Diamondbacks make case for newer stadium

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - The capacity for Chase Field is just over 48,500 fans, but the boss of the D-Backs says that's too big.

"There has been a lot of speculation over the years and that is because our building is too big," Arizona Diamondbacks CEO Derrick Hall said, on the "Doug and Wolf Show" on Arizona Sports 98.7. "I mean, to have nearly 50,000 capacity for this market is too much and at the time, I understand why we built it that way. Coors Field had just opened, it was that large and filled up each game. It is hard to believe we will be the fourth-oldest facility in the league."

So is Chase Fields simply too big? Do the Diamondbacks need a new and smaller home? We asked the fans and some did not seem too enthusiastic about making a change.

"No, no, keep it big, bigger the better," Michelle Backer said. "This team is going to grow and has the best fans ever, keep their fans going."

Fans were out in force to watch pitchers and catchers at spring training at Salt River Fields and some kind of see the team's point of view.

"Yeah, I can understand that they don't pack the house," Brian Fikejs said. "Sounds like a good idea."

But other fans are suspicious.

"Corporate boxes right? That is what always ends up getting the big money instead of small money with the tickets," Morrie McPherson said.

So, the D-Backs float the idea of a new ballpark, but how hungry are fans for a new place to watch the team play?

The team has 12 years left on their lease at Chase Field, but they say there's a trend towards a smaller, more intimate ballpark.

Meanwhile, there's another proposal for a new downtown Phoenix home for the Suns and Coyotes.