Spring Training Advice

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Oct 8, 2005 4:25 PM PDT Comment 32 comments

Hi All!

I have been entertaining the idea of going to Spring Training this year. A friend of mine has family down there and we will most likely be staying with them. Which is really good because I can't afford to stay in any of the hotels they have listed on the website.

So I am totally a Spring Training Virgin and I have no idea what to expect. So I have a few questions for all of you who have gone before.

How do I go about getting tickets to just the games? The packages they have on the website are all for the hotels and include the games.
How much do the games usually cost?
Since Spring Training is so long, which week would you suggest I go?
Do they have a schedule of the teams they will be playing that I might be able to see before hand to help me pick when to go?
Are there any must attend events?
Any other tips and secrets (or fun stories) that you might know and would like to share about Spring Training would be great!
I know, I have a lot of questions, but I don't have the money to go down there and not be prepared! (I spent it all on Season Tickets!) So anything that you all might be able to tell me about Spring Training would be much appreciated!

Thanks a Bunch Everyone!

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My favorite time of year!

I love spring training...it's so wonderful soaking up the sun with other happy and relaxed fans, rejoicing about the return of baseball. :) The stadiums are small and cozy, so you're closer to the action than you can ever be at the Colesium, which makes for awesome photo opportunities. And if you're big on autographs, you'll be in heaven -- get to the game an hour before it starts, and you'll usually find plenty of players happy to oblige (and also to pose with you for pictures).

Teams will release their spring training schedules in the next few months -- probably around December. I usually buy all my tickets online to ensure getting good seats, but in most cases (especially in early March, which I think is the best time to go) tickets are available for walk-up purchase on the day of the game, which allows you to avoid the extra transaction charges. I wouldn't risk that for games in Mesa (there are an inordinate number of Cubs fans in the Phoenix area) or Scottsdale (Gnats fans flock down there in hopes of seeing Bonds), both of which are prone to selling out.

A lot of stadiums have grass areas in the outfield and offer particularly inexpensive tickets for those areas for under $10. At the other end of the spectrum, the best seats (which can often put you within a few feet of the on-deck circle, or occasionally next to scouts, GMs, or reporters -- I saw Peter Gammons and Angels GM Bill Stoneman this year) go up to about $25 depending on the stadium. I fear they will raise prices again this year, since I've noticed an increase in attendance in each of the 3 years that I've been going.

It's best if you have a car, because the teams play in different places every day, so you'll want to follow them to the various stadiums. All but 2 of them are in the Phoenix area, and are no more than a 30-40 minute drive from each other. Surprise Stadium, where the Rangers and Royals play is my favorite -- it's absolutely gorgeous and they sell all kinds of fun foods. I also love going to the Brewers stadium, amazingly, because it's easy to get good seats there; plus it's like a home game since the visiting team almost always has more fans present than the poor Brewers. I also enjoy going to games against the White Sox, Rockies, and Diamondbacks -- they all play in Tucson, which is a pleasant 90 minute drive from the Phoenix area.

Besides the main event, you can also attend minor league spring training games, which have the additional advantage of being free. They split into two squads -- the advanced kids starting out in AA/AAA, and the youngsters in A ball. One squad will play at home in Papago Park (which is a couple miles from the A's main park, Phoenix Muni), while the other is on the road that same day. I had a hard time finding a schedule last year, but finally dug one up on the internet in February or March. Since their reporting date is later, their games don't start until mid-March.

Even at the regular major league games, expect to see lots of the minor leaguers -- especially early on in the spring, guys on the 25 man roster generally won't play more than 5 innings. You'll get to see plenty of prospects like Ethier, Barton, and Suzuki, as they'll be with the major league camp for the first few weeks in March.

One more thing -- while at Phoenix Muni, look up into the second floor of the small-ish building behind the first-base side of the stadium...that's where Beane's office is, and I've seen him up there watching the game with his bare feet splayed up on his desk. :)

by sarajune13 on Oct 8, 2005 6:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

You will love it

Spring training is a blast.

Yes, there will be a schedule, the A's will post it on their website eventually. There are a lot of ballparks in the area, so if you will be there a while you can go see a couple of them. I think I remember being able to get tickets through the A's season ticket holder phone number. Since you are one, that's an easy way to get them. They normally go on sale the first couple of days in December. Tickets are generally cheap. I think you can get great seats for about $14 and they have much cheaper ones.

The A's home dugout is on the first base side. Get there early, the players are really accessible during Spring Training, and are typically signing plenty of stuff for people.

I'd suggest going early to mid-March. By late March, it's already so close to the regular season, it's almost worth waiting until the season starts at that point. Depends a bit also on who you want to see play. Early on, the regulars don't play as long, but once the season gets closer, they like to stretch guys out a bit.

Enjoy, BCG, there will be plenty of good people there that really enjoy the game.

by oaktowngold on Oct 8, 2005 6:08 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

thanks for posting this diary, BobbyCrosbysGirl!

i'm a spring training virgin and i'm planning on going this coming spring too! =)

"you know it's way cooler to be an A's fan" - billy beane to larry krueger

by gotgreen on Oct 8, 2005 6:08 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

bottomline..

Stay at the doubletree, Its where the team stays, I have a ton of fun and cool stories from staying there. Obviously like people like chavez and the real stars stay at condos and stuff but all the rookies and other players and coaches stay there. AND THERE NICE!.

Lets go Oakland!

by bballfanr33 on Oct 8, 2005 6:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I second that

The first year I stayed there, both Miguel Tejada and Tim Hudson were there. Miggy was absolutely the best, and I often saw him taking time to talk with fans around the hotel. Huddy and his family hung out at the pool on an off day, and watching him with his little daughter was absolutely touching.

In subsequent years, I've seen Swisher, Rincon, Wash, Macha, and others. Sitting next to Swish and Wash at breakfast one day was worth the price -- Swish and his never-ending mouth are always hilarious.

by sarajune13 on Oct 8, 2005 6:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Which doubletree?

by KEVINfromCV on Oct 10, 2005 12:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

doubletree

I've been looking at it online, it would be the one that says Phx Center or something like that

by SeanR on Oct 10, 2005 10:34 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Doubletree Guest Suites Phoenix

It's on the corner of Van Buren and 44th St.

It's a convenient location -- minutes from the airport, a straight shot of about 1.5 miles down Van Buren to get to Phoenix Muni, and about 10 minutes away from the hopping area of downtown Tempe.

by sarajune13 on Oct 10, 2005 12:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

it's a nice place

the rooms are reasonably big suites (multiple sections). We didn't run into any A's there last spring, but then again we weren't trying real hard at the hotel.

by Apricot on Oct 10, 2005 2:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

and don't forget

the World Baseball Classic

by high street on Oct 8, 2005 6:30 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Warning! Spring training will spoil you.

Once you experience the intimacy of the spring training games, all of the easy access to the players, and the phenomenal seating, a game at the old ballpark will seem like to many outsiders are intruding upon your private game.

I went last year and had a fantastic time. My son even got to be batboy. I wrote all about my experiences on AN.

See: http://www.athleticsnation.com/story/2005/3/21/152415/017#commenttop

This year has been my most enjoyable year as an A's fan. I think going to spring training had a lot to do with that statement.

by Hang Man on Oct 8, 2005 8:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

if u have a

day to take and want to get away from the baseball, take a trip down to Sedona. It's one of the most breathtaking things to bee seen.

by zaniac75 on Oct 8, 2005 8:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for posting

I went 2 years ago to Florida and am going to be going this year with my buddy to Arizona to actually see my favorite team play. I don't know how to describe it, but its just heaven. I literally walked a mile with CC Sabathia to get to one of the stadiums, just talking back and forth with him. All the players will pose with you or sign-the rare exceptions are the jerks, but I'd say 95% of players aren't.

Someone said that its great to be able to sit back and experience the game with people that reall love the game. I can't agree with that statement any more. First off, everyone is on their vacation, so they are in good moods to begin with, but these people just generally care about baseball. There are obnoxious autograph seekers (being an autograph seeker that isn't obnoxious, I tend to run into these types a lot), yet players can see through that pretty good.

The biggest thing I recommend, though, is staying at the stadium FOREVER. If theres a game at 1, get there at 9. You'll see all the players pull up, they will talk to you in their street clothes (provided you recognize them) and there will probably only be 5 other fans with you. It sucks waking up that early but you really get some great experiences. Then after the game, wait out until the last player leaves. The young guys that no one can recognize will really befriend you if you reach out-I actually have cell numbers of two prospects on Philadelphia just because they knew people who went to my college. It's just ridiculous how fun it all is. Also makes rooting a lot easier, because you really get favorite players, and know them as people, not just faces on TV.

by SeanR on Oct 8, 2005 10:05 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Eat at

Fraser's Steakhouse in Scottsdale. The players often go there, and the food is exceptional. Try to find them at AXIS Radius nightclub in Scottsdale. We had VIP to go there last year, but for some reason we ended up doing something else. The next day we learned that Chavez, Crosby, Swisher, and like ten other players were in the same VIP area we were going to go to and buying people drinks. DAMN!

by KEVINfromCV on Oct 9, 2005 3:45 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Tempe is also a ton of fun

I went to Spring Training the last 2 years with 3 of my best friends. We always managed to end up there around St. Patrick's Day, and it's always a blast to go out that night in the area around ASU in Tempe. Lots of fun bars and tons of people just out having a good time. We saw a couple of players walking down the street 2 different nights in Tempe, though I'm sure most of them do the majority of their partying in Scottsdale.

Phoenix/Scottsdale is awesome. Great weather and tons of fun. I'm so excited to go again!!

by nycfan on Oct 9, 2005 5:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Addtl Restaurant reccs

Don and Charlies Restaurant in Scottsdale. The steak is a must as are reservations. They take reservations up to a month in advance and I recommend the earlier the better. Well known with lots of players frequenting the place and we saw Vida Blue while we were there. Tons of sports memorabilia on the walls. http://www.donandcharlies.com/

Also Honey Bears BBQ has great food. Their food lives up to the company motto, "You don't need no teeth to eat our meat." Reasonably priced. http://www.honeybearsbbq.com/

by Playball on Oct 9, 2005 5:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Wake up early...

Don't waste the day. Phoenix Muni opens their gates early (when the A's play away) allowing fans to walk in and watch the A's take BP and chat with the players. It's awesome!

And don't forget to bring a jacket. Those Arizona nights can get a bit chilly. Lotion is a good idea as well since the air tends to dry out your skin pretty quickly.

You'll have a blast at ST. I've always wanted to go and finally did last year... it's a great experience unlike any other. I'll be there again next year. Have fun!

by baseballnut020 on Oct 9, 2005 8:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

question

for those of you that have been to spring training, do you recommend going with one of those spring training tours or just going on your own?

"you know it's way cooler to be an A's fan" - billy beane to larry krueger

by gotgreen on Oct 9, 2005 8:08 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Go on your own!

I've been to ST three times & think that the tours are a rip-off, unless you need somebody to go with (it's a lot more fun with other fans.) Airfares from here are cheap (I'm a Southwest kind of gal) and you can get a cheap rental car from Enterprise, so only the hotel gets expensive if you stay at the Doubletree.

BUT: I've found that if you're a season ticket holder or a friend of one, you can find out where the big party is. :-) And those are a lot of fun.

I like to go early in March so I can see the minor leaguers. The only "iffy" part of this is the weather; I've gotten rained on more than once.

by Batgal on Oct 10, 2005 4:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

thanks, sandita!

i put a deposit down for my 2006 season tix already so hopefully i will get the info about "the big party"! =)

"you know it's way cooler to be an A's fan" - billy beane to larry krueger

by gotgreen on Oct 10, 2005 4:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Spring Training

The schedule should be out in Nov or Dec. Keep a watch for ticket information on the A's website for games at Phoenix Muni. For tickets to other parks, you have to visit the websites for those teams.... of course you have to pay all the fees they add for buying through tickets.com. I think the best weeks to be there are 2nd or 3rd week of March when the regulars will play longer in games. I usually go from 13th to 21st. A lot of the ballparks have grass seats and are very affordable. I agree as some others have said, Surprise and Maryvale are nice parks to see a game. You can always get good seats at Maryvale. You'll love spring training and once you get a taste, you'll want to go back each year.

by oaklandbbfan on Oct 9, 2005 8:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Answers

* How do I go about getting tickets to just the games? The packages they have on the website are all for the hotels and include the games.

About the time the A's announce their schedule, you can order tickets through their web site to individual games. This is recommended if you're going on a weekend and the opponent is someone likely to draw a crowd like the Giants or the Angels or the Diamondbacks. However, if you're going midweek and you blanch at paying usurious ticket handling fees to TicketMaster and their ilk, you can probably just walk up to the ticket window on the day of a game and pick up seats.

* How much do the games usually cost?

I don't have Phoenix Municipal Stadium information readily at my disposal, but I paid $10 for seats behind the third base dugout 16 rows back. Other stadiums around the Phoenix area -- and one of the nice things about the Cactus League is that many of the stadiums are very close to each other -- you can get in for as little as $5 for a lawn seat.

* Since Spring Training is so long, which week would you suggest I go?

Depends what you're looking to see. If you like to watch both games and workouts, you'll want to go around the first week of March. If you don't mind seeing the minor leaguers see more action, you'll want to go during the beginning of spring training. If you're more interested in seeing the established players, set your trip toward the latter part of March.

If you can, go midweek -- it's not as crowded then.

* Do they have a schedule of the teams they will be playing that I might be able to see before hand to help me pick when to go?

Yeah, the A's will put up a schedule sometime after the new year.

The Arizona Republic's Web site puts up a schedule right before spring training starts, too.

* Are there any must attend events?

I'd really recommend going to the workouts, if you can. Those are usually at 10 in the morning and you get to see the players in their element.

* Any other tips and secrets (or fun stories) that you might know and would like to share about Spring Training would be great!

Folks here have already mentioned Don & Charlie's and Honey Bear's BBQ, which I heartily endorse. The Carlsbad Tavern and the Four Peaks Brewery are also good places to grab some grub.

And I have much more Cactus League advice along those lines here:

http://sports.intertext.com/archives/001243.html
http://sports.intertext.com/archives/001244.html

by MonkeyBoy on Oct 9, 2005 8:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Phoenix Muni ticket prices

Field Box... $20
Lower Box... $18
Upper Box... $15
Outfield Reserve... $10
General Admission... $7

These were the prices for ST this year. I hope they don't raise 'em.

by baseballnut020 on Oct 9, 2005 10:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

two words

Athletics Nation Spring Training Party.

Make it happen.

ps. This year we went to the spring training workouts which were weirdly fascinating. Wash should have his own HBO reality TV show.

by Apricot on Oct 9, 2005 10:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Link to 2006 ST schedule:

http://www.oaklandfans.com/discus/messages/6115/7842.html?1128464753

from the OAFC board.

GotGreen, I haven't been on the tour package deals, but I don't think they are necessary. You'll save money just setting it all up on your own.

by KEVINfromCV on Oct 10, 2005 12:15 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

thanks, kevin!

"you know it's way cooler to be an A's fan" - billy beane to larry krueger

by gotgreen on Oct 10, 2005 4:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

i hope you have fun!

ive been to the grapefruit league spring training the last two years. its pretty cheap if you plan well, and my friends and i go every spring break now. its SO much fun and you get the chance to get very close to the players and, like everyone else has said, they are SUPER friendly. everything is relaxed and the atmosphere is unlike anything youll get during the regular season. last year, at the tigers complex in lakeland, we got to go back to the practice fields behind the stadium and see all the players just joking around and hanging out, we got a ton of pictures and autographs and met up with a few of them later that night for drinks. we also got to see huddy in orlando and hopefully we will get to see mulder this year in south florida! (haha) so, have fun and see a lot of parks... its something youll never forget!!!!

GOOD LUCK! :):)

Living in the mitten is second best to being Canadian...

Lets go GVSU!

by Alisa on Oct 10, 2005 11:41 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

second the thought

on attending brewers games, for example. i stay away from weekend cubs and giants games. way too popular. even on the road, those two teams' fans are too eager to travel. 2 teams in tucson - chisox and dbacks. too far to drive. leaves 9. stay away from giants and cubbies. leaves 7 teams. i always go on a mon-fri schedule. at least 5 day games. will catch a few night games along the way for some sweet day / night doubleheaders. so, in five days without any tickets bought before hand, maybe not the "top draws" whatever that means, 6-7-8 games within an hours drive, general admission 10 dollars or so. the best baseball time of your life. guaranteed. for sure, make your motel reservations beforehand. give or take $60 per night. about $100 a day. see ya there.

by oakath on Oct 10, 2005 12:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

The Brewers stadium IS a nice place!

And they actually do their sausage race!! That alone is worth the price of admission...but it is the second prettiest park I've been to over there. I still like ours the best & it's not just that I'm biased. The surrounding scenery is awesome (Pagago Peak in all its purpleness.)

by Batgal on Oct 10, 2005 4:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

A blast

Looks like you are covered now for all the when and where. Couldn't tell you more than what has already been said.
I can tell you that I had a blast. I have been meaning to go for a few years - it is only about a 5-6 hour drive from SoCal.
I finally went last year with my six-year-old son. It was a blast. Great weather that time of year - nice during the day and at night. I went later in March (last two games before they headed back home to play the Gnats) because I could not get away from work. I will try to go earlier this year. My son got a couple autographs - Charles Thomas and Jermaine Clark (hmm, both ended up starting in AAA). He got a kick out of seeing Jermaine Clark on the roster when they called him up last year. We were there for two games and just missed Beane on day one. Got there a little late by about a half hour and some of the fans told us about Beane cruising around and signing autographs. I only made it to Phoenix Muni which was nice - great location between Phoenix and Scottsdale. Oldtown Scottsdale is a nice place to hang out, as well as Mill Ave in Tempe.

by easyraider on Oct 10, 2005 1:41 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

#1 word of advice:

Become an A's eason ticket holder eally soon, or become really good friends with one.

You can order to ST tickets of your choice from the ST line and not pay any shipping and handling charges.

On top of that...I have way more advice, but I'm sure it will be gleaned over the next few months here before the pitchers and catchers report.

Pick up Payton's Option...P...P...P...Please?

by saint on Oct 10, 2005 1:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

ST is heaven

I've gone to ST for about the past 13 years with my grandfather. We go to golf and watch baseball. I started back when I was about 8, and have been hooked since. It helps to have a grandfather who's a lawyer, and can afford these things...

Anyway, ST is the best time to watch baseball. It seems so pure and fun, games at a MLB park are an entirely different animal. You can actually talk to the players (I had a couple nice chats with Nebraska alumnus Dan Johnson last spring), and the weather is great.

I'd recommend seeing an away A's game at Peoria, it's the home park of the Padres and Mariners. It's a nice place, recently remodeled, and easy to get to. There is a pretty good concourse of food and the parking/traffic situation is pretty good. There's also the added benefit of very nice and knowledgeable San Diego and Seattle fans. They are easily the best rival fans I've met personally.

Scottsdale at night is a great recommendation. There are plenty of nice places to go, and to eat at, and the players hang out there, too. Old town Scottsdale is pretty nice, also.

If you're prepared, you can have quite a good time down there for not a whole lot of money. Plus, Phoenix in March is absolutely perfect weather. Well, it's a heck of a lot better than Nebraska in March, at least.

Best wishes on a great ST trip! If you see a 21 year old guy in an A's hat and Nebraska t-shirt, it's probably me, having another great time in Arizona watching ball...

--Nebraska--

by Ryan Armbrust on Oct 10, 2005 11:45 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs