The event will take place outside the front entrance of Chase Field bright and early on Saturday morning.

On Saturday, the D’backs Race Against Cancer will take place at Chase Field. This 5K run, sponsored by the University of Arizona Cancer Center will start at 7:30 A.M and last until the start of D’backs Fan Fest at 10. Cancer survivors and all patrons are set to attend the race with all proceeds going to non-profit organizations in the Valley. It’s almost spring training, which is a time to start fresh and be positive about the future and I believe this race accomplishes that exact same vibe for everyone involved. D’backs coaches are on board with the race this year by participating on Saturday. Kirk Gibson will take part in the Family Fun 1K Walk as well. The Stand Up 2 Cancer campaign is one that has gathered steam in the MLB over recent years. Everybody holding up a SU2C sign during the World Series was not just a great moment for Major League Baseball, but for society as well.

D’backs president and cancer survivor, Derrick Hall spoke candidly about the event and his families battle with the illness.

“I feel like it’s my mission now to drive awareness, spread the word and hopefully stress the importance of people being screened and tested.”

This is another occasion for the Diamondbacks baseball community to team up and raise awareness for a great cause and also enjoy a beautiful day at Chase Field with the more laid-back Fan Fest following the race.  Sure, the pink and blue bats are a nice touch in the MLB but what’s really cool is when an entire fan base can link together for the same goal.

Also, if you can believe it, pitchers and catchers report in three days.

Q & A sessions with players and coaches is a great time at the fan fest, just don’t plan on seeing J-Up there

With that being said, the D’backs Fan Fest is an awesome event for all fans of the ‘Snakes. Although the event has geared itself more towards kids in the recent years, there is just something about getting to walk on a major league field that is so exciting, regardless of your age. I love that the D’backs are holding events like this because it creates a relationship with fans and is an awesome way to get to know your team. I wish that attendance wasn’t as low as it is because the organization is doing their part to get butts in the seats but it is just not showing. The event will take place on February 9th from 10AM-5Pm. What better way to spend a Saturday in Arizona then getting to meet D’backs players and coaches? The bouncy castles are a nice touch as well.

D’backs Fan Fest is free to the public, which reinforces the fact that the organization is really trying to connect with fans. Whenever I walk in downtown Phoenix, I always get the feel that there is a large D’backs fan presence but then I see how Chase Field was only 60% full…again. I’m afraid that shipping Justin Upton away will hurt as far as attendance goes in 2013. Let’s face it, people went to Chase Field to see J-Up ad now they can’t. I understand that trades will happen and it’s the inevitability of sports but this one seems to hurt a little bit because over the last several years, I couldn’t think of the Diamondbacks without immediately thinking of Justin Upton. With Upton gone, I feel that fans are a little weary to head to Chase Field but I’m telling you right now, this 2013 Diamondbacks squad is going to be a fun team to watch this year.

It all starts February 9th, another year of baseball is upon us and I wish, and hope that fans will flock to Chase Field to see it.

Pitchers and catchers report in 17 days.

Luis Gonzalez talks Dbacks with Gambo and Ash

If the attendance at today’s Arizona Diamondbacks Fan Fest was any indication, fans certainly can not wait for the new season to start.  Everyone is ready to put last year behind and start looking forward to the season that is about to be.

Held at Chase Field in downtown Phoenix, the Fest included activities for all ages.  There were the bouncy houses and slides for the little ones, autographs and pictures for the older kids and adults, along with clubhouse tours, whiffle ball fields, and much more.  Five concessions were available for fans to eat and even organist Bobby Freeman was on the main concourse playing the hits.

I took my two-year old son with me and he had a great time.  He took a tour of the clubhouse with me, got his usual hot dog and pink lemonade, and had his picture taken while sitting in the dugout.  One place we didn’t visit was the ticket sales people to sign up for suites and season tickets.  A little too expensive for us unfortunately.  I am looking forward to single game tickets going on sale, although the team has not announced when that will happen.  No rush.  I should have asked Diamondbacks  President Derek Hall as he passed by and waved hello to me.

It was a great event on a beautiful day though and nothing should be taken from that.  I even got a sneak peak at Luis Gonzalez being interviewed by Gambo and Ash from KTAR 620 Sports.

Can’t wait for Cactus League and regular season play.