CHASE FIELD

Opening in 1998, Chase Field was the first stadium ever built to have a retractable roof and natural grass. With MLB's announcement that Phoenix would be awarded an expansion team, a new stadium was built. Shaped like a massive airport hanger, construction on the stadium began November 16, 1995. Originally the stadium was known as Bank One Ballpark. The ballpark was renamed Chase Field in September 2005 after the merger between Bank One and JP Morgan Chase. Not just a regular stadium was built, but a retractable roof stadium, because of the desert heat. It became the first stadium with natural grass and a retractable roof that closes in five minutes, with air conditioning. After the first week of May, many games are played with the roof closed.

The Arizona Diamondbacks made their debut before a packed house at Chase Field on March 31, 1998. Over 3.6 million fans filled the ballpark to see the team during their first year of play. A four tier grandstand extends from the left field foul pole to homeplate and around to the right field foul pole. Bleacher seats are behind both the left and right field fences. A 25 foot center field wall serves as the hitters back drop . Above is the main scoreboard. The most unusual feature at Chase Field, is the swimming pool, that is located behind part of the right field fence.  Other than the swimming pool, Chase Field has many other amenities. Memorabilia from the Baseball Hall of Fame is located at the Cox Clubhouse. Fans can find videos and displays detailing the history of baseball at the Fox Sport Net Arizona Diamondtown. Overlooking left field and third base is Friday's Front Row Sports Grill, which offers food and entertainment. Although the Arizona Diamondbacks are one of the youngest franchises in Major League Baseball, the team has had success in its young history, winning the 2001 World Series against the New York Yankees. The newest addition to Chase Field is the $12 million, 144' wide by 55' wide high HD video/scoreboard, installed in 2008.