Your Guide to Cactus League Baseball From the FUN Manager.
Spring in Arizona is quite the experience. The Greater Phoenix Area is vibrant after a
rash of winter storms. The desert is
alive. The hills and mountains
surrounding the Valley of the Sun have an emerald tint upon them that allure
you to explore their grounds. The
mornings are crisp, the evenings are comfortable, and the days are pleasantly
inviting. From hiking to festivals, lazy
pool days to exploration, there is no shortage of things to do. Spring brings a diverse community to State
Forty Eight seeking to enjoy all that it has to offer.
And it brings baseball.
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| Salt River Fields at Talking Stick |
Spring Training baseball is a favorite of mine. The smell of the grass, the sound of the
crowd, the taste of the suds and the hot dogs, the sights of the stadium, the
feeling and hope a fresh season brings; baseball tingles all of one’s
senses. Yes, I am one of those drawn to
America’s Pastime even when the games don’t count. The closeness to the game is unparallel. I once asked Tommy Lasorda if he’d like to
sign my nachos. (did I mention the taste
of the suds?) He chuckled, slyly looked
in my direction, and politely declined.
This is one of many memories that showcase how close you get to the game
and how fun it is for the players.
Although born in Phoenix, I grew up in Los Angeles,
California. Two days shy of my sixth
birthday I remember sitting close to the television set, watching a gimped Kirk
Gibson flick a ball of his bat and over the right field fence to give the Los
Angeles Dodgers a 1-0 led over the Oakland Athletics in the 1988 World
Series. I’ve bled Dodger Blue ever
since. When I moved back to Phoenix with
my family in January of 1995, there were no Arizona Diamondbacks. I was a 12 year old baseball enthusiast without
a stadium to go to. When March rolled
around my mom let me know that I would not be going to school one Monday
morning. “We’re going to go see the
Angels instead”. It is then that a fell
in love with the process of Spring Training.
Not so much for the ditch days from school, but for how the game is
presented and how the game made me feel.
I have been going to Cactus League games ever since.
Am I a Spring Training expert? No.
But I have been going to games for years and have my opinions about how
to maximize your experience. People
attend for many reasons, as do I. I hope
I can answer some questions for you and assist in providing a memorable Spring
Training experience.
Allow me to present
my Cactus League Tips to you:
When to go?
When is it best to attend a Cactus League game? I’m not so much talking about the time;
generally all Spring Training games commence at 1:05pm. I am referring more to when during the week
to go. Are the weekends ideal? Is Thursday the best day? My
recommendation is attend Spring Training games during the week.
Phoenix is a big city.
Including all suburbs, the metropolitan area is home to roughly 4.49
million people (we liked to be called, “Phoenicians”). That does not include any of our guests
staying in roughly 450 hotels and 62,000 rooms.
What I’m saying people is that there are a lot of people here! With so many residents looking to enjoy the
spoils of Spring Training baseball, many can only attend on weekends. Some play “hookie” and go during the week,
but it pairs in comparison to those who don’t.
If you attend a game on the weekend, expect it to be busy.
There is a weekday disadvantage: typically games end as rush
hour traffic begins. But for me
personally it beats what the weekend has to offer: traffic into and out of
stadiums become a parking lot on Saturday and Sunday. A line for the beer, a line for the hot dog,
and a line for the restroom? I’d prefer
to pass. All of this can be avoided by
attending on a Tuesday afternoon.
Why to go?
The answer to this question is as unique as the individuals
who are reading this. Many factors come
into play when attending a game:
Are you here for your
favorite team? Ever since the
Dodgers moved here from Vero Beach in 2009, I find myself at Camelback Ranch
more and more. Heck, I’ll be there
Monday! Many flock to the Valley of the
Sun and follow their team around, evaluating upcoming prospects and see their favorites
play. Others make the journey and attempt
the “Spring Training Gauntlet”. 10
stadiums. Can you see them all?
Do you want to attend
the closest game? Some love to
commute. For those who come to
Scottsdale form the Midwest, a pleasant drive through the Valley allows you the
opportunity to see some of our lovely mountain ranges. Others do not like the traffic and are
looking for the closest place to watch the game.
Is there a specific
player you desire to see? Does your
team have a new draft pick who you’d like to see? Is there an aging veteran that you’ve watched
for years and know well? When Ken Griffey, Jr. was in his last
year as a pro, I did all I could see him play once last time.
Are you there for the
game or for the environment? The
concessions can play a big part in your experience. A long line takes you away from the game and
the company you came to enjoy. If you
are a “foodie” you may be passionate about the variety a ballpark
provides. The environment is a big part
of the game.
How much are you willing to pay?
The games don’t count. Your money
does.
Where to go?
Once you determine the “why”, then you can choose the
“where”. Although I have not been to all
facilities (I’d like to make it to a Cubs game, but Chicago invades Phoenix for
a month and it’s hard to get a good seat at their new facility. And they just won the World Series!) I have
been to 7 of the 10 stadiums. Perhaps my
thoughts on the different stadiums will assist you in making your decision as
to where to attend a ball game during the spring.
Allow me to start with the three stadiums I have yet to
visit:
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| Photo credit: azgolfhomes.com |
Sloan Park – Chicago
Cubs: I love where this park is
located. At the intersection of the Loop
101 and Loop 202 you will find the spring home of the 2016 World Series
champion Chicago Cubs. I actually used
to play golf at a little 9 hole executive course called Riverview that Sloan
Park now rests upon.
From the outside the park looks amazing. It’s new, it’s fresh, and it houses a
champion. Guests who attend games tell
me that it is a giant step up from Hohokam Stadium where the Cubs used to
reside (and now houses the A’s). Sloan
Park opened in 2014 and houses 15,000, the most in all of Spring Training
baseball.
You’d think with that many seats that you’d be able to get a
ticket. Think again. Availability is slim at Sloan. That being said, you tend to pay a higher
price for a comparable seat versus other Cactus League parks. If you can get in, do it. I plan to.
One day.
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| Photo credit:ballparksofbaseball.com |
Hohokam Stadium –
Oakland A’s: I have yet to visit
this stadium because, well, the Chicago Cubs played in it before! It was hard to get a seat. That being said, the A’s moved in when the
Cubs moved out in 2015. Hohokam is a step up from their
prior home at Phoenix Municipal Stadium, although I thoroughly enjoyed visiting
Phoenix Muni throughout the years.
From what I gather Hohokam is a respectable stadium with a
fantastic Spring Training vibe. The
stadium is a large one as it houses 10,500 seats. I’m not sure if there are 10,500 fans who
want to see the A’s. If you enjoy
visiting a stadium that is not crowded, this is the one for you! Granted, as stated above, the weekends will
be busier. But there is plenty of
availability for tickets.
One thing the Oakland A’s organization does very well is
play the “nostalgia” card. They are an organization
with great history and have always done well on having players around that were
part of their success. You may meet
Rickey Henderson in the stands or have an opportunity to have Rollie Fingers
sign a picture. You never know. Thus is the allure of spring ball.
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| Photo credit: goodyearbp.com |
Goodyear Ballpark – Cleveland
Indians and Cincinnati Reds: I have
vowed to myself this year to catch a ball game at this park this year. I have been to park for other events in the
past and the overall facility looks amazing.
The parking is ample, the facility looks clean and modern (it was opened
in 2009), and it appears to have numerous concessions offerings. The stadium houses the 2016 American League
Champion Cleveland Indians, so I am sure there will be much more of a draw this
year to make the trek to Goodyear.
As I read differing reviews of the stadium on various social
media sites, the overall consensus seems to be that the stadium, although not
the finest cosmetically, offers plenty for the baseball fan. Great sight lines, friendly staff, and open
concourses make for a pleasant experience. There could be a tad bit more shade though. On a cloudless Arizona March day, which is
typical weather during our spring (and rest of the year for that matter), bring
your sunscreen!
The only downside of this stadium and experience is the
commute. Located in the far west valley,
Goodyear Stadium is 40 miles away from The Westin Kierland Villas. If you plan to catch a game, leave
early. Very early.
And now to the ballparks I have visited, some on many
occasions:
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| Photo credit: mlb.com |
Surprise Stadium –
Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers: When
it comes to parking, Surprise Stadium tops my list. It’s easy, it’s convenient, and it’s free! It can be a journey getting to the point of
parking, however, as Surprise is a 45 minute drive from North Scottsdale. Once you park your vehicle and head inside,
you are welcomed to a ballpark that is classic Spring Training. The facilities are well maintained and clean,
which is always welcomed.
I am a fan of their
scoreboard, as odd as that may sound.
When attending a ballgame, you always note the scoreboard as the point
of reference. You may be talking,
sharing stories with friends, and need a place to quickly glance to note the
score, inning, pitch count, and who is at bat.
Surprise Stadium’s scoreboard is easy to read and had plenty of
information. A big thing? Maybe
not. But noted.
The concessions could definitely use improvement. The staff is friendly, but every concession
has a line and their food is underwhelming.
Horror stories of their concession experience are legend of Cactus
League lore. Go early, because you are
going to be there a while. The seats are
rather odd as well. No matter where you
sit, you face forward. Not second base
(like most facilities). Forward. This is not a dissatisfier but an odd way to
build a stadium.
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| Photo credit: Tim Roberts Photography |
Camelback Ranch – Los
Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox:
Am I a Dodger fan? Yes. But that has nothing to do with my perception
of this ball park. Until Salt River
Fields was opened in 2011, this was my favorite ball park. I love the rustic iron scaffolding, the
presence of the host team’s logos in each corner of the outfield over their
training facilities, and the alluring grounds surrounding the park. It feels
like Spring Training when you walk through the gates.
Architecturally I feel that they got it right. Camelback Ranch is a sunken stadium that
allows for great sight lines to view the game.
The look and feel of the stadium compliments the desert surroundings on
the west side of town. Glendale, the
town in which this stadium is located, is less developed than the east side of
town. You feel like you are journeying into
the desert when commuting to this stadium. This is definitely a Cactus League
stadium.
A bit more shade would be nice. Who am I kidding; a lot more shade would be
nice! Parking should be re-imagined as
well. One road in, one road out. If you attend on the weekend and are running
late, you’re going to find yourself rather frustrated.
From a food and beverage standpoint, Camelback Ranch is best
in class. Dodger Dogs are offered for
the Dodger fans, making them feel as a part of Chavez Ravine made its way 363
miles to Glendale. A beer garden in
right field offers the chance to socialize with fellow fans during the
game. The All You Can Eat Bullpen Patio
tickets are a favorite of mine.
Camelback Ranch has a similar commute time as Surprise Stadium
does. From The Westin Kierland Villas
you have to travel 45 minutes to get to the stadium. Go around the Loop 101, pass the stadium in
which the Arizona Cardinals play, and get off on Camelback.
Overall I feel that time spent in Glendale will be time well
spent. This is one of the stadiums I
feel you have to see if you are making the Spring Training circuit.
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| Photo credit: arizonafoothillsmagazine.com |
Salt River Fields at
Talking Stick– Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies: The same architect who designed Camelback
Ranch designed Salt River Fields. And it
shows. It was as if Michelangelo made
another Michael…and perfected the perfection.
Okay, I’m being a tad bit dramatic here.
But I do believe that Salt River Fields is the best the Cactus League
has to offer. Whatever lessons were
taught at Camelback Ranch were applied when designing this park. And it shows.
This is my favorite park to watch a baseball game in March.
The location and parking of this stadium is well thought
out. There are numerous entrances to the
stadium, and if you feel like going down early, parking at The Pavilions is yet
another option. I personally like to go
to the Buffalo Wild Wings for some lunch before walking over to the ball
park. Parking is plentiful which makes getting
in and getting out user friendly and easy.
Walk into the park and prepared to be amazed. Much akin to Camelback Ranch, the clubhouses
and training facilities for both the Rockies and the D’Backs are visible in the
outfield, majestically complimenting the field below. If Camelback Ranch compliments the desert,
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick feels like it is a part of it. The McDowell
Mountains are off in the distance and, if attending a night game, you will be
mesmerized by how the sunset creates a red hue upon them.
If you choose to go to the ballpark early, the accessibility
to the players in top notch. There are
12 total fields and you can see everything from veterans taking batting
practice to prospects doing drills.
Visit the pitching cages and maybe you’ll see Zach Greinke on the hump
working on his curveball. The complex
was designed with the insight that children are the future of the game. The facility is child friendly and leaves
them dreaming that one day they too can be a big leaguer.
The food options are plentiful and delicious and it is easy
to find a local beer at the concessions. San Tan Brewery (Chandler) and Four
Peaks Brewery (Tempe) are featured beers at this location. This is also a great park to get a margarita
at! You are in the southwest, after all. Why not partake in the all the local has to
offer?!
This is the closest park to The Westin Kierland Villas as
well. A quick drive down the Loop 101
and you are in your seat, enjoying the best of what the Cactus League has to
offer. If you happen to be a guest at
our lovely vacation ownership property, it is a must to attend this ballpark.
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| Photo credit: mlb.com |
Maryvale Baseball
Park – Milwaukee Brewers: Let’s talk
about the other side of the coin, shall we?
Do not go to Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on one day and then
Maryvale Baseball Park the next. You
will feel like you are attending two different sports. Because it is two different contrasting experiences.
Of all the stadiums I have attended, this is the one I like
the least. Many factors play into this:
I don’t care for the Brewers (sorry, Brew Crew fans), I do not like the part of
town in which this stadium resides, and the facility feels like a high school
stadium to me. Again, this is all merely
my opinion. I know plenty of guests who
adore this facility and have their reasons to do so.
Parking isn’t bad here.
Yes, the neighborhood could be better, but once in the complex it is
easy and user friendly. You would think
that in a landlocked urban area you’d have difficulties. No, not really. Friendly attendants guide you to your parking
spot and the process is quite swift.
You walk into the stadium and are surprised that a
professional ball club plays here. I was
expecting the Arcadia Titans! Shade is
plentiful at this stadium but it is quite tired. The park was opened in 1998 and is not the
oldest park in the Cactus League. But it
feels like it.
That being said, the fan experience is enjoyable. The lawn seats have more of a slant than
most, which makes for a better view from the grass. I do feel that the fan experience is worth
the trip. Similar to Miller Park in
Milwaukee, the Sausage Race occurs during each game. I tip my cap to management for staying true
to the team’s roots.
The food is standard ball park fare. You would think the brats would be
best-in-class seeing as Wisconsin is known for a delicious beer brat. They are standard, however, as is much of the
menu. There is no “wow” food offer for
the foodie. I did notice that there are
plenty of bathrooms at this facility.
The commute from The Westin Kierland Villas isn’t too
bad. The stadium is located
approximately 25 miles away and takes a little over half an hour to reach. I recommend taking Interstate 10 to 59th
Avenue, go north. Approach from the
south rather than the north.
The best part of the experience when attending Maryvale is
the pricing. I feel you get the most
bang for your buck at this stadium.
Maryvale is not Salt River Fields at Talking Stick or Sloan Park. And they know it. It is a pleasant surprise to see a
professional franchise that understands what it is and what its offerings are,
pricing accordingly. The feel of the
game is intimate (the stadium houses 7,000 seats) and you can walk away from
the experience with a smile.
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| Photo credit: TIm Roberts Photography |
Tempe Diablo Stadium
– Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: I
grew up going to this park. I once
dropped a foul ball off the bat of Ken Griffey, Jr. at this park. I love this park. I hate this park.
Tempe Diablo Stadium is nestled snuggly up against
Interstate 10 and The Buttes in Tempe.
The stadium points to the east and, seeing as the Buttes surround the
park, you feel like you are in immersed in the desert. It is as if you were hiking on a trail and
BAM! Baseball stadium. Why not sit down
and enjoy a game? The steps leading up
to the entrance showcase the “Big A” with the halo, welcoming you to the Spring
Training home of the Los Angeles Angels.
Of Anaheim. Of California. Of North America.
I love the look and
feel of this stadium. The stadium points
to the east, which allows the sun to provide more shade as it sets in the west
as the games progress. Is it the most technologically
advanced? Not by any means. It is old and tired, seeing as it was built
in 1969 (renovated in 2002). The stadium
could use some more love.
What do I hate about this stadium? The parking.
I once was three innings late as I sat in traffic into the stadium,
which began backing up on the interstate.
With a stadium that is land locked up against mountains and a freeway,
it makes for a different parking situation.
If you plan to go to a game here, go early.
Angels games are typically full. The stadium holds around 10,000 and many Los
Angelinos make the trek across the Mojave and Sonoran Desert to see their
Angels play. The stadium resides next to
the Phoenix Marriott Tempe at the Buttes hotel, which makes it an easy for
guests staying there to walk to games, filling the seats. Even during weekdays it feels too crowded.
The commute is acceptable, as this venue is similar to
Maryvale in time and distance from North Scottsdale. I do recommend coming up from the south, if possible,
to avoid traffic jams.
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| Photo credit: mapio.net |
Peoria Sports Complex
– San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners:
I once lived on the west side of town and found myself attending numerous
games at this facility. I enjoyed my
days spent taking in games here. When
they designed this facility and opened it in 1994, they did it right. The best shaded park in all of the Cactus League,
Peoria Sports Complex has beautiful lawn seating (no shade there) and the grounds
crew maintains this field pristinely.
Parking can be an adventure if you don’t know what you are doing. That is why I am here! There are ways around the traffic jams that
lead into the stadium. Rather than
exiting at Bell Road, exit at Thunderbird and work your way up 83rd
Avenue. Once there, it’s $5 and you are
in.
The stadium itself is classic Spring Training. The ease of accessibility to the players highlight
the offerings at this stadium. I have
had numerous guests return with pictures with their favorite Padre or Mariner, showcasing
how close and friendly the confines are. I seem to always sit on the first base
side at this stadium and have always enjoyed this view.
The drive isn’t too bad either. Taking the Loop 101 from The Westin Kierland
Villas gets you there in about a half and hour.
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| Photo credit: mlb.com |
Scottsdale Stadium –
San Francisco Giants: Last on my
list of Cactus League parks is Scottsdale Stadium. One question comes to mind when I think of
this stadium. Do you like to party? Perhaps it’s the fact that I grew up near the
ballpark and spent many spring afternoons in my mid-20’s in attendance, but I
always feel that when you go to Scottsdale Stadium, you’re going to have a good
time and see something funny.
The surrounding area is the best in the Cactus League. You are in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, known
for its shopping, art, and entertainment districts. If you desire to make a day of going to the
game, sandwiched by lunch and dinner in the area, it is not only feasible, it
is recommended. There are a couple of
local bars that will provide you with transportation to and from the stadium. The entire experience is user friendly, which
makes for a great time!
One of my favorite aspects of this ballpark is the
crowd. The crowd is engaged, vibrant,
and alive. Whereas some stadiums carry
the “ooh’s” and “aah’s” from a great play, the crowd is into every pitch
here. I would compare it to being at
Busch Stadium in St. Louis. You are surrounded
by people who understand the game at appreciate the little things baseball offers. Beware of fans that may have had one too many
beers though…rowdiness is also normal in Scottsdale.
The parking can be a bit bothersome as the stadium is near
Old Town Scottsdale, which is packed with people. But seeing as there are many different routes
into the stadium, I have never had a negative parking experience. The shade, like a lot of stadiums, can be
sparse. Bring sunscreen. The seating could be redone; bleacher seating throughout
makes it hard to get in and out of your seat at times. Concessions are basic and I feel like there
could be more of them. The stadium has
12,000 seats. It should have a few more
spots to grab a hot dog.
I truly enjoy going to Scottsdale Stadium, especially bathed
in Dodger Blue. It is fun to talk baseball
with the enemy and they never cease to take their chance to do so. Tickets are a tad more expensive here, and
you are paying for the environment and recent success of the team. It is the second closest stadium to The
Westin Kierland Villas and it a “must see”.
I could go on and on about each individual stadium. These are broad overviews of what they have
to offer. Each park has unique quirks
and offerings. You have to experience them
to appreciate them. You don’t have to
love baseball to enjoy an experience at one of these fine ballparks.
There is one thing I always like to remind my guests of:
take advantage of what the area has to offer.
Our offerings on property and service are best-in-class, but go out and
see the Valley of the Sun.
When we are
blessed with our spring weather and Major League Baseball in town, you have to
catch a few games, if time permits.
Spring Training days are the best days.
I can smell the fresh cut grass. It is time to play ball.
Food, Beverage, and FUN Manager
Best ever seen.
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