ifollosports.com's 2011 guide to Arizona's Cactus League
ifollosports.com is your source for information regarding the scene surrounding Major League Baseball spring training in Arizona and Florida.
Our first stop is the sights and sounds of the Cactus League in Arizona.
The Phoenix Metropolitan Area is home to 15 big league teams. Because so many franchises operate in and around Phoenix, Feb/March in the Valley of the Sun is heaven for a baseball fan. 15 teams within 40 miles, it is as simple as that.
MLB.com provides an excellent map noting the locations of each Arizona based team. The smaller, more accessible layout of spring training stadiums present a fantastic opportunity for fans to get up close and personal with players.
The East Valley is the more crowded and vibrant area of Phoenix. In fact, the city of Scottsdale is the true center of activity for the entire region.
Six teams call the East Valley home. These teams are the San Francisco Giants, Colorado Rockies, Arizona Diamondbacks, Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
Below is a breakdown of the hotspots in this area. Keep in mind that many of the West Valley based players and fans will head east to enjoy the best of Arizona nightlife.
Scottsdale
Scottsdale Stadium 7408 East Osborn Rd. (Home of Giants)
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick 7555 North Pima Rd. (Home of Rockies & Diamondbacks)
Downtown Scottsdale has the highest concentration of restaurants, shopping and nightlife in the metro area. It is the center of nighttime activity for all MLB players and fans.
Six Lounge & Restaurant, Martini Ranch and the Saddle Ranch are among the top places to mix it up with baseball's best.
Hotel Valley Ho and the W Scottsdale are the sites of constant player activity during spring training.
Don & Charlie's Steakhouse combines great food and one of the most renowned collections of sports memorabilia in the country. The walls are filled with photos of athletes who have dined there through the years. It is a revolving door of baseball personnel during spring training. Get your reservations early, this place fills up fast.
Phoenix
Phoenix Municipal Stadium 5999 East Van Buren (Home of Athletics)
East Camelback Corridor
The Biltmore Fashion Park and adjacent restaurants are a gathering spot for teams and fans from throughout the area. Morton's the Steakhouse-Phoenix is one of the prime dining locations.
This area represents a common meeting spot for players due to its proximity to a collection of very high end hotels. These properties include: The Phoenician Resort, Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix and the Arizona Biltmore.
Downtown Phoenix
Phoenix Suns home games are the venue where many spring training players congregate at night during their time in Arizona.
US Airways Arena 201 E. Jefferson St.
Mesa
HoHoKam Park 1235 N. Center St. (Home of Cubs)
Sluggo's Sports Grill is always hopping with members of the Cubs organization and their fans. It is truly Chicago Southwest.
Best Western Dobson Ranch Inn has been the Cubs' spring training headquarters for more than 30 years.
Tempe
Temple Diablo Stadium 2200 W. Alameda Dr (Home of Angels)
The Mill Avenue District is the center of activity for nearby Arizona State University. It also serves as the epicenter of Tempe's spring training scene.
Rustler's Rooste, located near Tempe Diablo Stadium (restaurant technically within the city limits of Phoenix) is a well known haunt for players and fans alike.
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 Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox, Kansas City Royals, Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners, Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds.
Maryvale section of Phoenix
Maryvale Baseball Park 3600 N. 51st Ave. (Home of Brewers)
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.
Glendale
Camelback Ranch 10710 W. Camelback Road (Dodgers & White Sox share facility)
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.
9400 W. Maryland Ave.
University of Phoenix Stadium, also situated within the Westgate complex, is home to the Arizona Cardinals.
1 Cardinals Drive
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
Surprise Stadium 15930 N. Bullard Ave (Royals & Rangers share facility)
Hub of activity situated on Bell Road. Many players and fans travel to nearby Peoria for enhanced dining and entertainment options.
Peoria
Peoria Sports Complex 16101 N. 83rd Ave. (Padres & Mariners share facility)
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
Goodyear Ballpark 1933 S. Ballpark Way (Indians & Reds share facility)
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.
