MLB and the MLBPA, co-owners/operators of the World Baseball Classic, yesterday announced that AT&T Park in S.F. in March will host the semifinal and final games for the '13 tournament. Marlins Park in Miami will play host to second-round WBC games, and Chase Field in Phoenix and Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in nearby Scottsdale, Ariz., will be the American sites for first-round competition. The WBC, entering its third iteration, also finished in California in each of its first two runs. The '06 semifinals and final were held at Petco Park, and the '09 semifinals and final took place at Dodger Stadium (Eric Fisher, SportsBusiness Journal). MLB.com's Mark Newman noted '13 "is San Francisco's debut as a host city" for the WBC. Int'l venues that will host '13 WBC games, pool competitions and game dates "will be announced on the event's Web site in the weeks ahead along with information regarding ticket availability" (MLB.com, 7/25). WBC BOD member Timothy Slavin said, "Miami, Phoenix and San Francisco are three culturally diverse, baseball-loving cities. We're confident each of these communities and venues will provide an unforgettable experience for players and fans from around the world" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 7/26). D'Backs President & CEO Derrick Hall said of the WBC, "Much like the All-Star Game or the playoffs, it allows people to come visit your ballpark for the first time and hopefully they want to return" (MLB.com, 7/25).
