• Loading stock data...
Monday, October 27, 2025
Want a chance to win $250 and free FOS gear? Take our quick reader survey. Take the survey here

Diamondbacks Air Conditioning Overwhelmed by Arizona Heat Wave

  • A record heat wave has impaired Chase Field’s ability to maintain its cooling.
  • Climate change offers a cautionary tale for the proposed A’s stadium in Las Vegas.
Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports

The Diamondbacks have already been facing growing challenges with the 26-year-old Chase Field (above). Now climate change is uncomfortably adding to the list.

While the MLB club has spent more than a year actively trying to develop a framework to upgrade the ballpark, a historically hot Phoenix summer has greatly taxed the facility’s air-conditioning system, in turn exacerbating the renovation needs. 

Phoenix on Tuesday recorded its 79th consecutive day of least 100 degrees, surpassing a prior city record of 76, with no end in sight as more triple-digit temperatures are forecast for at least the next two weeks. Even before this latest heat wave, the Arizona capital was identified as a particular problem area in a much larger wave of global climate change. 

All that has strained the ballpark’s efforts to establish an interior temperature of 75 degrees. A chilled-water facility adjacent to the ballpark is used to cool the Chase Field air. But the ongoing local heat and a 17% boost in team attendance following last year’s surprise run to the World Series has impaired the system’s ability to maintain that cooler temperature—to the point where some players have complained about cramping and overly humid conditions for an indoor ability.

“We are making the best of a system that is over 26 years old and has been regressing year after year,” Diamondbacks president Derrick Hall told The Arizona Republic. “This is another example of why we need to find a solution and partnership to stay at Chase Field, which is our preference. The HVAC system is a top priority for an overhaul.”

What Does This Mean for Las Vegas?

The Arizona situation also offers a cautionary tale for Las Vegas, the future home of the A’s and another U.S. epicenter of soaring summer temperatures. Though plenty of questions remain about the proposed domed ballpark on the Las Vegas Strip, the A’s are considering a different type of system in which cooling is activated under individual seats.

Modeled in part after the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, the seat-specific system for air conditioning is designed to be much more targeted and energy-efficient than traditional methods. 

Milwaukee Musings

Much further north, the Brewers are wrestling with a very different type of issue: how to maximize the footprint of American Family Field and take full advantage of a roughly $500 million public funding package approved last year to renovate the facility. 

The club this week sent an email survey to roughly 37,000 fans on its mailing list, seeking sentiments on various ideas under consideration. They include a mixed-use development surrounding the ballpark, a reworked family zone, and different types of premium-level seating. 

Very similar to other real estate efforts connected to stadiums and arenas, the Brewers’ possibilities for their project could include bars, restaurants, and live entertainment—further enhancing the area’s usage not only before and after baseball games but also on non-game days.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Blue Jays’ World Series Run Is Just Part of Rogers’ Big Sports..

Buying more MLSE equity and a recapitalization of sports assets are planned.
Rob Manfred

Canada Could Get MLB Expansion Team, Manfred Says

The league has noted fast-rising fan interest north of the border. 

MLB Union Chief on Alert As NBA Gambling Scandal Unfolds

The union leader addresses labor and gambling-related concerns.
Oct 23, 2025; Toronto, ON, Canada; Signage in place on the dug out before game one of the World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre.

World Series Viewership Will Be Different This Year

The Canadian presence in the World Series creates a unique viewership situation.

Featured Today

September 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell before the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium

NFL Fall Meeting: 7 Big Topics Among Team Owners 

Media, facilities, and labor highlight some of the key areas of concern.
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Isaiah West (32) runs the ball in the second half at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin
October 25, 2025

NIL Has Birthed a Third-Party Cottage Industry—and It’s a Mess

There’s no limit to how much players can make from NIL deals.
Christie's
October 21, 2025

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
Fred Warner

Most of the 49ers’ Record Cap Number Isn’t on the Field

The 49ers are winning despite ranking 31st on spending on active players.
October 18, 2025

Financial Behemoth Dodgers Win NL Pennant, Eye History

The biggest spenders would be MLB’s first repeat champion in 25 years.
Tom Dundon
exclusive
October 22, 2025

Sale of Trail Blazers to Tom Dundon Will Take Multiple Years to..

Dundon is buying the team at a $4.25 billion valuation.
Sponsored

How HOKA is Reimagining the NIL Relationship

Fans can now follow their favorite golfers and experience every marquee moment at the Ryder Cup — thanks to innovation from T-Mobile.
October 16, 2025

For Yankees, It May Be ‘Business As Usual,’ but Title Drought Lingers

GM Brian Cashman says a salary cap is not at the forefront of his mind.
Jun 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Mercedes driver George Russell (63) and Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli (12) celebrate their first and third place at the F1 Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.
October 15, 2025

Mercedes F1 Team Rides With Russell, Antonelli Despite Verstappen Link

Russell took the Formula One seat at Mercedes in 2021.
October 13, 2025

RAJ Sports Withdraws Lawsuit Over Trail Blazers Stake

RAJ Sports had sued the Cherng family, owner of Panda Express.
October 13, 2025

Titans Turnover: Brian Callahan Firing Adds to Pattern of Instability

Tennessee fired coach Brian Callahan six games into his second season.