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| - I've been going to Peoria since they opened. Even when I lived in Seattle, I would fly back to Phoenix to watch the M's play ball in Peoria. This is really one of the best parks in the Cactus League.
Getting there is a breeze. Not only does the 101 freeway run right by it, but it is just south of Bell Rd. It is easiest to reach the complex by coming North on 83rd from Peoria (don't do Thunderbird) or Cactus and then parking at the Buca Di Beppo's across the street. You can park there for free and, a short walk later, you will be at the front gate.
Once you are in, the exterior concourse is filled with food options that only a Carny could love. Fried Oreos, Twinkies, and something called Taco in a Bag (crushed Fritos or Doritos topped with beans, salsa, lettuce, and cheese). There are gyros, bbq, sausages, Dodger Dogs-corndogified, and many of the traditional ballpark food options. Prices range depending on where you are so look around.
The grass is some of the best in the Cactus League and allows fans to watch the pitchers warm up in the bullpen as well as catch the game. Most of the seats are on the smaller size and have not been updated since 1993. The exception is the upperdeck where, in 2008, new padded seats were installed. Those seats also feature a waiter who will get you anything you need from the main concession stand. There is a concession stand up stairs for those seats and there is also a bathroom. Very nice amenities for tickets that usually hover around $26. For shaded seats, sit in either the 200 or 300 sections. The third base line gets more shade than the first.
Player access is somewhat spotty. Both teams use the practice fields to warm up and do their drills so you won't find them on the field until about an hour before the game starts. Once they start coming out, you can camp out down the right field line to get all of the players as they come on the field. If you want a better spot, cross the bridge into the right field berm and go down the hill. There is a fence that all of the players walk by and most will sign there as opposed to once they get on the field.
The best part of Peoria Sports Complex is that they tend to host more night games than the other stadiums. There are usually 3 or 4 every year which is great for locals who can't take a month off of work.
My only gripe is with the employees. The place is staffed with volunteer retired Sun City people. They are grumpy and always on a power trip. They always want to check your ticket (even when both hands are full of food) and act like they are the last line of defense between the terrorists and the field. While they can put a blemish on the experience, overall, it is always great to catch a game at Peoria.
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