Anyone going down for Spring Training

My wife and I have been to spring training twice, and are planning on going again this year with more of my extended family and 8 month old son! We have loved our past trips … Maryvale is not the nicest area of Phoenix, but the park is spacious and very nice. Bring your cool clothing and sunglasses since there is not a lot of shade, but the atmosphere is awesome. If you get to the game early and hang out along the right field line close to the field, you are sure to get autographs as the players walk into the stadium and head towards the dugout.

We got a good deal on a hotel in Scottsdale last time, which was very nice. Good shopping and restaurants nearby.

We also have seen the Crew play at other ballparks in Phoenix … Peoria has a nice newer park, but not as intimate as Maryvale. The Giants’ park in Scottsdale is very nice with good food.

For a good day trip, travel a couple hours north to the scenic tourist town of Sedona. Good restaurants and sightseeing in that area.

Hope that helps! I’m sure others have more suggestions.

The park is great, but you probably don’t want to stay nearby. Take the opportunity to catch a “road” game at another team’s park, too, since they’re all close (except Tucson – that’s a good 2+ hours). Sedona is very lovely; another option, if you’re into the “Wild West”, is Tombstone, but I’d only do that if you’re planning to catch a road game and stay in Tucson. (Tombstone is further East, past Tucson — it’d be a long day if you’re driving to/from greater Phoenix. When I’ve gone to Tucson, I’ve stayed overnight.)

As far as other parks go, I’d certainly suggest going to see the Halos. Tempe Diablo stadium is quite nice. And though I haven’t been there, I’ve heard good things about the Dodger’s new facility.

the first thing i’d say is phoenix is hot. It’ll be a dry heat, so 90 won’t always feel that hot (you might even feel cold in the shade), but the sun is direct and can burn you without you “feeling it”. pick up some sunscreen. the direct sun is particularly true for the baseball games, when you’re often uncovered.

i agree with the others in terms of the stadium and gameday, btw, parking at maryvale is maybe $5 and a number of people do tailgate. but if you want to get signatures, you need to get there early (before lunch, if memory serves), so that would conflict with tailgating.

i generally agree with the others on visiting other stadiums. i used to live in the area and go down for most spring trainings and usually end up at the royals, giants, a’s, etc… as they’re all relatively convenient (read: easy-ish access). two stadiums i have specific memories of: tempe diablo used to be one of my favorites, and ho ho kam was always a disaster, traffic-wise (but i haven’t been to either in a while).

as far as things to do, it depends on what you find fun.
(1) fast food – people out there like in ‘n’ out, but i’ve always been a jack’n’the box guy;
(2) casual food – if you’re going with wifey, this may not work. with buddies, it probably will;
(3) steakhouses – last year, i went to flemming’s, which was actually pretty good. a friend of mine from when i lived in the area suggested mastro’s, particularly for spotting people. per a friend in the area, don & charlie’s is the best marketed and steeped in history (but not the best food) and rawhide has an old west feel and “kind of a cool setting” (but food is reportedly mediocre);
(4) pizza – i haven’t been there, but Pizzeria Bianco is supposed to be some of the best pizza in phoenix. the lines at the place reflect that;
(5) i’m old, so i don’t go out much anymore, but tempe/ mill avenue used to be more of a youngish scene and scottsdale was a bit more clubby/ and lounge-y. i haven’t been to anything notable there recently, so any suggestions i give you will probably stiink;
(6) i’ve also heard that olive & ivy is worth checking out, but i have not been;
(7) there are also plenty of places more appropriate for buddy time than wifey time. if you go to those, save your ticket stubs as you’ll get in free.

I have family living in the Sarasota Florida area within minutes of the Baltimore Orioles complex. I have to settle for going to some Orioles games unfortunatley, but hey its better than nothing. I am planning a trip for Arizona in 2011

I go down every spring and get free lodging a a buddy’s house (cub fan). Always head to Rula Bula and Gordon Biersch.

We also, on a whim last year, went to the Maryvale complex on an off day when the Brewers just had a practice. It was awesome. We spent an hour or so walking around the minor league complex where there were 2-3 intrasquad games going on. You could walk right up to the fence. Doug Melvin and his cohorts were walking between the diamonds, watching the prospects and talking on his cell phone. Then, around 1:00, the major leaguers came out onto the big field and had a full practice with stretching, batting practice, etc. You could hear everything they were saying and could get right down to the field. Very cool.

for all the tips! We’ve got tickets for 2 crew games at maryvale and 1 reds game. We’re gonna be living it up on the cheap, but do intend to splurge on a few nice restaurants. REALLY looking forward to it. All of our tickets are for lawn seats, which sounds like that’s where all the fun is anyway.

On carry-ins: I realize food/drink is probably off limits, but can you bring in a bag with other stuff like a blanket to sit on etc??

I’m jacked up and I won’t even get down there until March 20!

that BEARDEDJEFF is Jeff Suppan?

Spring Training is my favorite week of the year. This will be my 5th year in a row driving down there from LA; and I have fond memories going down there with my Dad when I was little.

I know every other comment is DO NOT STAY IN MARYVALE! but i 1000% agree and would feel bad if i didn’t also say so. Scottsdale is rad.

A place not to be missed is Don & Charley’s. The food is expensive; but they also have a bar; and it is worth stopping by to see who is in there. We went once last year and saw Mike Fetters, The entire Arizona basketball team, and Bob Feller. If you don’t think seeing Bob Feller eating dinner is entertaining; then you are out of your mind.

Here is the Cactus League Site with some of the best updated info out there:
http://www.cactusleague.com/index.php

I am thinking of posting a Spring Training Preview; but here are two of my past spring posts that might be of interest:
1. 2008: The Seth McClung Post
2. 2009: Last years full post with pictures and Info

Here are my pics from 2009:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jengber/sets/72157614569790843/

Do yourself a favor and bring a new MLB baseball and a BLUE ballpoint pen in case Bob Uecker walks by you in the concourse. You will be glad you did.

Please ask me questions; I love talking about Spring Training,
Jamie.