On July 12, for the first time ever Valley dwellers—and numerous out-of-town visitors—will be buying their fair share of peanuts and Cracker Jacks as Phoenix hosts the 2011 All-Star Game. Read on for the who, what, when and where.
MLB All-Star FanFest
From Friday, July 8 until the day of the big game, July 12, the Valley’s biggest baseball enthusiasts are invited to the Phoenix Convention Center for the MLB All-Star FanFest. From 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily (9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the day of the All-Star Game), fanatics are encouraged to enjoy interactive exhibits and attractions, Major League clinics and seminars, sports memorabilia, autograph sessions with Diamondbacks legends and Hall of Famers and much more. Don’t-miss attractions include The Diamond, where fans might spot MLB players and other recognizable faces; the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum to get a peek at one of the largest collections of artifacts on loan from the famed Cooperstown museum; and a stellar photo op with the World’s Largest Baseball.
All-Star Charity Dance-A-Thon
Baseball players won’t be the only ones breaking a sweat during All-Star week. This year, the MLB announces its first-ever All-Star Charity Dance-A-Thon at the Phoenix Convention Center on Saturday, July 9. Zach Woodlee, the choreographer known for giving the New Directions members their moves on “Glee,” will teach attendees some sweet steps. Then, Woodlee and other celebrity guests will judge a dance contest. On the line? A chance to win a meet-and-greet on the set of “Glee.” Proceeds from the nine-hour dance-a-thon (from 3 p.m. to midnight) will benefit Prostate Cancer Foundation, Stand Up To Cancer and Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
Taco Bell All-Star Sunday
Baseball isn’t your thing? Perhaps seeing some of the biggest names is movies, television and music at bat would be more your style. At the Taco Bell Legends & Celebrity Softball Game on Sunday, July 10, famous faces will team up with past and present baseball stars in what is sure to be an entertaining day at the diamond. This year, Luis Gonzalez, Mark Grace, Nick Jonas and Garrett Hedlund are slated to appear. All-Star Sunday is rounded out with the XM All-Star Futures Game, featuring the sport’s most notable Minor League prospects.
Gatorade All-Star Workout Day and State Farm Home Run Derby
Batter up! The league’s top homerun hitters will strut their stuff on Monday, July 11.
82nd All-Star Game
Will the reigning champ, the National League, pick up another All-Star victory? Or will the American League win the game and home field advantage at the World Series? For more than two months, fans have voted for their favorite players and now those pros will take the field on July 12 at the 82nd All-Star Game at Chase Field.
Diamondback Talk
We asked two of the Valley’s own baseball greats (and AFM cover models) why they love calling Arizona home.
“I grew up in Tampa, Fla., so I love living in a climate that has warmer weather. Plus, everybody living in Arizona has welcomed my family and I with open arms since we came to the D-backs in 1999. I could not think of a better place to raise my family.”
—Luis Gonzalez, former Diamondbacks player and Taco Bell Legends & Celebrity Softball Game participant
“I enjoy living in Scottsdale because there are so many things to do throughout the year. Chase Field is a great home park for baseball players and our spring training facility near Scottsdale is only minutes from my home. My preparation for the regular season is a lot easier by living in a climate that allows me to train year-round.”
—Justin Upton, official spokesperson, name and face for All-Star FanFest
Team Spirit
Cheer on your favorite all-stars in style with Tommy Bahama’s limited-edition 2011 MLB All-Star Game Camp Shirt ($158). Available at Tommy Bahama and Nordstrom locations.
To Learn More:
For tickets and more information, visit www.allstargame.com.
