Diamondbacks in the heat of a playoff race; here's a fan reminder about Chase Field AC

The Arizona Diamondbacks are putting the heat on the Los Angeles Dodgers for National League West supremacy, but only figuratively.

As the team begins a seven-game homestand Tuesday against the Mets – with the Dodgers following Friday through Monday – its fans might feel a literal increase in heat if the crowds push into the 30,000+ range.

This is just a part of living in Phoenix during the summer , as our Heat Week reporting detailed.

Diamondbacks writer Nick Piecoro wrote in a story earlier this month, saying in part:

"On most nights, Chase Field is a chilly oasis in the middle of a scorching desert. But there are times during the year when it can feel more than a tad warm, prompting complaints from fans on social media and players in the clubhouse, including some who have been forced out of action by body cramps they blame on the heat."

Zac Gallen and Jordan Montgomery talked about the situation to Piecoro in early August, but whatever the effects were in early June, the Diamondbacks have shown a strong response -- and Arizona has become a legitimate World Series contender.

Here is Piecoro’s full story , originally published Aug. 12.

What does the team president say?

“We are making the best of a system that is over 26 years old and has been regressing year after year,” Diamondbacks President Derrick Hall told Piecoro. “This is another example of why we need to find a solution and partnership to stay at Chase Field, which is our preference. The HVAC system is a top priority for an overhaul.”

Who operates the plant in charge of keeping Chase Field cool?

Piecoro wrote: "Cordia, the company that operates the chilled-water plant just southeast of the ballpark, a green and white building with pipes that bend around the sides of the structure before disappearing down into the ground.

"Cordia creates ice, cools water with it and then sends the water through the pipes — which run under the railroad tracks — to the ballpark."

What are the main challenges to keep Chase Field cool?

Chase Field covers a great deal of ground, spanning 1.3 million square feet. The sports stadium has its small gaps in the retractable roof and many doors around the facility that are constantly used – especially on nights with big attendance, such as this weekend’s games against the Dodgers. The repeated opening and closing allows a great deal of the cooled air to escape.

With another week of high heat in Phoenix, the sweat factor should be real. At least the Valley highs this week are predicted to reach only 106 or 107 -- not like the high teens of June.

“It’s challenging when you have a 118-degree day,” said Mike Rock, the Diamondbacks’ vice president of ballpark operations in Piecoro's story. “There’s a huge difference between 118 and 102. Like, 100 degrees is a relief. Humidity in the area has a huge impact, too. When we had some really humid days in June, it was harder to cool the building.”

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Diamondbacks in the heat of a playoff race; here's a fan reminder about Chase Field AC