Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, has a policy that allows fans to bring snacks and food into the stadium. However, there are some restrictions on what types of snacks and how much food can be brought in. Understanding what is allowed and prohibited can ensure fans avoid having items confiscated at the gate.
Types of Snacks Allowed
Fans are permitted to bring snacks into Chase Field as long as they meet the venue’s guidelines. In general, the following types of food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed:
- Factory-sealed bottles of water and soft drinks (up to 1 liter)
- Food items carried in a small, clear plastic bag (no larger than 1 gallon)
- Snack foods like peanuts, popcorn, crackers, chips, pretzels, candy
- Fresh fruit and vegetables
- Nuts
- Granola bars
- Sandwiches
All snacks must be for personal consumption only. Coolers, catering trays, and takeout containers from restaurants are not permitted. Any food brought in a bag needs to be visible and available for inspection. Fans are limited to bringing one bag of snacks per person.
Prohibited Snack Items
There are some food and beverage restrictions on what cannot be brought into Chase Field:
- No alcoholic beverages
- No glass bottles or metal cans (except small snack cans like Pringles)
- No thermoses or personal mugs
- No meals or food requiring utensils
In addition, any snacks or foods deemed to be a public safety risk or disturbance to other fans will not be allowed entry. Deli subs, pizzas, and full meals are examples of foods that will be turned away. They can be messy, take up space, or emit strong odors that may disturb your neighbors.
Snack Size Limits
While Chase Field does not publish an exact snack size or quantity limit, fans are advised to keep additional food to a minimum. The general guideline is to bring snacks in a volume that can fit inside a small, clear plastic bag or clutch purse. A 16.9-ounce factory-sealed water bottle or 20-ounce soft drink is reasonable. Avoid oversized bags of chips, giant candy bars, and other high-quantity snacks. Use good judgment – you don’t need provisions for an entire nine-inning game!
As a point of comparison, permitted snack amounts are similar to what you can bring on an airplane. Reasonable portions for personal consumption during the game is fine. Suitcase-size amounts are not.
Legitimate Medical Needs
If you or someone in your party has a medical condition that requires bringing in specialty or restricted food, exceptions can be made upon request. Be prepared to show documentation and speak to Fan Services staff at the gate. Needing to bring juice instead of soda or having glucose tablets for diabetes are examples of legitimate medical exceptions.
Saving Money on Snacks
One strategy for enjoying snacks while saving money at Chase Field is to bring in your own reasonably-portioned portions from home. With concession prices being high, packing your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages can be much cheaper. Getting a hot dog or ice cream at the game can still be fun, but bringing your own Cracker Jacks and candy bars can limit the damage to your wallet.
Another option is to eat a full meal before arriving at the ballpark. Filling up on food ahead of time means you may just want a small snack once inside. Eat dinner at one of the many downtown Phoenix restaurants near Chase Field before walking over for the game.
Purchasing Snacks Inside
If you don’t want the hassle of carrying in food from outside, Chase Field offers many standard ballpark snack options:
- Assorted candies
- Popcorn
- Chips
- Pretzels
- Peanuts
- Nachos
- Hot dogs
- Ice cream
- Cracker Jacks
There are also snack stands unique to Chase Field, such as:
- Taco trucks with burritos, tacos, and nachos
- ATL Wings and Fries for chicken wings
- Bahn Mi sandwiches
Kids’ snacks like corn dogs, chicken tenders, fries, and candy are readily available too.
Best Snacks for Baseball Games
The following are great snack options for enjoying a Diamondbacks game:
- Hot dog – A ballpark staple, hot dogs go perfectly with baseball.
- Peanuts – Cracking and eating peanuts is a quintessential part of the experience.
- Cracker Jacks – The caramel coated popcorn treat is a longtime fan favorite.
- Soft pretzel – Whether salted or topped with cheese, soft pretzels hit the spot.
- Frozen lemonade – Cool and refreshing on a hot Phoenix day.
For kids, simple snacks like cotton candy, snow cones, and popcorn allow them to focus on the game versus complicated foods.
Keeping Snacks Safe
When planning snacks for Chase Field, be sure to keep food safety in mind:
- Pack non-perishable foods if possible. Items like chips, peanut butter crackers, and granola bars don’t spoil easily.
- Keep cold foods chilled until you are ready to leave for the stadium with a cold pack or small cooler.
- If packing perishable foods like sandwiches, ensure they are kept cold below 40°F until consuming.
- Discard any leftovers after the game rather than taking them back home.
- Wash hands before eating or after touching surfaces to prevent germs spreading to snacks.
- Avoid cross-contamination of foods by keeping meats separate from produce in bags.
Proper handling, packaging, and storage goes a long way towards safe snacking. Remember, consuming contaminated food that sat too long at warm temperatures can ruin an otherwise fun baseball experience.
Are There Healthy Snack Options Inside?
While the majority of snack offerings inside Chase Field consist of traditional junk food baseball fare, there are some healthier snack options available:
- Fresh fruit cups
- Carrots with ranch dip
- Yogurt parfaits
- Protein bars
- Individual packaged trail mix
- Bottled water and low-sugar drinks
- Turkey sandwiches
- Salads
Many main concession stands have a “Fit Hits” menu featuring gluten-free, low-carb, and lower-calorie items. Look for these healthier snacks marked with an apple icon on menus.
Saving Time by Ordering Snacks Via App
Chase Field offers mobile ordering of snacks directly from your seats via the MLB Ballpark app. This can save considerable time waiting in concession lines:
- Download the MLB Ballpark app on your iOS or Android phone.
- Enter your seat location and Chase Field as the venue.
- Browse available food and beverage offerings.
- Select your desired snacks and checkout.
- Proceed to the designated express pickup location.
Snacks are delivered hot and fresh without needing to wait in a crowded concourse line! Just be aware of any app surcharges that may apply.
Alternatives for Those With Dietary Restrictions
Chase Field makes an effort to accommodate fans with allergen sensitivities or other dietary restrictions:
- Gluten-free – Hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, and snacks labeled as gluten-free are available.
- Vegetarian/vegan – Meatless burgers and hot dogs, salads, and snacks without animal products can be found.
- Nut allergies – Request snacks made without nuts if you have an allergy.
- Diabetes – Low sugar snack options are marked on concession menus.
Checking the menus on the MLB Ballpark app can help identify foods that accommodate your dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to ask concession staff if you need assistance identifying suitable snacks.
Chase Field Snack Restriction FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions fans have about bringing snacks to Chase Field:
Why are most outside snacks and drinks prohibited?
The snack restrictions allow the stadium to control what is brought in for security and cleanliness reasons. It also supports concession sales which contribute revenue.
Can I bring snack items for an infant or toddler?
Yes, small amounts of snack foods, formula, sealed baby food and milk are allowed for infants and toddlers 2 and under.
What if I have a medical condition requiring snacks?
Make stadium personnel aware of medical issues needing exceptions to snack rules. Documentation may be required for bringing restricted items.
Can I bring snack items in my pockets without a bag?
Technically yes, but it is not recommended due to lack of packaging and potential to create a mess if accidentally dropped or spilled.
What happens if I try to bring in prohibited snacks?
You will be asked to dispose of or return restricted items to your vehicle. Confiscated snacks cannot be recovered or replaced.
Can I buy snacks inside and bring back out if I don’t finish them?
Generally no, any outside food must be consumed inside the stadium. But unused, sealed, bottled beverages can usually be taken back out.
Conclusion
Chase Field strikes a reasonable balance between allowing fans to bring their own snacks while prohibiting excessive or messy foods. Understanding the venue’s snack policies ensures you can enjoy Diamondbacks baseball with your favorite treats in hand. A little pre-planning goes a long way!