I have thought about posting a diary like this for a while.  My first ST was '06, and I am hooked.  I saw 2 games, 1 in Scottsdale, 1 in Surprise.  We stayed here....luckily
and got our tickets day of at the stadium with no problems.  ST 07 I'm going 3/1 - 3/8, seeing 5 games (3 in Scottsdale. 1 in Mesa and 1 in Tucson), and I recommend it for even the casual baseball fan.  Maybe there can be some sort of McC gathering, sporting our newly created nattoware of course.    

WHEN? I prefer to go later into spring training: the last week or second to the last week. The weather is generally better, and the rosters are trimmed down a bit, so there are more recognizable faces, while still plenty up-and-comers to scout.

TICKETS? Buy them online from sfgiants.com before you go. Buy them as soon as possible, many games will sell out. Scalpers are basically not to be found outside Scottsdale stadium.

WHERE TO STAY? The Ramada Valley Ho is awesome, but probably sold out by now. There are several quality hotels within walking distance of Scottsdale stadium. Peep orbitz.com or other travel sites. Expect to pay around $150 per night for a 3 star.

TYPICAL DAY? Nice weather, relaxing and sightseeing/shopping in Scottsdale in the morning, 1pm games, sun gets really hot so bring (non-toxic) sunscreen. If you are like me, you will probably have one too many beers during the game and require a siesta, which is what vacation is all aobut. Awake recharged, and hit the nightlife- Kona Grill great food, Martini Ranch great night life. You will see a lot of ballplayers and a lot of groupie chicks out on the town.

And if you are at all into golfing, Scottsdale is the bomb. Expensive, but awesome courses.

STADIUM ADVICE: I would avoid the "open" lawn seating if possible. Views are always obstructed, and they really pack you in there. Also, if you need to pinch a loaf or smoke a dube, try the family bathroom near the RF foul pole. A private room with a door that locks, who could ask for more?

WHAT TO BRING: Giants cap. Sun screen. A camera. A sharpie so players can sign stuff.

CLOSING COMMENTS: Every Giant fan owes it to themselves to experience Giants Spring Training Baseball once in their lifetime. The players are generally way more friendly and approachable, and the whole affair seems more "up close and personal." As soon as you catch yourself worrying about the score of a game, you will see random players running windsprints along the warning track... while the game is in play! One quickly realizes that spring training baseball is a whole different vibe and whole different experience than regular season baseball- less stressful, perhaps less exciting, but because of the removal of all anxiety, perhaps more enjoyable?

Have a blast!

I went last spring and did a week-long tour of most of the Cactus League. I went with a friend and we hit every park in the Cactus League except for Maryvale (Brewers) and Tucson (White Sox and D'Backs). We stayed in Pheonix proper at a Days Inn a few miles from the airport and rented a car. It worked out very well.

As for dining, we ate mostly at the ballparks. I will say that I don't live anywhere near a Sonic so I took advantage of the Sonic down the street from our hotel. It's a wonder I didn't come back weighing 300 pounds.

Scottsdale Stadium has really good food. There's a Cheesecake Factory across the way from the Peoria complex (Padres/Mariners). Peoria also has something called the Southwestern Bento; it's basically a crappy version of the ChaCha Bowl. At the other ballparks I relied on my ballpark standby of pizza. I struck out at HoHoKam in Mesa (Cubs) as they're very unfriendly to those who don't eat a lot of meat. I ended up with bottled water and a pretzel there.

I went to ASU and I've been to Spring Training each of the past 15 seasons.  I've bartended all over Scottsdale and I still have good friends peppered all around the area.  Here's my list:

Best time to go: late Spring.  You are avoiding the possible cold weekend (it happens and it's miserable).  Try to avoid the weekend closest to St. Patrick's Day.  It's the "corporate" weekend and the games are always sold out and the lawn is totally packed.  The starters are playing up to seven innings by that time as well.  

Tickets: Get them online now.  They went on sale Tuesday 1.9.07.  

Hotel: The Valley Ho is fantastic, especially since they remodeled.  Amerisuites and any other place in the immediate area are just fine.  Pretty much all the same.  Make sure you stay within 2 miles of Scottsdale stadium so you can walk.  I believe the Valley Ho has a shuttle.

Stadium advice: I'm not being biased.  Scottsdale Stadium is by far the best place to see a game.  The Cubs field in Mesa is a lot of fun but like the rest of the stadiums, they are waaaay out there.

Post game hangout: Dos Gringos.  Without a doubt the best post game bar.  I split a J with Ellis Burks one year and did a shot of tequila with Benito Santiago there a couple years later.  The Grape Vine is great for pregame with an awesome patio.

Restaurants: Every Giants fan should eat at Don & Charlie's at least once.  The coaching staff and all the Giants alumni pack the place.  All the announcers are there as well.  Bandera, Ra and Kona Grill are also excellent.

Strip Club: Babe's.  I don't need to add anything here. It's not even close. If you see somebody drinking mind erasers at the bar there, say hi.  It's me.  Mention of McCovey Chronicles to me will earn anybody a free lapdance. I mean, I'll buy one for you.

After a typical January and February in the Bay Area there is no better place to warm your soul than Scottsdale.  I wouldn't miss Spring Training for anything.  I made sure to impregnate my wife in the months leading up to March for the last two years as to not miss it.  See you out there!

 

"When is the best time to go?"

It really depends what you want to see.

If you want to see the big names for cheap, try later in March.  If you want to see some sneak previews of the younger players who are unlikely to make the team, the earlier in the spring the better.  I don't mind the weather at all, so that's not an issue to me.

See at least one game from the grass.  Scottsdale has the best crowd for lawn seating, and always has sociable people.  That can't be said about others.  Best chances to get a home run ball are in Maryvale and Surprise (which are usually the emptiest).

The stadiums are all fairly nice, though there's still some I haven't made.  I love Scottsdale, as it has an older feel despite last year's upgrades.  Peoria is a bit bland, but it's probably got the second-best surrounding neighborhood (behind Scottsdale, of course).  I really like Surprise Stadium, but it's the most remote non-Tucson stadium.

Spring training is a delight.  Went a couple of times in the late 1980's.  First time with girlfriend and family.  The second time with the fellas and golf clubs.  

I prefer going late February.  Less crowds, no spring breakers and the weather is sensational.  Truly agree with Davenport that Indian School Park is special experience.  You can watch them work out in early morning and taking some BP.  We got lots of photos and autographs.  Players are acessible for photos, chats and autographs.

Since we already know about the Bonds', Vizquels and Cains the kids were the ones I wanted to see.  Maybe you can watch EME, Schierholtz and Lincecum.

We stayed at the Embassy Suites in Phoenix and drove around to about five local stadiums to watch Angels, Cubs, Mariners and Padres.

Golfing is available throughout the Valley.

If you can go midweek and avoid the crowds everything is easily available.

Enjoy the experience.  Take photos.