The 2011 All-Star Game will be played at a revitalized Chase Field, as the Arizona Diamondbacks snare the high-profile game.
We’re happy to see the Arizona Diamondbacks were awarded the 2011 All-Star Game. It’s a reward for a lot of hard work in the Valley of the Sun, as the D-Backs have made continual improvements to Chase Field while working hard on the customer-service end. The team’s new owners took on a bad situation — lots of debt and an indifferent fan base — and addressed each in turn, to the point where the crowds are back and the team is a solid contender.
"Major League Baseball is proud to announce that the Arizona Diamondbacks will host the 2011 All-Star Game," said Bud Selig at a Chase Field press conference. "We are thrilled that baseball fans of the great state of Arizona will have the opportunity to see our game’s finest players assemble at Chase Field for the Midsummer Classic. I thank Ken Kendrick, Derrick Hall and the entire D-backs organization for their efforts in making this happen."
"We are delighted that Major League Baseball has awarded this jewel event to the Arizona Diamondbacks," said D-backs’ Managing General Partner Ken Kendrick. "I have never attended an All-Star Game before and I am looking forward to attending my first Midsummer Classic with my family in our home ballpark in 2011."
"This is an exciting day for the Arizona Diamondbacks," said D-backs’ President and CEO Derrick Hall. "This franchise, its great fans and wonderful state deserve the honor and recognition. We pride ourselves in being the most fan-friendly team in sports and for providing a wholesome and memorable game experience, and now the entire world will have the opportunity to witness it from this grand stage. We thank the Commissioner and all of Major League Baseball for the selection, and for allowing us to showcase our beautiful ballpark, our welcoming city and our first-class fans."
"We are thrilled and honored to be hosting this amazing event," said Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon. "Even if you were here for the 2001 World Series, you’ll hardly recognize the place. We’ve got a brand new Convention Center, a new downtown hotel, 20-miles of light rail, and a sea of Sedona Red. It’s a very special time to be in Phoenix, and MLB is adding the exclamation point to everything that’s going on."
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