The Arizona Diamondbacks are facing criticism from some fans after new ribbon scoreboards installed at Chase Field began blocking views from certain upper-deck seats. Team president and CEO Derrick Hall has acknowledged the issue and says the organization is working to address complaints from affected fans.
The situation surfaced shortly after the Diamondbacks’ 2026 home opener, when fans reported that the newly installed ribbon boards obstructed parts of the field and dugout areas.
Chase Field Renovations Introduce New Scoreboards
During the offseason, Chase Field underwent several upgrades aimed at modernizing the stadium experience. The improvements included:
| Upgrade | Description |
|---|---|
| Dual ribbon boards | Installed along the stadium seating areas |
| Larger center-field scoreboard | Designed to show more stats and graphics |
| Enhanced in-game visuals | Real-time stats, ads, and graphics for fans |
The upgrades were intended to improve the fan experience by providing more information, graphics, and interactive content during games.
However, after the first games of the season, some spectators sitting in the 300-level seats reported that the ribbon boards now block parts of the field.
Fans Report Obstructed Views
Several fans say the new boards prevent them from seeing key parts of the game.
According to complaints shared online and directly with the team, the following areas may be difficult to see from certain seats:
| Areas Affected | Description |
|---|---|
| Visiting dugout | Partially hidden from some upper-deck seats |
| Bullpen | Not visible from certain angles |
| Coaching boxes | Blocked sightlines for some fans |
| Batter’s box | Difficult to see from some front-row upper-deck seats |
The issue gained attention after a fan posted photos on social media showing the obstructed view from their seat.
Derrick Hall Responds to Fan Complaints
Diamondbacks president and CEO Derrick Hall addressed the issue during a radio appearance on Bickley & Marotta Mornings on Arizona Sports.
Hall explained that the ribbon boards were tested before installation. However, the final placement had to be adjusted due to structural factors inside the stadium.
He acknowledged that some fans now have partially obstructed views.
“Some people have obstructive views, partially obstructive views now, and they didn’t have them before,” Hall said.
He also confirmed that some fans reported losing sight of areas such as the bullpen, dugout, and coaching boxes after the upgrades.
Also Read: Arizona State Hires Rick Croy as Associate Head Coach to Strengthen Men’s Basketball Program
Number of Complaints So Far
The Diamondbacks have been tracking feedback from fans since the season began.
| Detail | Number |
|---|---|
| Complaints received | 28 |
| Seating area affected | Primarily 300-level |
| Issue discovered | Early in the 2026 season |
Hall said that even though the number of complaints may seem small, the organization takes the issue seriously.
“It doesn’t sound like a big number, but it could be one, and I’m not happy,” he said.
Diamondbacks Offering Solutions to Fans
To address the problem, the team has already begun working with affected ticket holders.
Possible solutions include:
• Seat relocations for season ticket holders
• Refunds in certain cases
• Ongoing review of seating visibility
The organization says it wants to make sure fans still have a positive experience at Chase Field.
Possible Fixes Still Under Review
Some fans have suggested moving or lowering the ribbon boards to restore the original sightlines. However, Hall explained that such changes might not be simple due to the stadium’s structure.
Because the boards are built into the stadium framework, making major adjustments could be difficult.
The Diamondbacks are currently reviewing possible solutions while considering technical and structural limitations.
Hall Takes Responsibility
Hall emphasized that the responsibility ultimately falls on him.
“It bothers me, it hurts me,” he said. “It’s on me, no one else.”
The team says it will continue listening to fan feedback and will keep evaluating options to improve the viewing experience.
Issue Emerged During 2026 Home Opener
The problem became widely known during the Diamondbacks’ home opener against the Detroit Tigers on March 30, 2026, when fans attending the game noticed the blocked views.
The organization says it will continue tracking complaints and working with fans while exploring potential adjustments to the stadium setup.
FAQs
Why are fans complaining about Chase Field ribbon boards?
Some fans in the upper deck say the newly installed ribbon boards partially block their view of the field, dugout, and bullpen.
What changes were made at Chase Field?
The stadium installed dual ribbon boards and a larger center-field scoreboard as part of offseason upgrades.
How many fans have complained so far?
The Diamondbacks reported 28 complaints from fans about obstructed views.
What solutions are the Diamondbacks offering?
The team is offering seat relocations and refunds for fans whose views are affected.
Add as a preferred source on Google
