The Arizona Diamondbacks square off Monday night against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 of the National League Division Series. After losing two in a row in L.A., the D-Backs must win this game to stay alive in the playoffs.

Here, you can follow along with Monday’s fun — celebrity sightings, uniform reviews and whatever other non-sports, game-related fun we can find.

For a play-by-play of the game, which starts at 7:08 p.m., visit our game-day blog.

4:30 p.m.: Few fans fill the streets 

A street festival began at 4 p.m. at Fourth and Jackson streets with a live DJ, a beer garden, a truck selling postseason merchandise and the D-backs Street Team.

Unfortunately, by 4:30 p.m., the crowds of fans were looking pretty blue. 

MORE: In life, if not in baseball, Phoenix is SO much better than Los Angeles

Chase Field gates are scheduled to open at 5 p.m., giving fans plenty of time to grab hot dogs and beers before the first pitch at 7:08 p.m.

4 p.m.: Merch is ready for the taking 

In the team stores, postseason shirts were $35 to $40 and hats were $45. National League Division Series-themed balls were going for $12 and lapel pins were $13.

On the cheaper end, miniature baseball bats and foam fingers were going for two for $12. Not to mention, the first 40,000 fans in the ballpark will receive a Diamondbacks rally towel.

3:45 p.m.: Concurrent Suns game stresses parking

The Phoenix Suns are playing the Utah Jazz at 7 p.m. at the nearby Talking Stick Resort Arena, further complicating the parking situation in downtown Phoenix.

Jefferson Street Garage was only letting in people with parking passes by 3:45 p.m. Onbe block south of Jefferson Street, parking was going for $40 per space. 

3:30 p.m.: Fans find fun outside ballpark

Fans trickled into Game Seven Grill, which opened at 1 p.m. and will stay open for an hour after the game. 

Republic reporter Robert Gundran scouted a few happy-hour specials near the ballpark: 

  • Fat Tire, Newcastle Brown Ale and Amstel Light are $3.50 at Networks Bar & Grill on Adams and Second streets
  • $2 off all draft beer until 8 p.m. at The Whining Pig on Washington and Second streets
  • The Park on Washington and Second streets has 28 beers on tap and specials on buckets and pitchers

And Republic restaurant critic Dominic Armato has you covered with the 12 best downtown restaurants if you’re heading to the game. A few fans skipped pre-game fun and were in line by 3:30 p.m. even though doors are scheduled to open at 5 p.m. 

3 p.m.: Tickets sell out 

Tickets for Game 3 sold out by 3 p.m. Wednesday, according to a Diamondbacks press release. 

MORE: 10 ways to spot Dodgers fans during the NLDS against the D-Backs

However, some tickets were going for less than $50 on ticket-resale websites StubHub and Vivid Seats as of 3:15 p.m. Wednesday. 

If all else fails, show up outside Chase Field and hope for the best. If nothing else, at least you can always get a cheap hot dog. 

Michael Phelps to throw first pitch 

Once inside, attendees should get in their seats by 6:30 p.m. to see five-time Olympian Michael Phelps throw the ceremonial first pitch.

“Hope I make it over the plate!!” Phelps tweeted Saturday. 

MORE: With family growing, Michael Phelps becomes more attached to Arizona home

Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, a rock band from Tempe that created the peppy “D-Backs Swing” that now plays after every win, will perform the national anthem.

Veterans, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Phoenix police and Phoenix fire personnel will hold a 90-foot by 180-foot American flag in the shape of the United States on the field.

Oh, and the best part? The roof is expected to be open at Chase Field. Soak up that 80-degree weather while it lasts.

Republic reporters Sam Hoyle, Robert Gundran and Lorraine Longhi contributed to this coverage. 

More: 18 reasons to be a proud Arizona Diamondbacks fan

READ MORE:

Diamondbacks pitchers looking to regroup with season on the line

Bickley: Diamondbacks, Zack Greinke must seize chance for atonement at home

The coaching duo behind J.D. Martinez’s dangerous swing

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

 

Read or Share this story: http://azc.cc/2yTwQbL