Business
Chase Field’s Mysterious Red Seat: The Legacy of a Stubborn Old Man Revealed
At Chase Field, one red seat amidst 48,000 green ones tells a compelling story. This seat honors Bob Ellmer, a passionate Arizona Diamondbacks fan known for his loyalty and well-defined opinions.
Located in Section 145 in left-center field, this single red seat symbolizes Ellmer’s influence on both the stadium experience and the team itself. His resistance to the Diamondbacks’ 2007 uniform color change from purple and teal to Sedona red became legendary.
D-backs President and CEO Derrick Hall recalls their interactions, saying, “Every time I said, ‘Sedona red’ at our town hall, Bob would throw his arms up in protest.” Ellmer famously insisted, “Red is red! Stop saying Sedona red!”
When the Diamondbacks were predicted to finish last that season, Hall made a bet with Ellmer: if the team won the division, he would gift him a jersey. The Diamondbacks defied expectations and clinched the division title, leading Ellmer to embrace the new colors, proudly wearing red merchandise.
The bond between Ellmer and Hall grew deeper, especially during Ellmer’s battle with cancer. A poignant phone call from Liz Ellmer revealed Bob’s wishes for a lasting tribute. He described a dream where his seat was the only red one among green, where his voice echoed: “Red is Red.”
“I promised him we would honor that,” Hall said. Sadly, Ellmer passed away the next morning.
In 2012, the Diamondbacks painted seat number 12 in Section 145 red, fulfilling the promise. This tribute has become a place of remembrance, attracting fans who take photos and pay their respects.
Ellmer’s impact also led to practical changes in the stadium, like the installation of additional TVs to help those who couldn’t see the jumbotron from their seats. Fans continue to appreciate these upgrades even today.
Liz Ellmer now attends games, proudly showing visitors her late husband’s iconic seat. She regularly receives messages from people who spot the memorable red chair, a testament to one fan’s enduring passion and the team that cherished him in return.
