Spring training advice?

[mjwagner65]

I'm new to posting and I am wondering if people can provide suggestions on Phoenix of things to do while there or whether buying tickets before you go or maybe secondary ways to get tickets. Also tips on getting autographs would be appreciated.

[nate82]

Haven't been to a spring training game where the Brewers play so can't help you out there and haven't really went after autographs either.

 

But for things to do around Phoenix I can give you advise on that.

 

If you like beer try this brewery near downtown Phoenix:

 

The menu is light on food but the beer is good I went there last week:

 

Phoenix Ale Brewery

3002 E. Washington St.

Phoenix

 

http://phoenixale.com/

 

Otherwise there are a lot of golf courses. I don't golf so I can't tell you which ones are good but there are a lot to choose from.

 

If you have kids I would suggest either:

 

https://www.k1speed.com/phoenix-location.html

 

or

 

http://www.octaneraceway.com/#&panel1-1

 

or

 

http://outofafricapark.com/

 

 

If you want to go even further north there is Sedona which can be a lot of fun.

 

http://visitsedona.com/

 

Also there are countless number of trails you can go on for hiking. Bring a lot of water it may not be all that hot when you are here but the trails can be tough and you will need a lot of water.

[FVBrewerFan]

I know there are regulars here who live in the Phoenix area, they may chime in. But I've gone a few times, and here's my 2 cents.

 

I have never had an issue getting tickets at the gate the day of the game, even right before the game. Also, it is a small park so pretty easy to move around and sit where you want as the game goes on. Very casual atmosphere. However, if you want certain seating (right behind the Brewers dugout for example) that would probably require you to order tickets ASAP, if it's not too late already. Also, keep the sun in mind. If you rather sit in the shade, make sure you mention that when buying tickets. We sit in the sun, and just move to a shaded area if it gets too hot.

 

We always visit a couple other parks during our trip. Gives us a chance to see other areas of Phoenix. It's also fun to scout out restaurants, sports bars, brew pubs, etc. in these different areas.

 

As Nate mentioned, we usually drive up to Sedona for the day. Last time we rented ATVs, and that was a blast! There are trails to hike in the Phoenix area, as easy or difficult as you want. Or you can just drive to the top of one of the mountains for a great view.

 

I'm not an autograph hound, so can't help you there. But I always see people hanging on the rails next to the Brewers dugout. Some players sign, some don't. I'm sure that varies by day and time on who signs, who doesn't. My gut tells me the earlier you get there, the better.

 

Have fun!

[Patrick425]

With the exception of 2 or 3 years, our family has gone to ST every year since 2002. We go for a week and we go to a Brewer game just about every day we are there (home or away). Not sure when you are going, but we have normally gone during the first week of ST and crowds are not as big then. Tickets are never hard to get at Maryvale, but there will be somewhat bigger crowds when they play teams like the Cubs, Dodgers, Giants, Angels, and Diamondbacks. If you go to a game at the park of one of these teams, you should still be able to buy a ticket at the gate, but the selection may not be great and the price will be a bit higher than Maryvale (still, prices at all parks in AZ are a bargain compared to FL spring training games). Most stadiums have grass OF berms and that is were we buy our tickets for a majority of the games.

 

-In regards to autographs, we are not huge autograph hounds, but my son has done some autograph seeking at some of the games we have gone to. Some hints for autographs at Maryvale. Stake out the first base line before a game. If you can get front row tickets there - even better (we usually sit there for one game each year - and this is where my son has received most of his autographs). Other than that, the most popular spot to get autographs is on the concourse down the first base line next to the fan zone shop. There is a gated area there where player enter and exit the clubhouse. The starting players usually leave the game around the 5th inning (especially in early ST games), and it's best to beat the crowd and head up there an inning early. Just a warning though that some of the autograph seekers are really aggressive, grown adults that carry around books of trading cards to be signed and will not think twice about nudging a young kid to the side to get an autograph.

 

- As for places to eat. The Phoenix locals that post on this board can probably give you better ideas, but we have a few favorites. Most years we go to Don and Charlies. Very popular restaurant with lots of sport memorabilia. Players and coaches often eat there as well. However, I will admit that it's a bit pricey and the food is good, but not great. You will need a reservation. We also like to go to Fridays in Chase Field. Similar to Fridays at Miller, depending on the weather (don't count on it always being warm and sunny in March!), you can sit outside and take in views of the stadium. If the outside seating is not available, you can always request a seat by a window. Last year when we went, we discovered Zin Burger in Scottsdale. Great burgers and shakes.

 

- I would also suggest going to one of the Maryvale games a couple of hours early and taking in some of the minor league practices on the auxiliary fields. The first time you go back there you may feel like you are in a restricted area because you are basically walking among the players as they move from field to field. I would suggest getting familiar with some of the Brewer prospects or even bringing a list when you go so that you have an idea of the players you are watching. The batting cages and field that is basically attached to the main field is were the MLB players warm up and practice (south of the main field). You won't be able to get into this area, but there are gaps in fences where you can peer in and watch. Last year as we were leaving a game we saw Braun and Lucroy doing wind sprints with resistance bands on the small field. It was pretty cool, since there was no one else around and we could stake out the gap in the fence and take pictures.

[pacopete4]

Maryville is a dump but it's hard not to go to the Brewers park when going. I really enjoyed where the Cubs now play at Sloan Park in Mesa, AZ and where the Padres play in Peoria, AZ. Very nice areas with a lot of place to eat (drink), and shop.

[AZBrewCrew]

Honestly the best time to get signatures from professional athletes is BEFORE the games start,during the team workouts. Obviously this isn't ideal for everyone but if you are an autograph fanatic,February is your time. As for food,what is your preferred cuisine?

[djoctagone]

looking to take in an away game at one of the newer stadiums in 2017 (have seen plenty of maryvale). is salt river at talking stick the most raved about venue, or is it something else?