Spring Training Complexes
Salt River Fields, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies, is the largest spring training facility in Arizona. It features an 11,000-seat stadium and 12 practice fields spread across 140 acres.
One place I’ve grown up going to in March is Arizona. The warmth of the desert sun after a chilly start to the morning, mixed with the sounds of gloves and baseballs and the excitement of another season of baseball. It all coincides with the beauty of spring Ttraining.
Some of my favorite ballparks actually reside in the Phoenix metro area. They may not hold the massive capacities as actual MLB parks dispersed throughout the country, but the intimacy and personal flavor that goes with spring training ballparks is unmatched.
West of Phoenix
Let’s start on the west side of Phoenix, many of which I haven’t actually been to. There are five ballparks that are on each side of the city, and they represent different teams and different themes of the desert.
One ballpark on the west side of Phoenix includes American Family Field of Phoenix, the home of the Milwaukee Brewers. I’ve never attended a game here, but I’ve heard solid things about the field near Maryvale.
Further west of that ballpark is Camelback Ranch, the home of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago White Sox. This is one of my favorite complexes in the region. It’s massive and spread out between both clubs, and allows for plenty of up-close access to bullpens and morning workouts. The ballpark itself is also super intimate and allows a good view of rising stars and already solidified stars.
Southwest of Camelback Ranch is Goodyear Ballpark, home of the Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds. This is another location I have not been to yet. (I promise you I’ll get to all of them at some point.)
The final two ballparks on the west side includes Surprise Stadium, home of the Kansas City Royals and the Texas Rangers. I went here when I was super young as guests of former Rangers manager Ron Washington.
Peoria Sports Complex is also on the west side. It makes up the home of the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres. Also a top notch spring training ballpark that is accessible to fans who want an up close and personal access.
East of Phoenix
Tempe Diablo Stadium, the home of the Los Angeles Angels, is a unique space. It’s kind of congested and older, but provides some good views of the surrounding hilltop where the Marriott resort is situated.
Scottsdale Stadium, also on the older side, is the home of the San Francisco Giants. It’s in a good location, but it isn’t my favorite ballpark even though I’m a Giants fan. There is no bad seat, but it’s a bit of a tight stadium in Old Town Scottsdale.
The Chicago Cubs’ Sloan Park is a nice ballpark and represents a mini Wrigley Field. They have pretty good access to morning workouts before afternoon games.
Hohokam Stadium in Mesa is the home of the Athletics. It’s a fine ballpark with nothing too crazy or too shabby.
My Favorite
This leaves the best for last. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. This is the best spring training site that I’ve attended games at. It has everything you can ask for if you’re a baseball fan. From expansive practice facilities and ballfields to up-close personal access overlooking batting cages, to a ballpark that is a solid size for a spring training site. It’s kept up very well, and sits in North Scottsdale in a great location.
Overall, I’m a few ballparks away from attending all of the Arizona spring training sites, and can’t wait for March.