Hi Corbett Field

Fans Get a Vintage Baseball Experience at Rockies Spring Training

Hi Corbett Overview

Built in 1937, Hi Corbett is the oldest Arizona spring training site.

Hi Corbett Field offers a vintage baseball experience

Vintage architecture and its location in grassy, tree-filled Reid Park give fans a feel of what baseball was like in the good old days.

Although the stadium was originally the spring training site of the Cleveland Indians, it is now the Colorado Rockies spring training camp.

Hi Corbett may not have the flash of newer ball parks, but watch a game here and you’ll get a feel for the baseball of the past - before the corporate sponsorships, multicolored team souvenirs and large salaries.

In addition to giving an old fashioned baseball experience, this Tucson spring training facility is full of baseball history.

All the baseball greats played here, including Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Ted Williams and Satchell Paige.

If you have never been to Hi Corbett, you can see it on film.

The movie Major League, starring Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger and Corbin Bernsen, was filmed in part at Hi Corbett using University of Arizona baseball players as extras.

How did the stadium get its unusual moniker?

It was named after Hiram ("Hi") Steven Corbett, a local baseball promoter and president of the Tucson Baseball Commission for more than 25 years.

He was the driving force behind bringing the Cleveland Indians spring training to Tucson in 1947.

2010 Spring Training Tickets: Single game Colorado Rockies Spring Training Tickets are now on sale at StubHub.com.


Rockies Moving Spring Training in 2011 Update

The Colorado Rockies announced that they will leave Tucson to share a new spring training facility with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2011.

The new spring training site will be built on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, just east of Scottsdale near Indian Bend Road and the Loop 101 Freeway, according to a memorandum of understanding between the two teams and the community.

This will be the first spring training site built on a Native American land. The new 140-acre facility will include an 11,000 seat stadium, practice fields, Major League and Minor League clubhouses, training areas and offices.

The Salt River Pima-Maricopa will build and operate the complex, which will be designed by HKS Architects who also designed the new Glendale Stadium-Camelback Ranch facility.

The joint move of the Rockies and Diamondbacks in 2011 will mean that all Cactus League spring training teams will be in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area.


New for Hi Corbett in 2009

The Tucson Toros have returned to playing in Tucson as an independent professional baseball team and part of the Golden Baseball League.


Hi Corbett Seating

Hi Corbett is a simple stadium that evokes a simpler time. There’s just a slight drawback for that sense of nostalgia, however.

The field is west-facing and has very little shaded seating. Only a few seats behind home plate, in Sections K and J, get a bit of shade from a very small overhang.

Otherwise, every other seat is in the sun. So, you’ll need to bring sunglasses, a hat and make sure you slather on plenty of sunscreen.

You’ll be glad that you’re sitting in the warm Tucson sunshine when the announcers read the weather forecast from Denver – a report that’s always met with groans from the crowd.

Another drawback for some fans is the fact that there are no seats in the outfield.

If you have your heart set on catching a fly ball, however, get a seat in the bleachers.

The cheap seats are generally considered to be the best seats at this stadium.


Hi Corbett Food and Drink

High Corbett has the standard baseball stadium fare of hot dogs, bratwurst and beer plus pizza and nachos.


Getting Autographs

Head over to the "Sand Pile" at the end of the third base line, where there is only a four foot fence between you and the players.


Parking

Parking is free but the Hi Corbett lot is small.

If the lot is full, park at the El Con Mall, just one mile north of the stadium, on Broadway.

Parking at the mall is free. From there, you can catch a free shuttle to the stadium.

Rockies Spring Training Hotels

If you’re looking for a place to stay near the stadium, just head slightly east of Hi Corbett to the Doubletree.

The Doubletree Hotel is the closest hotel to Rockies spring training

The Doubletree Hotel Tucson-Reid Park (445 S. Alvernon Way) is a recently renovated large, multistory hotel on 14 acres with a pool, tennis courts and fitness center.

For more atmospheric lodging reflective of the desert, try the Lodge On The Desert (306 N. Alvernon Way), also just a short drive away from the stadium and Reid Park.

This hacienda style property was built in the 1930s and has on-site dining, a pool and gardens filled with flowers, palms and cactus.

A bit farther away, near the University of Arizona campus, is the lovely and historic Arizona Inn (2200 E. Elm Street). Small adobe casitas clustered in a garden setting evoke the Tucson of old.

The closest resort to Hi Corbett is the J.W. Marriott Starr Pass Resort And Spa, nestled in saguaro cactus-studded desert on the western edge of town, about a 20-minute drive away.

You’ll have every luxurious amenity here including sparkling pools, a soothing spa with desert-inspired treatments, a scenic golf course and gourmet restaurants.

Read our review of the Star Pass Resort to find out more and see photos.

For more hotels near the ball park, see the Hi Corbett - Tucson Zoo Hotels page.

Activities Near the Stadium

Before or after the game, head next door to visit the Reid Park Zoo.

Connie and Shaba, the Reid Park Zoo's elephants

This very walkable, family-friendly zoo has level, paved paths and large shady trees.

You'll see animals from around the world including lions, tigers, polar bears and elephants.

Kids will especially love getting a chance to feed a biscuit to a giraffe or riding the charming zoo train.

If you’re a golfer, the Randolph Park Municipal Golf Course, also in Reid Park, is a good course with water features and well-manicured greens.

Dining Near Rockies Spring Training

The Doubletree Hotel's Javelina Cantina

One of the reasons to come to Rockies spring training is try to see the players up close.

On the field isn't your only opportunity though. Many of the players can be seen at restaurants around town after the game.

A popular, nearby hangout is the Doubletree Hotel’s Javelina Cantina restaurant and bar (445 S. Alvernon Way; 520-323-5225).

Sakura sushi bar and Japanese restaurant (6534 E. Tanque Verde Rd. (520) 298-7777) is also said to be a good spot to see players.

Many of the players and coaches from all three Tucson spring training teams love Tucson steakhouses.

Check out:

• Daisy Mae’s Steakhouse (2735 W. Anklam Road; 520-792-8888),
• Sullivan’s Steakhouse (1785 E. River Rd.; 520-299-4275),
• El Corral (2201 E. River Rd.; 520-299-6092),
• and Pinnacle Peak (6541 E. Tanque Verde Rd.; 520-296-0911).

El Charro serves great Mexican food

To just grab a good bite to eat no matter who is there, head to downtown Tucson, less than a 10 minute drive away.

Here, you can choose from several distinctive restaurants with Southwestern and Mexican specialties such as:

• El Charro,
• Café Poca Cosa (110 E. Pennington St.; 520-622-6400),
• The Cup Café (311 E. Congress St.; 520-798-1618),
• Barrio (135 S. 6th Ave.; 520-629-0191).

Hi Corbett Field Fast Facts

Note: This information 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.

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