On a warm summer night in Phoenix, there's nothing quite like catching an Arizona Diamondbacks game at Chase Field, especially now that star pitcher Randy Johnson, aka the Big Unit, has returned from the Yankees. Before or after the game, expand your baseball fun by exploring the stadium itself or just browsing the downtown neighborhood within pitching distance of home plate.
GETTING THERE
Major cross streets in downtown Phoenix include Seventh and Jefferson Streets. For more information, contact the Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau (877/225-5749).
GO
Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Grab a cold one and cheer in air-conditioned splendor at the retractable-roof ballpark. Go early for a guided stadium tour, where you'll learn about everything from its cost ($354 million) to the swimming pool you can rent overlooking the outfield ($6,500 per game). INFO: Game tickets from $5, 602/514-8400; tour $6 (reservations recommended), 602/462-6799; 401 E. Jefferson St.
Heritage & Science Park. Stroll this city square of historic homes, museums, and restaurants. Tour the Rosson House, an exuberant 1895 Victorian. INFO: 115 N. Sixth St.; 602/262-5071. Rosson House: Closed Mon-Tue; tour $5, $2 ages 6-12; 602/262-5029.
SHOP
Bentley Projects. The large-scale artwork might be too big to stuff in your trunk, but it's still fun to browse contemporary works by artists Jim Dine, Jun Kaneko, and others, shown in a 1918 brick warehouse. INFO: Closed Sun; 215 E. Grant St.; 602/340-9200.
EAT
City Bakery. Skip ballpark franks for a smoked-salmon club sandwich. Save room for decadent cupcakes. INFO: Closed Sat-Sun; $$; 215 E. Grant St.; 602/253-7200.
Alice Cooper'stown. The shock-rocker and local resident makes occasional musical appearances at his rock/jock-themed restaurant. Go for margaritas and extra-spicy buffalo wings. INFO: $; 101 E. Jackson St.; 602/253-7337.
STAY OVERNIGHT
Three miles north of the ballpark, Clarendon Hotel + Suites is a 106-room urban hideaway, with modern rooms, a courtyard pool, and a French fusion restaurant. INFO: From $99; 602/252-7363.
Camus is where locals gather after work for blood orange martinis and plates of Morbier cheese fries with a red-wine demi-glace and micro greens. INFO: $$$; 401 W. Clarendon Ave.; 602/212-2687.
