MLB All-Star Game provides Arizona, Diamondbacks a chance to shine

by Paola Boivin, columnist - Jun. 11, 2011 05:22 PM
The Arizona Republic | azcentral.com

We are 30 days from another posting in society's slam book. The All-Star Game lands in Chase Field on July 12 and all judgmental eyes will be on a community frequently belittled for its political shenanigans.

Arizona is so much more than that and Major League Baseball's All-Star festivities can help make the case. You argued strongly for this, Diamondbacks. Let's see you deliver.

Anyone else hate how begrudgingly this game was given to the Valley? Milwaukee, Houston and Pittsburgh built new stadiums after us and landed games before us. Commissioner Bud Selig, who has a home in Scottsdale, comes across like a reluctant supporter.

We deserve better.

"Everyone is excited about how it's going," Diamondbacks President and CEO Derrick Hall said. "We told (Major League Baseball), don't worry about it. We can do it."

Baseball is most nervous about two issues: heat and protesters.

Newsflash: It will be hot. The average high temperature in Phoenix on July 12 is 107 degrees. Two years ago on that date it hit 115.

Organizers are adjusting.

The outdoor concert of past games will be scrapped for an indoor dance party led by Glee choreographer Zach Woodlee. The Red Carpet All-Star Parade, which features a caravan of players, family members and coaches, will be shortened from a mile to a quarter mile.

And yes, the roof almost surely will be closed for the game unless the weather delivers a surprise. Fan comfort matters. If everything else about the festivities delivers, it won't matter. Keep a close eye on the July 11 Home Run Derby. The Diamondbacks hope to open the roof for the final competition. It would stay closed for the early rounds and then dramatically part for the last two competitors. It's a well-played move for those who have never seen 9 million pounds of structural steel separate in four minutes.

Protesters are expected. Many groups, including the National Council of La Raza, the country's largest Hispanic civil rights organization, have said they will show up to protest SB 1070, Arizona's immigration law.

Even players have discussed it.

Boston first baseman Adrian Gonzalez called the bill "immoral." Texas catcher Yorvit Torrealba said it is "racist stuff."

Protesters will arrive. Signs will land on the news. Chants will make headlines.

This is not a bad thing. It will inspire debate and dialogue. One of the problems with politics in Arizona is the amount of disinterest. Many who live here are not from here. They don't feel connected to the community and don't choose to engage in political activism.

There are special interest groups and voices. But do they belong to us?

It was fascinating to see what unfolded when Suns owner Robert Sarver decided, with unanimous support from his players, to make a statement about SB 1070 by having the team wear Los Suns jerseys during an NBA playoff game against the San Antonio Spurs.

Both sides of the argument were able to state their cases that night and both did it peacefully. During the game, I remember seeing one fan wearing a Suns jersey and sombrero. On the other side of the arena was a man with a "shut up and play" sign.

Outside, approximately 3,000 protesters marched. Respectfully.

Afterward, Steve Nash, who didn't support the law, said "Those people who disagree with me is fine. Dissent is what democracy is made of."

MLB shouldn't be afraid of the protests. We've proven to be a community that can even do that right.

Trust us.

Ticket sales were a real concern because of our unstable economy, not to mention the idea of selling Phoenix as a July destination stop. At last season's All-Star Game in Anaheim, nearly 5,000 Angel Stadium seats were empty for the Home Run Derby. That kind of television does not make MLB happy.

Last year's game on Fox earned the lowest rating ever with a 7.5 national rating and 13 share.

"There was definitely concern about ticket sales," Hall said.

Organizers tried to get ahead of the problem. Tickets were available seven weeks earlier than normal.

With a month remaining, they feel good about their progress. Only a few single seats remain for the All-Star Game and the Home Run Derby is close to selling out. Approximately 38,000 seats have been sold for the Futures Game and All-Star Legends and Celebrity Softball Game, which include former Diamondbacks Mark Grace and Luis Gonzalez.

Chase Field will have a seating capacity of 47,000 for the events.

The good news for fans is that the resale ticket market should be kind to them.

The biggest challenge the Diamondbacks face is presenting a field in top condition. Chase Field demands a lot of sun but keeping the roof open long enough will be difficult because of all the events inside the facility in the week leading up to the game.

It's hard not to feel like an underdog in this fight.

Our dukes are up.

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