I’m going to append this post as the day goes on….and as time allows.
Today marked one of the greatest moments in Arizona Diamondbacks history as fan favorite Luis Gonzalez announced his retirement from baseball. Gonzalez was also hired by the Arizona Diamondbacks as a Special Assistant to the President and CEO so the Press Conference served as a introduction to his new duties with the Diamondbacks. His role will involve not only working in the community but also with business and player aspects of baseball.
The Diamondbacks also noted that the ceremonies at the game today were not meant to be a ceremony honoring his retirement but a celebration of Gonzo returning ‘home’. The D-Backs alluded to having a proper celebration sometime in the future for Gonzalez but no plans have been solidified as of press time. The D-Backs have stated publicly that if any player here on out wants to wear #20, “they’re not gonna get to”.
As of today, consider Gonzo’s number un-officially retired.
We have posted pictures from the press conference to our Facebook Fan Page and will be adding more as the day goes on.
We have also posted Gonzalez’s opening statement from the press conference to our YouTube page:
The video was posted not too long ago and we already have a GREAT comment that sums up what Gonzo meant to D-Backs fans:
all the things he did were what made it soo fun to watch d’backs baseball. Gonzo you rock
Finally, we have the full audio from the press conference available to listen to or for download. We’re gonna split this down into smaller pieces later this evening.
Until then, here’s the full audio from the press conference:
Link to download the MP3 of the press conference (Approx 27 MB):
Back up in the press box after attending the pre-game ceremonies for Gonzo.
I have got to say that the pre-game ceremonies were pretty impressive. It was even better when the crowd got into it. The ceremony started with a brief wrapup of the press conference earlier today on the Jumbotron. Next was an amazing high light reel of Gonzo’s best moments as a D-Backs player.
Then Gonzalez himself came out. The fans got to their feet without hesitiation and cheered one of their favorite D-Backs while Gonzo made his way to home plate with his family in tow. Now, I may be relatively new to the area but I have heard many stories from many different people in the area on not only how they love Gonzo but stories of what a class act he is on and off the field. I never doubted any of their stories. However, without any personal experiences, I never really experienced anything related to Luis Gonzalez…not anything that resonated with me anyways.
That was until the ceremony was over with and I began to make my way back to the press box.
Now in my experiences, there are times to approach celebrities or pro athletes and there are times to just sit back and do nothing and watch. A fly on the wall as it were….
This was one of those times to sit back.
Anyways, the moment started as I began follow Gonzo off the field and into the tunnels (making my way back to the press box) when a kid in the stands asked Gonzo for an autograph. (You can see the photo on our Facebook fan page.). He stopped without hesitation, took the kid’s ball and signed it.
It’s not only that moment but when I happened to follow behind Gonzalez, surrounded by his kids, walking up to the suites to watch the game gave me a glimpse of what a class act he is on and off the field. I’m not going to go into what happened but it was a great glimpse to who he is off the field. It’s one of those moments that we press types should just sit back and be a fly on the wall. It was also one of those moments that I got to witness personally about what a class act he is.
Video of the pre-game ceremonies…
Part 1:
Part 2:
Update: 4:54 AM (AZ Time)
We’ve added the last of the pictures from the huge day at Chase Field along with the full fireworks show:
Tonight was an open, non-contact practice for the ASU Football team where they went through situational scenarios in full game gear. The Practice was open to the public and after the practice, fans were invited on to the field at Sun Devil Stadium for a meet and greet with all the players on the 2009 squad.
Images from the open practice have been posted to our Facebook Fan Page:
We’ve been listening to all your feedback about AZ Vibe and put it into the new version of the site that you see today! We’re still working out some of the bugs in the site (small ones at that). However, we wanted to roll this out to you today!
The Absolute #1 thing to do this week is on Saturday (August 29th) night at Chase Field.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are literally having a party at the game against the Astros. First Pitch is at 5:10 PM. Now the Diamondbacks have announced that they will be having a Luis Gonzalez appreciation night. The team will honor Gonzo with a pre-game on field ceremony and the first 25,000 fans will also receive a commemorative ‘Gonzo’ T-shirt.
Now here’s the reason why it’s a party.
In addition to the festivities, you will get…
1) The baseball game
2) A post game concert with country superstars Montgomery Gentry
3) A post game fireworks show after the concert
That, as they say, is not all.
The Phoenix Area chapter of Saint Vincent de Paul is offering you a chance to head to this once in a lifetime event while raising money for them in the process. You can purchase special tickets to this game for $10 or $35 (as of press time only 14 $35 tickets remain) and a portion of the proceeds go to Saint Vincent de Paul. Just follow the link below for details on how to purchase tickets.
The Diamondbacks have announced a press conference for 1 PM Arizona Time on Saturday (August 29th) where Gonzo will formally announce his retirement. We will be at the press conference and will bring you audio and video of the proceedings.
1) The Absolute #1 thing to do this week is on Saturday night at Chase Field.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are literally having a party at the game against the Astros. First Pitch is at 5:10 PM. Now the Diamondbacks have announced that they will be having a Luis Gonzalez appreciation night. The team will honor Gonzo with a pre-game on field ceremony and the first 25,000 fans will also receive a commemorative ‘Gonzo’ T-shirt.
Now here’s the reason why it’s a party.
In addition to the festivities, you will get…
1) The baseball game
2) A post game concert with country superstars Montgomery Gentry
3) A post game fireworks show after the concert
That, as they say, is not all.
The Phoenix Area Saint Vincent de Paul is offering you a chance to head to this once in a lifetime event while raising money for them in the process. You can purchase special tickets to this game for $10 or $35 (as of press time only 14 $35 tickets remain) and a portion of the proceeds go to Saint Vincent de Paul. Just follow the link below for details on how to purchase tickets.
2) Free Movie – You can see the new movie, Final Destination 3D, this Thursday at 9PM at the Arizona Mills Mall for FREE!! Just go to www.gofobo.com/RSVP to get your free pass. The code is KEDJE4WV
Supplies are limited.
3) The 1st ever Arizona Wine Growers festival will take place at The Farm at South Mountain. Tix on Sale Sept 1st. http://bit.ly/1m6wPT
4) The Cardinals/Packers game this weekend is sold out so the game will be on ABC 15 TV.
5) ASU Football Mock Game – 6:30 PM – Sun Devil Stadium – The ASU Sun Devils will be holding a ‘Mock Game’ starting around 6:30 PM at Sun Devil Stadium. This will not be a contact practice but a more of a situational practice.
6) 2009 ASU/U of A Alumni Classic Fundraiser for Neutral Zones of America – August 30th – US Air Arena - Gilbert Arenas and Kenny Lofton head up a cast of Arizona State University and University of Arizona Alumni alumni athletes.
According to the Alumni Classic Webpage “Neutral Zones of America, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) non-profit youth organization based in Phoenix, Arizona. The organization is geared towards serving youth and families in low income communities. The organization’s goal is to one day provide a multi-cultural community center that has a strong emphasis on education, individual growth and youth development.”
12) Bachelor and Bachlorette Auction for Charity – Sandbar – Scottsdale
Come on out and join the FUN at the Sandbar this Thursday, August 27th, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society hosts a “Bachelor & Bachelorette Auction in the Sand”.
Over 25 eligible bachelors and bachelorettes will be waiting to steal your heart away! You just may find that extra-special someone who will sweep you off your feet and onto a fabulous first date.
Donation Cover is $10 but if you mention you saw it on Facebook you can get in for $5.
14) Shake! – Every Saturday Night – Rogue Bar – Scottsdale – $5 (approx) If you are a frequent reader of this site you know that one of the best places to go on a Saturday night is Shake!. Great Music and fun for a great price!
17) Garden Flashlight Tours – Thursdays and Saturdays during June, July and August – Desert Botanical Gardens – $7.50 – $15.00 (Free for Garden Members)
EDITORS NOTE: This is the last few days the Flashlight tours will be offered until next summer.
22) Star Swim returns for another summer!!! – The Party returns to the Hotel San Carlos where it all started!!! This week’s lineup is Dust Jacket, Hooves, and We Fear The Bees.
For more information and the bands/artists scheduled to appear please check out the Star Swim website:
We’re excited to be adding the Mesa Arts Center to the list of events we will be publishing on AZ Vibe. Stay Tuned as we’re going to be adding a TON of really cool and fun events from the good people at the Mesa Arts Center.
Now that we’re back up and running at full speed we wanted to catch up with some cool stuff that we think you all should know about!
Two great events are going on today in opposite parts of town. In the East Valley, the Chandler Center for the Arts is having their 20th Birthday tonight! From 6 to 9 PM everyone can swing by to see what the Chandler Center for the Arts has cooked up for the coming season and the future! The Events are free to the public and entertainment/refreshmens will be provided.
If you’re thinking about heading to Incubus tonight at the Jobing.com Arena but don’t have tickets, you can buy tickets to the show for only $15 while supplies last:
This is something we’re going to do every once in a while when we just have so much stuff to publish and don’t think individual posts for every topic would serve the best interest.
David Cross Advanced Ticket Pre-sale
First off Comedian David Cross, whom is most recognized from his role as Tobias Fünke on the now defunct show Arrested Development, is coming to town on September 23rd at 7:30 PM at the Orpheum Theater in Phoenix. Tickets go on sale Friday August 21st at 10 AM (at all Live Nation outlets and on LiveNation.com). However, you can purchase tickets now through a special pre-sale offer until 10PM tonight by using the following presale code:
Pearl Jam debuts new song from ‘Backspacer’ last night in London (UK)
Pearl Jam is currently on a mini-tour in Europe and last night at the O2 Arena in London, UK they debuted a new song off their upcoming album ‘Backspacer’ (due out September 20th) called ‘Supersonic’. Enjoy.
Helping your kids succeed in school -- ‘The Onion’ Style
If you have ever read ‘The Onion’ then you know you what’s in store after you click this link:
St. Vincent de Paul is giving Arizona Diamondbacks fans the chance to purchase tickets to their Game on August 29th against the Houston Astros. First Pitch is at 5:15.
Here’s the coolest part!
In addition to the ball game you will get to hear a post game concert with Country Music superstars Montgomery Gentry.
That’s not all folks!
After the concert, fans will get to watch a post game fireworks display!
Tell me how this is NOT a great deal for Fans?!?! You get all this fun and entertainment while helping out St. Vincent de Paul raise money!
Here’s how you get tickets….
1) Click this link to get to the special ticket purchase section:
Starting at 12:01 am for 24 hours on August 18th Live Nation, via their website, is offering $10 lawn tickets and $15 reserved seats to see Def Leppard, with Poison and Cheap Trick. The three bands will be playing the Cricket Wireless Pavilion on Saturday, August 29th.
Keep in mind that tickets, during this sale, will not have any service fees. Tickets can only be purchased via Live Nation’s website:
1) John Hughes Film Festival -- Starting Friday August 14th -- August 20th at the Valley Art (5th Street and Mill in Tempe) Harkins Theaters presents the John Hughes Film Festival. For $5 per film you can watch the following movies on the big screen:
Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Pretty in Pink, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, and Weird Science.
2) PJ’s and Eggs -- Hickman’s Family Farms are sponsoring this ‘Breakfast for Dinner’ fundraiser on Friday August 14th from 5pm to close. What they’re asking you to do is to bring a new pair of pajamas and come eat at the participating restaurants dressed in your own pajamas. In exchange for your donation, you will receive a coupon for a dozen free eggs from Hickman’s Eggs. You will also have the chance to win a Breakfast party for 65 of your friends.
For more information and participating restaurants, please refer to the following link:
3) Help Support Phoenix Police Sgt. Kathy Ralph -- Sgt. Kathy Ralph has been a member of the Phoenix Police Department for over 21 years. Kathy has been off of work for nearly 5 months due to an Autoimmune Disorder she is battling. These disorders attack the body’s immune system and cause organ, tissue and muscular damage. This is a very painful and debilitating disease. There are treatments to relieve symptoms, but some of these treatments are not covered by health insurance and are very costly. All monies raised would go directly towards assisting with medical costs.
6 A.M.- 9 A.M. Breakfast $5.00 -- All You Can Eat -- Consists of Eggs (Scrambled), Pancakes, Sausage/bacon, Potatoes, Drinks
Children under 12 eat Free
Tickets sold in advance and at the door
Location:
F.O.P. Lodge 2
12851 North 19th Ave.
Between Cactus and Thunderbird on 19th Ave.
Donations of cash or check accepted : all checks payable to F.O.P 2 Foundation Inc.
For Questions contact: Officer David Hopkins 602-320-2641, Officer Lou Manganiello 480-332-5773
4) ASU Football -- The 97th Season of ASU Football is approaching quickly. The ASU Football team starts their practices today at the Kajikawa Practice Facility. The rules for the general public to watch practices are simple. If practices are outdoors, the public can watch. Keep in mind that ASU reserves the right to move any practice indoors at any time at which point the public cannot attend.
Here’s the schedule for outdoor practices for the coming week:
August 6 -- 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. | August 7- 11:50 a.m. to 2 p.m. | August 8- 10:50 a.m. to 1 p.m. | August 9- 11:50 a.m. to 2 p.m. | August 10- 11:50 to 2 p.m. | August 11- 7:40 to 9:45 a.m. | August 12- 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | August 13- 7:40 to 9:45 a.m.
5) Raven Events B2B Networking Mixer -- Thursday August 13 -- 6 to 9 PM -- Un Bacio in Scottsdale is the site for one of the most popular business networking events in the area. This is a great way to network your business to new people! These events are always packed!
This is the only thing that we could find that was relatively clean with Lisa Lampanelli was this.
8) Arizona Diamondbacks -- Chase Field -- That’s right folks! Another season of Arizona Diamondbacks baseball is underway! Their current homestand goes through this Sunday. Come and see your Diamondbacks take on some of the best teams in the league! Tickets can be purchased through the Arizona Diamondbacks website:
Keep in mind that for the rest of the month, wherever a D-Backs home run ball lands, that row will win free Hot Dogs.
9) The Phoenix Mercury begins a new season on the 6th and they are poised to make a championship run! Don’t miss all the action this season as your Phoenix Mercury take on the WNBA’s best! The Phoenix Mercury are quietly becoming the hottest ticket in town this summer!!!
14) Shake! -- Every Saturday Night -- Rogue Bar -- Scottsdale -- $5 (approx) If you are a frequent reader of this site you know that one of the best places to go on a Saturday night is Shake!. Great Music and fun for a great price!
15) Destination Saturday Pool Party at the Mondrian Hotel -- Noon to 6 Every Saturday. The party not to miss continues every Saturday afternoon at the Mondrian!
16) Salt River Tubing -- It’s getting into the triple digits again so that must mean that it’s that time of year to start floating down the Salt River.
17) Garden Flashlight Tours -- Thursdays and Saturdays during June, July and August -- Desert Botanical Gardens -- $7.50 -- $15.00 (Free for Garden Members)
22) Star Swim returns for another summer!!! -- The Party returns to the Hotel San Carlos where it all started!!! This week’s lineup is Dust Jacket, Hooves, and We Fear The Bees.
For more information and the bands/artists scheduled to appear please check out the Star Swim website:
23) The Cult -- Celebrity Theater -- One of the best bands from the 90’s is on an EXTREMELY rare tour right now and they are playing the most intimate venue in town. Don’t miss this chance to see The Cult!
Starting at 12:01 am for 24 hours on August 12th Live Nation, via their website, is offering $10 lawn tickets and $15 reserved seats to see Def Leppard, with Poison and Cheap Trick. The three bands will be playing the Cricket Wireless Pavilion on Saturday, August 19th.
Keep in mind that tickets, during this sale, will not have any service fees. Tickets can only be purchased via Live Nation’s website.
I received an e-mail in my inbox this morning from a friend that was very touching. I’ll let the letter speak for itself and let you know that the Networking benefit is this Thursday August 13th at Noon. Address is below. Please help if you are in the neighborhood.
I’m writing this e-mail in the hopes to help a fellow business owner in the East Valley.
I feel that to help get the economy going, we all need to support our local businesses and visit/use their services as much as you are able.
The following is an e-mail i received from a friend of mine, Jim Davis who owns Bobbies Flowers in Tempe, after he visited a local restaurant and talked with the owner. Please take some time to read it and if you can, stop by and enjoy some great food also!
As most of you know I put on a golf tourney every year and I hit up local businesses for donations. We try to raise money for two great organizations. Last week I stopped in to a restaurant in my neighborhood called “Rock-N-Roll Fingers” located at 937 E. Broadway in Tempe. I have eaten there many times (they have the best fingers I have ever tasted) but have never had the chance to talk with the owner. When I walked in to the restaurant on Thursday last week I was greeted by the owner and his son. I told him why I was there, to see if he could donate anything to my golf tourney. When he saw the flier with the kids that benefit from our tourney he started to get very emotional. He started showing me pictures and charities that he has supported for the past few years since he has been in Tempe. I was very impressed with all that he has given to our community since he has started his business. He also told me that this has been the worst summer and that he even had to shut the doors for a few weeks this summer because he couldn’t afford to stay open. He had just re-opened last Monday and was going to give it one more try before he would shut the doors forever. After we talked for more than 30 minutes I wished him well and told him that I would do all I can to help bring some people to his place. I never pressed him during our conversation to donate to our tourney because I knew he was hurting for business. As I was getting ready to walk out he stopped me and said wait just a minute. He went into the back and came out with two business cards that had “Free Chicken Finger Plate” written on the back. As he gave them to me, he was almost tearing up, he said I need to support you and the kids your golf tourney helps.
I thanked him and left with two free chicken plates to give away at our tourney and I learned what a giving and caring family business this was. It is my goal and wish to help him be successful and you can help. Any business that is willing to continue to give to our community even in these very tough times, is and will get my business. Help me support one of our local neighborhood businesses, They really need our Help!!!
We’re taking a different approach to this year’s media day (than what the other media outlets did). What we’re going to do is post the best audio and let people listen to it and download the MP3 files if they would like.
Junior Wide Receiver Kerry Taylor answers questions from reporters:
Freshman Wide Receiver Jarrid Bryant and Senior Quarterback Danny Sullivan talk about the preparations for the upcoming season:
True Freshman Quarterback Brock Osweiler talks about the three way quarter back battle in camp and what he brings to the table:
Part 1:
Part 2:
Video:
The Best two interviews are with Linemen beleive it or not.
OL Matt Hustad describes what his recovery process was coming back from an injury that could have finished his playing career at ASU.
OG Shaun Lauvao talks with reporters about the offensive line and their cohesiveness (among other topics).
…and finally, Head Coach Dennis Erickson closed out media day with a Q and A with the assembled reporters. (25:00)
1) AVP Crocs Tour/Pro Beach Volleyball Returns to the Westgate City Center -- The best beach Volleyball players in the world will decend upon the Westgate City Center for the final stop of the season of the AVP tour. Olympic Gold Medalist Kerri Walsh is scheduled to be playing as she is now back from maternity leave. Don’t miss this chance to see world-class volleyball in a great setting and location!
For more information, pricing, and to purchase tickets please refer to the following link:
2) First Friday -- It’s that time of the month where the artists of Phoenix open their doors to the public. Since First Friday is one of the coolest and greatest cultural events that Phoenix has to offer it’s a must see event! Check out the pictures on our Facebook Fan Page for but a small sample of the goings on.
3) Arizona Science Center -- Free Admission Friday Night during the First Friday Festivities downtown!!!
4)ASU Football -- The 97th Season of ASU Football is approaching quickly. The ASU Football team starts their practices today at the Kajikawa Practice Facility. The rules for the general public to watch practices are simple. If practices are outdoors, the public can watch. Keep in mind that ASU reserves the right to move any practice indoors at any time at which point the public cannot attend.
Here’s the schedule for outdoor practices for the coming week:
August 6 -- 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. | August 7- 11:50 a.m. to 2 p.m. | August 8- 10:50 a.m. to 1 p.m. | August 9- 11:50 a.m. to 2 p.m. | August 10- 11:50 to 2 p.m. | August 11- 7:40 to 9:45 a.m. | August 12- 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | August 13- 7:40 to 9:45 a.m.
5) Raven Events B2B Networking Mixer -- Thursday August 13 -- 6 to 9 PM -- Un Bacio in Scottsdale is the site for one of the most popular business networking events in the area. This is a great way to network your business to new people! These events are always packed!
6) Benefit for the Phoenix Opera -- August 9 from 7 to 9 PM -- Scottsdale Resort and Conference Center - The Second Sundays Summer Wine and Music series is having a benefit for the Phoenix Opera. The evening involves Wine Tasting, Hors D’Oeuvres, a silent auction and live music. For more information and to purchase tickets, please refer to the following links:
7) Cigars and Networking -- For you business networkers… The Successful Networker Program is holding a Cigar networking event at the Scottsdale Cigar Club. For $20 you will get 2 cigars, beverages and ‘light’ refreshments. You must register to be able to attend this event. Don’t forget your business cards!!! http://www.cigarnet.eventbrite.com/
8) Arizona Diamondbacks -- Chase Field -- That’s right folks! Another season of Arizona Diamondbacks baseball is underway! Their current homestand goes through this Sunday. Come and see your Diamondbacks take on some of the best teams in the league! Tickets can be purchased through the Arizona Diamondbacks website:
Keep in mind that for the rest of the month, wherever a D-Backs home run ball lands, that row will win free Hot Dogs.
9) The Phoenix Mercury begins a new season on the 6th and they are poised to make a championship run! Don’t miss all the action this season as your Phoenix Mercury take on the WNBA’s best! The Phoenix Mercury are quietly becoming the hottest ticket in town this summer!!!
10) Badass Blitzkrieg Double Feature -- MADCAP Theaters -- August 7th and August 8th.
The Midnight Movie Mamacita is back from her pilgramage to the homeland and she has a great double feature planned for you all. The first movie is Inglorious Bastards the original movie that is the inspiration behind Quentin Tarantino’s new movie ‘Inglorious Basterds’. There will be prizes given away including tickets to see a special screening of the new the Quentin Tarantino movie ‘Inglorious Basterds’. The Second movie is The Man from Deep River (1972) A photographer lost in a Thai rain forest finds himself up to his neck in torture, T&A, cannibalism and other deep doo-doo in this Hungry Man-size serving of stewpot sleaze, Italian style. Deep River? Try S*** Creek!
14) Shake! -- Every Saturday Night -- Rogue Bar -- Scottsdale -- $5 (approx) If you are a frequent reader of this site you know that one of the best places to go on a Saturday night is Shake!. Great Music and fun for a great price!
15) Destination Saturday Pool Party at the Mondrian Hotel -- Noon to 6 Every Saturday. The party not to miss continues every Saturday afternoon at the Mondrian!
16) Salt River Tubing -- It’s getting into the triple digits again so that must mean that it’s that time of year to start floating down the Salt River.
17) Garden Flashlight Tours -- Thursdays and Saturdays during June, July and August -- Desert Botanical Gardens -- $7.50 -- $15.00 (Free for Garden Members)
Editor’s note: I went and checked this out last week. Man oh man you gotta check this out!! I’ll have a review up in the next day or so. I posted pictures from my trip to our Facebook Fan Page. Every local must check this out!!!
20) En Vogue and Bell Biv Devoe -- Celebrity Theater -- August 8th at 8 PM -- Two R&B heavyweights will be bringing the house down by the time the night is over. Come see some amazing music in the absolute best venue in the City!
21) Judas Priest with special guest Whitesnake -- Friday 08/07/09 at 7:30 PM -- Dodge Theater -- All you Headbangers get your black clothes and leather out!! Two of the biggest names in 80’s Heavy Metal are descending upon the Dodge theater for what has been reported as a GREAT show.
22) Star Swim returns for another summer!!! -- The Party returns to the Hotel San Carlos where it all started!!! This week’s lineup is Dust Jacket, Hooves, and We Fear The Bees.
For more information and the bands/artists scheduled to appear please check out the Star Swim website:
