Memorable Moments at Bank One Ballpark  20 Strikeouts by Randy Johnson on May 8, 2001. Cy Young winner Randy Johnson in 1999. Mark McGwire's 510 foot batting practice homerun. BANK ONE BALLPARK 401 E. Jefferson Street Phoenix, Arizona 85004 Ballpark Store More Ballpark Items

   Opening in 1998, Bank One Ballpark became the first stadium ever built to have a retractable roof and natural grass. With the announcement that Phoenix would be awarded an expansion team, a new stadium was built for the team. Not just a regular stadium was to be built, but a retractable roof stadium, because of the desert heat. It became the first stadium with natural grass and a retractable roof which closes in five minutes, with air conditioning. After the first week of May, many games are played with the roof closed. Shaped like a massive airport hanger, construction on the stadium began on November 16, 1995. Bank One bought the naming rights, and the stadium was named Bank One Ballpark.

Opening night for Bank One Ballpark came on March 31, 1998. Over 3.6 million fans would pack Bank One Ballparks seats, to see the Arizona Diamondbacks during their first year of play. A four tier grandstand extends from the left field foul pole to homeplate, and around to the right field foul pole. Bleacher seats are behind both the left and right field fences. A 25 foot center field wall serves as a hitter . Above it is the scoreboard. The most unusual feature at Bank One Ballpark, is the swimming pool located behind part of the right field fence.  Besides the swimming pool, Bank One Ballpark has many other amenities. Memorabilia from the Baseball Hall of Fame is located at the Cox Clubhouse. Fans can find videos and displays detailing the history of baseball at the Fox Sport Net Arizona Diamondtown. Overlooking left field and third base is Friday's Front Row Sports Grill, which offers food and entertainment.

Next Ballpark

Have any pictures of this stadium? Send them in and get credit for them! pictures@ballparksofbaseball.8m.com

Name: Bank One Ballpark 
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Tenant: Arizona Diamondbacks
Capacity: 47,972
Surface:  Grass 
Construction Began: November 16, 1995
Opened: March 31, 1998
Cost: $414 Million
Dimensions: 330-L Line, 413-L, 407-C, 374-R, 334-R Line
Architect: Ellerbe Becket
Seating Chart

Ballpark Photos

Click to Enlarge Pictures.