The Desert Rockies

Official Review by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Special Correspondent

Salt River Fields at Talking Stick is the new (in 2011) spring training facility for both the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Prior to the 2011 season, both teams had facilities in Tucson, AZ. The move north by these teams brings the entire Cactus League to the Phoenix, AZ area.

The Name:

”Salt River Fields” alerts baseball fans that they are visiting the Salt River Pima- Maricopa Indian Community.

”Fields” refers to the 12 practice fields located within the facility and also the Community’s rich agricultural history.

”Talking Stick” is a historical reference to the traditional Pima calendar stick on which carvers recorded historical events and milestones.

Food & Beverage    5

This stadium has a huge variety of food and drink. The 101 Cattle Company offers fantastic burgers and the like; Dos Rios provides southwestern fare; Home Plate Hot Dogs offers a variety of different hot dog options; there's a Cold Stone Creamery (ice cream); Verde Grill (traditional ball fare); and even a concession stand that sells salads. There is a stand that sells chocolate covered strawberries on a stick (the guy sitting behind me called them 'things of beauty').

The food aroma throughout the stadium is fantastically alluring and tantalizing.

There is a variety of beer offered throughout the stadium (domestic and premier), though no local brews. On both the third base and left field concourse there are Leinenkugel stands that sell both a cherry and a honey brew. I got a 'mix' - half cherry and half honey brew and it was perfect.

A fan can only buy one beer at a time. If you are getting a beer for yourself and a friend, either bring your friend with you or plan on making two trips. I experienced this in all the spring training ballparks I visited so am not sure if it is an Arizona rule or a spring training rule.

Atmosphere    5

One can walk around the entire stadium and not miss a pitch or hit of the game. There is standing room only tickets available as well as many grassy berm seating options. The standing room only tickets have a ledge where one can place their beverage, food, camera, scorecard, or bag while watching the game. One can peer over both bullpens and watch the pitchers warm up.

Dignity Health provides free SPF 30 sunscreen on the first base side concourse.

The history comes from the name and from the game that was played in this area of the country in days gone by. For more than 2,000 years, people have played ball games in the Americas. In Arizona, more than 200 ball courts have been discovered. During the period of history when the ancestors of the Pimas, the Huhugam culture, flourished, dozens of of ball courts were in action in the valley.

There was no loud, ear-splitting music or piped-in noise during every stoppage in play and between innings at this and the absence of this was absolutely delightful. There was a female PA announcer at this Rockies game which was a nice change of pace.

Logo: The logo incorporates a rattlesnake to symbolize the Arizona Diamondbacks and a mountain to symbolize the Colorado Rockies.

Neighborhood    3

The stadium is walking distance from several shopping centers. A suggestion if you go - park in the Target lot (it's free - pick up an item or two from Target if you've forgotten something) on Indian Bend Rd and walk towards the movie theater to get to the park.

On your short stroll to Salt River Fields, there is a YC's Mongolian Grill. It offers a 'make your own' stir fry with different choices of sauces, meats, vegetables, and noodles.

On the outside of the stadium there is the Keli McGregor Trail in remembrance of the late Rockies president, Keli S. McGregor, who was a key contributor in bringing this spring training facility to Scottsdale. I recommend taking a stroll down this short trail which is located behind the home plate (main) entrance.

Fans    3

The lawn area was packed; the standing room only area was packed. Except for the one guy in my row (who was more cognizant of the timing of his movements after I mentioned it to him), most fans stayed in their seats during play.

These fans respected and applauded all outstanding plays regardless of the individual or team that player was associated with. For the most part, fans were there for the game of baseball.

Access    3

As mentioned previously, park in the Target Department Store lot. There appeared to be only one two-way road in and out of the stadium; there was lots of traffic leaving the parking areas.

There are three entryways to Salt River Fields. The first base side (Rockies side - which is how I entered); third base side (Diamondbacks side), and behind home plate (main ticket booth is located here).

There are plenty of stalls in the bathroom and it was clean and flood free. After the end of the game there was a line to the ladies room, but it moved quickly.

Return on Investment    4

Tickets range from $8 (lawn seating) to $26 (infield box). Watching the Rockies is always a plus. I found the concession prices for food and beer to be expensive. The items in the gift shop(s) - there are three gift shops - were major league prices.

Extras    4

One point for the free sunscreen; another for being able to get a free printed copy of the starting lineups and rosters from any of the customer service tables; another for the available customer service and security reps throughout the concourse; okay - one more for the mix of cherry/honey Leinenkugel beer.

Final Thoughts

Would I go back? Yes, absolutely.

Side note: The scoreboard was hard to read; it was very cluttered. Bring binoculars when you go.