2013 Spring Training Tips!

Credit: Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE

Are you considering going to Spring Training for the first time this coming year? If you’ve never been to Scottsdale to see the Giants in action during Spring Training, I would strongly encourage you to consider it. I’m  making my fourth trip to Spring Training next season, but I’ve learned a few tips along the way and enjoyed it so much that it’s a staple for us in March. There are a lot of people out there that have been making the trip for years. If you are one of those, weigh in in the comments below for all the things I know I will miss here.

But it’s hot in Phoenix!

Actually, it’s not so hot in March. In fact, it’s about as close to perfect as you can imagine. Don’t believe me? Maybe you’ll believe the Weather Channel. They say the average high temperature is 76 degrees. No one can seriously complain about 76 degrees. Now that we have that out of the way, let’s get on to some advice.

Tips for Going to Spring Training

1. Pack lots of sunscreen. Sure, it’s a nice 76, but it is warm and the sun is bright. Take care of your skin.
2. Arrive early to the game. Gates open about 2 hours beforehand. Why get there so early? It’s the only way you’ll score a spot by the dugout when the players do come out to give autographs.
3. Early is also the way to get the best lawn seats. There are a few shade trees in Scottsdale Stadium, which makes this place almost heaven.
4. Giants Dugout is on the 1st base side
5. If you’re a lawn dweller (I definitely am), take a white or light colored sheet to sit on. It gets warm and if you are sitting on a warmer blanket, especially fleece, it will burn you. Go for the sheet.
6. Take a glove. You actually have a fairly decent chance of a home run or foul ball if you work just a bit for it.
7. Food in the ballpark is expensive. Not AT&T Park expensive, but still expensive. Eat elsewhere.
8. The Lemonade is pretty good. One of the guys selling it is even cooler though. “Lemonade – Lemonade, just like Grandma made!”
9. Without encouraging this, if you like your lemonade with something added, think cargo shorts and mini BevMo bottles.
10. For autographs, take a sharpie (the thin ones that write like a pen are best). I take balls for them to sign, but you can use whatever. If you have a kid with you, you’re at a better advantage for getting autographs.
11. Take notes of players who are playing well, especially if it’s not a name already on the Roster or not floating around out there. That way, when they get a call up, you can say, “I saw them in Spring Training and they played well,” like you know what you’re talking about.
12. Catch a game at another stadium if you have the time.

General Tips for the Area

1. Don’t over plan your schedule. Day games, sitting in the sun all day can drain you. Allow time to rest a bit.
2. Drive the speed limit. Cameras are EVERYWHERE!
3. Places to eat: Morning Glory Cafe, Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles (We prefer the Phoenix location), Matt’s Big Breakfast (Get there super early or expect a LONG wait…great food though), The Sugar Bowl, Frank & Lupe’s.
4. There is a dueling piano bar in Tempe called The Big Bang Bar. This place is super fun. Most memorable night ever from Spring Training.
5. There are tons of things to do in the area. Pick your treat and do it. I prefer to focus mostly on relaxing and watching baseball, but there is plenty to keep you entertained.
6. There is a free city garage parking next door, but you’ll need to get there early!

There is so much more I could add, but I’ll leave it there for now. If you’ve been to Spring Training and want to add your advice (which is probably far greater than mine), please comment below!

If you are planning on going this year, leave a comment. Several of us at ATF are planning on being there as well!