1st Spring training trip questions

djolley86 · 02-17-2023, 12:34 AM

I've been going to spring training for almost 20 years now. It is an absolute blast. Arizona is the best spot also, as you can stay in one hotel and easily make it to all of the stadiums, most under 30 minutes or less if you're staying in Phoenix.

A few tips:

- Grass seats are fine 99.9% of the time, as it is rare for games to sell out. There are few very few ushers checking tickets (unless you're in the most expensive seats), so you can pretty much pick a section down the lines or on the second tier of seats, and sit wherever you want without the fear of inconveniencing others in that section. The only times I would recommend avoiding this would be for a big-name weekend game (ie - Dodgers vs. Cubs), or night game. Also avoid grass seats at the Angels stadium if going there. Seating is limited, the concourse is tiny, and you won't have a good time unless you buy actual seats there.

- If you or your son are interested in autographs, make an effort to the go the practices before the games. Almost every stadium in AZ has the practice facilities within the stadium property, and they allow you to go watch. Gives you a great chance to get close to the players with minimal barriers. Most practices open about 3 hours before game time, some earlier than that. Some of the best practice setups that I have experienced are the Padres, Mariners, Indians, Rangers, Dodgers, White Sox, and Royals.

- Peoria has the absolute best setup of any stadium for autographs, both at the practice fields and at the games. All players have the walk through an "autograph alley" to and from the field, which provides some awesome opportunities. The Brewers stadium provides for good access also, especially for the visiting teams, as they have to walk past a barricade in left field to get in and out of the stadium. Unfortunately, the new netting installed at most stadiums have killed many of the other autograph opportunities.

- Buy a clear bag off of Amazon before you get there. All stadiums changed their bag policies a few years ago which required the usage of these, and we learned that the hard way a few years ago and had nowhere to bring our balls/cards for autographs, or bottled water. All stadiums and sporting goods stores were sold out of bags in the area.

Hope this helps!

02-17-2023, 12:34 AM	#6
djolley86 Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: NC Posts: 1,357 djolley86	I've been going to spring training for almost 20 years now. It is an absolute blast. Arizona is the best spot also, as you can stay in one hotel and easily make it to all of the stadiums, most under 30 minutes or less if you're staying in Phoenix. A few tips: - Grass seats are fine 99.9% of the time, as it is rare for games to sell out. There are few very few ushers checking tickets (unless you're in the most expensive seats), so you can pretty much pick a section down the lines or on the second tier of seats, and sit wherever you want without the fear of inconveniencing others in that section. The only times I would recommend avoiding this would be for a big-name weekend game (ie - Dodgers vs. Cubs), or night game. Also avoid grass seats at the Angels stadium if going there. Seating is limited, the concourse is tiny, and you won't have a good time unless you buy actual seats there. - If you or your son are interested in autographs, make an effort to the go the practices before the games. Almost every stadium in AZ has the practice facilities within the stadium property, and they allow you to go watch. Gives you a great chance to get close to the players with minimal barriers. Most practices open about 3 hours before game time, some earlier than that. Some of the best practice setups that I have experienced are the Padres, Mariners, Indians, Rangers, Dodgers, White Sox, and Royals. - Peoria has the absolute best setup of any stadium for autographs, both at the practice fields and at the games. All players have the walk through an "autograph alley" to and from the field, which provides some awesome opportunities. The Brewers stadium provides for good access also, especially for the visiting teams, as they have to walk past a barricade in left field to get in and out of the stadium. Unfortunately, the new netting installed at most stadiums have killed many of the other autograph opportunities. - Buy a clear bag off of Amazon before you get there. All stadiums changed their bag policies a few years ago which required the usage of these, and we learned that the hard way a few years ago and had nowhere to bring our balls/cards for autographs, or bottled water. All stadiums and sporting goods stores were sold out of bags in the area. Hope this helps! Last edited by djolley86; 02-17-2023 at 12:40 AM.