Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin confirmed on April 10, 2009, that Arizona would host the 2011 All-Star Game and it was officially announced by Commissioner Bud Selig the next day.

[7] Some, such as New York Congressman José Serrano and sportswriter Mike Lupica, had suggested that Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig should move the game because of the controversial SB1070 anti-illegal immigration bill passed by the Arizona legislature and signed into law by Governor Jan Brewer.

[12] Two of the players who threatened to boycott, Red Sox slugger Adrian Gonzalez and Detroit Tigers reliver Jose Valverde, ended up participating in the game without incident after a federal court ruled against the strictest portions of the bill.

Other stars who threatened to boycott but regardless were not all-stars in 2011 were pitchers Yovani Gallardo and Joakim Soria; Albert Pujols likewise voiced opposition to the law before it was neutered.

Tyler Clippard in relief allowed a single to Adrian Beltre, but José Bautista was tagged out at home to end the inning.

In the bottom half, after two leadoff singles, Prince Fielder's three-run home run off of C. J. Wilson put the National League up 3–1.

Next inning, Rickie Weeks reached first on a fielder's choice, stole second and scored on Andre Ethier's single off of Jordan Walden.