ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
Description:
The Diamondbacks defected from Tucson last year to play at the new Salt River Fields, a luxurious, massive facility that boasts healthy foods, huge concourses, lots of seating and a massive lawn.
Parking:
On-site. Salt River Fields has 3,000 spaces. Gates open at 9 a.m. for afternoon games. $5 for cars, $15 for RVs and buses.
Tickets: $8-$26 at 480.362.9467, azdiamondbacks.com or ticketmaster.com
Best place to sit:
Check out the two party decks, on the top deck of the stadium, in the infield. The section has seats and a standup bar for more casual viewing.
Concessions:
Tons. Healthy food, pizza, southwestern, ice cream, beer, some cocktails and multiple additional vendors.
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale 480.362.9467
saltriverfields.com
azdiamondbacks.com
Game Schedule
Best Pre/Post Game Spots
PRESS YOUR LUCK
One of the Valley’s most luxurious hotel and casinos, Talking Stick features a spa, restaurants and 240,000 square feet of gaming; and it’s less than a mile from the stadium. 9800 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort.com
PRE-GAME IN DOWNTOWN SCOTTSDALE
Numerous bars, restaurants and retailers are not far from the stadium. There’s enough diversity there to satisfy any taste, from biker bars to boutiques.
RIDE THE RAILS
If you’re bringing the kids to the game, don’t skip McCor-
mick-Stillman. $2 train rides and $1 carousel rides will have the kids going ga-ga. 7301 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale, 480.312.2312, therailroadpark.com
TWO WHEELIN’
Rent a bike, or take your own and take a ride along the Scottsdale Greenbelt, a beautiful uninterrupted 15-mile bike path that spans from Tempe Town Lake to north Scottsdale. scottsdaleaz.gov/parks
TAKE A HIKE
Nearby McDowell Mountain Regional Park is close to the city, but feels miles away. 16300 McDowell Mountain Park Road, Fountain Hills, maricopa.gov/parks/mcdowell
Description:
The current incarnation of Hohokam Stadium was built in 1997, replacing the original 1976 facility on the same grounds. The park’s 12,500 seats are often full, including the massive outfield grass seating.
Parking:
Snag one of 3,000 parking spots in the complex’s surrounding soccer fields and you can tailgate before the game.
Tickets:
$8-$31, available at cubs.com
Best place to sit:
The Bleacher Bum atmosphere lives on in the outfield lawn seating, but sections 200 through 212 are shaded.
Concessions:
Domestic and microbrew beers –including, of course, Old Style – hot dogs, burgers, pizza, burritos and soft drinks.
CHICAGO CUBS
Hohokam Stadium
1235 N. Center Street, Mesa 480.644.4451
hohokamstadium.com cubs.com
Game Schedule
Best Pre/Post Game Spots
CUBS FANS UNITE
A few blocks south of Hohokam, Diamond’s Sports Grille (formerly Sluggo’s) is the definitive Mesa Cubs bar. 161 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, 480.844.3888
GET HANDS-ON
The Arizona Museum for Youth gets kids involved in artful, educational, hands-on exhibits. 35 N. Robson Street, Mesa, 480.644.2468
DINE ITALIAN
Vito’s is an authentic, familyowned Italian restaurant. 1947 N. Lindsay Road, Mesa, 480.832.3311
GO PREHISTORIC
The Arizona Museum of Natural History explores the world of dinosaurs with re-assembled skeletons and full-size robotic replicas. 53 N. MacDonald Street, Mesa, 480.644.2169
DAY DRINK
Dos Gringos is well-known for its huge, outdoor patio bar, and they even serve up margaritas inside Hohokam. 1958 S. Greenfield Road, Mesa, 480.633.5525
HIT THE MALL
Riverview, Mesa’s outdoor mall is just 15 minutes from the stadium. Catch a movie, get lunch, visit Bass Pro. Dobson Road and Loop 202, Mesa
Description:
Home to both the White Sox and the Dodgers, the Cactus League’s largest stadium was completed in 2009 and boasts a capacity of 13,000 – including 3,000 lawn seats, 12 luxury suites and a party deck – and is adjacent to a manmade lake and an orange grove.
Parking:
While all but a few of the complex’s 4,000 parking spots are $5, the west lot off 107th Avenue is the closest to the stadium.
Tickets: $8-$47, available at whitesox.com
Best place to sit:
Avoid sun in the eyes and enjoy a close-up view of the bullpen in the left field grass seating. The Ranch has no bleachers, so every seat has a back.
Concessions:
Beer, margaritas, soft drinks, hot dogs, burgers, Philly cheesesteak and gelato.
CHICAGO WHITE SOX
Glendale Camelback Ranch
10710 W. Camelback Road, Glendale 623.302.5000
camelbackranchbaseball.com
whitesox.com
Best Pre/Post Game Spots
EXPLORE DOWNTOWN
GLENDALE:
Peruse locally-owned shops, bars and restaurants surrounding historic Murphy Park, near Glendale Avenue between 57th and Grand avenues, Glendale.
SATISFY YOUR SWEET
TOOTH: Cash in that golden ticket and tour Cerreta Candy Company’s factory, complete with plenty of sugary samples. 5345 W. Glendale Avenue, 623.930.9000
SPLASH DOWN:
Brave thrilling slides at worldclass water park Wet ‘n Wild when it opens for the season
on March 12.
4243 W. Pinnacle Peak Road, Glendale, 623.201.2000
WASTE AWAY AGAIN:
Jimmy Buffet’s own bar and restaurant Margaritaville is licensed to chill.
6751 N. Sunset Boulevard, Glendale, 623.772.0011
TAKE A HIKE:
Thunderbird Conservation Park features 15 multi-use trails over 1,185 acres of beautifully natural desert.
59th Avenue between Deer Valley and Pinnacle Peak roads, 623.930.2000
Description:
The 10,000 seat Goodyear Ballpark, first opened in 2009, plays host to both the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians. It’s one of the more familyfriendly parks in the Cactus League, featuring inflatable attractions and a kidsized Wiffle ball field on the first base concourse.
Parking:
There isn’t much developed directly around the complex, so $5 parking ($10 for RVs) is plentiful.
Tickets:
$5-$35, available at Reds.com
Best place to sit:
A right field pavilion ticket includes food and non-alcoholic beverages for $30, and some seats are shaded. If you sit in the outfield grass ($8), aim for left field to avoid the sun and have a view of the centerfield scoreboard.
Concessions:
Beer, hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, Mexican food and Italian ice.
Large souvenir-cup soft drinks, as of last season, are $3.50.
CINCINNATI REDS
Goodyear Ballpark
1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear 623.882.3130
ci.goodyear.az.us reds.com
Game Schedule
Best Pre/Post Game Spots
VENTURE INTO THE WILD
Interact with hundreds of animals – including birds, giraffes and alligators – at Wildlife World Zoo.
16501 N. Northern Avenue, Litchfield Park, 623.935.9453
HIT THE TRAILS
Estrella Mountain Regional Park’s nearly 20,000 acres of desert landscape is crisscrossed by multi-use trails. 14805 W. Vineyard Avenue, Goodyear, 623.932.3811
HIT THE LINKS
Navigate around seven lakes at the base of the beautiful White Tank Mountains on the par-72, championship-style Eagle’s Nest Golf Course at Pebble
Creek. 3645 Clubhouse Drive, Goodyear, 623.935.6750
GET ALONG, LITTLE DOGGY
Explore Maricopa County’s largest regional park on horseback at White Tanks Riding Stables.
20300 W. Olive Avenue, Waddell, 623.935.7455
GET YOUR GAME ON
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino has a full slate of gaming options, bars and restaurants and a designated non-smoking gaming area.
15406 Maricopa Road, Maricopa, 480.802.5000
Description:
The 10,000 seat Goodyear Ballpark, first opened in 2009, plays host to both the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians. It’s one of the more familyfriendly parks in the Cactus League, featuring inflatable attractions and a kid-sized Wiffle ball field on the first base concourse.
Parking:
There isn’t much developed directly around the complex, so $5 parking ($10 for RVs) is plentiful.
Tickets: $5-$35, available at indians.com
Best place to sit:
A right field pavilion ticket includes food and non-alcoholic beverages for $30, and some seats are shaded. If you sit in the outfield grass ($8), aim for left field to avoid the sun and to have a view of the center-field scoreboard.
Concessions:
Beer, hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, Mexican food and Italian ice. Large souvenir-cup soft drinks.
CLEVELAND INDIANS
Goodyear Ballpark
1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear 623.882.3130
ci.goodyear.az.us indians.com
Game Schedule
Best Pre/Post Game Spots
VENTURE INTO THE WILD:
Interact with hundreds of animals – including birds, giraffes and alligators – at Wildlife World Zoo. 16501 N. Northern Avenue, Litchfield Park, 623.935.9453
TACKLE THE TRAILS:
White Tank Mountain Regional Park, Maricopa County’s largest, is 30,000 acres of beautiful Sonoran desert criss-crossed by multi-use trails. 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell, 623.935.2505
HIT THE LINKS:
Tres Rios Golf Course at Estrella Mountain Park is a par-71 championship parkland
style course designed by renowned course architect Red Lawrence. 15205 W. Vineyard Avenue, Goodyear, 623.932.3714
JOURNEY TO ITALY: Get a taste of family-style Italian at this long-time West Valley staple. Bella Luna, 14175 W. Indian School Road, Goodyear, 623.535.4642
GET YOUR GAME ON:
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino has a full slate of gaming options, bars and restaurants and a designated non-smoking gaming area. 15406 Maricopa Road, Maricopa, 480.802.5000
Description:
The Rockies defected from Tucson last year to play at the new Salt River Fields, a luxurious, massive facility that boasts healthy foods, huge concourses, lots of seating and a massive lawn.
Parking:
On-site. Salt River Fields has 3,000 spaces. Gates open at 9 a.m. for afternoon games. $5 for cars, $15 for RVs and buses.
Tickets:
$8-$25 at 480.362.9467, coloradorockies.com or ticketmaster.com
Best place to sit: Check out the two party decks, on the top deck of the stadium, in the infield. The section has seats and a standup bar for a more casual viewing experience.
Concessions:
Tons. Healthy food, pizza, southwestern, ice cream, beer, some cocktails and multiple additional vendors.
COLORADO ROCKIES
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale 480.362.9467
saltriverfields.com
coloradorockies.com
Best Pre/Post Game Spots
HIT THE LINKS
The nearby Talking Stick Golf Club is highly regarded, and close to the stadium. Perfect for an early morning tee time prior to the game.
9998 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale, 480.860.2221, talkingstickgolfclub.com
VISIT SMOCA
The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is one of Arizona’s finest, and conveniently located close to the stadium.
7374 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, 480.874.4666, smoca.org
PRESS YOUR LUCK
One of the Valley’s most luxurious hotel and casinos, Talking Stick features a spa, multiple restaurants and 240,000 square
feet of gaming.
9800 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort.com
DINNER AND A MOVIE
The adjacent Pavilions shopping center features several restaurant options and UltraStar Cinemas. 9090 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale, 480.278.7324, ultrastarmovies.com
PRE-GAME IN DOWNTOWN SCOTTSDALE
Many bars, restaurants and retailers are nearby. There’s enough diversity there to satisfy any taste, from biker bars to upscale boutiques.
Description:
The 10,500 seat Surprise Stadium opened in 2002; and features a spectacular lawn wrapping around nearly the entire outfield. It is routinely praised for its well-conceived design, with lots of shaded seating.
Parking:
Park at the stadium. The lot is huge and the parking is free.
Tickets:
$7-$25 at 800.745.3000, kcroyals.com or ticketmaster.com
Best place to sit:
Much of the stadium is shaded in the afternoon, but the infield upperdeck provides canopied seating. The lawn, too, is very spacious, often giving attendees plenty of room to spread out.
Concessions:
Plenty of options, from cotton candy to brats to beer. Surprise also lets visitors bring in food packaged in a clear, sealed bag.
KANSAS CITY ROYALS
Surprise Stadium
15850 N. Bullard Avenue, Surprise 623.222.2222
surpriseaz.gov/files/springtraining/ kcroyals.com
Best Pre/Post Game Spots
GET WILD
The Wildlife World Zoo features an aquarium, an African safari and 400 exotic and endangered species. 16501 W. Northern Avenue, Litchfield Park, 623.935.9453, wildlifeworld.com
VISIT THE DELI
Locals love Archie’s Deli, known for its New York-style foods and desserts. Fresh breads and lots of fresh ingredients. East Coasters missing home? Head here. 17221 N. Litchfield Road, Surprise, 623.546.9967, archiesdeli.com
THE FINAL FRONTIER
The Challenger Space Center allows visitors to explore the
history of space exploration, with interactive exhibits and a flight simulator. 21170 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria, 623.322.2001, azchallenger.com
GO WAY OUT WEST
Wickenburg is a testament to the state’s rugged frontier days and a great place for a day trip. Its historic downtown and numerous ranches make it quintessential Arizona. www.ci.wickenburg.az.us
GO DOWNTOWN
Downtown Glendale, that is. The historic downtown features multiple restaurants and lots of unique antique shops. visitglendale.com
Description:
Phoenix Muni was built in 1964 and was one of the first air-conditioned outdoor stadiums, with evap cooling that came through the floor of the inner bowl – a feature that has since been removed. It is among the most affordable, party-centric and fan friendly stadiums in the Cactus League.
Parking:
Public lots directly across the street. Access the stadium via light rail from the Priest/Washington station. Walk a half-mile north from the station.
Tickets:
$12-$25, available at oaklandas.com
Best place to sit:
The sun is in your face during afternoon games on the third base side; on your back on the first-base side. Centerfield upper deck is shaded.
Concessions:
Domestic and microbrew beers, hot dogs, fries, sodas and soft drinks; in previous years margaritas have been available, as well.
OAKLAND ATHLETICS
Phoenix Municipal Stadium 5999 E. Van Buren, Phoenix 602.392.0074
phoenix.gov/SPORTS/phxmuni.html oaklandas.com
Best Pre/Post Game Spots
BAR HOP ON MILL AVENUE
Tempe’s Mill Avenue has multiple bars and restaurants for pre- or post-game. Take the light rail to the game via the Third Street/Mill Avenue station to the Priest Drive/Washington Street station. Walk a half-mile north.
DO THE ZOO
Phoenix Muni is less than one mile from the Phoenix Zoo. Let the kids run down the wide open paths; they’ll be more likely to sit still come first pitch. 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 602.273.1341, phoenixzoo.org
GET SOME BBQ
Honey Bear’s BBQ is a Phoenix original, known for its awe-
some sauce, pulled pork and catfish specials. Good slaw and desserts, too. 5012 E. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, 602.273.9148, honeybearsbbq.com
CHILL IN THE PARK
Nearby Papago Park offers desert hiking and bouldering opportunities; a public golf course; and a free disc-golf course. North of Curry Road, between College and Mill avenues, Tempe
VISIT THE HALL
The Hall of Flame – a museum dedicated to firefighting and firefighting memorabilia, is hot, pardon the pun. 6011 E. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, 602.275.3473, hallofflame.org
Description: Tempe Diablo was built in 1968 and underwent an extensive renovation in 2005. Perched on the side of Tempe’s rocky Twin Buttes, the stadium complex shares the picturesque landscape with the adjacent Buttes Resort and is one of the Cactus League’s most centrally-located ballparks.
Parking: Stadium lots are very close and $5, but you’ll need to arrive early. Or, use one of several nearby Valley Metro park and rides or the free shuttle from Mill Avenue or Tempe Marketplace.
Tickets: $10-$40, available at angels.mlb.com
Best place to sit: It’s tough to beat the sizable grass berm seating in left field for only $10, but the latter rows of field box seats on the first-base side are shaded during afternoon games.
Concessions: Domestic and microbrew beers, hot dogs, fries, sodas and soft drinks. Some outside food allowed; check for restrictions.
LA ANGELS OF ANAHEIM
Tempe Diablo Stadium
2200 W. Alameda Drive, Tempe 480.350.5205
tempe.gov/Diablo angels.mlb.com
Game Schedule
Best Pre/Post Game Spots
BAR HOP ON MILL
Tempe’s Mill Avenue has multiple bars and restaurants. And, if you get a tad tipsy, ride the complimentary Tempe trolley from the northwest corner of Fifth Street and Mill Avenue to the game and back.
MEET ME AT THE MARKET
Shop, drink and dine at the massive outdoor Tempe Marketplace and enjoy complimentary shuttle rides to and from the game. 2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe
EXPLORE LOCAL HISTORY
The Pueblo Grande Museum preserves the story of the Hohokam. 4619 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602.495.0901, pueblogrande.org
EAT MEXICAN
Aunt Chilada’s is famous for its gourmet fare and tasty, icy margaritas. 2021 W. Baseline Road, Tempe, 602.431.6470
SEE SEA LIFE
See more than 5,000 sea creatures in this 26,000-square-foot indoor aquarium inside nearby Arizona Mills Mall at the Arizona Sea Life Aquarium. 5000 Arizona Mills Circle, Tempe, 480.478.7600
ROCK OUT
Explore 15,000-square-feet of climbing surface at Phoenix Rock Gym. 1353 E. University Drive, Tempe, 480.921.8322
Phoenix 7575 N. 16th Street 16th Street & Morten (602) 997-0084 Peoria 6750 W. Peoria North Side of Peoria at 67th Ave. (623) 486-2118 Phoenix 751 E Union Hills Dr 7th & Union Hills (602) 867-3222
Phoenix 3220 E. Baseline NE Corner of 32nd St. & Baseline (602) 437-0981
Description:
Home to both the Dodgers and the White Sox, the Cactus League’s largest stadium was completed in 2009 and boasts a capacity of 13,000 – including 3,000 lawn seats, 12 luxury suites and a party deck – and is adjacent to a manmade lake and a traditional Dodgertown orange grove.
Parking:
While all but a few of the complex’s 4,000 parking spots are $5, the west lot off 107th Avenue is the closest to the stadium.
Tickets:
$4-$44, available at dodgers.com
Best place to sit: Avoid sun in the eyes and enjoy a close-up view of the bullpen in the left field grass seating. The Ranch has no bleachers, so every seat has a back.
Concessions:
Beer, margaritas, soft drinks, Dodger dogs, burgers, Philly cheesesteak and gelato.
LOS ANGELES DODGERS
Glendale Camelback Ranch 10710 W. Camelback Road, Glendale 623.302.5000
camelbackranchbaseball.com dodgers.com
Game Schedule
Best Pre/Post Game Spots
EXPLORE DOWNTOWN GLENDALE
Peruse locally-owned shops, bars and restaurants surrounding historic Murphy Park, near Glendale Avenue between 57th and Grand Avenues, Glendale
TAKE A HIKE
Thunderbird Conservation Park features 15 multi-use trails over 1,185 acres of beautifully natural desert. 59th Avenue between Deer Valley and Pinnacle Peak roads, 623.930.2000
GO GERMAN
Enjoy traditional German cuisine and beer at Haus Murphy’s, an establishment
once featured on “Diners, Drive Ins and Dives.” 5739 W. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, 623.939.2480
STOP AND SMELL THE FLOWERS
The Glendale Xeriscape Botanical Garden has more than 1,000 native desert plants on display. 5959 W. Brown Street, Glendale, 623.935.9453
SING A SONG
The Shout! House bar features dueling piano players belting out your favorite tunes. 6770 N. Sunrise Boulevard, Glendale, 623.772.1500
Description:
The Brewers remain one of only a handful of Cactus League teams to have their own stadium; the 10,000-seat Maryvale Baseball Park. Maryvale is a spectators’ park, with beautiful sightlines, a huge concourse and a massive lawn. Tickets are generally easy to come by, even on weekends.
Parking: Onsite. There are 2,000 parking spaces; during crowded games, several strip malls across the street from the complex offer pay parking.
Tickets: $8-$22 at brewers.com, the stadium box office or 800.933.7890
Best place to sit: Brewers infield seats are among the cheapest in the league at $22; The lawn is massive, and at $8, tickets are almost always available.
Concessions:
The standards, plus some Milwaukee-area favorites like brats. Built in food stands, and roaming concourse and seat vendors available.
MILWAUKEE BREWERS
Maryvale Baseball Park
3600 N. 51st Avenue, Phoenix
623.245.5500
phoenix.gov/SPORTS/marystad.html brewers.com
Best Pre/Post Game Spots
GET A TASTE OF THE REAL MEXICAN GRILL
Ta Carbon has folks raving about the joint’s homemade tortillas and real grilled Mex food. 5834 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix, 623.463.8134, tacarbon.com
TAKE IN SOME ART
The Heard and Phoenix Art museums are less than a 15 minute drive from Maryvale Stadium. Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.252.8344, heard.org; PHX Art, 1625 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602.257.1222, phxart. org
HIT THE LINKS
The public Maryvale Golf Course is just around the
corner, and while it’s nothing fancy, it’s great for golfers of all levels to get in a game before the game. 5902 W. Indian School Road, Phoenix, 623.846.4022
GET IN A MORNING HIKE
Piestewa Peak Park and its numerous hiking trails is less than a 20 minute drive. For something for all levels, check out Dreamy Draw Recreation Area, 2421 E. Northern Avenue, Phoenix
TAKE IN DOWNTOWN
Downtown Phoenix’s multiple pubs are just 15 minutes away. Consider local favorites like the Rose & Crown, 628 E. Adams Street, Phoenix, 602.256.0223
Description:
Opened in 1994, the 11,000-plus seat Peoria Sports Complex is home to both the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners.
Parking:
There are two main parking lots at the complex, both accessible from 83rd Avenue at a cost of $5 per car and $10 per RV.
Tickets:
$6-$23, available at padres.com
Best place to sit: For afternoon games, those seated sections 205 to 219 and 105 to 121 on the third base line and lawn seating in left field have the sun at their backs.
Concessions:
Beer, soft drinks, brats, hamburgers, hot dogs (including the “Ruthian foot-long”) and snacks. Great ‘beer man’ coverage in the stands.
SAN DIEGO PADRES
Peoria Sports Complex 16101 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria 623.773.8700
peoriaspringtraining.com padres.com
Game Schedule
Best Pre/Post Game Spots
HIT THE ICE
Next-door to Peoria Sports Complex, Polar Ice features a full-size indoor ice rink with regular open skate and hockey sessions. 15829 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria, 623.334.1200
TASTE AUTHENTIC
MEXICAN
Carolina’s Mexican Food is legendary for their traditional hand-made tortillas. 9030 W. Peoria Avenue, Peoria, 623.487.1400
BLAST OFF
The Challenger Space Center of Arizona, affiliated with the Smithsonian Institute, is an educational tribute to the
space program. 21170 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria, 623.322.2001
GET WET
At 10,000 acres, Lake Pleasant is Arizona’s second-largest lake and is a venue for boating, sailing, fishing, water and jet skiing. 41835 N. Castle Hot Springs Road, Morristown, 602.37237460
GRAB A BEER
Imbibe a beer served by a scanitly-clad Scot at Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery, a stone’s throw from Peoria Sports Complex. 16840 N. 83rd Avenue, 623.486.5458
Description:
The Giants are always among the hottest tickets in town. With its downtown location, Scottsdale Stadium is crammed with preand post-game activity options. Make sure to secure tickets before heading down to the game; scalpers typically get top dollar, especially on weekends.
Parking:
Public parking is available throughout downtown Scottsdale; or consider parking at a bar with shuttle service, such as Salty Senorita.
Tickets:
$12-$48, available at sfgiants.com
Best place to sit: Spring the extra money for assigned seating in the lower section. Bleacher seating is brutal, especially during afternoon games – it’s squished and hot. Between bleacher and lawn, we’d choose lawn.
Concessions:
Among the best in the Cactus League; multiple beer, drink and food options.
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
7428 E. Osborn Road, Scottsdale 480.312.2586
scottsdaleaz.gov/stadium sfgiants.com
Best Pre/Post Game Spots Game Schedule
PRE-GAME IN DOWNTOWN SCOTTSDALE
Bars, restaurants and retailers are just a skip and a jump (or a pedicab ride) away from the stadium. There’s enough diversity to satisfy any taste.
VISIT SMOCA
The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is one of Arizona’s finest, and it’s located close to the stadium. 7374 E. Second Street, Scottsdale, 480.874.4666, smoca.org
SHOP AT SCOTTSDALE
FASHION SQUARE
This beautiful mall features retailers from Nieman-Marcus to Louis Vuitton; and multiple posh and upscale eateries. 7014 E. Camelback Road,
Scottsdale, 480.941.2140, fashionsquare.com
HIT UP MCCORMICKSTILLMAN RAILROAD PARK
If you’re bringing the kids to the game, don’t skip McCormick-Stillman. $2 train rides and $1 carousel rides will have the kids going ga-ga. 7301 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale, 480.312.2312, therailroadpark.com
RELAX ON SCOTTSDALE CIVIC CENTER PLAZA
This beautiful outdoor park features fountains, flower gardens, coves and numerous shops, bars and eateries along its walking paths. 7380 E. Second Street, Scottsdale
Description:
Opened in 1994, the 11,000-plus seat Peoria Sports Complex is home to both the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners. The stadium features some of the better grass seating in the Cactus League, a berm that extends the length of the entire outfield.
Parking:
There are two main parking lots at the complex, both accessible from 83rd Avenue at a cost of $5 per car and $10 per RV.
Tickets:
$6-$23, available mariners.com
Best place to sit:
For afternoon games, those seated sections 205 to 219 and 105 to 121 on the third base line and lawn seating in left field have the sun at their backs.
Concessions:
Beer, soft drinks, brats, hamburgers, hot dogs (including the “Ruthian foot-long”) and snacks. Great ‘beer man’ coverage in the stands.
SEATTLE MARINERS
Peoria Sports Complex 16101 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria 623.773.8700
peoriaspringtraining.com mariners.com
Best Pre/Post Game Spots
GET WET
At 10,000 acres, Lake Pleasant is Arizona’s second-largest lake and is a venue for boating, sailing, fishing, water and jet skiing. 41835 N. Castle Hot Springs Road, Morristown, 602.37237460
BLAST OFF
The Challenger Space Center of Arizona, affiliated with the Smithsonian Institute, is an educational tribute to the space program. 21170 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria, 623.322.2001
ENJOY THE OUTDOORS
A few blocks south of the stadium, Rio Vista Community Park boasts a fully-stocked, fishable urban lake, skate park, jogging paths and a kids’
splash park. 8866 W. Thunderbird Road, Peoria, 623.773.7137
SIP A MARGARITA OR TWO Salty Senorita serves up 51 signature margaritas and gourmet Mexican fare right next door to Peoria Sports Complex. 8011 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria, 623.979.4822
HIT THE ICE
Next-door to Peoria Sports Complex, Polar Ice features a full-size indoor ice rink with regular open skate and hockey sessions. 15829 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria, 623.334.1200
Description:
The 10,500 seat Surprise Stadium opened in 2002; and features a spectacular lawn wrapping around nearly the entire outfield. It is routinely praised for its well-conceived design, with lots of shaded seating.
Parking:
Park at the stadium. The lot is huge and the parking is free.
Tickets:
$7-$25 at 800.745.3000, texasrangers.com or ticketmaster.com
Best place to sit:
Much of the stadium is shaded in the afternoon, but the infield upperdeck provides canopied seating. The lawn, too, is very spacious, often giving attendees plenty of room to spread out.
Concessions:
Plenty of options, from cotton candy to brats to beer. Surprise also lets visitors bring in food packaged in a clear, sealed bag.
TEXAS RANGERS
15850 N. Bullard Avenue, Surprise 623.222.2222
surpriseaz.gov/files/springtraining/ texasrangers.com
Best Pre/Post Game Spots Game Schedule
GET WILD
The Wildlife World Zoo features an aquarium, an African safari and 400 exotic and endangered species. 16501 W. Northern Avenue, Litchfield Park, 623.935.9453, wildlifeworld.com
THE FINAL FRONTIER
The Challenger Space Center allows visitors to explore the history of space exploration, with interactive exhibits and a flight simulator. 21170 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria, 623.322.2001, azchallenger. com
VISIT THE DELI
Locals love Archie’s Deli, known for its New York-style foods and desserts.
Fresh breads and lots of fresh ingredients. East Coasters missing home? Head here. 17221 N. Litchfield Road, Surprise, 623.546.9967, archiesdeli.com
GO DOWNTOWN
Downtown Glendale, that is.
The historic downtown features multiple restaurants and lots of unique antique shops. visitglendale.com
GO WAY OUT WEST
Wickenburg is a testament to the state’s rugged frontier days and a great place for a day trip. Its historic downtown and numerous ranches make it quintessential Arizona. www.ci.wickenburg.az.us
