This is one of, if not the nicest spring training facility in Arizona. It houses the Rockies & D-Backs, and is still basically brand-new, as it debuted during the 2011 season.
PARKING:
There were two main parking options when we went, both giant dirt lots. As you follow the signs for the general parking, there is a $10 lot on your left, and a $20 on your right. Both are self parking, and at first, look to be identical. Only after we had been walking for 10+ minutes from the cheap lot, did we notice how much closer the $20 lot gets you. It's nice they have a closer option for those who need it, though we were happy to walk the extra bit and put the $$ towards some food inside. As you get closer to the stadium, there is a bridge with a nice water feature that turns into a little river that you walk over. Next level for a baseball stadium.
STADIUM:
The stadium itself is REALLY nice! Everything is clean, open, and it definitely shows how new it is. There are plenty of food and drink options all around the stadium. They have a large grassy lawn area where people can watch the game and even play some catch before it fills up. There was also a free sunscreen dispenser at the restrooms for those who forgot theirs, or need to re-apply. Make sure to stop by the Guest Services stand to get a first game certificate, if applicable!
SHOPPING:
Each home team (AZ & COL) has their own giant dugout store (down by each foul pole) featuring all kinds of hats, jerseys, shirts, pins, cups, almost everything else you might want, and things you didn't know you needed! They also have a Baseballism store down the 3rd base line towards the outfield.
FOOD:
Salt River has most all the basics you would expect to find at a baseball stadium (hot dogs, chicken strips, fries, pretzels, popcorn etc). They do however also have some different, elevated options.
A few examples:
-Berrie Kabobs and Organic Açaí bowls from @theoriginalberriekabobs
-Mustache Pretzels from @mustachepretzels
-Mexican food & Margaritas from @rustytacograms
-Premium Burgers from 101 Cattle Co.
-Edible Cookie Dough & Ice Cream from @scoopwells
-Empanadas from @yanikeke_foods
-Kettle and other fun flavored popcorns from @cactus_corn
-Chick-fil-A... yum!
-Cold Stone Express... you already know!
DRINK:
There is no shortage of beverage options as you make your way around the ballpark. They have all the things you would expect, including local and more common draft beers, cans of beer and seltzer, soda, water, and more!
The "and more" was really what sets them apart from other spring training, and even MLB stadiums. In addition to multiple brands/flavors of seltzers, they had the largest selection of canned alternative adult beverages (Simply Spiked, Happy Thursday "bubble free" refreshers, Hard Mountain Dew, Cayman Jack flavored margaritas, Voodoo Ranger Hard peach tea, Angry Orchard cider, Deep Eddy vodka drinks, Superbird and Bacardi cocktails).
The most intriguing and innovative option in my opinion, was the High Rise D9 seltzer, which has THC & CBD. Both of these are legal for folks 21+ in the state of Arizona, and I think it's incredible that they have options for those who can't/don't want to drink alcohol, but still want to get a buzz, chill out, and have a good time. Shout out to Salt River Fields for being ahead of the curve with this!
OTHER:
There are also some interactive activities, such as a small field for kids to play and run the bases. There's something called the Diamond Bar, which has some tasty sounding food options, draft beer, and fun specialty Deep Eddy baseball themed cocktails. They have tables and chairs both inside and out, along with a cornhole set for people to play while they hang.
There is also a Casino just a short drive down the road that is part of the Talking Stick Resort property. We went to check it out after the game and enjoyed some casino games and people watching.
OVERALL:
We have now been to almost all the spring training stadiums in AZ, and it's not hard to argue that this one is the nicest. Between the elite food and drink options, clean and updated facilities, and overall vibe, this is a stadium I would go out of my way to come back to again on future visits!
IG: @bbnem.eats read more