PetSmart helps Major League Baseball go to the dogs

Phoenix-based PetSmart and the Arizona Diamondbacks are teaming up to create the first-ever season-long dog-friendly ballpark in America.

The retailer worked with the team on new PetSmart Patio, PetSmart Park and the Dog Days of Summer program, where dog-loving fans can bring their dogs to all 13 Sunday Diamondbacks home games in the 2016 season (the first game will be on April 10 vs. the Chicago Cubs).

Pet parents will be able to enjoy the game with their best friends at Chase Field with exclusive seating, a grassy play area nearby, and the PetSmart adoption center, which will feature adoptable dogs ready to find their forever homes. Dog-friendly treats will also be available for the furry attendees.

“We are seeing more and more establishments open up their facilities to pets – whether it’s coffee shops, retail stores, hotels or restaurants. We at PetSmart truly value the time pet parents spend with their beloved pets, and we want to help enrich the experiences they share together – including a baseball game,” said Eran Cohen, chief customer experience officer, PetSmart, Inc. “PetSmart’s home office is based right here in Phoenix, and we are thrilled to partner with the D-backs, our hometown team, on this first-ever ballpark experience with a season-long, dedicated space so fans can enjoy a Sunday ball game with their best friends or even expand their families through pet adoption.”

The PetSmart Patio will be located along the main concourse behind the left-center field wall. The patio area will feature a family-friendly atmosphere with multi-tiered seating that is perfect for groups of humans and canines of various sizes. For each of the 13 Dog Days of Summer held at the D-backs’ Sunday home games, pets can enjoy concessions such as dog-friendly ice cream with toppings like kibble and other pet treats. As part of the Dog Days of Summer ticket package, pet parents will also receive a PetSmart “Doggie Bag,” complete with free items from PetSmart.

Directly behind the PetSmart Patio will be the PetSmart Park – an outdoor and indoor (air conditioned) dog park so even in the heat of the summer dogs can run around and play. The outdoor park will feature a baseball theme complete with a baseball diamond and a grassy outfield.

“We are excited to create a unique dog-friendly area of our ballpark and can think of no better way than to partner with Phoenix-based PetSmart,” said D-backs president and chief executive officer, Derrick Hall. “Bark at the Park has always been a popular event at Chase Field, and now we are thrilled to offer fans the opportunity to bring their dogs to our games every Sunday to a new destination designed specifically for them. For many households a pet is an extension of their families and the D-backs are excited to partner with PetSmart to provide a family-friendly atmosphere for all family members, including our canine friends.”