Spring Training 2006

[back2backjax]

I'm planning to make my first trip to Arizona for Spring Training and would like to hook up with some ST veterans who know the ropes. If anyone out there is OK with me joining them, let me know via the board and we can exchange e-mails.

 

A little about me:

- I'm 29, married 5 years with no kids yet.

- I live in Lexington, KY and am a die hard UK fan; this might be a problem for UofL fans.

- Been to Wrigley several times, most recently in 2004 for a White Sox game (rain-shortened, Maddux win #296 or #297).

 

If this doesn't interest anyone, would someone be so kind as to post some good ST tips (best time to arrive, places where players hang out, where to stay, etc.)

 

Many thanks.

Edited November 27, 2005 by back2backjax

[stitchface]

The later you go, the more starters you will see. Don't stay in Mesa. Stay in Tempe or Scottsdale. Go to Fitch Park and see the minor leaguers. Go to away games as well as games at HoHoKam. Sit on the berm - you can move around, hang out, relax in the sun.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

When I went, I booked my entire hotel with games on http://www.visitmesa.com.

 

I didn't have to worry about trying to get through when tickets went onsale, so it was nice.

 

Spend at least one day at Fitch with the minor leaguers. It's fun to watch.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Spring Training Tickets go on sale January 5.

 

Individual tickets will go on sale Jan. 5 by phone at (800) 905-3315, or online at http://www.tickets.com. On Jan. 11, tickets will go on sale at the Hohokam Stadium box office, 1235 N. Center, north of Brown Road.

 

Ticket prices for Cubs games at Hohokam Stadium are priced from $20 for reserved seats to $5 for lawn seating on the outfield berm.

[EricG]

Cubs 2006 Tentative Spring Training Schedule

I am planning on going to the March 18th game here in Tucson against the White Sox.

[adamb0719]

Is it hard to get tickets? I will more than likely be able to go to a few games but am not 100% sure. Does anyone know if I would be better off buying them when they go on sale or will I be OK if I wait until I know for sure if I will be in AZ at that time?

[Laura]

I'd wait. There are people selling tickets around the stadium before the games. A lot of the frontline HoHoKam tickets are already allocated to season ticketholders (yes, you can get spring training season tickets) and to package deals. If you have a good idea of when you'll be there, it may be worth checking out any "away" games they're scheduled for to see when those tickets go on sale.

 

The ST ticket sales are crazy the first day ... as unlikely as that might seem.

 

I also became a fan of the outfield berm seating.

[BigbadB]

A lot of the other teams have stadiums in close proximity to HoHoKam. Check out the Cubs at one of the other venues while you are down there.

 

I don't believe I'll be going this coming year. I spent too much time traveling this year and I'm ready for a break.

[EricG]

I have gone every year since I moved to Arizona. I can tell you where the free parking is near Hohokam. I buy my tickets at Sports Authority in advance for games up in Mesa. I buy the tickets for games here in Tucson at the ticket office but in advance. Weekend games are at a premium and the scalpers buy those up knowing this.

[adamb0719]

OK it is official, I will be in Mesa the week of the 13th. The Cubs play two games in Mesa, one in Tempe (Angels) and one in Scottsdale (S.F.). I will be visiting my ex-girlfriend (had a hard time explaining why I had to wait until March) so I will probably be only able to make one game, maybe two but I may be pushing my luck (unless she has to work ). Should I go to HoHoKam or would one of the other parks be better? Any other advice would be great. It will be my first time to AZ so I want to make the most of the opportunity. Thanks in advance.

[adamb0719]

OK it is official, I will be in Mesa the week of the 13th. The Cubs play two games in Mesa, one in Tempe (Angels) and one in Scottsdale (S.F.). I will be visiting my ex-girlfriend (had a hard time explaining why I had to wait until March) so I will probably be only able to make one game, maybe two but I may be pushing my luck (unless she has to work ). Should I go to HoHoKam or would one of the other parks be better? Any other advice would be great. It will be my first time to AZ so I want to make the most of the opportunity. Thanks in advance.

[abuck1220]

hate to say it, but hohokam's the worst park in the cactus league. the crowds are huge, the food sucks, and the parking is awful. both tempe and scottsdale have better stadiums.

 

but if you're looking to check out fitch in the morning before catching a big league game in the afternoon, you may want to go to the hohokam game.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

When I went in 2004, I think I enjoyed watching the game at the Brewers' park in Maryvale the most. Small crowds and I even got Ryne Sandberg's autograph that day.

[EricG]

Hi Corbett in Tucson has Fat Tire on tap. It also was the spring training facility for the Indians in the movie 'Major League'.