Opened: 1998
Capacity: 49,033
What the authors say: “Three hours before fans arrive, the roof can be closed and the AC cranked so that by the time the rooters settle into their seats it’s 30 degrees cooler inside.”
Learned from the book:
• The Diamondbacks pioneered in growing grass in a stadium that must go under cover much of the time because of the intense desert heat. The type of grass used: Bull’s Eye Bermuda.
• Not that many people can afford to use it, but Chase Field does have a swimming pool 415 feet from home plate that’s in keeping with the pool-happy area.
• In a since-copied retro detail, Chase was the first modern park to place a dirt path between the pitcher’s mound and home plate – a throwback to the days when the grass was worn out in this area.
• While the concession food is not top-of-the-line, there is nearly a quarter mile of serving counters to speed delivery. Plus there is some menu creativity with entries such as tamales, a fruit medley, and Cactus Corn (popcorn with seasoning options that include jalapeno and chili).
• One of the more unusual souvenir items, popular as an occasional promotional night giveaway, are Diamondback Garden Gnomes.
• Three cheers to the D-Backs for using an old-fashioned organ.
