Scottsdale Stadium Tips

On a beautiful, sunny day in March I headed over to Scottsdale Stadium, home of the San Francisco Giants during Spring Training. In the fall, the Scottsdale Scorpions play here for Arizona Fall League Baseball. This stadium is one of my favorite baseball stadiums in the Phoenix area. Here are a few things you might want to know about Scottsdale Stadium before you buy your tickets.

These photos will help you get a feel for Scottsdale Stadium before you buy your tickets and plan your day at the ballpark.

Scottsdale Stadium Tips

These comments are based on my visit in March 2008.

1. Scottsdale Stadium is located in an urban setting, right in downtown Scottsdale. The good news is that if you early enough, there are free parking lots around the Scottsdale Civic Center, library, and on the streets of downtown Scottsdale. As game time gets closer, within an hour of the game, those small streets become somewhat congested and difficult. Be prepared to walk several blocks if you aren't there early.
2. Because Scottsdale stadium is located right in downtown Scottsdale, there are great places to stop and eat/drink either before or after the game within walking distance. Several of those bars and restaurants regularly advertise at the stadium, and some even offer party vans and such for transportation.
3. I like the fact that there are trees at Scottsdale Stadium! Although more than 11,000 fans can watch a game there, it has a very small, close feel. That 11,000 includes grass seating.
4. There's a nice, large scoreboard with graphics, and there are also smaller electronic scoreboards in the infield with large enough illuminated numbers allowing them to be visible from the berm.
5. The layout of seating at Scottsdale Stadium is a bit unusual. There are bleachers in the outfields, all with backs, but the the upper infield seats are also bleachers. There are no cup holders at any of the seats. I don't recommend the first row of seats on the second level, where people will be walking in front of you for the entire duration of the game. Upper level (bleacher) infield seats will have shade for the entire game.
6. There is lots of grass, or berm at Scottsdale Stadium. Bring a blanket to stake your territory. You are allowed to bring those really low lawn chairs. I like those so I can lean back.
7. Scottsdale Stadium is the only one I know of that sells Standing Room Only tickets. You can stand all around the perimeter of the outfield.
8. Concession creativity is middle of the road. There's some good looking barbecue, and Soba Noodles are popular. There are picnic tables scattered throughout so you can sit comfortably before or during the game and chow down.
9. Scottsdale Stadium has a youngish vibe, in my opinion. I doubt that Giants fans are younger than other baseball team fans in general, but I think the downtown Scottsdale location, and the proximity of bars and after-game partying, has a lot to do with it.
10. The stadium was renovated in 2006, adding a practice field and the party area and walkway in center/right field.

Pictures of Scottsdale Stadium
Scottsdale Stadium Seating Chart
Map and Directions to Scottsdale Stadium
San Francisco Giants Spring Training Schedule

Everything you need to know to get in on Cactus League action -- team schedules, tickets, stadium information, maps, team gear, photos -- can be found in the Arizona Spring Training, Cactus League Guide.

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