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.