Saturday, April 11, 2009

Arizona Diamondbacks awarded the 2011 All-Star Game





D-backs to Host Major League Baseball's Midsummer Classic for the First Time
PHOENIX - The Arizona Diamondbacks have been awarded the 2011 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, which will be played at Chase Field, Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig announced at a press conference here today.

The 2011 edition of the All-Star Game will be the 82nd Midsummer Classic. The 2009 All-Star Game will be held on July 14th at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, while the 2010 All-Star Game will be played on July 13th at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. The 2011 All-Star Game in Arizona will mark the first time that a Major League city will be an inaugural host of baseball's Midsummer Classic since Colorado held the 1998 All-Star Game at Coors Field.

"Major League Baseball is proud to announce that the Arizona Diamondbacks will host the 2011 All-Star Game," said
Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig. "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."
The 82nd All-Star Game will be held at Chase Field in Phoenix on July 12, 2011.

No comments: