Have you taken the opportunity to attend spring training at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona? If the answer is “no” you are missing out!  Seeing the Dodgers play at Dodger Stadium, or on the road as a visiting team is terrific, but the spring training experience is very special.

Spring training games are fun to attend, the ball park is beautiful, seating is close to the field, you will see a mixture of veterans and prospects, some good eats and beverages, and the weather in Glendale at that time of the year is usually great, but to “experience” spring training you must take in more than the game(s).

Some suggestions for enhancing your spring training experience at Camelback Ranch:

• Definitely attend at least one game.  Weekend games are well attended, so if your schedule will allow you to attend a game or more during the week seize that opportunity.
• Arrive early, as it can get pretty crowded at The Ranch. Keep in mind that the players are usually finished with their workouts by noon; earlier on game days, especially for away games.
• Parking is free and there is no charge to watch the workouts. Use the parking areas north of the main field, beyond centerfield. There is a walkway from those parking areas to the practice fields, batting cages, and bullpens.
• If you want autographs, bring a trusty medium point blue BIC ballpoint pen for baseballs and / or a fine point Sharpie for baseball cards, photos, yearbooks, bats, etc.
• BE PATIENT as you wait by the barricades and roped-off walkways used by players, and BE POLITE to the players and to those around you, and make no mistake about it, will be crowded around you. Rudeness is unacceptable and might get you tossed from the facility. Unfortunately, there are some very rude Dodgers fans.
• Although the major leaguers are usually finished with their daily workouts by late morning, there are often afternoon workouts and minor league games on backfields. (Note: Dodgers minor leaguers officially report for camp on March 6, but many (most) of them are already in camp).
• Don’t forget that the Dodgers share Camelback Ranch with the Chicago White Sox, so there is usually a game at the Cactus League’s crown jewel nearly every day.
• Even if temperatures are forecast to be moderate, always bring (and use) sun screen and a pair of sunglasses, especially for the kids. It’s also a good idea to check out the weather forecast ahead of time, as spring days in Glendale can occasionally be a little chilly or wet. As such, it is always a good idea to bring a light jacket or sweatshirt.
• Call the Camelback Ranch offices in advance (623-302-5000) to make certain that the practice fields will be open on the days you are there. Even though they are seldom closed, it does happen occasionally.

The area around Camelback Ranch is predominantly residential, but good accommodations and many outstanding restaurants are located within minutes of the ballpark. Some of the more popular eating options include: Don and Charlie’s in Scottsdale, Cracker Barrel, Texas Roadhouse, In-N-Out Burger, Freddy’s Steakburgers and Frozen Custard, and my personal favorite, Brushfire Tacos Y Tapas in Peoria. Just be sure to save room for a couple of grilled Dodger Dogs and your beverage of choice at the game … but this goes without saying.

Also, don’t forget to check out the team store at Camelback Ranch. Things like the Dodgers official spring training hats and a variety of T-shirts and sweatshirts are season-specific and may be hard to find once the Dodgers break camp for the regular season, which begins on Thursday, March 28 against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium.

ENJOY!

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