After years of Dodger Baseball in Vero Beach, the Blue Crew has found a new home in Glendale, Arizona. With its opening this year, Camelback Ranch has officially become the new digs for Dodger Spring ball. While taking in a few games last weekend, I can confidently say that the Dodger buzz extends far beyond the confines of Chavez Ravine.
As a long time Dodger fan (see: ADDICT), I have trouble coping with the loss of baseball in the winter months. By the time March comes around I am so full of anticipation that it’s hard to contain my excitement. Fortunately, spring training is just the “fix” I need to alleviate my preseason anxiety.
Shortly after arriving and seeing Camelback Ranch for the first time, there was no doubt in my mind that this has to be one of the best spring training facilities in the country. Along with the main park, there are more than a half dozen practice fields which are all beautifully maintained. Several hours before afternoon games fans are permitted to walk through the complex to watch their favorite players take BP, throw a bullpen session, or just shag fly balls. Many people brought their gloves to have a catch on the grass, while others just enjoyed the Arizona sun and took in the atmosphere. Throughout the morning several players walk through the complex and into the main stadium, giving ample opportunity for autographs. The stadium is an impressive sight all on its own. Camelback offers a wide range of ticket prices so a game is definitely affordable for anyone. You can spend a little extra on the “home plate club” or enjoy the game from the grass seating behind the outfield fence (similar to PETCO Park). Food/Beverage prices are about the same as your typical Dodger game, so you’ll feel right at home paying $20 for a beer. Besides that there really isn’t much to complain about. (Well maybe the drunk, middle aged guy sitting behind me yelling “Hey Manny” every five minutes. Ill get used to it I guess.)
If you are as crazy about the Dodgers as I am, then Camelback is definitely a place worth checking out next spring. It’s no Dodger Stadium… but honestly, I can’t think of a better way to spend a weekend in March.
Thank you Adam.. I must say I am jealous that you got to check out the new facility. As the Dodgers finish their first spring in Arizona, we get ready for the team to move west for the start of the regular season. It feels good to know instead of Cactus League standings we will soon be talking about the National League West standings. The games are about to count and it can't start soon enough. Stay tuned, as later this week I will post a two part baseball preview. Part One will be my personal Dodgers season preview, and part two will be my predictions and thoughts on how the entire MLB season will shake out.
Nice summary, Adam. I can't wait to make it out next year....I think we'll have a big group heading out there as Rob is coming down and Friscosucks Tim will be joining us. Several of my friends have made it out to Glendale and I've gathered some of their tips:
ReplyDelete1) get there early (ie. 10:30) if you don’t want to wait in insane lines;
2) park in the first lot off 107th (easiest exit);
3) if you don’t already have tickets, get lawn tickets and walk around - you can always find good empty seats around the stadium;
4) the visiting team takes BP and fielding practice on the main field - find out which practice field the Dodgers will be using for their BP/infield;
5) there is one stand that sells corona bombers and it is in right field;
6) best place for autographs is section 29;
7) avoid the jalapeno sausage -- it will burn your face off.
Vinnie - speaking of DodgerThoughts - did you see the DT gathering this year is the same day as the Dodger BBQ? Bad timing.
ReplyDeleteYa I read that the other day. That's a real bummer. Did you go to the meeting last year?
ReplyDeleteI didn't, but I'm thinking about going to Jon's book signing if I'm not busy then. I'm changing jobs, so I'm talking the month of April off.... I should have time. ; )
ReplyDeleteHey April is the month to take off if you have to pick one. I'm sure you can fill your time with plenty of baseball haha
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, as Jon noted at DT today, there are only 7 home games in April.
ReplyDeleteI'm excited for JD to attend his first Opening Day....get him started on his religious holiday early.
That will be a pretty exciting time. Adam, Matt and I got a 15 game mini-plan so we're pretty happy for the season to start.
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