Thursday, August 11, 2011

Take Me Out To The Ball Game

What is more American than watching baseball on a warm summer evening?
We were invited to a Diamondbacks game at the amazing Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona.
It's been years since I've attend a Major League baseball game.
Let me tell you, things have really changed.


Chase Field, which seats 49,000, is indoors.

Very necessary when the temps outside reach triple digits.

But, I can't imagine what their air conditioning bill must be each month!


It was here in 2001 that the Diamondbacks defeated the Yankees in the World Series.


Chase Field is state of the art.

It was the first stadium built in the United States to have a retractable roof.

All 9 million pounds of steel takes a little over 4 minutes to move into place.

The gigantic 136 ft X 46 ft Video Board is the largest of it's kind in Major Baseball.


Baseball is still baseball no matter where you go.

I loved singing "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" accompanied by the stadium organ, and smelling the aroma of hot dogs in the stands.

I loved listening to roar of cheering fans, complete with team tee shirts, homemade posters and flags.



But some of the features have really changed.

To name a few:

Near the right center field fence sits a swimming pool dab smack in the middle of the bleachers.

Am I the only one who thinks bikini clad women might be a little distracting?


In the vastness of the stadium are complete restaurants...


With one bleacher section cordoned off for the All You Can Eat buffet.


I appreciated the family atmosphere.

If your kids can't stay in their seats, you can always take them to The Sandlot...


...which provides 2 clubhouses, 4 slides and a play area.


The best part was watching the D-Backs play an outstanding game.

True athletes.

They beat the Houston Astros in a terrific comeback during the last few innings.

I took a lot of action shots, and had to add my little bit of humor with text.

My grandfather was a huge Giants fan and when I was a little girl he used to take me to games at Candlestick Park in San Francisco.
My favorite part was getting Cotton Candy, and I always managed to make a sticky mess of myself, much to my grandfather's frustration.

This time, in all fairness to those sitting around me, I said no when the food vendors shouted "Popcorn! Peanuts! Cracker Jacks! Cotton Candy!"

But, I was thrilled to see that at least this tradition has not changed.

7 comments:

Desley said...

I really enjoyed your post. One of my favourite memories when I was working in the US was going to a base ball game.

Unknown said...

Yes, whenever we are in AZ we always try to get tickets to a Diamondbacks game, although we are die hard Red Sox fans. I do love Chase field, very clean and great features. But like you said baseball is still baseball, fun to watch!

Nat Palaskas said...

Wow, that must have been fun! I like sport, but some games I don't understand the rules and American football is one of them - Thanks for sharing - Hugs Nat

Lois Evensen said...

Oh, my you are so right! Times have really changed. I do like the sounds from the Ohio River when attending a Cincinnati Reds game at Riverfront Stadium. We aren't big baseball fans, though, and it's probably been ten years since we have been there.

Wonderful photos! After seeing those, I can wait another ten years for a ball game.

Kris said...

Oh man, Nedra - I am sooooooooooooo jealous!!! That Chase Field is an incredible ball park and your D Backs are doing great!!! I am so glad that have moved ahead of the Giants!! Just wish the Colorado Rockies were playing better this year!! Thanks for the tour of the park!! Kris

Cindy said...

Nothing says summer to me more than baseball! Having followed Max for over 10 years we miss it. Max injured his back last spring and finally 'hung up his cleats'. I'm sure someday he will be a great little league coach.
I would love to go to that stadium. Awesome.

Sinta Renee said...

Fun post! I have to share that my son's girlfriend is the asst. GM for the Diamondbacks AAA team here in CA. My SIL has had season tickets for the Giants forever.
I haven't been to AZ. but if I ever do go... I would love to see that stadium!