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| - Wasn't sure what to expect after reading through some of the reviews here, but I had a great time seeing the Diamondbacks beat the Padres here. Sure, it might not be the most exciting match-up in the league with both teams struggling to find their footing and the Dodgers running away with the division already in May (Go Dodgers!), but the game entertained nonetheless.
Of the 7 stadiums I've been to, this one definitely ranks in the upper half. Getting there is incredibly easy, no traffic, plenty of parking options, public transportation, etc. The stadium is clearly built with weather in mind, and when we got there after a pretty hot afternoon the roof and side panels were closed. I was pretty excited to experience my first indoor baseball game, but about half an hour before gametime they opened everything up. Oh well. It ended up being a pretty mild evening, which I'm sure the local fans long for during the summer, so I can't really complain... I'll use it as an excuse to visit a fixed-dome stadium in the future.
The staff was friendly, letting me go down to the field level before the game for some pictures, and as with most modern stadiums, you're encouraged to walk around and experience the different parts of the park. If any stadium could use a pool, it's this one. Good idea there, and plenty of food/drink options that are right around the league average pricewise.
The scoreboard in center field is a highlight with its gigantic high-def TV scrolling more facts and stats than anyone can possibly need. The out-of-town scoreboards mounted high up in right and left field are also a nice touch. One of my complaints with the newer stadiums is that it often feels like you're at a mall rather than a ballpark. I didn't get that feeling here at all; it's just a nice place to escape the heat and take in a game. Could do without 5 million Chase logos on every structure in the stadium, I guess.
I do want to also comment on the fans and the overall atmosphere, since they're often mentioned in the reviews here... Yes, the fans are quiet. Incredibly quiet, actually. The game started off pretty slow and from my seats up in the top deck behind home plate, I think I heard someone sneeze out in right field. But when the D'backs pitcher (Scherzer) took it upon himself to get some offense going, the fans got into it as much as any other team's fans would. And when the bullpen threatened to blow a 5-run lead in the 8th inning, the fans got on them as much as any other. Maybe it's the heat or the dry air, but the fans just simply coil up under invisible rocks and wait for something to happen. No reason to waste energy when nothing's happening, right?
One big compliment I can give to them is that they all seem to PAY ATTENTION. Possibly more so than any other park I've been to. Every fan seemed to be focused on the game: no mindless wave, no beachballs, no people on cellphones discussing the next day's meetings...
Nice ballpark with a nice laid-back atmosphere. Two thumbs up.
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