2023 World Series: A First With Indoor Stadiums? Exploring the Rangers and Diamondbacks’ Unique Home Venues

The way the stage for the 2023 World Series was set was full of surprises. While two of the most unexpected teams made it to the final 7 games, it has been a rather topsy-turvy journey for both. On one hand, the Texas Rangers faltered in the closing days of the regular season to give up their long-held division lead. And on the other, the Arizona Diamondbacks barely managed to win more games than they lost. But who could have predicted the tables would do a full 360? 

Well, it happened. And it happened in the most striking way possible. As Game 1 of the Fall Classic began on Friday, the ballparks have gained some spotlight. Globe Life Field is currently a hotspot for some stellar baseball action, and so will Chase Field soon. With that, the specs of these venues become key, especially the retractable roofs. But first, let’s talk about the chatter that these teams do not belong to the World Series. 

2023 World Series: With Two Wild Card Teams Making It To The Finale

“I’m not on social media and I don’t read that type of stuff. But I find it entertaining,” said Torey Lovullo, manager of Arizona Diamondbacks. Isn’t it amusing that the team that rose from the ashes is now considered a misfit to rank at the top? Shifting our focus to Texas, when they blew a commanding lead in the American League West and were hanging on for dear life to a wild-card place, their future seemed bleak. With that comes the intense pressure of being foreign to the World Series air. But hey, one must hold their horses. Bruce Bochy is almost invincible. With him managing the Lone Stars anything can happen. That said, Arizona had one heck of a U-turn. 

For the Snakes, which had a dreadful 52-110 season in 2021, the reversal was especially striking. The Diamondbacks, who are youthful and physically fit, have shown aggressiveness on the bases, stealing the second-most bags in baseball. Taking advantage of new regulations designed to facilitate steals, they stole 166 bases during the regular season. But on the flip side, Texas and Arizona’s hitters saw a decline in strikeout percentages in 2023 as a result of new MLB regulations. 

What is mindboggling is that the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, and Baltimore Orioles, who are the three strong 100-win teams, didn’t even make it to their league championship series. That said, this new, enlarged postseason system, makes this World Series feel crazier. 

A Special Visual Spectacle: With the First Indoor World Series Battle

Stepping back from the nitty gritty of the teams, one must look through the lens of stadiums. Both the sports arenas of the contending teams have retractable roofs. 2023 would be the year to witness the first indoor World Series contention. However, very little is known about the history of the ballparks. 

Retractable roofs were not considered when Globe Life Park was planned in the early 1990s. Instead, a retro-style ballpark was preferred by the previous ownership. In May 2016, the team revealed intentions to build a new $1.2 billion retractable roof stadium adjacent to Globe Life Park. The Rangers and the City of Arlington split the stadium’s cost, and the lease was extended until the 2053 campaign. 

Chase Feild on the other hand was the first stadium ever constructed with a retractable top and a natural grass surface. Instituted in 1998 this new stadium was constructed in response to MLB’s announcement that Phoenix will get an expansion club. With its shape akin to an enormous aircraft hangar, formerly known as Bank One Park, it was rechristened as Chase Field after the merger between Bank One and JP Morgan Chase in September 2005. 

The swimming pool in right-center field at Chase Field is among its most recognizable features. A unique view of the game is available to fans who book this space for private gatherings. Chase Field was renovated with better technology, seating arrangements, and new concession stalls to provide a more engaging game-day atmosphere.

READ MORE – “At Least You Can Go Swimming”: Why Was Arizona Diamondbacks’ Chase Field Labeled as the Worst MLB Stadium?

Globe Life Field’s design is made for fans to enjoy unique field views. Modern LED lighting technology is used in Arlington, improving visibility. It also enables dynamic lighting displays and special effects during events.

Homes With Closed Roofs but Open Dreams

Adding a tinge of uniqueness to 2023, this year’s fall classic will be indoor. Though their roofs are closed there is no cap to what the teams can achieve. With weather considerations out of the list, Chase Field and Globe Life Field, with their roofs closed, represent the progressive approach. 

The much-awaited championship series started on Friday and Game 2 will happen on Saturday in Arlington Texas. While the win might incline toward either side, there is no limit to what the players can achieve. Arizona could put an end to a 2-decade-long drought while Texas could hold the Commissioner’s Trophy for the first time in history. Either way, it will be an emotional win for the winning team. 

Who Will Have an Advantage in This One?

While there is always a likelihood of having a home advantage, the thrill of baseball is that one just can’t say. One thing adds weight to Texas’s chances. The Rangers have played Arizona 53 times in the regular season. This is more than any other of the 15 current American League teams. Overall, they had a record of 28–25 (.528). That said, Rangers and Arizona have met third most frequently in the National League since interleague play started in 1997. 

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Given that the Lone Starts and the Snakes encountered each other several times in the regular season, they might benefit from this familiarity. They’re aware of one another’s playing philosophies, strengths, and setbacks. This may give birth to more strategic and competitive games in the coming week

That said, pitch rotation, lineup depth, defensive power, and managerial strategies would also contribute to the prediction. Nevertheless, the Texas Rangers have won Game 1, 6-5. One can only wait and watch this nail-biter unfold. 

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