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| - This was our first trip to Spring Training, despite being big Angels fans and living within driving distance in Orange County, CA. Went to the afternoon Diamondbacks game as well as the afternoon Dodgers game, both at Angels Diablo stadium.
Chose to stay at the Homewood Suites as we only wanted 2 nights and the Buttes required 3. Very pleased with Homewood Suites - convenient, free parking, free wifi, free breakfast and only 1/4 mile away. (The Marriott Buttes also looked nice & certainly close, but we didn't go up there.) We chose to drive to the stadium, but Homewood suites also has a free shuttle that will drop you off/pick you up.
We got to the stadium super early (9am for a 1pm game) in an effort to get some autographs and check out batting practice. Our experience with the parking guys was awesome. They were a bunch of retirees and super nice to us. I'm sure going at slow time helped with that. We bought an extra spot so we could tailgate a bit and have some shade. Cars are only $5 and $25 for RVs. Autographs were scarce and the big guys were all practicing in the stadium, but it was still fun to walk around the minor league area and watch some of those guys. The practice fields are great! The staff at the practice fields (more retiree guys) were super sweet and helpful. I was amazed at how kind they were to us and our son. Jack was one of the guys in particular who tossed a ball to our son and really made him feel special. Another one of the guys had rosters with names to go with all the numbers for the rookies, which was fun to check out. There was a pitching mound where the kids could throw to a parent and plenty of up close viewing of activities. For all those who complained of no toilets in the parking area, there are restrooms next to practice field #2, which was open both days.
If you go during the day and it's sunny, it's going to be really HOT! We had awesome seats behind home plate and then behind Angels dugout. Both were crazy HOT! You will pay $22 for a spray fan in the gift shop, so bring your own! We actually ended up sitting in our seats only 1/2 the time because our child really wanted autographs and that wasn't the place to get them. If you're not looking for autographs, the seats are great! They're actual seats rather than bench seats, which makes a difference. If it's hot out, bring a towel to sit on - you will thank me! If I had a toddler, would probably pick the lawn so my kid could run around. Autographs at the stadium were pretty light as well. We went in at 11:30 both days when doors opened and very few of the guys were signing. Those who did sign typically only did a couple then moved on. That was a long 9 hours (cumulative) of waiting with our son and his pen/ball. I totally understand they can only do so much, but did think our son would be able to get a few more given the time he put into waiting. I was, however, impressed with how long Hector Santiago and CJ Wilson spent signing on their way out. Stadium staff (again, more retirees) were super helpful in helping us understand where/when to go and also in letting us move around our seats.
The other totally awesome part of this stadium was the Legends concession director, Scott. We have some food allergies to gluten, soy and dairy so I called ahead to find out if any of their hot dogs, burgers, etc would work for us since it's never a good idea to try and ask in the middle of a busy game. Not only did Scott call me back, but he offered to specially order hot dogs and buns that worked with our allergies. This was SO way above and beyond anything I'd expected. I was just hoping to hear the ingredients in a few items and then realize I'd need to bring something myself. I actually felt badly having him order in the items since there were only 2 of us eating them for 2 days. However, he was super accommodating and really wanted to help us out. He called us before the first game to let us know which concession stand they would be at, that the staff would be alerted to them/us, that the hot dogs would be kept separate and then read me the ingredients so I was comfortable and gave me his cell phone in case of any troubles. WHAT!?! Yes - he said it was his pleasure to make sure fans have the best experience possible. He also said he will do it at Anaheim Angels stadium too (although I know they often have options there). btw - the hot dogs/buns he ordered in were very high quality and we paid the same as the regular hot dogs - amazing! The staff who handled us for them in the concession booth were totally friendly and ready for us as well. Thank you, Scott and staff! (if you're also on special diet - check out Picazzo's in Tempe for dinner after the game)
We are already looking forward to our return to Spring Training and Tempe Diablo Stadium next year!
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