Spring training?

Book early. Places tend to fill up at that time of year. All the ballparks are easy to get to. Can pick up tickets at just about any time. A lot of good restaurants in the area. If you have an off day get up to see the Grand Canyon it is awesome.

After the dust settled the only issue I had with the team Ryan was drafted by was that they were not an AZ Spring team. I love Spring training in AZ. Go to the sites of the teams who are there and many have Spring Training specials. Then look at the others and make out an itinerary to do an AZ stadium tour.

Shoot, rz1, FL ain't bad is it?

quote:

Originally posted by FormerObserver:
Shoot, rz1, FL ain't bad is it?

FO,

I've found out in the last few months that my favorite team can change and I can be bought. Maybe I'll see you in FL this Spring

Naw, I'm going to AZ.

quote:

I've found out in the last few months that my favorite team can change and I can be bought

Me too.

FO,

You dawg

I had never heard of the Oakland Athletics.

OK, I'll shut up so ya'll can help emerald out.

I'm observing, too.

Need a place to stay.

Close.

Cheap.

Oh wow,

I've been browsing hotel options. It is expensive down there! (I think maybe this is why we've never gone before -- I'm remembering the annual converstions... The kids want to go. I want to go. Hubby sort-of wants to go. By the time we decide to bite the bullet, there's nowhere to stay.)

I wish we owned an rv. I've heard that's a good way to do it.

Close.

Cheap.

Are we dreaming?

There are plenty of options but it does involve a lot of driving.
Nicest stadium would be in Scottsdale where the Giants play. Most expensive also in terms of hotels and food.
The Cubbies are in HoHoCam in Tempe, not far from ASU. Close and a little pricey but worth it is the Pointe at South Mountain. The Mariners are also close but I forget the stadium. The A's are in a similar area in Peoria. All of these except the Giants are within 10 minutes of Sky Harbor Airport.
One team trains in Chandler, which is 20 minutes or so from Tempe. I am guessing you can find more reasonable rates there. Other teams are in Tucson, about 90 minutes away.
I would really recommend you also hit the minor league facilities. There are usually 2 games each day at each facility and they start at 1pm. It you choose to do that, go between March 5 and March 30 or so. Between March 31 and April 4/5 is when they release players in the minor leagues. If you truly want to know what minor league baseball is about, that is it but it is very emotional. There is no charge to watch the minor league games and they are pretty darn fun.
Hope this helps you get a start. It is a blast.
I just checked on Hotel.com for Chandler, AZ in March. Plenty of rooms in the $80-90 range which is great for that time of year.
Also, the minor league facilities are not always with MLB stadium so you need to locate them if you choose to see some of those instead of paying to watch MLB guys for an inning or two.

Our son was in several tournaments in Peoria at the Padres' facility and we stayed at one of the hotels practically across the street from the compound. It had a nice breakfast bar which was included in the price but unfortunately I can't remember the name.

There are a lot of restaurants on the main drag as well.

And of course you should consider a trip down to Tucson to see the Diamondbacks' spring training ... especially since the franchise has been sold and rumor has it that their AAA team will be heading to Reno within the next couple of years. If the timing is right, and if our youngin' is still employed by the Dbacks, we might be able to meet.

The Padres and the Mariners are at the same complex in Peoria, MLB and the minors work out at the same location. good place to stay lots of great places to eat and there is a mall all at the same location.
15 mins down the street in Surprise is the Rangers and the Royals complex. Both MLB and minors work out at the same complex.
Book your hotel early. (Royals minor leaguers stay at the Quality Inn in Surprise.)

Thank you all.
njbb -- do you know the name of the mall, or the street. Our local short 'A' team is a Padres affiliate. So it would be fun to be there. Is it possible to do without a car, if we only plan to see the Padres/Mariners?

Its Arrow head Mall on Bell Rd. (not the biggest mall.) although every thing is right there it is can be a hike to the field... I'd rent a car but the rental car taxes are $$$$$$$ on airport rentals .... Ive been told some people take a shuttle to hotel and then rent cars and the taxes are lower.... I guess it depends how long you stay... some thing to check into.
With a car you could go into Scottsdale about 45min. visit White Tank Park about 30 mins.

Not only are you competing with tourist, the minor leagues are also staying at the cheaper hotels so book early... usually there is not a problem if you have to cancel because its so easy for them to rent the rooms..