Spring Training Tips - Looking for advice

[PlayerHader]

I’ll be heading to AZ in March for a short trip (Friday-Wednesday-ish) to take in some spring training games with my wife, in-laws, and brother-in-law family. My wife is checking out AirBnB/Vrbo for a decently priced place for all of us. She's found some spots in Phoenix and Mesa. Plan is to take in a game at the Brewers facility, as well as a Brewer game at the Padres’ site.

Anyone who has done this before...any insight? Is there big upside/downside to staying in a certain city or place? Plan is to check out two games in the 3-4 days we'll be there, so recommendations on something to check out on our "off day"? Any and all intel would be appreciated. Tell me about things I haven’t even thought about!

[nate82]

All depends on what you like to do.  If you go hiking bring water and lots of it.  Sunscreen will be needed during games unless you want to look like a lobster.

Also night time can get very cold really fast.  Take a jacket or a hoodie with you if you go out at night.  The temperatures drop really fast at night as there is nothing to trap heat.

Downtown Phoenix has some good eating there are a lot of restaurants down there for just about anything and everything.  Also can be cheaper and not as long of a wait for a table compared to Tempe and Scottsdale.

Mesa is fine depending on where you are staying.  Peoria is about a 40 minute drive from Mesa if you are going to a Padres spring training game.

[PlayerHader]

Doubt we’ll go hiking. Going to be a very baseball-centric trip, I think, but obviously we’ll have some time outside of the couple of games we are taking in. How early should a person get to these spring games? What’s the environment like? I’ll have a couple of young nephews with. Anything to consider for them?
 

I have no familiarity with the area, but I’ve been doing some research. I’m just looking to avoid making any big mistakes in planning these few days. I’ve read several times that the area around the Brewers’ facility can be dicey. 
 

Thanks for the response, Nate!

[nate82]

3 hours ago, PlayerHader said:

Doubt we’ll go hiking. Going to be a very baseball-centric trip, I think, but obviously we’ll have some time outside of the couple of games we are taking in. How early should a person get to these spring games? What’s the environment like? I’ll have a couple of young nephews with. Anything to consider for them?
 

I have no familiarity with the area, but I’ve been doing some research. I’m just looking to avoid making any big mistakes in planning these few days. I’ve read several times that the area around the Brewers’ facility can be dicey. 
 

Thanks for the response, Nate!

Younger kids under the age of 10 I would probably stay away from the following complexes: Maryvale, Surprise and Tempe.  There just isn't really much for kids to do at these stadiums other than watch the game.  All of the newer complexes have something to do for kids but the previously mentioned ones do not or have very little for kids to do. 

Best one to go with kids is probably the Dbacks and Rockies complex.  It is right next to OdySea which is an aquarium and other things.  If you go there make sure you go on groupon or any other site and find a discount don't pay the full price. 

https://www.odyseaaquarium.com/

Other than that if you do go to the Surprise stadium you could go to the WIld Life Zoo.  This is my favorite Zoo in the Phoenix area.  Others say the Phoenix Zoo is better but I don't agree.  Same as OdySea search on groupon for discounts otherwise it is really expensive to go here.

https://www.wildlifeworld.com/

Depending on which spring training facilities you go to 1-2 hours before game time is fine.  You will really want to do something other than spring training games.  That is usually only like 3-4 hour and then you will need to find something else to do.

Kind of a touristy thing but Tortilla Flats is somewhat fun probably will be more fun for your nephews but still a good time.

https://www.tortillaflataz.com/

 

Another fun area if you want to take a drive is Sedona.  This is kind of like the Wisconsin Dells.  Unless you are really into baseball just doing spring training games would be really boring.  If you are not into the party scene Sedona and Tortilla Flats is probably better options.  If you like golf there are a lot of golf courses just take your pick on which one you want too go to.  Just note this is the busiest time of the year for golfing with all of the MLB players and staff in town plus the snowbirds are still around and locals looking to play some golf. 

https://visitsedona.com/

If that is too far to drive then there are the Tanger Outlets in Glendale.

https://www.tangeroutlet.com/glendale/stores

This one is a little bit further out there but if you go to the Peoria Sports complex it is not all that far from there. 

https://www.outletsanthem.com/

Also Lake Pleasant is open during this time there is a boat tour that takes you along the lake which is rather nice.  There are also some trails you can walk around.  

If you are feeling real daring you could visit the Grand Canyon but please note it is probably going to be really cold during this time of the year.  Bring jackets and warm clothing if you go to the Grand Canyon and if you are coming for spring training why wouldn't you go to the Grand Canyon?

[PlayerHader]

This is great info. Thanks.

[Jpbrew86]

I am also planning a trip this spring with the family. We are planning on a few days in phoenix area and a few in Sedona area. Lots of hiking and baseball. Any idea tips on which area to get a hotel at?

[kestrel79]

Looks like our Air B and B is in Avondale, west of Maryvale. It had high ratings and looked good.

On the off days might hit up the CAF ww2 airplane museum, and go up to the Grand Canyon I've never been there.

[Jpbrew86]

We are thinking March 6-10 not sure on availability for the Airbnb 

[nate82]

3 hours ago, Jpbrew86 said:

Any idea tips on which area to get a hotel at?

Are you into the party scene?  Tempe and Scottsdale would be where you would want to stay then.  Otherwise just about anywhere.  If you want to be able to leave Phoenix and get to Sedona quickly then Peoria, Cave Creek or Surprise would be the best options.

 

[kestrel79]

Anyone head down there yet this year? Good places to eat? Are there any cool places that are Spring Training institution type places to eat at? Looking for places west of Phoenix as that's where we're staying thanks!

 

[nate82]

19 minutes ago, kestrel79 said:

Anyone head down there yet this year? Good places to eat? Are there any cool places that are Spring Training institution type places to eat at? Looking for places west of Phoenix as that's where we're staying thanks!

 

I haven’t found anything spring training related for restaurants.  Wouldn’t really be a good business model.  It really depends on what type of food you like.  Carolina’s is a good Mexican restaurant.  Otherwise there is Mercado de los Cielos, La Pasadita hotdogs and Presto Pizza and Wings (not my favorite).  

 

[sveumrules]

I’m incredibly basic, but I highly recommend Waffle House if they don’t have them where you live.

[kestrel79]

Thanks for the suggestions! I was listening to Uke on the radio and he mentioned a couple places that are traditional places players and staff go to....probably out of our price range but still might be worth checking out.

Heard some 620 staff also talk about eating at some places while down there for work, but they didn't specify what place.

[PlayerHader]

Heading down late Friday. Games Saturday and Sunday for sure. Looking forward to it!

[Underachiever]

I had some fantastic food, but it’s not west of Phoenix as you asked. The chicken with spinach at Los Sombreros in Scottsdale was amazing. Everything we had there was good. Wren and Wolf is ridiculously pricy but spectacular. I liked the pizza at Spinato’s, very reasonable. 
 

I have a lot of complaints about the ballpark food and experience. Cincinnati’s park today featured 20-30 minute food lines. I wanted skyline chili, and they were saying it was a 15-minute wait for Skyline, after I had waited in line. I went to a stand alone burger stand because there were only 6 or 7 people in line. I was told up front there was a 20-minute wait for a burger once you ordered. I was hungry, but there’s a limit to how much of the game I’m willing to miss.
 

brewers are one of the few teams that charges for parking at spring training. They confiscated my drawstring bag, because they apparently weren’t allowed inside the park, where they had a table where you could get…a drawstring bag.
 

good thing I love baseball. 

[PlayerHader]

4 minutes ago, Underachiever said:

I had some fantastic food, but it’s not west of Phoenix as you asked. The chicken with spinach at Los Sombreros in Scottsdale was amazing. Everything we had there was good. Wren and Wolf is ridiculously pricy but spectacular. I liked the pizza at Spinato’s, very reasonable. 
 

I have a lot of complaints about the ballpark food and experience. Cincinnati’s park today featured 20-30 minute food lines. I wanted skyline chili, and they were saying it was a 15-minute wait for Skyline, after I had waited in line. I went to a stand alone burger stand because there were only 6 or 7 people in line. I was told up front there was a 20-minute wait for a burger once you ordered. I was hungry, but there’s a limit to how much of the game I’m willing to miss.
 

brewers are one of the few teams that charges for parking at spring training. They confiscated my drawstring bag, because they apparently weren’t allowed inside the park, where they had a table where you could get…a drawstring bag.
 

good thing I love baseball. 

Any other ballpark info for 1st timers? I think we’re at AmFam Saturday and the Pads place Sunday.

[Underachiever]

Google where the shady seats are, if that matters. Get to Am Fam earlier to park. We got delayed by traffic due to an accident, and the serpentine line of cars trying to park didn’t help.

Reds park is waaaay out west. But parking is easy and free. Cubs park was also east in and out. Went to Chase Field for WBC and Willys Taco Joint was fantastic. 

[nate82]

44 minutes ago, Underachiever said:

Google where the shady seats are, if that matters. Get to Am Fam earlier to park. We got delayed by traffic due to an accident, and the serpentine line of cars trying to park didn’t help.

Reds park is waaaay out west. But parking is easy and free. Cubs park was also east in and out. Went to Chase Field for WBC and Willys Taco Joint was fantastic. 

Caroline's, Tacos Calafia and Taco Boys are better like one million times better.  Mmmmm Tacos Calafia mmmmmmmmm Nachos Al Pastor or Vampiro Al Pastor.  If you are in Tempe, Surprise, Tolleson or in Downtown Phoenix you have to go.  If you want a good bite to eat before leaving and you are dropping off a rental go to WTFexp.  It is near the drop off for rental cars by Buckeye and 10th st.  They have really good sandwiches, burgers, fish and wings.  Pro tip take Buckeye if you are dropping off your rental it is far easier to navigate than the 10 or 17. 

https://wtfexp.com/

[PlayerHader]

Heading to Peoria Sports Complex today for Brewers/Pads. Couple of questions:

1) How early would you recommend arriving for spring training games? What are autograph opportunities like?

2) Any recommendations on a nice, but not extravagant (expense or decorum) place to take my wife for dinner one night? We’re staying in Scottsdale with some of her family. Looking for a 1on 1 meal spot to take her to that isn’t Applebees(which she loves actually) or Olive Garden.

[Underachiever]

17 minutes ago, PlayerHader said:

Heading to Peoria Sports Complex today for Brewers/Pads. Couple of questions:

1) How early would you recommend arriving for spring training games? What are autograph opportunities like?

2) Any recommendations on a nice, but not extravagant (expense or decorum) place to take my wife for dinner one night? We’re staying in Scottsdale with some of her family. Looking for a 1on 1 meal spot to take her to that isn’t Applebees(which she loves actually) or Olive Garden.

All I will say is we had a fantastic meal at Los Sombreros on Scottsdale Rd last week. Sit on the back patio. Our server was Payton, and if you value service, his menu knowledge was great, recommendations were excellent. The pollo con espinaca was lick the bowl good. Great smoky flavors to the food. We had friends who went to a different location in Mesa, did not have a good experience with service and felt very disappointed. Entire meal was under $100. So many great options in Scottsdale.

[nate82]

4 hours ago, PlayerHader said:

Any recommendations on a nice, but not extravagant (expense or decorum) place to take my wife for dinner one night? We’re staying in Scottsdale with some of her family. Looking for a 1on 1 meal spot to take her to that isn’t Applebees(which she loves actually) or Olive Garden.

As has been mentioned Los Sombreros is a good pick otherwise Culinary Dropout, Bootleggers Modern American Smokehouse or Cornish Pasty Co are also good choices.

[PlayerHader]

Heading to AmFam complex today. What time are the minor league games? Are those easy to check out?

Food options outside the complex?