flag outside the stadium after the game.)

Next Stop: Fenway Park

Read all the Chasing A’s here…