What's new at Chase Field in 2012?

PHOENIX - Chase Field, considered by many to be the most fan-friendly ballpark in the country, will open its doors tomorrow and host its first two exhibition games of the season against the Milwaukee Brewers, followed by Opening Weekend April 6-8. A number of additions have been made in order to enhance the fan experience, ranging from food and merchandise enhancements to technology and dynamic signage.

"Much like we feel we improved the club on the field after winning our division last year, we felt it was equally as important to continue to improve the experience off the field," said D-backs' President & CEO Derrick Hall. "We strive to provide our fans with the best entertainment in all of sports at a great value and we're looking forward to seeing them at Chase Field."

In addition to all the ballpark favorites, Levy Restaurants has added a number of new offerings for fans, highlighted by Meatball Mania, a new spin on an old fan favorite. A skewer of six meatballs is now available in three delicious flavors including traditional beef meatball with marinara, chicken meatball with green chile verde and thai pork meatball with ginger-soy barbecue. Other new menu items debuting at Chase Field include Chicken Tacos and the Ten Pack Taco; delicious vegan options featuring Sloppy Jane and Chilled Vegan Burritos; ballpark must-haves including Candy Shop Popcorn, Gourmet Pretzel Twists and Crispy Potatoes; and the Short Rib Smasher and BBQ Short Rib Dog.

As part of the D-backs Digital Experience at the ballpark, nine concession locations at Chase Field will now offer fans the opportunity to order concession items from their smartphone during the 2012 season.  Fans can order ahead and skip the line by downloading the free MLB.com At The Ballpark app. For the first time ever at Chase Field, fans will also be able to customize their Subway sandwiches this season by using this app.  The locations that will offer mobile ordering are the Red Hot Stands at Sections 105, 118, 126 and 139, Doubleheaders at Sections 305, 316 and 324 and Subway at Sections 125 and 306.

Technological advances will not only enhance the culinary experience at Chase Field, but will continue to improve the viewing experience as well. Once again Digital D-backs is available to fans for free in the ballpark via AT&T Wi-Fi and allows them to watch replays on-demand from their seats, as well as receive up-to-the-minute gameday and ballpark information.

For the first time ever at Chase Field, D-backs fans now have the option to receive their tickets utilizing D-backs FanPass. By choosing this option when purchasing single-game tickets, fans avoid the stop at the box office and can go straight to the gate when arriving for the game. D-backs FanPass allows fans to store their tickets on their credit card and swipe at the gate for entry. A seat locator will be printed for each fan to direct them to their seats.  

Season ticket holders who have come to expect the best customer service in all of sports from the D-backs' Guest Service Representatives will enjoy a newly designed Season Ticket Sales and Service Headquarters at Section 111. This area of the ballpark, created to serve as a one-stop hub for season ticket holders, will feature new flooring, cabinetry and four new video boards that will provide customized messages for D-backs season ticket holders.

All fans will notice seven additional kiosks around the ballpark where they can activate their fan loyalty cards and enter to participate in various popular stadium activities including KachingKo presented by Gila River Casinos and the Circle K Hot Dog Derby. In addition, fans will now be able to sign up for the D-backs Designated Driver Program at any of the 16 kiosks located throughout Chase Field.

In right field, a new Circle K strikeout meter has been installed while other dynamic signage and LED boards will be evident throughout Chase Field.

At merchandise stands throughout the ballpark, fans will find their favorite items from years past, from jerseys and t-shirts to caps and casual wear. An expanded presence of Victoria's Secret PINK line of products will highlight the new offerings in the main Team Shop on the lower concourse.

Finally, the addition of new technology will help give fans a chance to give back to the community and have the opportunity to win the 50/50 raffle at Chase Field. For every home game, fans can purchase raffle tickets for $2 each, three tickets for $5, seven tickets for $10 and 15 tickets for $20. One lucky fan will take home half the net proceeds from that game's raffle ticket sales, with the other half benefitting the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation. Fans will be able to watch the 50/50 jackpot total on dbTV, with up-to-the-second updates appearing for the rapidly rising jackpot.

Tomorrow's game against the Brewers begins at 6:40 p.m. with gates opening at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday's contest is scheduled for a 12:40 p.m. first pitch with gates opening at 11:00 a.m. On Opening Day, April 6, gates will open early at 2:00 p.m. with first pitch set for 4:10 p.m. On Saturday, the gates will open at 11:00 a.m. with first pitch scheduled for 1:05 p.m. and on Sunday, gates will open at 11:10 a.m. with first pitch scheduled for 1:10 p.m.

Tickets for the exhibition contests, Opening Weekend and all D-backs home games can be purchased at dbacks.com, losdbacks.com, at the Chase Field ticket windows or by calling 602.514.8400.