This week, iFollo.com is your source for the best places to encounter the players and fans that have flocked to Arizona and Florida for Major League Baseball spring training.
Today’s focus is the West Valley of the Phoenix Metropolitan Area.
Because so many franchises operate in and around Phoenix, March in the Valley of the Sun is heaven for a baseball fan. 13 teams within 37 miles, it is as simple as that.
The West Valley is the more recently developed portion of the area. Land is less expensive and more available. As a result, nine teams base their operations within this geography.
These teams are: the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox, Kansas City Royals, Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners, Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers.
MLB.com provides an excellent map noting the locations of each team.
Below is a breakdown of the places to be in this area.
As noted in Monday’s posting, Scottsdale, East Camelback Corridor, Downtown Phoenix and Tempe are the spots with the best nightlife in the metro area.
Please refer to that article for further information.
Glendale – Home of the Dodgers & White Sox
Camelback Ranch (Dodgers & White Sox share facility)
10710 W. Camelback Road
The Westgate City Center is an entertainment, dining, shopping and residential development, located just east of Camelback Ranch. This outdoor venue is a hub for players and fans alike during spring training.
The Jobing.com Arena, located within the Westgate City Center, is home to the Phoenix Coyotes and the area’s best concerts. Paul McCartney performs on March 28 and the Black Eyed Peas play on March 31. These events will be filled with a bevy of visiting players and fans.
9400 W. Maryland Ave.
University of Phoenix Stadium, also situated within the Westgate complex, is home to the Arizona Cardinals. On March 28, it will be the site of Wrestlemania XXVI.
1 Cardinals Drive
During the next couple weeks, Glendale will be a massive center of activity. MLB players, from all 13 Phoenix based teams, will be in attendance at many of these events.
The Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa, located in nearby Litchfield Park, is the preferred hotel of the Dodgers and White Sox. It is the official hotel of the Kansas City Royals.
Surprise – Home of the Royals & Rangers
Surprise Stadium (Royals & Rangers share facility)
15930 N. Bullard Ave.
Hub of activity situated on Bell Road. Many players and fans travel to nearby Peoria for enhanced dining and entertainment options.
Peoria – Home of the Padres & Mariners
Peoria Sports Complex (Padres & Mariners share facility)
16101 N. 83rd Ave.
83rd Ave/Bell Corridor is the best place to encounter MLB personnel in Peoria.
SKYE Restaurant is a local spot for fine dining and outstanding live music. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar is also an active venue during spring training.
Goodyear – Home of the Indians & Reds
Goodyear Ballpark (Indians & Reds share facility)
1933 S. Ballpark Way
Activity centered on Estrella Pkwy and Litchfield Rd. Many players and fans venture north to Glendale and Peoria for greater dining and entertainment choices. This area becomes Ohio West during the month of March.
Maryvale section of Phoenix – Home of the Brewers
Maryvale Baseball Park
3600 N. 51st Ave.
This facility is located in the least quality neighborhood in the Cactus League. It is certainly safe to attend games, but there is little activity after the game ends. Players and fans venture west into Glendale or east towards Phoenix and Scottsdale for dining and entertainment opportunities.
Photograph Source: Concierge.com
