{"id":653788,"date":"2026-03-31T03:55:25","date_gmt":"2026-03-31T03:55:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/653788\/"},"modified":"2026-03-31T03:55:25","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T03:55:25","slug":"diamondbacks-new-ribbon-boards-cause-problems-for-fan-views","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/653788\/","title":{"rendered":"Diamondbacks’ new ribbon boards cause problems for fan views"},"content":{"rendered":"

PHOENIX \u2014 The Arizona Diamondbacks are in problem-solving mode, according to a team spokesperson, as the new ribbon boards at Chase Field are causing view obstructions for fans, particularly those sitting in the 300 level.<\/p>\n

The D-backs, in partnership with Daktronics, had ribbon boards installed below the 200 and 300 sections around the ballpark, along with a shorter board underneath the suites.<\/p>\n

Several fans sitting in the front row of the 300 level explained that they had to lean forward or bring multiple seat cushions to see the field, as they could no longer watch the game between the rails.<\/p>\n

The boards prevented fans from seeing foul ground on their respective side of the park, the dugout and depending on height, sections of fair territory when sitting back normally.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery disappointed because I had to bring four cushions to sit on to see the game,\u201d Nancy Abalos, a season-ticket holder since 1998, told Arizona Sports. <\/p>\n

\u201cI still have to lean over because I\u2019m not six feet tall. I usually lean back and look through the rail, and I can see the whole field from end to end, all the way down the foul line.\u00a0They took that away from us. Not only that, the last three years, the air conditioning is so bad that it\u2019s unbearable. Putting this wall here does not help the air circulate any better.\u201d<\/p>\n

Fans had additional concerns about children being able to see without standing up and those in the second row losing their view when people in front lean forward.<\/p>\n

The Diamondbacks have started to receive complaints. No season ticket holders had asked to be relocated as of Friday, but Monday was the home opener, the first time the ballpark filled up for a game since the fall.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are well aware that the view has changed for ticket holders in the first row and are also not happy about it,\u201d D-backs president and CEO Derrick Hall said in a statement. \u201cWe are working closely with them to relocate to an acceptable location. For some fans, the seats may be a partially obstructed view, but I clearly understand they previously were not and apologize. We had a similar situation years ago on the suite level when we first built its ribbon.\u201d<\/p>\n

The first row of the 300 level has offered a unique experience to see the entire field from an elevated view.<\/p>\n

Taking the ribbon boards down is not presently a discussion, according to a team spokesperson, as the club is trying to find other ways to accommodate fans. Those who don\u2019t want to relocate will be offered refunds, according to Nick Piecoro of AZCentral.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Season-ticket holders can contact their membership experience representative<\/a> regarding concerns or wishes to relocate.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to watch the game and see how it goes,\u201d Serge Forden, another season-ticket holder, said. \u201cBased on my first impression, it\u2019s not terrible.\u00a0I used to be able to see in between the railings, you can\u2019t with the ribbon anymore.\u00a0And I\u2019m going to have to lean forward. I guess at the end of the game I\u2019ll know if it\u2019s the right seat for me for the rest of the year.\u201d<\/p>\n

Relocating was not an ideal solution for several fans sitting in the front row on Opening Day, especially for those who go to games with friends year-after-year. Some fans called for the boards to be taken down.<\/p>\n

New ribbon boards on at Chase Field. pic.twitter.com\/5q5heHKssj<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Alex Weiner (@alexjweiner) March 9, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

The upper deck ribbon board is 3.5 feet tall and 984 feet around the ballpark.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Additionally, game operations crew (including the pitch clock operator and official scorer) in the press box had to move back with obstructed views from the primary ribbon board.<\/p>\n

The club paid for the video and ribbon boards with team money.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Diamondbacks plan to renovate Chase Field over the next few offseasons, including infrastructure repairs. The club plans to address the air conditioning next offseason, but it could take two winters to complete<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The D-backs have entered a public-private partnership to fund upgrades moving forward, with a tax recapture bill having been passed last summer.<\/p>\n

Follow @alexjweiner<\/a><\/p>\n

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