Arizona spring training is one of the best ways to enjoy our beautiful desert weather — even if you’re not a die-hard baseball fan.
Salt River Fields in Scottsdale is home to both the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks during spring training season. With mountain views, grass seating, and open-air design, it’s one of the most scenic spring training venues in Arizona.
While I am not generally a baseball aficionado (is that a word?), my Colorado roots and Arizona address happen to meet at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale. Both the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks share the training field so it seems we are able to attend events celebrating either team at least once a year.
And I am an aficionado of beautiful weather, stunning mountain views and well-maintained facilities.
So let’s get started on the guide to a spring training day!
What to Wear
The event we attended last year was the day after a freak snowstorm in Phoenix. While it wasn’t a cold day, it wasn’t exactly warm either. This year, the temps were in the 90s. Yep, Mother Nature.
Temperatures can swing drastically between covered seating and full-sun seating.
Most fans wear their team’s tee shirt and colors, but I don’t have that. Last year was jeans and sweatshirt weather. This year was shorts and a tee.
I see plenty of athletic dresses, but for seats in the grass, shorts might be safer.
Fanny packs and totes or backpacks made of clear plastic are fine. Everything is subject to search through a secure entrance.
Today is not the day to be trying out new shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking.
Sun & Shade Tips
Sunscreen is a MUST. As a native Coloradoan and former sun worshiper, I know how desperate a person can get for warmth. Attending Rockies games you can always tell who has traveled from Colorado to Arizona to catch a game.
They are wearing shorts and a tank (no matter how cold) and sporting a bright sunburn.
There is no reason for that, except they relish it. I am not even kidding.
Salt River Fields provides sunscreen stations around the stadium and I see people applying liberally. Just not the Coloradoans.
For fans sitting in the open grass areas, there is no shade. As in you are sitting in the bright and hot sun on a day like we had Sunday.
Hydration & What to Bring
The facility allows unopened bottles of water to be carried into the game. And since the charge for a bottle is about $5, it’s a good thing to consider.
You will be thirsty and you may also partake in an alcoholic beverage which will further dehydrate you so prepare yourself with lots of water.
Food & Spending
Of course, like events everywhere, there are a lot of souvenirs, food and beverage available. The minute you enter the stadium, the smell of hotdogs and pizza is overwhelming and enticing.
There are activities for the kids, but most of those cost extra. As in pitch five balls for $5.
Opportunities abound to get your credit card balance up where the banks like it. So beware if you’re on a debt diet.
Parking & Arrival
Remember the tip about comfy shoes? Parking is a long way from the stadium.
Prices vary depending on how close you want to get. Valet parking is $40, grass lot parking is $20 and dirt lot parking is $10.
And forget your cash. Everything is now cashless so you’ll need a card.
Between waiting in the parking line, walking to the stadium and getting through security, plan on arriving 60 minutes before the game.
Our Hosts
Over several years, we attended games hosted by the alumni association of my university. The past couple years, our hosts have been ARQ Wealth Advisors, our super-duper financial advisors (who we love!).
Remember the Galentine event I posted last year? Yep, that fantastic day (among others) was also hosted by ARQ.
Why We Love Going
Attending with a group and enjoying drinks and a buffet make the day so much more enjoyable for me. It’s great chatting with the folks we know and meeting new people.
For die-hard fans, a regular seat is probably just fine, but my spring training experience is another way to enjoy this beautiful place we live.
Wrap Up
Thank you for joining me today. I hope this information is helpful if you are planning a spring training day or that it might translate to considerations for events in your area.
God bless you and yours for a wonderful week ahead.