Surprise Road Trip
by 3hacks on Feb 13, 2010 10:44 AM CST
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PrintI'm looking into making the trip out to Surprise this spring break to catch spring training and could use the wise advice of those experienced souls here who have made the road trip from DFW or nearby.
For Surprise in particular, is there anything I need to make sure to see other than the games? Is one time or place better than another for my kids to be able to get up close and interact with the players?
I'm planning to stay in Phoenix (where I can use hotel points. I'm a cheap bastard.) instead of at one of the hotels down the street from the game fields. Will I regret that?
To break up the road trip monotony, I'd like to swing by the Grand Canyon on the way out and Carlsbad Caverns on the way back. Any other must-see destinations between here and there?
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I don't know the hotel situation in Peoria
but I’d give strong consideration to staying there.
15-20 minutes from Surprise, lots of restaurants/bars and much closer to a lot of the ballparks in the area than if you’re staying in Surprise. The Padres/Mariners share a complex in Peoria.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"The Influence continues." Josey Wales (1/18/10)
I had to google Peoria.
We’d be staying just a few miles east of Peoria, near the Metrocenter mall off I-17. The hotel evidently has some huge water slide that my kids would love.
It would be nice to catch a few other teams out there in addition to the Rangers.
oh I'm familiar with that Metrocenter Mall area..
I’ve seen that waterslide across from the mall but I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone using it. Is it still operating? That is a bit of a drive to Surprise from there…and be REALLY careful with speeding because they have cameras ALL OVER the highways. I was just there.
I did not ask you if you have herpes. I said is that a hairpiece?!?
I assume it is. It's advertised on the hotel's web page as one of the amenities, complete with an exuberant kid careening down the flume.
It’s been interesting as I’ve mentioned to people around town that I’m planning this trip, how many have responded that they have gone out there for spring training and absolutely loved it. They’re coming out of the woodwork. I expect this crowd to be Ranger diehards, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised about how many others in the general population are afflicted with the hidden passion.
you and your kids are going to have sooo much fun...
I can’t wait to get there myself. The metrocenter area isn’t bad. The hotels are really moderately priced over there. I had a friend who stayed at the Ramada there for like 50 bucks and the room was actually pretty nice. There will be a chipotle real close to you that’s pretty good and a bunch of other food selections.
I did not ask you if you have herpes. I said is that a hairpiece?!?
Peoria is not 15-20 minutes from Surprise
More like rt next door.
Have you actually been there?
"I don’t know how these SN blog authors get their gigs, but I’m frankly surprised SN tolerates AJM’s lack of effort." Tex34
Neftali Feliz says sit your 5 dollar ass down before he makes change...
by Brian Thomas on Feb 13, 2010 3:36 PM CST up reply actions
I've been every year
from 2003-2009,
Maybe I’m wrong but I can’t imagine getting from the ballpark in Peoria to Surprise Stadium in less than 15 minutes.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"The Influence continues." Josey Wales (1/18/10)
Just put up
both stadiums on mapquest and they say it’s 18 minutes from the Peoria Sports Complex to Surprise Stadium.
So like I said, 15-20 minutes.
Have you ever been there, BThomas?
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"The Influence continues." Josey Wales (1/18/10)
The town of Peoria is right next to Surprise
They border each other, hence the “rt next door.”
Your original post mentioned nothing about the distance from park to park specifically. If that’s what you meant, yay for you, and my sincere apologies.
Regardless, there are better places to stay than Peoria, unless Applebee’s is your idea of a dandy night on the town…
"I don’t know how these SN blog authors get their gigs, but I’m frankly surprised SN tolerates AJM’s lack of effort." Tex34
Neftali Feliz says sit your 5 dollar ass down before he makes change...
by Brian Thomas on Feb 13, 2010 6:24 PM CST up reply actions
There are several teams within
easy (20-30 minutes) driving distance of Peoria.
The Indians/Reds in Goodyear (I haven’t been to that park yet), the Brewers in Maryvale, the Dodgers/White Sox in Glendale (sweet, sweet complex), Padres/M’s in Peoria and Royals/Rangers in Surprise.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"The Influence continues." Josey Wales (1/18/10)
The ballpark opens at 10 AM
I always suggest parking behind the stadium where the gates open between the Rangers and Royals complex. The Rangers are on the right side when you enter the gate and you will see fields and fields of minor leaguers doing their thing. If you follow the sidewalk all the way to the main practice fields you’ll see all the guys in big league camp. Autographs are a dime a dozen as everyone is more than happy to sign for you. It’s fun to watch all the prospects as well as all the big leaguers, but be sure to watch Wash toss BP in the cages. The language may be a little ‘R’ rated, but it’s funny. Josh will stay after BP and sign for everyone who waits for him unless he gets time crunched. I had more fun on the back fields than watching the games themselves. If it tickles your fancy, stay on the back fields and watch the minor league games as opposed to the big league games in the actual Surprise Stadium (which is gorgeous, by the way.) Going to Spring Training is one of the best trips you can take and you won’t be disappointed. I went the previous 3 years, but have to miss this year due to the birth of my first child in early March. My wife selfishly got pregnant and due March 3rd to break tradition of my Spring Training trips, but next year we’ll have an extra person going with us to the desert.
Good info, thanks.
Your description of spring training is what I was hoping it will be like. I’m pretty geeked about getting out there, and fortunately my kids are the same way. I’ve still got some work to do convincing my wife.
Congrats on your upcoming dadhood. It’s great.
The Rangers are one of the best teams in ST when it comes to being fan friendly.
Definitely go during the morning workouts. The best time for autographs is when they field to field. The Rangers as a whole are just a bunch of normal guys having fun, literally.
Not a bunch of stuck up douche bags like the Yankees where it’s 5 minutes then get the fuck away from me.
by TooLegitToQuit on Feb 13, 2010 12:41 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Cool
I wanted to take away some neat memoribilia while I’m there.
Rusty, the bed was very soft- Clark W. Griswold
by AndrusImpersonator on Feb 16, 2010 1:55 PM CST up reply actions
from a local
I live in AZ, and have “season tickets” for the Rangers Spring Training games, so here is a short primer on the stadium…
They are the only spring training site that offers free parking.
They allow you to bring in sealed water bottles.
It is pretty easy to get decent seats…unless they are playing the Diamondbacks, Dodgers, or Cubs. Tickets for night games can also be be tougher to obtain.
The Rangers share the stadium with the Royals, so if they ever play each other, the Rangers dugout is always on the 1st base side.
If given the choice between buying a ticket on the lower deck, versus the (sometimes more expensive) upper deck, choose the lower deck.
As another poster said, the practice fields open at 10:00 AM each day. However, the actual stadium gates opens 90 minutes before gametime.
Where you are staying (MetroCenter) is about 30 minutes away from Surprise Stadium. Also, from your hotel It is also a relatively short drive to Camelback Ranch (Dodgers/Sox), Goodyear (Indian/Reds), Maryvalle (Brewers), and Peoria Sports Complex (Mariners/Padres.)
They play the Cubs in a day game while we're planning to be there.
Where are the good shopping areas? (In other words, where is a good place to drop off my wife each day?)
You also need to go to
Don & Charlie’s restaurant in Scottsdale.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"The Influence continues." Josey Wales (1/18/10)
Scottsdale
If you’re interested in trying an In N Out Burger, there’s one of those in Scottsdale as well.
"Jesus, Spanish- our jobs aren't enough, now you want our words?"
-- Sterling Archer
yes and Tempe too... animal style <----winner
I did not ask you if you have herpes. I said is that a hairpiece?!?
The tempe location has some nice "scenery" due to its proximity to ASU
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on Feb 16, 2010 12:44 PM CST up reply actions
yep sure does that's exactly why I try to stay as close to Tempe as possible :)
I did not ask you if you have herpes. I said is that a hairpiece?!?
2nd the D&C's rec
Also highly rec Banderas in Old Town Scottsdale.
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on Feb 13, 2010 5:46 PM CST up reply actions
When I lived in San Diego
It was always a treat to hit the Pappadeaux’s. Prolly not a big deal to peeps that live in Texas, but you can’t find decent cajun food in California (or Virginia).
Is that still open there?
"I don’t know how these SN blog authors get their gigs, but I’m frankly surprised SN tolerates AJM’s lack of effort." Tex34
Neftali Feliz says sit your 5 dollar ass down before he makes change...
by Brian Thomas on Feb 13, 2010 6:30 PM CST up reply actions
I have no idea if it's in San Diego or Phoenix
I’ve never seen one in either place, but that doesn’t mean much.
They do still have them around DFW though.
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on Feb 14, 2010 10:01 AM CST up reply actions
No Pappadeaux's ever in San Diego
They used to have one in Pho. Off of 17. Interwebs appear to indicate it is still open
They do still have them around DFW though.
Yes sir, I know. One of my first stops every time I come in town to DFW or Austin.
"I don’t know how these SN blog authors get their gigs, but I’m frankly surprised SN tolerates AJM’s lack of effort." Tex34
Neftali Feliz says sit your 5 dollar ass down before he makes change...
by Brian Thomas on Feb 14, 2010 3:55 PM CST up reply actions
Gotcha
I didn’t go up that way much. School in Tempe — partying in downtown Phoenix/Scottsdale.
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on Feb 14, 2010 5:12 PM CST up reply actions
Shopping
The Westgate Area (The 101 and Glendale) has some shops, a movie theater, lots of restaurants, etc. It is also where the Coyotes and Cardinals play.
Since you are staying at MetroCenter, there is a mall there too. Plus in the same area there is a nice little putt-putt center if you are bringing kids. Its called Castles and Coasters.
Someone else mentioned In N Out, so I thought I would mention that there is one within 5 minutes of the Dodgers/Sox stadium. (Right off the 101)
However, if you are in Surprise and you are looking for a great burger in a classier atmosphere, try VOGUE BISTRO. They have a nice bar menu, lots of choices in food, and its not too expensive. It was named 2009 top new restaurant in Phoenix by Phoenix Magazine. It is about 4 minutes from Surprise stadium.
There's also an In N Out...
on Bell Road right at 101. Basically right next to the Padres/Mariners complex.
I’m going to have to give Vogue Bistro a try. Every time I go out there, I’ve gotta travel to find decent non-chain food. Everything else is Chili’s, Chick Fil A, In N Out, etc.
I'm not a world traveler but
Arizona is the most beautiful state that I’ve ever personally seen.
The Grand Canyon gets a bit crowded on the South Rim. We took
the train from Williams, but I wouldn’t recommend it because you
don’t get a lot of time to see the canyon.
I do recommend the Apache Trail if you’re a nature lover and have
a full day’s time, and don’t mind burning the gas.
You may also want to think about seeing Guadalupe National Park
in Texas, near the New Mexico border. Awesome hikes of various
lengths. Or you can climb to the top of Texas if your legs are in good
shape (6 to 8 hrs). It’s just a stone’s throw from Carlsbad Caverns.
"Evolution happened, now get over it." Michael Shermer
We may do a hike in Guadalupe National Park. That would be a good finish to the trip.
For the Grand Canyon, I was planning to hit the South Rim for a few hours the first day and then drive up to Glen Canyon Dam and do a half-day float trip down to Lees Ferry (?). It’s little out of the way, but it seems like a great way for my little ones to see a good chunk of the scenery without a major hike.
I’ve never been out that way or done any of these things (except Carlsbad Caverns), so I’m pretty much speaking out of my rear.
Does your wife gamble, Trey?
2 good casinos there, as an alternative to the mall (might get off cheaper at the tables than the shops, too, ha ha).
I wouldn’t stay in Surprise or Peoria unless you are infatuated with chain restaurants and bad traffic. Stay in Pho or Scottsdale. Really though, it is all pretty close together, unlike Florida. The only club that isn’t somewhere in the Pho area is the Dbacks, in Tuscon.
When are you going?
"I don’t know how these SN blog authors get their gigs, but I’m frankly surprised SN tolerates AJM’s lack of effort." Tex34
Neftali Feliz says sit your 5 dollar ass down before he makes change...
She isn't a big gambler fortunately.
We’re looking to go over spring break, which is the third week of March around here. She actually loves baseball, but I know better than to try to get 4 or 5 days straight out of baseball out of her.
The drive is the deal killer for her right now. I need a 16-hour Benadryl and Everclear knockout shot for her.
I to will be in Arizona.
The 12th throuth the 21st. I’ve been looking for some useful info, this thread is good.
"Blister please, with those wings in your spine.
Love to be with a brother of mine.
How he'd love to find your tongue in his teeth,
In a struggle to find secret songs that you keep,
Wrapped in boxes so tight, sounding only at night as you sleep." ~Jeff Mangum; Neutral Milk Hotel
I've golfed at The Raven
and Lookout Mountain. Loved both places.
We’ve stayed at the Embassy Suites on Greenway several times for a variety of reasons (hello free breakfast, free beer at happy hour and a cool pool scene) but mainly because it was 30 minutes from everything. Where you stay depends a lot on what teams you plan to follow or who the Rangers are playing.
If you imagine the entire Phoenix Metro Area being like DFW, the Rangers are in far west Fort Worth. Imagine 14 other teams in the DFW area and that’s what it’s like.
If you’re a baseball junkie, spring training in the Az is awesome.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"The Influence continues." Josey Wales (1/18/10)
Here's
a thread from a post I wrote a couple of years ago when we decided to go to Surprise at the last minute. I don’t have any kids and it was 3 single guys going, so we were headed for probably some different reasons WINK but there’s still some helpful info in there…
"...like some Russian priest fresh off a bottle of potato vodka and a box of cigars." -t ball
Southwest airlines
came through in the clutch. I found a ding fare round trip for 200 bucks from Corpus to Phoenix. The fares weren’t on the right days so my girlfriend bitched until they caved in an gave her the rate. Ya’ll should try it.
Rusty, the bed was very soft- Clark W. Griswold
by AndrusImpersonator on Feb 16, 2010 1:39 PM CST reply actions
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