Scottsdale Stadium – San Francisco Giants Spring Training
- Lloyd Brown
- Mar 24
- 5 min read
Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00
Scottsdale Stadium 7408 E Osborn Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Year Opened: 1992
Capacity: 12,000
The Grand Old Game in Old Town
Scottsdale has hosted Cactus League baseball since 1956, and the current site of Scottsdale Stadium has served as its home throughout all those seasons. An earlier incarnation of the stadium served through the 1983 season, and it was replaced by the current ballpark in time for the 1984 preseason. An extensive renovation took place in 1992. Over time, Scottsdale Stadium has served as the home ballpark for the Baltimore Orioles, the Oakland Athletics, the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs, with the San Francisco Giants taking over as the sole tenant in 1984.
It’s a beloved place for spring training as the San Francisco Giants are very popular and have a dedicated, enthusiastic fan base. And Scottsdale is a fantastic Arizona city for a spring visit.
Food & Beverage 5
San Francisco is a foodie paradise, and the concessions selection at Scottsdale Stadium will not disappoint. Obviously, you will find the typical ballpark fare, but sample the Italian sausages, the garlic fries and other foods typically found in the City by the Bay.
Most of the food stands are located on the concourse below the stands. However, there is also a large food plaza near the left field foul pole with a much wider menu of food options.
The beer and wine selection is extensive at Scottsdale Stadium. Michelob, Coors and several local craft beers are available. Cocktails are on sale at several stands around the ballpark.
Scottsdale Stadium does allow fans to bring in sealed plastic bottles with water or non-alcoholic beverages.
Atmosphere 4
The atmosphere at Giants home games is enhanced by the many seating options available at Scottsdale Stadium. Stadium design firm Populous has created seven different seating areas at the ballpark. There are three levels of seating behind home plate, the Charro Lodge elevated seating area in right field, right field box seats and berm seating in left field. The berm lawn beyond the outfield wall in left field is extremely popular. However, unlike other Cactus League parks, you must be specifically ticketed for berm seating to access the lawn.
Neighborhood 5
Scottsdale Stadium is in the Old Town section of Scottsdale. Old Town is centrally located with virtually every type of lodging, dining establishment or attraction a visitor could desire. The ballpark is just across Drinkwater Boulevard from most of these sites, so many fans choose to arrive in the morning, well before gametime, to get a good parking spot and enjoy all that Old Town has to offer.
Visiting fans choose to stay in one of the many hotels and motels located near the ballpark. The Courtyard Marriott Scottdale Old Town, The Hilton Garden Inn Scottsdale Old Town and Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Scottsdale Old Town are all within walking distance of Scottsdale Stadium.
Old Town also offers a wide range of restaurants that will please any palate. Some of the more popular establishments are the Brat Haus, Goldwater Brewing, the Mission Old Town and the Rusty Spur Saloon.
The area is also home to several sites that celebrate Scottsdale’s southwestern heritage. The Scottsdale Historical Museum and Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum are well worth a visit.
Other sports to visit when in town are the other East Valley stadiums: Salt River Fields (Diamondbacks and Rockies), Sloan Park (Cubs), Tempe Diablo (Angels), and Hohokam Stadium (Athletics). A little farther away, basketball fans can watch a Suns’ game at Morgan Matchup Center in downtown Phoenix. Just five or so miles south of Scottsdale, fans can catch ASU basketball, softball, or baseball.
Fans 4
Scottsdale Stadium has been a fan favorite for fans from every Cactus League team due to its proximity to Old Town, as well as its long heritage as the home field for several Cactus League teams. The stadium typically sells out every game during spring training, as fans enjoy the shade that is a rarity at ballparks in Arizona.
In a unique gesture to fans who are unable to get a ticket to the game, free entry into the stadium is allowed after the seventh inning stretch for every game..
Access 4
It’s wise to get to Scottsdale Stadium early, as parking near the stadium is rather limited. Your best bet for close parking is in the Scottsdale Civic Center and Library Garage adjacent to the ballpark. Parking is free in this lot, but it is on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional parking is also available at the Parking Corral on East Second Street. There is very limited street parking in the area if you arrive early enough.
Another option that many fans use to get to Giants games is the free shuttle that runs from the Scottsdale Fashion Mall. The shuttle arrives every 10 minutes and runs from 90 minutes prior to the first pitch and for 30 minutes after the last out of the game.
Once you arrive at Scottsdale Stadium, there are four entry gates to choose from. These gates are located behind home plate, in center field, along the third base line and in left field. These gates open two hours prior to the first pitch, leaving you plenty of time to explore the ballpark.
People love to check out the various concession stands and other stadium amenities before and during the games. Fortunately, Scottsdale Stadium offers wide, easy to navigate concourses to get you around the park.
Return on Investment 3
The popularity of Scottsdale Stadium means it is a tough ticket to get. As a result, the ticket prices for Giants games are amongst the highest prices charged for any of the Cactus League stadiums.
Tickets directly behind home plate at field level go for $105, while tickets that are higher up from the field behind the plate are priced at $67. Tickets above the first base line also cost $67. Grandstand seats are priced at $50. Right field box seats are $37, and the bleacher seats in left field retail for $32. The outfield berm lawn is priced at $32 as well. Tickets can be purchased using the MLB Ballpark app.
Extras 3
Scottsdale Stadium also serves as the home park for the Scottsdale Scorpions of the Arizona Fall League.
The Giants offer a very popular Run/Stroll the Bases activity after each 1:05 ball game. This activity is open to children ages 12 and under and seniors age 65 and older.
The Giants have a designated area for fans to get players autographs in front of the players entrance to the field along the first base line. However, the team limits access to this area to autograph seekers aged 14 and under. The area is open from 9 am -11am prior to 1:05 pm games. This is to deter adults from seeking autographs solely for the purpose pf selling signed balls or memorabilia for financial gain.
Final Thoughts
Scottdale Stadium may be the oldest ballpark in the Cactus League, but it is more than ready to compete against the younger parks in the league. A terrific food and beverage program, multiple seating options, and lots of tradition add up to a great experience in Old Town Scottsdale.
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