Hohokam ParkCatch Baseball Fever at Home of
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| Hohokam Park in Mesa is home to Chicago Cubs spring training |
Located in Mesa, AZ, Hohokam is the second largest spring training site in the United States - after the new Glendale Stadium-Camelback Ranch.
In spite of its size, the Cubs’ dedicated fans always see that this over 12,000-seat stadium has many a sold out game.
As a matter of fact, the Cubs fans set the baseball spring training record in 2008 with the highest attendance ever – 181,280 tickets sold.
Both baseball fans and those new to the game might be surprised that a team who hasn’t been to the World Series since 1908 has such a loyal following.
But a visit to a Cubs spring training game at Hohokam Park Mesa, Arizona will clear up any doubts.
Games have a festival atmosphere at Hohokam Field.
The large happy crowds of Cubbies fans fill up the parking lots and seats, in eager anticipation that this will be the year the Cubs go all the way to the World Series.
Hohokam Stadium also has the only organist in the Cactus League - an old fashioned touch that really gives a vintage baseball feel to the games.
Adding to the fun, an audience member is chosen to stand on the dugout and lead everyone in a rousing rendition of Take Me Out to the Ballgame during the 7th inning stretch.
Because Hohokam Park is a popular spring training site and because of its location southeast of Phoenix, give yourself plenty of time to get to the stadium and to park your vehicle.
Hohokam Field is in town, in the middle of a residential area and right next door to a cemetery.
You'll have a bit of a drive through Mesa neighborhoods, after exiting from either the Loop 202 freeway or Highway 60, before you reach the park.
Cubs Spring Training Tickets: 2010 Chicago Cubs Spring Training Tickets are now on sale at StubHub.com.
Hohokam Park Seating
Be sure to purchase tickets well ahead of time for games at Hohokam Park. Chicago Cubs spring training fans continue to set the record for Cactus League attendance.
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| Hohokam Field has over 12,000 seats |
There are a variety of seats including field box seats and terrace premium seating.
Although you’ll be in the Valley of the Sun, that doesn’t mean you have to watch the game at Hohokam Park under the warm rays.
If you prefer to be out of the sun, seats in Hohokam Park Sections 200 – 212 and 201 – 211, plus Budweiser tent, have the most shade.
The outfield lawn seating is on a berm and fully in the sun.
Be sure to slather on the sunscreen, wear a hat and sunglasses and drink plenty of fluids.
Hohokam Stadium Food and Drink
Hohokam Park revamped its seven concessions stands and fans now have a greater variety of food choices.
There’s quite a hot dog menu including the Arizona Fajitas Dog, slathered in salsa, onions, green peppers and guacamole.
From the other side of the nation, try the New York City Rueben Dog, piled high with sauerkraut, cheese and 1000 island dressing.
If hot dogs aren’t your favorite, there are also concessions serving pizza, burritos, burgers, fries and, of course, plenty of beer.
Getting Autographs
Definitely get to Hohokam Park or the practice field early if you are counting on an autograph; it’s best to arrive at least 1½ hours before game time.
You have three spots to try for an autograph.
Some fans try at Fitch Park, which is the practice field for Hohokam Stadium and the Minor League Complex. It is located on Center Street, just south of the stadium.
Hopeful autograph seekers wait at the entrance to the players’ parking lot here, hoping to snag an autograph as the players arrive in their cars for practice.
At Hohokam Park, hang out close to the fence near the dugouts at least 1½ hours before the game starts.
The Chicago Cubs spring training dugout is on the 1st base side of the field. The opposing team dugout is located at the 3rd base side.
If all else fails, try waiting by the Hohokam Park players’ parking lot after the game.
Parking at Hohokam Park
Parking at the Hohokam Park lots is $5 per vehicle. The parking lot opens by 9:00 am on most game days. You may also park around the perimeter of the stadium.
Tailgating is allowed in the parking areas, though you cannot consume alcoholic beverages in accordance with city and state laws.
Be careful parking in the surrounding neighborhood – don’t block anyone’s drive way - and obey all parking signs.
Chicago Cubs Spring Training Hotels
If you’re planning to stay in Mesa, there are several Mesa Arizona hotels to choose from. Hotels in Mesa Arizona are scattered throughout this southeastern suburb of Phoenix. However, there are limited lodging options near Chicago Cubs spring training but plenty of hotels along Highway 60.
Activities Near Hohokam Park
Mesa has long been seen as a sleepy retirement community compared to its big city neighbor Phoenix.Recently, however, this casual, former farming community has spruced up its downtown and added a sparkling arts center.
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| A dinosaur perches outside the Arizona Museum of Natural History |
After the game, take a drive to downtown Mesa. The renovated, historic buildings along Main Street are now filled with a variety of boutiques and art galleries.
When you are downtown, don’t miss the Arizona Museum of Natural History (53 N. McDonald; 480-644-2230), formerly known as the Mesa Southwest Museum.
This diverse museum explores the natural world and the history of the Southwest with displays that includes a replica of a Native American village, and an impressive fossil collection.
Kids will love seeing the animated dinosaurs at Dinosaur Mountain, panning for gold and seeing the "rainfall" during a summer monsoon storm.
Mesa has focused on art and you will see public art on display on most downtown street corners.
Another great place to see art is the Mesa Arts Center (1 E. Main Street; 480-644-6500).
This stunning site combines visual arts, performing arts and arts education all in one impressive space that’s the largest center for the arts in Arizona.
Outside, the Mesa Arts Center is striking with its angular, modern architecture of jagged angles, glass walls and sloping roofs. The outdoor spaces contain trees, water features and a running arroyo meant to evoke the area’s desert landscape.
Inside, there are five galleries showcasing curated and juried permanent and traveling contemporary art exhibitions. Works have included neon art, glass sculpture, pastel landscapes and bead work.
The Mesa Arts Center’s four state-of-the-art theaters and outdoor entertainment venues offer an eclectic mix of performing arts programs.
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| The large Bass Pro Shops store has everything outdoors from boats to boots |
The center is home to the Symphony of the Southwest, Ballet Etudes, the Southwest Shakespeare Company and the East Valley Children’s Theatre among others.
You can also see national performing acts like Lyle Lovett, Vince Gill, the American Ballet Theatre and Bryan Adams.
On your way out of Mesa, check out the gigantic Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World (1133 N. Dobson; 602-606-5600) at Mesa Riverview Center - a 240-acre retail and entertainment development located south of the Loop 202 freeway in northwest Mesa.
The Bass Pro Shops has 170,125-square feet of outdoor sporting goods including camping equipment, hiking boots, men’s and women’s clothing, fishing gear and even boats.
Even if you’re not looking to shop, the store is worth a look to see its outdoors décor and elaborate nature displays.
The store’s centerpiece is a rocky "mountain" complete with "trees," taxidermied elk, turkeys, mountain lion and a large tank filled with live fish.
To get out into the natural world in all its living glory, take one of the most scenic drives in all of Arizona – the Apache Trail.
This 42-mile route passes through some of the most beautiful Sonoran Desert scenery in the state.
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| Saguaro cactus and craggy mountains along the Apache Trail |
Along the way, you’ll see the giant saguaro cactus, ghost towns, three lakes and several mountain ranges including the famous Superstition Mountains.
Dining Near Hohokam Park
Mesa has a variety of restaurants to suit just about every taste.If you’ll be checking out the Bass Pro Shops, consider eating at the adjoining Ismeralda Fish Company Restaurant (1133 N. Dobson Rd.; 602-606-5500), which started in Florida in 1948 and now has locations across the U.S.
The menu is fish dishes such as crab cakes, clam chowder and grilled seafood as well as steaks, chicken, pasta and salads. It also has a massive aquarium as its centerpiece.
There are no restaurants next to the stadium, but it’s only a short drive to downtown Mesa or other areas of town where you’ll have several options.
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| Sluggo's Sports Grill |
Sluggo’s (161 N. Centennial Way; 480-844-8448) near Mesa’s Civic Center, has long been a popular spot with Cubs’ fans.
That’s probably because Sluggo’s original owners were the legendary Chicago Cubs announcer Harry Caray and former Major League Baseball pitcher and current Cubs announcer Steve Stone.
Although the ownership has changed, this sports bar and grill is still filled with sports memorabilia and big screen TVs for watching games.
Sluggo's serves all the traditional grill favorites including potato skins, sliders, burgers and chili.
You can also get tacos, hot and cold sandwiches, salads and even Cajun chicken alfredo pasta. They have a separate kids’ menu and vegetarian items, too.
For something a little different, there's Inside the Bungalow (48 N. Robson St.; 480-844-2353).
Located downtown, this bohemian arts and crafts style home was converted to a coffeehouse that offers natural foods like veggie sandwiches and vegan curry plus organic teas, frozen Mexican-spiced mocha and green tea smoothies.
There's also a studio for yoga and stretching classes and massage, providing a complete mind-body experience.
Other Mesa restaurants to try include:
- Blue Adobe Grill (144 N. Country Club; 480-962-1000): this popular restaurant serves New Mexican specialties like stacked enchiladas, posole and carne adovada.
- Sweet Cakes Café (21 W. Main St.; 480-461-9529): a casual eatery with gourmet sandwiches, soups and salads plus a variety of sweet treats including cinnamon rolls.
- Vito’s Pizza Place and Restaurant (1947 N. Lindsay Rd.; 480-832-3311): homemade Italian-American food in a family style setting.
Hohokam Park Fast Facts
Location: Also known as Dwight W. Patterson Field, Hohokam Park is in north central Mesa.Hohokam Park practice fields are at Fitch Park at the corner of Center and 6th Streets, a little less than one mile south of the stadium.
Click here to see a map of the Greater Phoenix Spring Training Locations
Address: 1235 N. Center St., Mesa AZ 85201. Center Street is between McKellips Road and Brown Road.
Phone: 480-644-4451.
Chicago Cubs Spring Training Tickets: 2010 Chicago Cubs Spring Training Tickets are now on sale at StubHub.com.
Ticket Prices for Individual Games (excluding Premium Dates):
- Field Box $28
- Terrace Box $26
- Field Reserve $21
- Terrace $21
- Patio Bleachers $17
- Grandstand $15
- Lawn (General Admission) $8
Tickets for Premium Dates (Premium games are Friday, Saturday and Sunday):
- Field Box $30
- Terrace Box $28
- Field Reserved $23
- Terrace $23
- Patio Bleachers $19
- Grandstand $17
- Lawn (General Admission) $8
Children under the age of 3 who sit on a parent's lap do not need a ticket.
Click here to see the complete 2010 Arizona Spring Training Schedule.
Number of Seats: 13,074
Notes:
- Gates open 90 minutes prior to game start time (subject to change).
- Hohokam Stadium is a non-smoking facility.
- Small bags and purses are subject to search.
- Chairs, umbrellas, coolers, food, beverages, alcohol and large bags cannot be brought into the stadium. Baby food and formula are permitted.
- Only one 32-oz. bottle of water per person is permitted.
- Strollers are permitted.
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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