After finishing off an impressive homestand, the Los Angeles Dodgers began their road trip with what has been a thrilling series at Chase Field thus far.
The matchup could prove pivotal in a tight National League West race as the Dodgers and Diamondbacks are separated by five games entering play Monday.
The Diamondbacks have been one of MLB’s hottest teams since the All-Star break, but that wasn’t the only challenge the Dodgers have faced in Arizona this weekend. Chase Field at times has struggled to stay at a comfortable temperature due to an older HVAC system.
Diamondbacks president Derrick Hall emphasized the need to find a better solution for the ballpark, via Nick Piecoro of The Arizona Republic:
“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 said. “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.”
The Diamondback use a chilled-water plant to cool the air that is operated by a company called Cordia, but the system has its limitations:
Cordia creates ice, cools water with it and then sends the water through the pipes — which run under the railroad tracks — to the ballpark. The water, which is between 38 and 42 degrees when it arrives, is used to cool the air that is pumped throughout the ballpark via 12 massive air handlers. Sokolsky said each air handler is equipped with eight chilled water coils that cool the air.
Diamondbacks vice president of ballpark operations Mike Rock explained why Chase Field feels warmer toward the end of games:
“The length of time that you run it can determine how cool you can keep it near the end (of the game),” said Mike Rock, the Diamondbacks’ vice president of ballpark operations. “You can’t just run it for 15 hours and maintain that 75 degrees. At some point, the coils and all the frozen water on the coils runs out and the chilled water temperature that we get goes from 34 degrees to 45 degrees or warmer.”
While the Dodgers haven’t publicly raised concerns about the temperature at Chase Field, other players like Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly and Jordan Montgomery noted the difficulty of pitching there when it is humid.
Dodgers record at Chase Field
While the Dodgers are 6-6 against the Diamondbacks so far in 2024, they have now won four of six games at Chase Field this season.
Their lone loss was in walk-off fashion in extra innings.
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