Phoenix to host 2011 All-Star Game

Major League Baseball has chosen Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, to host the 2011 All-Star Game.

The Arizona Republic reported Commissioner Bud Selig will hold a news conference Saturday to make the announcement. Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon told the newspaper the event is expected to provide a significant boost for the local economy.

This continues a desperately needed economic boost to the Valley and the state, Gordon said. It’s a phenomenal opportunity.

The NBA All-Star Game was held in Phoenix two months ago and that event netted an estimated $35 million.

Baseball’s mid-summer show will be held July 12, 2011. The annual home run contest will take place the night before.

This year’s All-Star game will be held in St. Louis and next season’s contest will be played in Anaheim.