Play Ball! Diamondbacks Opening Day

The smell of burgers, popcorn and brats call me every year to Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks.  My cravings will be satisfied on opening day, April 5 against the San Diego Padres.

The Arizona Diamondbacks or D-backs as the locals refer to them, entered Major League Baseball on March 31, 1998 and quickly secured their place in baseball history, winning the 2001 World Series against the NY Yankees in a thrilling come-from-behind victory. Coincidentally, this is same night I officially moved to Phoenix and became a resident.  I can’t understand how I could live my entire life in Chicago and never bring that kind of luck to the Cubs.  You can thank me later.

Since the team’s inaugural season, over 25 million fans have enjoyed watching pitcher Randy Johnson throw a perfect game, Luis Gonzalez hit a career-best of .336 and Tony Womack steal over 100 bases.  These and other former players like Mark Grace and Curt Schilling have made the team what it is today.  A current roster of pitchers including Brandon Webb and Billy Buckner and infielder Augie Ojeda have a lot to live up to, but are expected to have a great season.

Their playground makes watching America’s favorite past time worth the trip.  From its signature swimming pool to its retractable roof, Chase Field, formerly Bank One Ballpark has become one of the game’s most recognizable landmarks.  Since the air-conditioned facility first opened its nearly 17.5 million baseball fans have enjoyed the opportunity to watch the team without worrying about Phoenix’s summer heat or monsoon storms. And for the near-sighted fans, life myself, their magnificent video board is a 136-feet-by-46-feet high definition LED board, considered one of the most amazing in Major League Basebal.

For kids, the Peter Piper Playhouse is located behind the center field scoreboard and offers many video and interactive games for families with children of all ages to enjoy. Visitors can test their batting skills in the batting cage and see how fast they can pitch in the Fast Pitch area. Other games fans can play include Ice Ball (skeeball), Smokin’ Token, Basket Fever and Hoop Fever.

A wide variety of D-backs ticket options give fans the ability to choose their baseball experience with tickets ranging from just $5 or for an affordable family outing enjoy Family Fridays or Kid’s Sundays. Opening tickets are still available.  To check out the possibilities, visit their site to purchase tickets online.

With over 10 games at home just in the month of May this is an opportunity you can’t pass up.

Photos courtesy of Flickr – diamondbacks and baseball stadium