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| - PADRES SPRING TRAINING
We used to live in San Diego and had season tickets way back when. The Padres are now my son's favorite team (by default) but the only way he can watch them is on a special Fox Sports San Diego channel 227 we get specifically to watch Padres baseball. My son got to meet, take pictures and get autographs with almost the entire Padres team during Spring Training, making this the highlight of his Spring Break.
Where else can you get up close and personal with this many players? I'm sure the players get tired of signing things but they made a huge effort to ask my son questions while they signed his ball. Compared to Camelback Ranch, which was the only other field we visited, this was a much better experience with way more opportunities to interact with the players. (Keep in mind the Padres aren't exactly the fan favorite here in Arizona).
LOCATION
This field is about a 25 minute drive from Phoenix, with quick access on N 83rd Ave and W Bell. The last time I came here (maybe 15+ years ago), I thought it was in the middle of nothing. Now there is a Cheesecake Factory, PF Changs, Hooters, Target, Trader Joes, and all kinds of other great places within walking distance from the stadium.
PARKING
$5 to park in front of the stadium. We arrived early and the parking guy told us we could park in the back (take Paradise Lane) East lot to watch the Padres batting practice. I think the players' lot is right there too so you can wait there after the game to get a glimpse of them leaving.
BATTING PRACTICE
It's free to watch batting practice. We went on a day that the Padres were the "home" team, and the ENTIRE team was out. We got there at 10am (for a 1pm game), but they had already been practicing for a while. The entire team was there. Minor league, Major league, batting coaches, pitching coaches (we saw Trevor Hoffman, my favorite!). If you want autographs, catch them as they go back to the clubhouse from these fields. This was the highlight of the whole experience, so don't miss this part!
http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/peoria-sports-complex-peoria?select=sGdC5_risGksujkH8h3dXA&userid=QhYJx2jQdPuSq3fGe3aGcA#rk2ilr87c0B01eWJNy2fGA
TICKETS
Since this was the whole reason for going to Arizona, my husband bought 2 really good tickets next to the dugout way ahead of time. I bought 2 lawn tickets on game day ($10) just to get us inside the park. They do have value games when lawn seats are $5, which is a great deal. (Just for comparison, when we went to Camelback to see the Dodgers, the game was sold out by the time we got there, so I just dropped the boys off and took my daughter to the zoo. If you fly or drive far to get here, buy your ticket ahead of time just to make sure you get in.)
AUTOGRAPH ALLEY
Once inside the stadium, there is a place between 1st base and right field where the players enter the stadium. We had more luck getting autographs at batting practice...most of the players are in a hurry to get to the game at this point. My son was thrilled to see these guys up close. While waiting at autograph alley, we got some interesting helpful hints for signing baseballs from the people who do this kind of thing often.
1. Use MLB expensive balls. (we just had the cheap little league balls from Sports Authority).
2. Use ballpoint pen. (we used Sharpie pens, which smudge and will fade over time).
3. If you use Sharpie, get the FINE point one. (We had the thick tip, which is hard for the players to sign with).
http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/peoria-sports-complex-peoria?select=sGdC5_risGksujkH8h3dXA&userid=QhYJx2jQdPuSq3fGe3aGcA#9AKsePpVU_eERiEx5OI8DQ
FOOD
Overpriced $9 for 3 chicken strips and fries gives you an idea of how much things cost. There is a $20 ALL YOU CAN EAT Red Hook tent which serves burgers, hot dogs, and has in/out privileges all game long. If you like to eat, this is a great deal. You can get your popcorn and peanuts inside this tent and bring it back to your seats as well. There were a few food trucks at the entrance of the stadium which served up everything from shave ice to BBQ.
http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/peoria-sports-complex-peoria?select=sGdC5_risGksujkH8h3dXA&userid=QhYJx2jQdPuSq3fGe3aGcA#wqf5Ri5flfk6CHiLQpZWuA
TEAM STORE
I bought a bunch of 2015 Cactus league Spring training shirts from the store ($22). They sold a $50 blanket too, to sit on the grass. They also have items specific to the the Padres and Mariners teams, in kids, women's and men's sizes and styles so between the food, the bar, and the team store, you will be broke by the time you leave this stadium.
http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/peoria-sports-complex-peoria?select=sGdC5_risGksujkH8h3dXA&userid=QhYJx2jQdPuSq3fGe3aGcA#sGdC5_risGksujkH8h3dXA
My son ended up going home with a bunch of autographed baseballs, a used batting glove from one of the MLB players, and memories that will hopefully last a long time. PRICELESS.
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