Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57
Scottsdale CC Baseball Field 9000 E. Chaparral Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85256
Year Opened: 2010 (a guess) Capacity: 300 (approx)
Go Chokes!
The Scottsdale Community College Fighting Artichokes baseball team plays on its on-campus baseball field. The school’s entire sports facility is called the Arthur W DeCabooter Athletic Complex, named after a respected city leader and former long-time school president. The athletic complex houses football and soccer fields, two baseball and softball fields, racquetball and tennis courts, a fitness center, and more.
The Artichokes are members of the NJCAA – Arizona Community College Athletics Conference (ACCAC). The team’s name was first intended to be an embarrassment, but the students, athletes, and staff embraced it; they now proudly honor the moniker.
Food & Beverage 0
Like most ACCAC ball fields, the venue does not offer concessions. I did see a Coke vending machine outside of the building next to the field. Fans are welcome to (and should) bring their own snacks and beverages (especially for those double headers).
Atmosphere 3
Scottsdale CC Baseball Field offers a basic game day outing. The ballpark provides one set of shadeless bleachers (nine rows) with a handrail up the middle. The first two rows are shortened to make room for wheelchairs and strollers. One side of the bleachers has a ramp; the other side has steps.
A light-thickness net protects the fans from foul balls. The stadium does not have any net-free seating. The field is a plush green (at least at the beginning of the season) with grass between the bases (common for ACCAC ball fields).
The outfield wall ornaments are the batter’s eye, the American flag, and the scoreboard. The best part is looking beyond the outfield wall and gazing at the distant mountain ranges.
Mountain View in the Distance at Scottsdale CC Baseball Field, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey
The scoreboard is a green dot matrix board showing the traditional line score. Depending on where the sun is, it may be difficult to read. The stadium does not have lights, so the Artichokes only play day games at home.
Music is played pregame and between innings at an acceptable volume (a level where you can still have conversations with your neighbor without yelling to be heard).
Players groom the field – spray it down, replace (or clean off) the base pads, rake the infield, chalk the batter’s box and baselines, etc.
Artichoke Players Grooming the Field, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey
Neighborhood 2
Though Scottsdale has one of the finest downtown areas in the valley, the school is three and a half miles away from that bustling downtown. Farmland still surrounds the plot of land where the college sits.
The only place to eat nearby is a Wendy’s (about a half-mile walk). Two exits north on Loop 101 (Talking Stick Way), you’ll find Chili’s, Red Robin, and Babbo Italian. Talking Stick Resort (also the same exit) has more than three restaurants for eating, imbibing, and losing your money at the casino. That same exit gets you to Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, spring training home for the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Across Loop 101 from Scottsdale Community College is a Residence Inn by Marriott. Keep in mind that when spring training is in session, hotel prices almost triple in cost.
And, of course, downtown Scottsdale shouldn’t be missed if in the area. Recommended places to eat in downtown Scottsdale are Karsen’s Grill (an exceptional small bar/eatery), Los Olivos Mexican Patio (Mexican and margaritas), and The Mission Old Town (modern Latin cuisine). For many other restaurants and bars in the neighborhood, check here for a directory to find ones that might suit your tastes.
If in Scottsdale during spring training, the San Francisco Giants home field is adjacent to the downtown area. The city has provided many upgrades to this stadium in the past 12 months (2023-2024), and it just might be worth checking out.
For more affordable baseball (free), the Mesa CC Thunderbirds Ballpark is nine miles south, and the Paradise Valley CC Field is nineteen miles west.
Fans 3
Fans are mostly friends and family of the players. Parents, grandparents, siblings, girlfriends, and wives are in the stands. Many seem to know each other. Since many of the teams the Artichokes play are close in distance, fans of opposing teams are often in the stands.
They all root on the players, regardless of team affiliation. Often, the most vocal fans are the ones in the dugout.
Access 2
The university and its ball field sit on the northeast intersection of Loop 101 and Chaparral Rd, about 3 ½ miles from downtown Scottsdale. Finding the school is easy, but finding the ball field once on campus is not as easy (at least the first time there).
I recommend turning left at the school’s fourth entrance off Chaparral (from the 101). Then make a right and then a left into the parking area and head towards the Scottsdale School of Film and Theatre. The ballpark is to the right of that building, with plenty of free parking available. Look for signs for parking lot J, the Film School, or follow the lights for the football field.
Valley Metro Bus Route 50 stops at Chaparral Rd and Pima Rd. From there it’s a half-mile walk to the ball field. Phoenix’s Sky Harbor Airport is 12 miles southwest of the school.
Unfortunately, restrooms are not available. Instead, the venue has icky-looking porta potties near the entryway.
Return on Investment 5
The only expense of attending an Artichokes baseball game is the travel costs and what you bring to eat or drink. That’s right, no charge to watch players bunting, stealing bases, making double plays, pitching, and just playing hard to make a difference for themselves and their teammates.
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Extras 3
Scottsdale Community College is the only public community college located on Native American Land.
The college’s nickname, Fighting Artichokes, deserves an extra mention for its creativity and making something that was supposed to be a disgrace into something to be proud of. Love it!
The Oakland A’s held spring training games and/or workouts at Scottsdale Community College in the early 1990s.
Final Thoughts
Pack some bottles of water, sunscreen, and a snack, and head to Scottsdale Community College Baseball Field for a fabulous mountain view and to watch some Artichokes baseball.