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Spring Training FAQ

Apologies in advance if this has been covered already. I am trying to book a spring training trip for my family. I was wondering if you guys had any insight into the best time to go. Also, we were hoping to stay in the same hotel that the Giants stay in...does anyone know what that might be? Any other tips and tricks that might help us have an awesome experience would be greatly appreciated as well!

 

This FanPost is reader-generated, and it does not necessarily reflect the views of McCovey Chronicles. If the author uses filler to achieve the minimum word requirement, a moderator may edit the FanPost for his or her own amusement.

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Great thread idea. Every season I think about going out to ST for a week or so. Maybe with some more info I’ll get that final push to do it.

by chilibean_3 on Dec 29, 2008 1:12 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Yea this is always a great thread.

I think we’ve had this several years now but it gets better and better every year. I’m hopefully going to try and make it out to a few games this year.

The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."

by WalrusMan on Dec 29, 2008 9:47 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Try to stay at the Courtyard. It’s just a block away from the stadium.

Anytime is a great time, though I suggest getting tickets when WBC games are being played there this year.

Oh, and throw a beer bottle at a Dodgers fan when you see one. Another new addition to the Scottsdale experience.

Sergio Romo will gladly hand you a bench to sit on / GIANTSPACE™ / Adopted brother of the AnVil

by SoFa King Mike on Dec 29, 2008 1:17 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

this will be my third straight spring training

i can’t remember if lincecum was there last year, but he definitely was this year and it was a ball. a few things:

- if the giants aren’t playing a popular team (cubs, angels, and i assume now the dodgers) and it’s a week day i wouldn’t bother to buy tickets in advance. i did that for all my games last year, but then we just walked to the ticket window to see if there were better seats for the next game and we got front row for about $25.

- i’d suggest trying a few different ballparks while you are there- i went to the mariners/padres park and it was real nice. also consider doing lawn seats at a few games; bring a blanket and just hang out waiting for the home runs. kids love being in the lawn section and everyone is pretty nice.

- also, if you happen to be a Starwood Preferred Guest (sheraton, four points, etc…) you can find great deals through the website and they have discounts if you have any unused points. also, even though i didn’t have any points to spend i was able to buy supplementary points and get rooms at 1/2 price or better (i got a $469/night suite for $140 a night just by doing some math and buying the necessary points).

- bring sunblock!

Dodgers fans eat their young.

by redhornet78 on Dec 29, 2008 1:33 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

You can totally do the tour of the Cactus League while there. I went in 2006 and I went to all the ballparks down there except for the ones out in Tucson and Maryvale. You’ll need a car to do some of the ballparks like Surprise and Peoria, but it’s worth it.

"While conservatives tell you 'leave things alone and no one will lose,' and liberals tell you 'interfere a lot and no one will lose,' baseball says 'someone will lose.' Not only says it - but insists upon it! ... Democracy is lovely, but baseball's more mature." BVCE supports SF Dugout and Manny Burriss.

by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Dec 29, 2008 8:33 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Rangers/ Royals

The Rangers and Royals share the new facility out in Surprise, AZ, and it’s a terrific park. It’s well worth the 40 minute drive. Just don’t be alarmed (surprised?) that the average age at their games is about 95…the city is a magnet for retirees, and they all apparently like baseball.

by biff pocoroba on Dec 30, 2008 8:44 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I really like the ballpark in Surprise. It’s the prettiest of the parks out there, very modern.

"While conservatives tell you 'leave things alone and no one will lose,' and liberals tell you 'interfere a lot and no one will lose,' baseball says 'someone will lose.' Not only says it - but insists upon it! ... Democracy is lovely, but baseball's more mature." BVCE supports SF Dugout and Manny Burriss.

by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Dec 30, 2008 8:51 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

More surprises still

This is another big year for The Cactus League, and another big year for the drive from Scottsdale to Surprise, AZ. About midway between the two locations, the city of Glendale will soon be bleeding Dodger blue. As I understand it, it’s all systems go for Andruw Jones and the crew to start play there in ’09.

It’s hard to believe teams hadn’t jumped at Glendale until now. It’s a massive city…they obvioiusly have hundreds of sports fans (as can be seen for NFL Cardinals games), and they even have a Starbucks there. Anyway, it’ll be nice to have the Dodgers and Chisox so close.

by biff pocoroba on Dec 30, 2008 9:04 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

When we drove out to Peoria and Surprise they were still building the new football stadium out there. It looked like the mothership had landed in the middle of the desert.

Oh also the Peoria Sports Complex is right across the street from Cheesecake Factory.

"While conservatives tell you 'leave things alone and no one will lose,' and liberals tell you 'interfere a lot and no one will lose,' baseball says 'someone will lose.' Not only says it - but insists upon it! ... Democracy is lovely, but baseball's more mature." BVCE supports SF Dugout and Manny Burriss.

by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Dec 30, 2008 10:41 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Might not be up your alley but

I heard there is a place called Tilted Kilt in this complex now. I heard it’s like Hooters but without the conservative outfits for the waitstaff. My parents live about 5 minutes from the Sports Complex and the restaurant but didn’t hear about it until the last day of my stay. I’m thinking of heading out for ST this year and will report back with a trip report for the games and the restaurant if I make it.

by AngelWillSaveUs on Dec 30, 2008 11:16 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Ah, the Tilted Kilt....

ask about that one at the SnakePit. We had an amusing conversation about it awhile back.

Ceci n'est pas une signature.

by DbacksSkins on Dec 30, 2008 11:33 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

If its main draw of the place is chicks with their stuff hanging out, the appeal is lost on me.

"While conservatives tell you 'leave things alone and no one will lose,' and liberals tell you 'interfere a lot and no one will lose,' baseball says 'someone will lose.' Not only says it - but insists upon it! ... Democracy is lovely, but baseball's more mature." BVCE supports SF Dugout and Manny Burriss.

by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Dec 30, 2008 11:36 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

You don’t like loose feathers?

by Merope on Dec 30, 2008 11:49 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

"While conservatives tell you 'leave things alone and no one will lose,' and liberals tell you 'interfere a lot and no one will lose,' baseball says 'someone will lose.' Not only says it - but insists upon it! ... Democracy is lovely, but baseball's more mature." BVCE supports SF Dugout and Manny Burriss.

by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Dec 30, 2008 12:15 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Look at the size of those feet!

by Merope on Dec 30, 2008 12:21 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

WET FEATHER CONTEST!

by Lars The Wanderer on Dec 30, 2008 12:38 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Baron, the Maryvale stadium is nice, just don’t get out of your car until you get to the park. Locals don’t call it “Scary-vale” without reason.

The Brewers naturally have a tie-in w/ Miller Lite (ticket AND a beer for $10 on weekdays or something) and also hold the world famous sausage race in the bottom of the sixth.

by Ed Jew on Dec 31, 2008 6:45 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

If you MUST flash gang signs

make the ones that say “I have a howitzer.”

Who has the fun?
Is it always the man with the gun?
- The Stranglers

by victor frankenstein on Jan 1, 2009 1:25 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Since your last visit we've got new furniture.

http://camerafraud.wordpress.com/2008/10/14/new-dps-scam-cam-locations-mapped/

This is AZ’ latest moneymaking scheme since the copper market crashed again.

The fines start at around $180.

That map is two months old.

It’s been reported that in the first two months those cameras netted the state six million dollars. So they put some more out there…some of them less than a mile apart.

The cameras are reportedly designed to nap folk exceeding the posted limit by more than 10 mph…however citizens – including yours truly – have seen the cameras flash when traveling BELOW the posted speed limit.

So bear that in mind before you try to make the 1:15 game in Surprise from Scottsdale , ’kay?

Who has the fun?
Is it always the man with the gun?
- The Stranglers

by victor frankenstein on Dec 29, 2008 1:35 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Just got back from visiting the folks in Peoria and noticed these. They also have a bunch of them at intersections to get red light runners, especially in the turn lanes it looked like.

by AngelWillSaveUs on Dec 29, 2008 1:40 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

They also have a bunch of them at intersections to get red light runners, especially in the turn lanes it looked like.

I work in Milpitas and they could desperately use those. I’ve never seen so many people blatantly run red lights. I never go on a green, I always wait a few seconds to make sure I’m not going to get taken out.

When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized God doesn’t work that way, so I stole one and prayed for forgiveness. - Emo Philips

Neglectful father of David Quinowski

by marcello on Dec 29, 2008 1:42 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

yea but...

…they installed those around here and found that the number of rear end collisions went up dramatically

by Merope on Dec 29, 2008 1:49 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Really?

That’s kinda funny, sorry. People need to learn to drive, as in, pay attention to the car in front of you. I imagine the spike in read end collisions is just that, a short term spike. Once people realize what’s up, it’ll correct itself.

When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized God doesn’t work that way, so I stole one and prayed for forgiveness. - Emo Philips

Neglectful father of David Quinowski

by marcello on Dec 29, 2008 1:53 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I don’t know, people just aren’t all that bright. I was out running errands today and had some dipstick pull up behind me at a red light after I finished flinching I saw that she had a cell phone in one hand [talking on it] and a cigarette in the other.

by Merope on Dec 29, 2008 2:08 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

If Big Brother happens to be reading, I just want him to know that I love him. Not too much or too little, just the right amount.

When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized God doesn’t work that way, so I stole one and prayed for forgiveness. - Emo Philips

Neglectful father of David Quinowski

by marcello on Dec 29, 2008 1:40 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Wow that radar camera comment was a real post derailer.

What are some good restaurants in the scottsdale area?

"Nice catch, Hayes. Don't ever fuckin' do it again."

by WillieMaysHayes on Dec 29, 2008 2:27 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

I like Mastro’s on Camelback Road

Sergio Romo will gladly hand you a bench to sit on / GIANTSPACE™ / Adopted brother of the AnVil

by SoFa King Mike on Dec 29, 2008 2:36 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Not trying to hjack , just thought you all ought to know what traps have been laid.

If you weren’t paying attention you could rack up thousands in fines.

Which would be a real vacation buzzkill , no?

Who has the fun?
Is it always the man with the gun?
- The Stranglers

by victor frankenstein on Dec 29, 2008 2:38 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Restaurants and stuff

The Pink Pony on Scottsdale Road (it’s not a strip club)

Mastro’s Steakhouse on Camelback or Pinnacle Peak (pricey but tasty)

Unlike Florida, you can pretty much stay anywhere in Phoenix/Scottsdale area (and other surrounding cities) and get to any and all of the stadiums minus Tucson.

by slcgiant on Dec 29, 2008 6:45 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

1967 called

and they want their positive review of The Pink Pony back.

by biff pocoroba on Dec 30, 2008 8:37 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I really, really want to go

but have to somehow get the boss to let me off during tax season.

STEVE HOLM! refuses to be the odd man out.

by UnleashTheGore on Dec 29, 2008 2:35 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

I really like going early in spring training because you get to see so many different players. That might be a turn off for some people, but I really enjoyed seeing the youngsters.

Also, there’s a Holiday Inn or something close by that’s kind of like the unofficial Giants fan hangout. Staying there was cool, as pretty much everyone migrates to and from the ballpark in large crowds.

Also, don’t watch the D-Backs plays the Giants. The locals spoil the fun.

by Dan from NM on Dec 29, 2008 4:17 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Have been to ST a couple of times. The first time went in February when teams were working out but not playing in games. Got to see all the players from MLB and the young prospects. The fans were fewer and the setting intimate.

The following season went with the fellas and we brought our golf clubs. We went in March. The crowds were everywhere from the ballparks to the restaurants.

Preferred the smaller crowds and more intimate setting where we got lots of photos and autographs.

by wilriv21 on Dec 29, 2008 4:19 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Beware!

There will be an angry Jeff Fuller trolling around looking for McCoven at ST.

I Don't Tolerate Intolerance!
Jeremy Affeldt Ready To Make His Father Proud

by Giant among Angels on Dec 29, 2008 5:08 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

Is there McCoven shwag I could wear to make myself even more noticeable?

by Lars The Wanderer on Dec 29, 2008 5:12 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

We really should have something! [ I don’t think the t-shirts are still around are they? ]

Kripes, last season nvsfg and I were basically sitting next to each other in the left field bleachers and didn’t realize it until – what? 2 days later?

by Merope on Dec 29, 2008 5:29 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Bugger, Livejournal is down. Try this link for the time being: http://www.zazzle.com/nattoon

by Natto on Dec 29, 2008 5:55 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Come with me if you want to win, love it! First time I’ve seen them, I might just have to get one.

by timmeh on Dec 30, 2008 3:03 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

This called to me in a thrift store.

“Parental Advisory”? A perfect fit!

Who has the fun?
Is it always the man with the gun?
- The Stranglers

by victor frankenstein on Dec 29, 2008 9:53 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

The Jaunty Mando Sweatshirt

has been a huge hit in Scottsdale

by biff pocoroba on Dec 30, 2008 9:37 AM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Hmm, you’re pretty tough aren’t you? What’s your record in the majors? Oh right, 0 wins.

by Natto on Dec 29, 2008 5:53 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

no it is "N/A"

I Don't Tolerate Intolerance!
Jeremy Affeldt Ready To Make His Father Proud

by Giant among Angels on Dec 29, 2008 5:55 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe he was the guy who plowed right into me on the stairwell at Scottsdale Stadium a few springs ago. I was also high-fived on the same stairwell and some guy yelled NICE TITS at me.

"While conservatives tell you 'leave things alone and no one will lose,' and liberals tell you 'interfere a lot and no one will lose,' baseball says 'someone will lose.' Not only says it - but insists upon it! ... Democracy is lovely, but baseball's more mature." BVCE supports SF Dugout and Manny Burriss.

by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Dec 29, 2008 8:35 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

and you said…..?

I Don't Tolerate Intolerance!
Jeremy Affeldt Ready To Make His Father Proud

by Giant among Angels on Dec 29, 2008 8:57 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

I don’t remember saying anything. I was sort of confused by the flurry of activity on that stairwell. I don’t think I commented on it until me and my traveling partner got back to our hotel. Something like “did that just happen?”

"While conservatives tell you 'leave things alone and no one will lose,' and liberals tell you 'interfere a lot and no one will lose,' baseball says 'someone will lose.' Not only says it - but insists upon it! ... Democracy is lovely, but baseball's more mature." BVCE supports SF Dugout and Manny Burriss.

by BaronVonCurrentEvents on Dec 29, 2008 9:15 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Well at least they did not start a chant in the stands.

I Don't Tolerate Intolerance!
Jeremy Affeldt Ready To Make His Father Proud

by Giant among Angels on Dec 29, 2008 9:49 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

Her body language was loud and proud clear.

Who has the fun?
Is it always the man with the gun?
- The Stranglers

by victor frankenstein on Dec 29, 2008 9:55 PM PST up reply actions   0 recs

If you want to see the big leaguers, don’t do what I did the once and wait until their last few days in Arizona. By then, many of them had already left for San Francisco.

Consequently though, I did get to see Doug Mirabelli’s last game in a Giants uniform. Not sure why I remember that.

by rightcenterfielder on Dec 29, 2008 5:10 PM PST reply actions   0 recs

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