Opened on March 31, 1998, Chase Field is the home ballpark of the Arizona Diamondbacks in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. Built at a cost of approximately $354 million, the facility was the first stadium in the United States constructed with a retractable roof over a natural grass playing surface — a groundbreaking design engineered to make baseball viable in Arizona’s scorching summer climate.
Originally called Bank One Ballpark and affectionately nicknamed ‘The BOB,’ the stadium was renamed Chase Field in September 2005 after JPMorgan Chase acquired the naming rights. Seating 48,330 fans, the park has hosted some of baseball’s most memorable moments, including the 2001 and 2023 World Series, the 2011 MLB All-Star Game, and multiple World Baseball Classic tournaments. One of its most beloved quirks is a swimming pool perched beyond the right-center field fence, just 415 feet from home plate, available for fan groups to rent on game days.
Stats at a Glance
- Team: Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)
- Location: 401 E. Jefferson Street, Downtown Phoenix, Arizona
- Opened: March 31, 1998
- Capacity: 48,330
- Construction Cost: About $354 million
- Roof: Retractable (opens or closes in about 4.5 minutes)
- Playing Surface: Artificial turf (since 2019; natural grass 1998–2018)
- Architect: Ellerbe Becket
A Desert Engineering Marvel
When Chase Field opened in 1998, its retractable roof was unlike anything baseball had seen. Powered by two 200-horsepower motors, the roof takes roughly four and a half minutes to open or close, and the stadium’s HVAC system can cool the interior to around 78°F by first pitch — a necessity when Phoenix summer temperatures routinely exceed 110°F. The roof spans enough area to cover the entire playing field plus the stands, making it possible to host day games and night games alike in climate-controlled comfort.
The field itself has evolved over the years. Natural grass served as the playing surface from the stadium’s debut through the 2018 season before artificial turf from Shaw Sports Turf was installed ahead of 2019, a practical response to the difficulty of maintaining live grass under a partially closed roof. A new 9,600-square-foot scoreboard — 52 percent larger than its predecessor — was added in 2026, modernizing the fan experience while preserving the park’s distinctive character.
World Series History and Iconic Moments
Chase Field earned a permanent place in baseball lore during the 2001 World Series, hosting Games 1, 2, 6, and 7 between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the New York Yankees. The Diamondbacks won all four home games and claimed the championship in seven games, denying the Yankees a fourth consecutive title. Game 7’s walk-off hit in the bottom of the ninth inning remains one of the most dramatic finishes in World Series history.
The stadium returned to the Fall Classic in 2023, hosting Games 3, 4, and 5 of the series between the Diamondbacks and the Texas Rangers. Beyond the World Series, Chase Field has welcomed the MLB All-Star Game in 2011 and served as a venue for the World Baseball Classic in 2006, 2013, and 2023, cementing its status as one of the sport’s premier destinations.
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Chase Field FAQs
When did Chase Field open and what was it originally called?
Chase Field opened on March 31, 1998, as Bank One Ballpark — nicknamed ‘The BOB’ — for the Arizona Diamondbacks’ inaugural MLB season. It was renamed Chase Field in September 2005 after JPMorgan Chase acquired Bank One’s naming rights.
What is the swimming pool at Chase Field?
The pool sits in right-center field, about 415 feet from home plate. It can accommodate up to 35 guests and is available for rental by fan groups on individual game days, making it one of the most unique premium experiences in all of Major League Baseball.
Why does Chase Field have a retractable roof?
Phoenix’s extreme desert heat — regularly topping 110°F in summer — made open-air baseball impractical for afternoon and early-evening games. The retractable roof, paired with a powerful HVAC system, allows the stadium to be cooled to around 78°F by game time regardless of outside conditions.
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Photo: U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Tyler J. Bolken / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.