Photos: Tempe's Innings Fest promotes the dual magic of rock music and baseball

What happens when you combine mainstream rock bands, Major League Baseball and a genuinely multifaceted audience? Why one of the most seemingly unlikely but genuinely beloved music fests in the Valley's history.

Since it debuted in 2018, Innings Fest has been an experiment in reaching your audience where they reside. You wouldn’t think there’d be much overlap between MLB fans and, say, Hozier listeners, but clearly that Venn diagram is a just a circle. It's less that Innings brings together dichotomous groups, and instead serves as a place for people to explore their passions (i.e., rock music and baseball) in a way where everything is this grand affirmation of life and art. It's all a game, really, and it's about showing up, connecting with other like-minded folks and celebrating what you love.

The last six editions have proven that Innings is clearly in demand — so much so they added an Extra Innings Fest (more of a space for the country/folk and baseball aficionados). Whether it’s past headliners like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Death Cab for Cutie and Green Day, or this year's crop of Fall Out Boy and The Killers, Innings' pedigree quickly made it a local staple. It’s fully attuned to not only a larger trend nationally (themed events), but the unpredictable but dedicated fandoms that exist at the center of our own hometown. Who would've thought a baseball-themed rock fest would build lasting community and further establish the city as a major cultural powerhouse?

Before you make your way down to this year’s Innings — don’t forget to peep our handy guide a few more times — we wanted to share pictures gathered from previous editions. Some of these may be familiar (you personally might be in a shot or two), and others you could have missed out on entirely. Either way, hopefully this walk down memory line primes your inner music nerd and reminds you of the simple joys of gathering in a field with thousands of strangers to celebrate life, beer, music and the satisfaction of a double play.

We'll see you out there for even more good times (and a steady diet of hot dogs).