The Big Blue Wrecking Crew

There's a couple of options for staying (depending on budget).  There is a Hampton Inn directly across the freeway from Camelback Ranch (outside U of Phoenix stadium).

http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml;jsessionid=OYR0TPQUSRTKMCSGBJBNEWQ?ctyhocn=PHXGLHX

 There are a couple of other places right by there too.  There's plenty of stuff close by since everything along the 101 loop freeway is relatively new (5 years). 

I personally don't like Camelback Ranch stadium that much.  I think the bowl is too flat so when there is a big crowd, the sitelines from behind the plate aren't that good.  The three games I've seen there have been behind the plate so I don't have any other perspective.  I do like the grounds, there are plenty of fields to watch both the Dodgers and White Sox work out, just the stadium wasn't really thought out very well, imo.  Obviously that's quite a shock if our boy Frankie was involved......

If they are playing at Surprise (Rangers or Royals) when you are there, i thought that was a  great place to watch a game.  They have an elevated deck that is covered so it's a great place on a hot Arizona spring day.  It's the 201-206 seats on the attached:

http://www.surpriseaz.gov/files/springtraining/seating-info.html

Thanks for the input, Mike.  I think we got spoiled in Vero.  I loved the little town, and the stadium was a great venue, if you discount the bees that apparently reserved all the 1st base seats while we were there.

My buddy and I have gone each of the past three years. If you are seeing the boys at Camelback Ranch you will want to try and get seats on the third base line. There is only one way for the players to enter the field and its from the near the left field foul pole. If you hang out at the third base line fence you have a great chance for autographs. The Reds facility is wonderful. There is a covered section behind the third base dugout, about half way up, that I highly recommend. As far as accommodations there are several around we have been staying at the Embassy Suites near the Paradise Valley Mall but its a little bit of a drive. 

Greg and Linda, I'd love to chime in, but I've only been once.  We did stay at the Hampton Mike referenced, however, and if I recall, it was fine.  CC (dugoutduty) and her husband were there the same weekend, so she might be a good resource too, if you have her contact info.  If not, let me know, and I'll see if I can help connect you to here.

Again, I am planning on Spring Training with the caveat that Frank McAsshat is no longer owner.  If he still has his talons in the franchise, I will forego spending money that can line his pockets.  Let's hope the clown gets gone soon.  If he is toast, I will be at Spring Training, dates to be announced at her leisure.   It ain't like I have any say in the matter.  All I can do is beg, plead and remember my place. 

I Have already booked my room(s) and have tickets to two games at Camelback Ranch. I cannot wait to get there, Frank McAssHat be damned,  For me its all about 4 relaxing days watching baseball in some beautiful stadiums with good friends. If that Tool did anything right in his time as Dodgers owner it was bringing Spring Training to Arizona for us Californiain's to enjoy, 

I talked to my son yesterday, and he and the wifeage are going to Disney in FL is a couple of weeks.  He mentioned using her mileage for airfare and hotel points for hotels.  It got me thinking, and I have enough miles that airfare would only cost the $60 in fees.  The hotels seem to be pretty expensive, running in the vicinity of $125-200/night.  We just bought our season tickets last night, so the pockets are a little bare at the moment.  I'll have to see if I can get some kind of deal on the hotel and rental car.

Linda,

Lore and I and another friend (Margie) have stayed at the Hamptons.  We upgrated to the presidential suites 'cause the difference was not that much split between three.  We hve also stayed at Springhill  at Residence Inn in Glendale. 

Lore and I are planning on bein there for the ST Parick's day weekend.   Also SABR is having their conference  3/15 to 3/17.  Their room rate at the Hilton in Mesa is $139 with the conference being $350 with a year subscription or $250 for members.    .

I got a postcard in the mail from Camelback Ranch for a presale December 9-12.  Individual tix go on sale Friday Jan 6.  Free upgrade offer with each tix for three days only: Jan 6-8.   Box tix open Jan 23.