Spring Training Online

The vertical grandstand will feature some of the nicest spots to watch a Cactus League game. On the second level are a smaller press box and six suites. The suites are nontraditional, more akin to a party zone than anything else. The only permanent fixture in the suite is a half-moon-shaped bar in the middle of the space, perfect for a group standing around and watching a game. A garage-door style set of windows can be opened to a table and chairs set up on the patio. The feel, we expect, will be that of a casual gathering, with groups circling the bar and watching the game from the inside of the suite. The suite layout is a nice touch for the spring-training feel.

On the top floor of the grandstand is a large group area. It can be sold in different ways – for larger or midsized groups, or as a general party area when nothing else is going on. The view of the field is great, as is the view of the surrounding area: you can see University of Phoenix Stadium in the distance.

Because there are no training facilities at the ballpark, fans will have a short distance between their cars and the front gates. Four entrances provide entry to the ballpark, and although an incredible plaza serving as the main gate is the farthest away from the parking areas, we’d recommend fans walk to the plaza and hang out a little bit before entering the ballpark. Water fountains and a 60-foot, six-inch-high baseball statue provide a great atmosphere.

The 400-capacity right-field party deck, where some all-you-can-eat events are already planned, should prove to be one of the more popular party areas in the Cactus League. It’s a nice, defined space with a good view of the action and a great vantage point for watching players come and go. The massive bar is on wheels, allowing the space to be reconfigured for different events.

There should be plenty of shade at the ballpark. The three-story grandstand has the added bonus of providing shade to seats in the back of the seating bowl at the start of an afternoon game. A premium seating area down the left-field line will be covered by a canopy.

Kids will be very welcome at the ballpark – and that’s not always so in spring-training facilities. A Wiffle-ball field in the right-field corner will provide a welcome diversion to kids bored with baseball, and a large open area in the left-field corner will be a good place to run around. There’s room on the berm for 1,600 or so, and we’re guessing a lot of families will be bringing the blankets and hunkering down for the day.

Concessions are not overwhelming. There will be plenty of mobile points of sale on the concourse, with two main stands in the grandstand and another in the center-field batter’s eye.