Goodyear BallparkCleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds Spring Training Comes to ArizonaGoodyear Ballpark Arizona OverviewThe Goodyear Ballpark may be new but spring training history is definitely repeating itself. In 1947, the Cleveland Indians left their spring training home in Florida and kick started the fledgling Cactus League in Tucson, Arizona.
Then, in 1993, the Indians moved their spring training camp back to Florida. As of February 25, 2009 - sixteen years after their last Florida move - Indians spring training returned to the Arizona Cactus League when the team played their first Arizona game at the new, $108 million Goodyear Ballpark complex. The Indians won’t be alone, however. Goodyear Stadium becomes a two-team facility when Cincinnati Reds spring training moves to Goodyear in 2010. This means that both of Ohio’s Major League Baseball teams will be playing in the Cactus League as well as sharing the same spring training site. Their spacious new ballpark seats 10,000 fans, has ample parking, a ground level concourse, the largest Jumbotron in the Cactus League and public art. A large plaza, which serves as the main gate, has water fountains and a 60-foot, 6-inch high baseball statue that replicates the distance between home plate and the pitcher’s mound. Families should love this baseball stadium as there’s plenty to keep kids entertained including a Wiffle-ball field in the right field corner and a large open area in the left field corner where kids can run around. A family-fun zone has baseball-themed activities and a miniature baseball diamond for kids. Although the town of Goodyear is some distance from other Phoenix area spring training locations, it’s a growing city with plenty of farm fields ripe for developing. Named after the Ohio-based tier manufacturer, Goodyear has grown rapidly in the past few years. And while Goodyear no longer has operations in the town, many other industries, including Lockheed and Macy’s, have set up shop. The ballpark is the first project in the town’s master development plan that includes the city’s future Goodyear City Center near the baseball complex. The Goodyear Ballpark development plans also included an attached, mixed-use “ballpark village” with shops, restaurants, residences, offices and a hotel/conference center.
However, the developer for this retail area filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August 2008. Therefore, the city may take over this part of the project. Just ¼ mile south of the Goodyear Ballpark is the 100-acre Goodyear Recreational Sports Complex. The complex houses the clubhouse and player development facilities and practice fields for both the Cleveland Indians and the Cincinnati Reds. When Indians spring training is not in session, parts of the sports complex will be available for recreational leagues’ games and special events. 2010 Spring Training Tickets: Individual game Indians spring training tickets and Reds spring training tickets are now on sale at Ticketmaster.com. Or search for Cleveland Indians Spring Training Tickets Goodyear Ballpark SeatingThe Goodyear Ballpark has 10,000 seats, which includes 8,000 stadium seats, 1,500 berm seats and six suites.A 500-seat right field party deck area offers top notch views of the action, a massive bar on wheels and will have planned “all you-can-eat” special events. This is also a good spot to watch the players come and go. Much of the seating is “bowl style” seating set below the concourse level, giving an open feel that allows you to actually see the players’ faces. The vertical grandstand has some of the best seats to watch a game. The top floor of the grandstand has great views too. For shaded seating, the premium seats down the left-field line are covered by a canopy. Also, the three-story grandstand will throw shade on the seats at the back of the seating area. There’s also accessible seating at field level. Goodyear Ballpark Food and DrinkThe concession stands are conveniently located on the grandstand level at Goodyear Ballpark, so lines should be kept to a minimum. There are also food carts throughout the stadium.Besides traditional ballpark fare like Ohio-style hot dogs, there are also outposts of Southwest Valley eateries including Raul and Theresa’s Mexican restaurant from Avondale. Other foods include pizza, cheese steaks, bratwurst and Italian ice. Getting Autographs at Goodyear BallparkSome of the best spots to grab an autograph at the Goodyear ballpark are the seating area down the right field line. The clubhouses for both teams are beyond the right field wall.The practice fields are not at the ballpark but instead are ¼-mile south at the new Goodyear Recreational Complex. For the inaugural season, access to players at their practice fields was limited because of the fence set along first base. So, the best bet for getting autographs was to catch players while they were going to and from the practice fields. A big complaint of fans was the “high security” feeling of the complex. Not only was it near impossible for fans to get an autograph, they also couldn’t even get close enough to catch a home run ball or see batting practice. In response to the complaints about lack of player access, the Indians and Reds announced that they will open a new fan access area in 2010. Set off of practice field 1, this new area will give fans the potential of getting autographs and photos of the players. The fan access area is free and open daily at 9:00 a.m. during spring training. (all practice dates and times are subject to change) Cleveland Indians/Cincinnati Reds Tentative Reporting Dates:
Parking at Goodyear BallparkThere is plenty of parking both at the stadium and close by.Goodyear Ballpark lots can accommodate cars, trucks and RVs. Spaces are $5.00 each for cars or trucks; $10/per RV. Indians Spring Training Hotels
Goodyear Arizona is a small town but the number of hotel in Goodyear is growing. A few are close to Cincinnati Reds spring training and Cleveland Indians spring training. Others are conveniently located next to shopping and restaurants. See our list of best Goodyear hotels Attractions Near Goodyear BallparkThe town of Goodyear is located southwest of Phoenix. Although it’s a quick hop on the freeway to get to many greater Phoenix area attractions, you don’t have to leave the area to explore two scenic desert parks.
Estrella Mountain Regional Park (14805 West Vineyard Avenue, Goodyear; 623-935-2505) encompasses 19,840 acres of Sonoran Desert and the rugged Star Mountains, called Sierra Estrella in Spanish and known for their white quartz outcroppings. You can’t miss the imposing mountains’ profile on the southern Goodyear horizon. There are 8 mixed-use trails stretching out over 33 miles, perfect for hiking, backpacking and horseback riding. The park, which is near the meeting of the Gila and Agua Fria Rivers, has a wetland area that’s great for birdwatching. The Gila River flows through the park and is popular for fishing. Amateur astronomers will enjoy the "Stargazing for Everyone Program" offered on scheduled evenings in the park. In addition to open space, Estrella Mountain Regional Park also offers a wide variety of recreational facilities in the developed area of the park. Campgrounds, two baseball fields, a golf course, a 9.5-mile competitive track, a large horse staging area and a professional rodeo arena provides a little something for just about every type of visitor. Notably, the park also has the only grass picnic area in the Maricopa County Park system.
About 10 miles northwest of Goodyear near the town of Waddell is White Tank Mountain Regional Park (13025 North White Tank Road, Waddell; 632-935-2505). It has the distinction of being the largest park in the Maricopa County system at nearly 30,000 acres. The forces of nature have sculpted this rugged area into deep canyons and craggy peaks that rise over 4,000 feet. Strong rains and flash floods have carved natural basins - or tanks - in the exposed white granite of the canyons, giving the mountains their name. A highlight of the park is the one-mile Waterfall Trail, named for a seasonal waterfall that sometimes gushes over the rocks here. This path also has trail-side petroglyph panels created long ago by the ancient Hohokam people as well as cacti and wildflowers in spring. Eleven major trails, a 10-mile competitive track, campgrounds, picnic areas and a stargazing program make White Tank Mountain Park a popular outdoor escape.
If shopping is your preferred form of recreation, then head over to the Palm Valley Pavilions Shopping Center. This large retail complex is split into two units - West and East - on either side of North Litchfield Road in between the I-10 freeway and West McDowell Road. The shopping center includes Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, Ross, Target, Michael’s and the Palm Valley Cinema. Luke Air Force Base is just north of Goodyear. So, don’t be surprised if you spot fighter jest flying by during a game at Goodyear Ballpark. Every two years the base hosts an air show known as Luke Days. The next show takes place March 21-22, 2009 - right in the middle of the 2009 Arizona Cactus League season - making it a good sightseeing opportunity for those attending spring training baseball games. Dining Near Goodyear BallparkIf you're in the mood for a good sandwich, Paradise Bakery (15470 West McDowell Road, Suite 109; 623-414-4879) is a great choice.
Paradise is a chain of cafes found in several states. In spite of its chain status, we always enjoy having lunch at one of its several outlets. The Goodyear branch is in the Centerpoint Shopping Center. Paradise Bakery’s food is fresh and quickly prepared and the service is always friendly and efficient. The menu includes a variety of sandwiches, salads, soups, pastries, fresh baked bread and coffees. They’re open for breakfast too. Located in the Palm Valley Pavilions West Shopping Center, Wildflower Bread Company (1380 North Litchfield Road; 623-935-1131) is an Arizona chain of cafes that serves a great, inexpensive meal. They’re open for lunch and dinner but we always seem to head there for their tasty breakfasts. Their lemon ricotta pancakes with blueberry compote are absolutely delicious. Wildflower also serves sandwiches, salads, soups and pasta as well as pastries and breads.
Macayo's Mexican Kitchen (1474 N Litchfield Road; 632-209-7000), also in the Palm Valley Pavilions West Shopping Center, is an outlet of the family restaurant turned successful Mexican food chain. They serve hearty platters of tacos, burros, fajitas and chimichangas and have a large margarita menu. Other Goodyear restaurants to try include:
Goodyear Ballpark Fast FactsLocation: The Goodyear Ballpark is located two miles south of I-10, south of Yuma Road on the east side of South Estrella Parkway. The City of Goodyear is located 20 miles southwest of Phoenix just off of Interstate 10. From I-10 take the Estrella Parkway exit south.Click here to see a map of the Greater Phoenix Spring Training Locations
Phone: Ballpark Info: 1-623-882-3120 2010 Spring Training Tickets: Individual game Cleveland Indians spring training tickets and Cincinnati Reds spring training tickets are now on sale at Ticketmaster.com. Can't find the tickets you want? Search for Cincinnati Reds Spring Training Tickets Single Game Ticket Prices
*Berm tickets are only $5 for Reds vs Indians games. Season Plan Ticket Prices (all Reds & Indians Home Games, 30 games total)
Half Season Plan Tickets (all Indians or Reds Home Games, 15 games)
Number of Seats: 10,000 total. Note: The information in this review was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, availability, access, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the facility before making reservations and/or travel plans. Click here to see the complete 2010 Arizona Spring Training Schedule Return to Arizona Spring Training Baseball Sites and Teams page from Goodyear Ballpark
Legal Disclaimer: Arizona-Vacation-Planner.com accepts no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information.
|
