Posts Tagged ‘Chase Field’

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Never Forget Memorial Walk

Wednesday, August 31st, 2011

On Sunday, Sept. 11, the public is invited to join the Never Forget 9/11 Memorial Walk and Ceremony to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of 9/11.

NeverForgetHosted by City of Phoenix, the Never Forget 9/11 Memorial Walk will begin at 7:30 a.m. at Chase Bank Tower, 201 N. Central Ave., and finish at 8 a.m. at CityScape, Central Avenue and Jefferson Street.  Walkers will follow behind the Phoenix Fire and Police Honor Guard to a stage set up at CityScape.  There, keynote speakers will address the audience and there will be a memorial ceremony paying tribute to the men and women we lost during the terrorist events of 9/11/01.

Here’s a timeline of the morning’s events:

5:46 a.m.: It was at this time the first airplane hit the first tower. There will be a ceremony on the Chase Tower roof for public safety officials only (not open to the public).

6:02 a.m.: It was at this time the second airplane hit the second tower.  There will be a Chase Tower stair climb for first responders only (not open to the public).

7:30 a.m.: It was at this time an airplane hit the Pentagon and when the Never Forget 9/11 Memorial Walk will begin for the general public.

8 a.m.: Memorial ceremony begins at CityScape.

More information is available at the Phoenix Fire Department homepage.

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Great Bike Chase 2011 April 17

Tuesday, April 12th, 2011

The Great Bike Chase, a part of Valley METRO’s Bike Month, returns to Downtown Phoenix this Sunday, April 17.

The day is a celebration of biking, featuring fun group rides, safety tutorials, and Diamondbacks baseball. Here’s the rundown on the event:

BikeChaseWEBThe Diamondbacks have generously offered discounted group tickets for the 1:10 p.m. game against the defending World Series Champion San Francisco Giants.  Prices are $12 for upper level or $15 for left field bleachers.

Group rides, led by the Arizona Bicycle Club, Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists, REI, and other supporting organizations, will depart from approximately five locations around Downtown.  “Like” Valley METRO on Facebook  or check the METRO web site for emerging information Valley Bike Month, and the Great Bike Chase.

Groups will make their way to Valley METRO’s bike safety event on Diamondback Way (4th Street) between Jefferson and Jackson from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Here, riders will have access to valet bicycle parking courtesy of Tempe Bike Action Group and take part in bike-tastic activities like bike rodeo stations, bike safety courses, face painters, and various vendors.

There will be prize drawings, including family 4-packs of D-backs tickets,  between 10:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. and winners will be named in the following categories:  Largest Corporate Group, Largest Friends & Family Group, Longest Ride, Best Group Name, and Best Decorated Bike. 

During the game, the Diamondbacks will recognize all Great Bike Chase groups with an announcement before the game, plus riders ages 14-under can participate in a warning track parade before the game.  Line up at Gate J at 11:45 a.m.

See you April 17 for the Great Bike Chase 2011!

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Electronic Signage In Works for Downtown

Friday, February 18th, 2011

legendsThe local media was abuzz this week with two announcements regarding Downtown signage and advertising.  The Diamondbacks and Suns are partnering to form the Legends Entertainment District designed to enliven Jefferson Street in time for the MLB All-Star Game.  Plans call for the installation of four and five story electronic billboards on the US Airways Center, Chase Field and the Jefferson Street Parking Garage located between Third and Fourth streets in between the two sports venues.   The new signage district includes other Downtown landmarks such as the Luhrs Complex, CityScape and the Phoenix Convention Center.  City officials hope the increased signage will help to engage sports fans and Downtown visitors, encouraging them to spend more time (and money) in the area.  For more information please visit:  Big Flashy Signs Aim to Energize Phoenix Sports District

In other Downtown signage news, RED Development announced that Elite Media will provide exterior signage and advertising throughout the two -block, multi-use project.  As reported in the Phoenix Business Journal, RED plans to install “high profile LED elements throughout the property to help create a ‘Times Square’ feel”.  Elite Media is based in Las Vegas and has provided outdoor signage for a number of properties along The Strip.  The office tower at CityScape is more than 90 percent leased and the retail block is home to CVS Pharmacy, Urban Outfitters and Lucky Strike Lanes.  CityScape welcomes the Sam Fox-created The Arrogant Butcher opening Monday, Feb. 21, and Stand-Up Live and the Tilted Kilt Pub and Eatery will follow later this year.  For more information please visit:  CityScape To Feature LED Advertising by Elite Media.

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Fourth of July Weekend Part I

Monday, June 28th, 2010

A pool party, baseball games, art walks and drink specials: the Founding Fathers would be proud. At the very least, Ben Franklin, who had a thing for beer and the ladies, would have approved.

So, without further delay, here are some ways to make your Fourth of July weekend take off without a hitch in Downtown Phoenix:

HarenHot dogs and baseball

The D-Backs are battling the Dodgers Friday-Sunday, July 2-4, at Chase Field. Be there Saturday night to catch the fireworks display; it’s a major wow. If you have family or friends in the service, Sunday afternoon is Military Appreciation Day.

First Friday events

By now, our readers are more than familiar with the signature event, Artlink First Fridays, which takes place July 2 from 6-10 p.m. in and around Downtown. [Editor's note: It was recently published that the street closure that has become synonymous with First Friday will go on hiatus for the months of July and August.]

While you’re there, check out First Fridays Latino Style at the Arizona Latino Arts and Culture Center. The event will showcase more than 40 Latino artists in Arizona plus the music of Latin jazz artist Ruth Lara Vichules. The Phoenix Fridas, the Valley’s most popular Latina art collective, invites fans to come by and celebrate the world’s most renowned Latina painter, Frida Kahlo.

Since that’s bound to build up a thirst, head for First Fridays Party on the Patio at Steve’s Greenhouse Grill. Knock back $2 Miller Lite drafts and $3 Stellas while you refuel at the complimentary appetizer bar, open from 6-7 p.m. (Steve’s is open till 1 a.m.)

Get this party started

On Saturday, July 3, Solstice Saturdays, now in its 2nd year, heats up at Bar Smith. Dance till you drop to hip hop or head upstairs for house music until 3 a.m.  No cover before 10 p.m.

On Sunday, July 4, you can cool down at the Hotel San Carlos Adult Swim Party, a rooftop pool party featuring local deejays. Open to anyone 18 and older, the party is from 2-10 p.m. $5 cover charge.

Best place to watch the fireworks

When it comes to views, I’m pretty sure the Compass Arizona Grill is the unchallenged winner. This revolving restaurant, located on the 24th floor of the Hyatt Regency, is the perfect place to see an astonishing, 360-degree view of all the Valley’s fireworks shows.  Special 4th of July seating is from 7-10 p.m., so call 602-440-3166 to make reservations now.

(Editor’s Note: Look for Part II of this post next week!)

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Northwind Cooling Sold, VA Hospital May Be Headed Downtown

Friday, June 25th, 2010

The summer heat doesn’t slow development news in Downtown Phoenix.  Here are two stories in June you may have missed:

NORTHWIND-FOR-WEBNRG Energy has purchased Northwind Phoenix LLC from APS Energy Services Company.  Northwind District Cooling provides air-conditioning services for most of the large venues Downtown including US Airways Center, Chase Field, Symphony Hall and the Phoenix Convention Center.  Facilities are located south of Chase Field and at the Convention Center.  At night ice is created at the main distribution points and then chilled water is distributed through much of downtown via an underground duct system.  NRG Energy is based in Princeton, NJ and owns district energy companies across the nation including San Diego and San Francisco. For more information please visit:  NRG Energy Completes Acquisition of Phoenix District Energy Company 

The Phoenix Business Journal reported earlier this month that the Phoenix VA Hospital is looking to build an outpatient clinic in Downtown Phoenix to help alleviate crowding at their facility on Indian School Road.  US Representatives Harry Mitchell and Ed Pastor sent a letter of support for the project to the US Department of Veterans Affairs and recommending the project for funding approval.  A decision to include the project in the 2012 VA budget could come as early as February of 2011.  The project is expected to cost more than $200 million.  For more information please visit:  Phoenix VA seeking $200M clinic

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Coolest Summer Camps Along Light Rail

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

Since the official start of summer is right around the corner, many parents who live and work in Downtown Phoenix might want to consider day camps for their kids. There are several activities–from very wet to very wild–taking place in our urban core along the light rail.

Science_CampIs your teen interested in being a doctor or doing scientific research in a lab? The Arizona Science Center is offering a week-long summer course where kids can learn what it’s like to work with doctors and researchers at the Biotechnology Medical Institute of Barrows Neurological Institute. The first session starts July 12 and tuition is $200 for Science Center members. More information can be found here. Barrows is located on the St. Joseph’s campus, just a short walk from the Thomas and Central light rail station.

The Children’s Museum is teaming up with the Phoenix Theatre (McDowell light rail station) to offer workshops for kids ages 4-18. A storybook or fairy tale workshop is available for the younger kids, while the older kids have options like musical theater and dance workshops. The first session starts June 1st through June 25 and the second session runs July 6-30. The workshops range in price from $300 to $600 per four week session, or a weekly tuition is also available. For more information on the classes and location click here.

The Chase Field Camp Experience (July 7-9) is probably the ultimate urban summer camp. As the name suggests, the three-day workshop is held at Chase Field and involves an on-field clinic in addition to batting practice in big league batting cages. Arizona Diamondbacks personalities will also be on hand during parts of the camp and tuition includes two tickets to a game. More information on the $350 camp for kids ages 6-12 can be found here. Chase Field is located at the 3rd Street and Jefferson light rail station.

Probably one of the most important life lessons you can teach your kid is how to swim! The Lincoln Family Downtown YMCA offers summer camp swim lessons for kids ages 5-12 starting June 7 and ending July 29. Tuition starts at $10 per three-day session. Hint: to help fill the day, parents may also want to pair the swim lessons with one of a variety of YMCA activities also held at the facility. The Y is located directly across the street from Central Station. Information on this and all the summer camps at the YMCA can be found here.

If your kid is an animal lover, then they will love Camp Zoo at Phoenix Zoo (Priest light rail station). The summer camp is geared for kids entering kindergarten through 8th grade. Sessions for older kids include activities like Discovering What It’s Like To Be an Animal Presenter where kids will put on a show for parents! Younger kids get to do activities like getting to know the zoo animals and other behind the scenes experiences. Camp fees start at $153 for half day sessions. After camp care is also available. Information on Camp Zoo can be found here. Keep in mind, there is a bus transfer at the light rail station in order to get to the zoo.

Valley Youth Theatre (Central Station) offers acting workshops for kids during the summer months. VYT provides two types of fun-filled educational camps: one in theatre basics ($300) and the other involving musical theatre ($630). The theatre’s summer camp is a four-week long program that includes a final day performance. The theatre also offers before and after care for an additional fee. Information on the classes, which start on June 7, can be found here.

Information on how to ride to summer camp can be found on my blog which is here.

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Honor One of Your Favorite Parents

Wednesday, May 5th, 2010

You and I get 364 days a year. Mom gets one. In short, the odds aren’t stacked in mom’s favor.

Mothers-DaySo on behalf of moms everywhere, I’d like to suggest giving her the one thing she wants most on Mother’s Day: some time and attention.  You’ll find lots of options in Downtown Phoenix that will get her way more jazzed than that card you have your eye on.

Now, go clean your room and wash behind your ears. You have till the count of three.

For Boomer Moms

If your mom grew up with the sounds of the British Invasion, here’s the perfect event. Sunday at 2 p.m., the Phoenix Symphony Pops Series presents “The Beatles & Friends: Sounds of the 60’s.”  Besides the Fab Four, the concert will include music from the Beach Boys and the Mamas & The Papas.

Paging Heidi Klum

Fashionista moms should love “Catwalk,” a new production by Scorpius Dance Theatre. Fusing funky local fashions, athleticism and hot choreography, the show is staged on a runway. The last performance is Mother’s Day at Phoenix Theatre’s Little Theatre.

Because She’s a Good Sport

Take her out to the ballgame. Sunday’s showdown at Chase Field between the Diamondbacks and the Milwaukee Brewers starts at 1:10 pm, and all moms will get a Mother’s Day D-signer Tote Bag.

Mom Earned That Mimosa

The Mother’s Day Brunch has become an American tradition, and who are we to argue? To quote The Simpsons, “It’s not quite breakfast, it’s not quite lunch, but it comes with a slice of cantaloupe at the end.”

Kincaid’s is offering a yummy brunch on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Steve’s Greenhouse Grill will feature a made-to-order omelet and Belgian waffle station. For a fabulous view coupled with a lavish buffet, make reservations at the Compass Grill atop the Hyatt Regency.

Happy Mother’s Day, everyone.

Got a date? Text ”ARTS” “FOOD” or “EVENTS” for great ideas!

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Your Guide to Downtown Fun

Monday, May 3rd, 2010

Although the wind was rough, the weekend was gorgeous. I hoped everyone enjoyed it. There is a great deal to enjoy this week, so let’s get started.

The Cinco De Mayo Festival came and went but there’s no reason not to continue celeberating the culture that’s so important to our Southwest identity. The Matador Mexican Restaurant and Mi Amigos have festivities sure to engage you in the revelry.

RattlersThe Suns continue their march to the Finals by hosting the arch-rival Spurs in Games 1 and 2 of the Western Conference semifinals at US Airways Center. No tickets for tonight’s Game 1? No problem! Head over to Majerle’s or Coach & Willie’s and watch the game with your closest Orange friends.  

By the end of the week the Diamondbacks will have fans cheering at Chase Field, playing the Brewers. The Brewers have a pair of super sluggers in Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder so expect some high-scoring affairs.

Need more sports? Head over to US Airways Center Friday night and watch the Rattlers take on the Spokane Shock.

The theater crowd will be happy this week with three shows at the Herberger Theater, one of which is by the famous comedy troupe Second City. With alums like Bill Murray and Gilda Radner, I was more than curious to see what they came up with, and I was laughing all the way to the end. They took cracks at all the little quirks that make Arizona unique, and it was refreshing to see what we look like from an outside point of view. Absolutely hilarious!

One last thing to take a look at. The Phoenix Public Market has been given a great opportunity to win some funds and they need your help. Follow this link to cast your vote and help the Market, as well as to benefit a great and worthwhile community cause. Please do your part and cast your vote for the Phoenix Public Market. Thank you!

Want more of What’s Happening? Download the weekly PDF here or grab a copy at the Ambassador Information Center (Adams / 1st Avenue).

Have a great week!

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13 Reasons to Celebrate Opening Day

Thursday, April 1st, 2010

Can you believe that Monday will mark the 13th Opening Day in Arizona Diamondbacks history?

Crazy, right? It seems like yesterday that the Diamondbacks opened then-Bank One Ballpark and soon redefined what it meant to be an expansion baseball team, winning 100 games in their second season and taking down the Yankees in seven games to take the World Series in year three.

A lot has changed in a baker’s dozen years but just like Randy Johnson, Curt Schilling, Luis Gonzalez and Mark Grace guided the 2001 club to World Series glory, a new band of talented young players including staff ace Dan Haren, 21-year-old budding superstar Justin Upton, sleek shortstop Stephen Drew and power-hitting Mark Reynolds are poised to lead the Diamondbacks back to the playoffs.

After two final Cactus League tuneups against the Cubs, Arizona will begin its pursuit of a National League West championship in earnest with a season-opening homestand against the division rival San Diego Padres and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Here are 13 reasons to be a part of the action all season long at Chase Field:

JUPDowntown Is the New “Uptown”

Now you can spend your Friday and Saturday nights in Uptown, the new fan zone located directly behind All-Star right fielder Justin Upton. There you’ll get an up close and personal view of Arizona’s franchise player and fantasy baseball’s newest heartthrob.

New “Sheriff” In Town

Last season, third baseman Mark Reynolds didn’t just hit 44 home runs and swipe 24 bags, leading the team in both categories, he established himself as a clubhouse leader and earned a great nickname along the way.

Co-Jack Is Back

After missing most of 2009 with Valley Fever, left fielder Conor Jackson has returned healthy and maybe better than ever, hitting a cool .364 in Spring Training.

Front Row Seats Available

It’s one thing to watch the game at a sports bar with big TVs but it’s another experience altogether to watch the game at a sports bar that sits a few hundred yards from the warning track. Friday’s Front Row allows D-Backs fans to nibble on ribs from the comforts of left field.

Augie’s Army Wants You

“Augie Augie Augie, oy oy oy!” is a chant you’ll hear almost nightly as fan-favorite Augie Ojeda cements his status as the DBacks’ can-do-everything utility infielder.

It’s a Bird, It’s a Gazelle, It’s CBY!

Center field is where would-be doubles go to die, due in large part to Chris Young’s Gold Glove-caliber defense.

baxterBaxter’s Potato Gun

D. Baxer the Bobcat is armed and fabulous, dancing up a storm and shooting T-shirts into the crowd.

LaRoche Is French for “The Steal”

It wasn’t the most-talked about offseason move, but the Diamondbacks’ sneaky acquisition of free agent Adam LaRoche could pay huge dividends to a team longing for power and stability at first base.

Skyrockets In Flight

The Diamondbacks will offer 10 postgame fireworks shows this season, beginning with some afternoon delight following Monday’s season-opener against the Padres.

Stuff We All Get

The Dbacks lead the league in SWAG, including bobblehead nights for Upton, Haren, longtime announcer Greg Schulte and all-time great Luis Gonzalez. There’s even a DBacks Garden Gnome Night! If you don’t like garden gnomes, well, you probably don’t like Christmas or lollipops, either.

Fashion Forward Baseball

Even Tim Gunn thinks the Diamondbacks look amazing in their Sedona Red uniforms. You can get your hands on great DBacks gear at the Chase Field Team Shop.

Sausage Fest

Did you know you can get footlong bratwurst at Chase Field? Yeah, it’s true, and you don’t need me to tell you how awesome that is. 

Gettin’ Miggy With It

After hitting .294 with 16 homers in 2009, Miguel Montero is quickly becoming one of the league’s top-hitting catchers.

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Why do you love the Diamondbacks? Tell us in the comments below.

Now let’s play ball!

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Be Our Valentine

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

If you’re looking for anti-Valentine’s Day sentiment–you know, like those hater parties where lonely, angry people sit in a circle and drink heavily while pretending they’re totally at peace with being single and loveless–Downtown Phoenix isn’t the place for you. Try Old Town.

Downtown Phoenix is all about embracing Valentine’s Day and here’s what we’re doing as Cupid’s Accomplices. Seriously, if you don’t have a Valentine just hang out with us for awhile and you’re bound to find one.

Design a Date Contest: Visit the blog post or our Facebook page and submit your idea of a perfect Valentine’s Day date Downtown. We want to know where you’d go, what you’d eat, and what you’d see. The greater the detail, the better. Two winners will receive a $25 gift card to Kincaid’s.

candy_heartsFestive Friday: From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, the Ambassadors will be stationed outside the Information Center [US Bank Building, 101 N. First Ave., Ste. 190] sharing sweet treats courtesy of Downtown businesses. You can also pick up coupons for FREE food items from participating restaurants to be used throughout the month. Plus, music by FATIGO!

Heart Grab & Dash Contest: Approach five (5) different Ambassadors Friday morning before 1 p.m. and ask each one for his or her heart. The first five people to collect five hearts and deliver the lot of them to the Information Center will receive an awe-tacular Valentine’s Day gift bag filled with gift cards and goodies from generous Downtown businesses. We won’t tell you exactly what’s in the gift bags but suffice it to say the street value is well over $40. Now go get those hearts!

 

14 Downtown Loves

We polled our thousands upon thousands of Facebook and Twitter followers and concocted this essential list of things you love about Downtown Phoenix.

Phoenix Public Market – When you care enough to send the best, make sure it’s grown locally.

The Ambassadors  — Your significant other might leave you, but the Ambassadors never will.

The Herberger Theater — Some of you got more specific and referenced the “naked dudes” out front. Go check out “13″ playing now and “[title of show]“ coming soon!

The Phoenix Suns — Steve Nash, in particular, got mad love.

Majerle’s — You said if you couldn’t watch the Suns play at US Airways Center in person, then the next-best option was cheering the team on from Thunder Dan’s joint. Beer might also be involved.

The Light Rail — Can you believe we’ve had light rail for a year? For more light rail love, check out ace Light Rail Blogger and Downtown Phoenix contributor Tony Arranaga.

First Fridays — If you ever need a good first date idea, take him or her to First Fridays.

Chase Field — Roof open when possible, please.

Coffee — Conspire, Daily Grind, Cartel, Lola and Fair Trade all received votes.

Matt’s Big Breakfast — You heart Matt’s pancakes. Proof that good things come to those who wait.

Dodge Theatre — Three of you mentioned the recent comedy acts to hit Dodge–Joel McHale, Gabriel Iglesias and, soon, Chelsea Handler.

The District – Their music and drinks tested very high in this market.

Civic Space Park — From acoustic lunches to yoga, Civic Space Park offers a little something for everyone.

The People — Yes, you’re what really make Downtown Phoenix a special place to work, live, and play.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

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