The National League Championship Series moves to Arizona after the Phillies took Game 1 and 2 at home. And baseball fans will certainly notice a different scene at the Diamondbacks’ home park of Chase Field.
Notably, Chase Field has a retractable roof that the team can no longer open or close when fans are present, which forces the stadium operators to make a decision about the roof before each game. Basically, the cable system is compromised, and there is concern that a cable could snap and endanger fans.
For the NLCS, the Diamondbacks plan to have the roof closed for Thursday’s Game 3 given the 103-degree forecast and open for Game 4 and Game 5 (if necessary).
As for that broken roof, the D-backs still don’t have immediate plans to fix it and are prioritizing other issues with the aging stadium instead. Via azcentral:
“That was going to be priority No. 1, but since we know we’re going to be here at least three or four more years, we probably need to do the (LED) sports lights right now,” Hall said, adding the current lights were close to not being “at standard” for Major League Baseball.
He added that upgrading the video boards and sound system were high-priority items, as well, both above the roof, which can still open and close, just not when fans are present due to safety concerns.
You can find the roof schedule here.