• by Tanya Gazdik , February 29, 2016

PetSmart is partnering with the Arizona Diamondbacks to create a season-long dog-friendly ballpark.

The Phoenix-based retailer is sponsoring the PetSmart Patio, which will host the “Dog Days of Summer” program. 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 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.  

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 for 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 ticket package, pet parents also will receive a PetSmart “Doggie Bag” including free items from PetSmart. 

Directly behind the PetSmart Patio will be the PetSmart Park -- an outdoor and indoor dog park that is air-conditioned, so that even in the heat of summer dogs can run around and play. The outdoor park will feature a baseball theme complete with a baseball diamond and a grassy outfield for dogs to explore, play ball with other dogs or find their perfect “spot” to relieve themselves.

“We are seeing more and more establishments open up their facilities to pets – whether it’s coffee shops, retail stores, hotels or restaurants," says Eran Cohen, chief customer experience officer, PetSmart, Inc.. "We think dog-loving baseball fans are going to really enjoy this first-ever ballpark experience with a dedicated dog-friendly space so they can take in a Sunday ball game with their best friends or even expand their families through dog adoption."

There are currently no plans to expand the initiative to other ballparks, according to PetSmart.