An unlikely rivalry developed between the Diamondbacks and Dodgers in 2011 when Dodgers reliever Hong-Chih Kuo threw a pitch at Diamondbacks’ Gerardo Parra, who later hit a home run off him much to Kuo’s discontent. This sparked a controversial battle between the two teams that included multiple pitches intentionally being thrown at players and a bench-clearing brawl. Fuel was added to the fire in 2013 when the Dodgers won the NL West and subsequently jumped into the pool in Chase Field, making the Diamondbacks/Dodgers rivalry one of the most exciting and intense games in the lineup.
There isn’t a rivalry between these two teams, but there are many Chicago Cubs fans in Arizona due to the Cubs presence during spring training. Many Cubs fans also travel to Arizona to see their team play, so when the two cross paths, Chase Field and Phoenix is filled with fans from both teams tailgating and celebrating a beautiful day for baseball
Diamondbacks Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
The vibe at Chase Field can vary from laid back, to fired up if the hated Dodgers or Giants are in town. Most people arrive about ninety minutes until the first pitch to wander around the local town/stadium and absorb the energy at Chase Field. The stadium was designed and executed with fan comfort and accessibility in mind, making for a great experience. One of the nicest fan amenities, especially in the Arizona heat, is the fact that the stadium is air conditioned, which goes a long way in keeping you comfortable in the scorching Arizona summer heat.
Tailgating is not allowed at Chase Field so the fans take their pre-game activities to the many bars within walking distance of the stadium. The festive atmosphere surrounding Downtown Phoenix before a Diamondbacks game is a great time for any baseball fan and creates an unforgettable experience you won’t soon forget.
It’s also worth noting that the regular season isn’t the only time Arizona catches baseball fever. Spring Training is huge in Arizona – teams from the midwest and northeast escape the cold and head to the Arizona heat. Because Arizona itself didn’t have a home team until 1998, you’ll find many Chicago Cubs and White Sox fans, as well as New York Yankees and Giants fans, in Arizona who want to see their teams play while they’re in town, so it isn’t unusual for spring training games to be just as exciting as the regular season.
For 7$ a person ($3 for kids), you can take a guided tour and learn a lot about the field. Depending on when you go, it’s possible you’ll have a private tour with just you and your party. Many fans will say to take advantage of this tour as the field has a lot to offer.
Check out the Chase Field bat sculpture outside the before entering the stadium. The sculpture presents a good photo op, which is a nice keepsake from your trip to Phoenix.
Every year the Diamondbacks offer a Fan Fest which allows fans access to current Diamondback players, coaches, and broadcasters. Kids twelve and under are even given free autographs. Fans can also hit in the batting cages, watch a live sports broadcast (or even try out for FOX sports Arizona!), and many other activities. If you want to get into the baseball mood in the middle of winter make sure to check out D-Backs Fan Fest.
Alice Coopers TownThis iconic rocker’s restaurant is within a half mile of the stadium and is a local hot spot for pre-gaming for a Diamondbacks game. They have many local brews on tap but make sure to try a Four Peaks Brewing Company Kilt Lifter
Coaches Corner GrillIf you’re looking to get a little rowdy on game day, then this is the spot for you. It’s always 5 o’clock at Coach’s: It's loud, busy, full of energy, and less than a block away from Chase Field.
Arrogant ButcherSometimes it can be difficult to find an area for large groups, especially if tailgating is not allowed. With the Arrogant Butcher, this is not a problem. They have large dining/community tables in the bar, and the servers are used to high volume, making this a good spot for large parties.
Diamondbacks Stadium Guide
In Game
Chase Field was opened in 1998 and was the first stadium built with a retractable roof – only fitting for a state with notorious heat. For the hottest city in North America (average temperature during regular season baseball is a whopping 99 degrees), this roof was a must and the first of its kind in the United States. The Arizona Diamondbacks didn’t let their innovation stop there; a swimming pool was built in the right center field. An incident involving the pool only further ignited an already present rivalry between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers – after clinching the NL West in 2013, Dodgers players jumped into the pool much to the dismay of Arizona players and fans.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are a fairly new franchise have joined the National League in 1998, but that didn’t stop them from winning a World Series just a mere four seasons in the major leagues. The Diamondbacks may not have a storied past, but baseball does in Arizona as many teams frequent Arizona for spring training. Games against midwest and northeast teams such as the Chicago Cubs and the New York Yankees are often riddled with fans from the opposing team, but everyone that goes to Chase Field has one thing in common: a love for baseball and a great game day experience.
One of the best and most unique things about Chase Field is the swimming pool inside the stadium. Located 415 feet from home plate in right-center field, the 35-person pool suite takes experiencing a baseball game to a whole different level.
Arizona fans love their bacon wrapped hot dogs, so getting one from the Red Hot Grill is a must while at Chase Field. Called the Sonoran, the hot dog is wrapped in mesquite-smoked bacon, covered in pico de gallo, ranch style beans, and a drizzle of mayo.
The field houses the 2001 World Series trophy, as well as a highlight reel of their 2001 game 7 win which is a fun and interesting memento to see while at Chase Field.
Stop by the Rotunda and see several tributes to the history of the state of Arizona as well as the D-Backs. The Rotunda houses the D-Backs World Series trophy as well as other memorabilia.
This Friday’s built directly in the stadium overlooking left field offers one of the most unique views in all of baseball. Tickets to sit at some of the tables in Front Row Friday’s are a little pricey, and come with a one hour time limit, but it is an experience worth having if you’re able to do so
Don’t miss the D. Baxter at the game. The D-Backs mascot D. Baxter entertains the crowd throughout the game and kids love him, so give D. Baxter a high five if you see him on the concourse.
Similar to the Sausage Race in Milwaukee, the Legends Race provides fun between inning entertainment and is a great way to honor some of the best players in D-Backs history. Enjoy the Legends Race and watch past favorites Randy Johnson, Luis Gonzalez, Mark Grace, and and Matt Williams duke it out.
Summer!
And the gang’s all here
We’ve got green grass, red hots and ice-cold beer
We’re baseballs’ faithful Diamondback Fans
Backin’ our home team
Back in the stands
Let’s go …
Three up, three down
Get the D-backs’ swingin’ and take it downtown
where it’s …
Going, going, going, gone!
It’s outta here, boys, now bring it on home
It’s a fact, Jack,
I back, you back, we back the D-backs!
Roof Opening Song
There is no name for the song that is played when the retractable roof is being opened but CEO Derrick Hall compares it to “the clouds parting, very angelic”.
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