Baseball, Phoenix

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The “New” Dodger Town and Spring Training Facilities!

I flew out to Phoenix, AZ where the NEW Dodger town now takes place! The facilities are beautiful! They tried to keep many things the same as Vero Beach but not everything. Obviously there’s no beach to be found, actually there’s really NOTHING out there, and I think that’s the point. It’s basically stuck in the middle of a desert. Even the buildings are blended with the neutral color pallet of sand that surrounds it. They are building a resort type feeling for the dodger players, so they are able to stay on campus, which is probably another reason why that arena blends in so well.
There were no dodger dogs (TEAR) but they did have an amazing selection of food! Everything from Mexican food to Nachos, and MAN was it good!
You don’t even have to sit at your seats! They have tables all over looking right down at the field, with a vender of margaritas and beer at your service! Prices of the beer were mighty high! But isn’t EVERY baseball game. It was around $10 for a large one, if you didn’t want to tip, but then you might find something floating in your next drink.
It was also a lot more personal with the players. Their training fields were along the walk way on your walk to the arena. You could watch the players warm up before a game and just be separated with a small fence. Then when they are finished the dodgers walk right through the crowd signing autographs before they go into the locker room and suit up for the game.
I can’t wait to go back next year! Prices were awesome! Players were great! Combine all that with a $10 beer and I’m in good shape (BIG SMILE)

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I brought the kids to a baseball game with the Diamonbacks battling the Cincinnati Reds. We were in a private booth along with friends, and the kids had so much fun just playing with the other kids even if the Diamondbacks lost on that day.

The Diamondbacks is our team! It was in 2001 when the Diamondbacks became World Series Champion and the stealth fighter plane flew over the baseball field. I did see that plane fly over our first house which was being constructed at the time (I also saw it once flying over Kansas City). It’s so silent and like a space ship.

So, when in town, check out if there’s any game you can watch. Although it may be a challenge to navigate through the one-way streets, there’s always enough parking for all.

In addition, when watching the Diamondbacks at Chase Field, you can rent out a pool for the kids to enjoy within the complex itself! It is the only major league facility with swimming pool for fans, and full air-conditioning! It is called the Leslie’s Pool Zone, behind the right center field which also has hot tub and private catering. And you can also meet the D-backs mascot D. Baxter the Bobcat.

Chase Field (Jefferson & 4th Street)

today is the last day of spring training. during the season you can get tickets at the gate any time before the games or during. there may be evening games but most of them are in the daytime. I don't know where you would get a listing of the teams playing, I have kids who live there and they tell me. there are several parks throughout the Phoenix valley, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe and Suprise for a few.

The Arizona Diamondback are Arizona's only professional baseball team. They also have one of the nicest stadiums in the league. Be sure to check them out.

Directions:

From the Southeast Valley: Take I-10, use the right three lanes to I-17 at the split and exit to the right on 7th St., then left at the signal light at Lincoln St., or continue north on 7th St. to Jefferson St. and turn right to access parking facilities east of 7th St. Please note that left turns from 7th St. westbound onto Washington St. are prohibited.

From the West Valley: Take I-10 to 7th Ave. or the 5th Ave. HOV exit, then turn right. Turn left on Fillmore, Van Buren (accessible from 5th Ave. only) or Jefferson Sts. to access convenient parking.

From the Northwest Valley: Use I-17 to the Jefferson St. exit, then turn left and continue eastbound.

From North Central Phoenix: Use surface streets, including 7th Ave., 1st Ave, and 7th St.

Helpful Hint: Due to heavy usage, 7th St. is the least preferred option.

From the Northeast Valley: Use the Squaw Peak Parkway to I-10 eastbound, exit at Washington St. and turn right, or take I-10 westbound to the 7th St. exit and turn left.

Helpful Hint: To avoid congestion, continue on I-10 to 7th Ave. or the 5th Ave. HOV exit. Turn left on Fillmore, Van Buren (accessible from 5th Ave. only) or Jefferson St.

From Scottsdale or East Mesa: Take Loop 202 west to I-10 and exit at 7th Ave. or the 5th Ave. HOV exit. Turn left on Fillmore, Van Buren (accessible from 5th Ave. only) or Jefferson St.

Additional Arrival Information

Southbound traffic on 3rd St. may be routed west at Washington St. as conditions dictate. If this occurs you have several options. You may continue west on Washington St. to 1st Ave., turn left on 1st Ave. and continue south or head east on Jefferson St. to access parking.

Scottsdale Stadium was the home of the Phoenix Firebirds until they folded up when the Diamondbacks started playing in 1998.
The park is still used by the S.F. Giants as their spring training centre and by the Arizona Fall Leauge in November-December.
It was opened in the early 90's and was designed by the same firm that did Camden Yards in Baltimore. It is one of the nicest minor league parks I've ever been to. I miss the 'Birds, this was a great place to watch a game and has great views of Camelback mountain.

Bank One Ballpark, or BOB as the locals call it, is home to the Arizona Diamondbacks, the state's professional baseball club. The stadium features a retractable roof, several restaurants, and a pool. Tickets can be purchased in advance or (usually) at a ticket window before the game. The season runs from March to October.

A season schedule is available online at:
arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com

Go to see a Baseball Game at Bank One Ballpark.
It is a fantastic stadium with a roof that opens. This still works because the air-conditioning blows down on the fans and you don't get too hot. We are very proud of the park and the Diamondbacks.

See a Diamondbacks game at Bank One Ballpark.
The stadium is absolutely beautiful.