Play ball! Ideas for SPRING TRAINING 2010, Scottsdale, AZ
March is around the corner, and I am already excited thinking about the Spring Training fun I will have in Scottsdale, AZ with my family. What a wonderful prelude to the new baseball season. I will be returning to Hotel Valley Ho, the hippest retro hotel in Scottsdale which I have written about separately. Play ball!
THE HOTEL VALLEY HO (www.hotelvalleyho.com) OFFERS SPRING TRAINING DEALS FOR ALL YOU BASEBALL FANS
Scottsdale’s Hotel Valley Ho is offering special rates for baseball lovers. The Valley Ho has been a resting stop for baseball players including Ted Williams and Bob Feller, and continues to welcome ball players and fans alike. There are special spring training rates for March starting from only $199 (must be booked by February 28, 2010). In addition, guests may enjoy the “baseball fan” discount: a 20% discount at VH Spa, Cafe ZuZu, and Trader Vic’s, when they provide their baseball game ticket stub. Restrictions apply.
Hotel Valley Ho is less than a mile from Scottsdale Stadium, the venue for the San Francisco Giants. To get to the stadium, fans can use the downtown Scottsdale trolley (which stops near the Hotel), and then transfer to the Giants shuttle. Fans may also walk to one of the Giants shuttle stops, instead of transferring via the downtown trolley. The Hotel is also located less than two miles from the Phoenix Municipal stadium, the spring training home to the Oakland A’s.
For reservations, call (866) 882-4484 and ask for the special spring training rate, or book online at www.hotelvalleyho.com.
Hotel Valley Ho - 6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale, at the intersection of Indian School Rd. and 68th Street.
www.PlayBallinScottsdale.com
Excerpts of a press release from my friends at the Scottsdale CVB:
Head to the sunny Sonoran Desert for unbeatable 70-degree weather, America’s favorite pastime, and an unforgettable experience in downtown Scottsdale. The San Francisco Giants take the mound at Scottsdale Stadium for 15 home games against teams like the Milwaukee Brewers, Cleveland Indians and Chicago White Sox for the 2010 season of Cactus League spring training March 3 – April 4.
Downtown Scottsdale delivers the ultimate spring training experience. It’s an urban destination with all of the fun and frills of a big city but in a jaw-dropping dramatic desert setting. Where else can you catch a game with Saguaro cacti and the iconic Camelback Mountain as your backdrop? And Scottsdale’s central location in the Greater Phoenix area makes it the ideal resting spot for any baseball fan. Catch the Chicago Cubs in Mesa or the Los Angeles Dodgers in Glendale. With baseball packages for VIP’s and deals like these, you won’t want to stay anywhere else.
A SAMPLING OF SCOTTSDALE’S SPRING TRAINING PACKAGES
Spring training – VIP style:
* The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa: Read my blog on The Boulders, a unique and amazing experience. Take advantage of this VIP experience with the Winter Escape Package ($719 per night) that includes accommodations, breakfast for two and a $50 activity credit. Valid now through March 31.
* W Scottsdale Hotel & Residences: Within walking distance of the action, this downtown property is offering the Who’s Scored a Home Run special (rates starting at $1,000 per night) with suite accommodations, signed baseball gear, buy-one-get-one tickets, and the chance to mingle with the players at a field practice. Valid March 1 – April 1.
* Catching a game at The Charro Lodge in Scottsdale Stadium is icing on the high-rollin’ cake. True baseball fans can get in the middle of the action in this VIP area, located adjacent to the Giants’ bullpen in right field, with catered food and beverages in a relaxed atmosphere complete with a lounge area and live music at select games. Daily passes for the Lodge range from $85 to $100 based on game date, and Pavilion passes are $125 per person.
Baseball fun for all:
* FireSky Resort & Spa: This Kimpton property is located about five minutes from Scottsdale Stadium and is bringing back its Play Ball special (rates starting at $239 per night) that features accommodations, a basket of baseball snacks for the kiddos, and a bucket of beer for mom and dad. Valid March 1-31.
* Hotel Valley Ho: read above and separate food/travel blog on this wonderful resort.
* Scottsdale Resort & Athletic Club: The Spring Training Getaway (rates starting at $179 per night) includes a villa suite, $25 food and beverage credit, personal ticket concierge, 10 percent off services at Eurasia Spa and preferred tee times at area golf courses. Valid Feb. 1 – April 15.
For a complete list of packages, visit www.PlayBallinScottsdale.com
DOWNTOWN SCOTTSDALE ATTRACTIONS & OTHER ACTIVITIES
* Downtown Scottsdale - shop locally at Scottsdale Waterfront and SouthBridge, get your karaoke on at Geisha A Go Go or dance to the hypnotic beats at Axis/Radius. There’s also world-class dining on the menu from FnB, Petite Maison and The Mission as well as spring training staples like the iconic Don & Charlie’s.
* Shop at the Southwest’s largest shopping mall, Scottsdale Fashion Square. Don’t miss Modern Steak, a not-your-average-steakhouse with a trendy, modern design and rockin’ menu offering the best cuts of meat, eclectic cocktails, and side dishes you can’t pass up.
* Swing by one of the nearly 100 galleries and view more than 20 public works of art that are on display for you to enjoy at no cost! Celebrate Native American culture with Native Trails at the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall now through April 10. The series of free festivals presents the music, songs, art and history of several Southwest tribes.
* The Old Town Scottsdale Farmers’ Market takes place every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is a local favorite with products from the best local growers in the Valley. New this year is Farm Sessions, a unique “farm-to-table” experience where Scottsdale’s best local chefs lead you on a shopping excursion through the market and demonstrate a seasonal cooking class using only locally sourced ingredients.
* The inaugural Woodjock concert aims to be a first in music and sports history with athletes and their celebrity friends showcasing their major-league flair on a new field – the stage. Headlined by Chicago White Sox ace Jake Peavy, the event takes place at The Venue on March 11 with ticket prices starting at $30.
PLAN YOUR SPRING TRAINING TRIP TO SCOTTSDALE -
Let the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau be your one-stop source for tourism information. Call toll-free 888-936-7786 and request a complimentary Experience Scottsdale destination guide. To purchase stadium and general admission tickets, visit www.sfgiants.com/spring or call 877-4SFGTIX.
CACTUS LEAGUE 2010: Cactus League spring training was established in Arizona in 1989 and today plays host to 15 teams in nine cities and 11 stadiums throughout Arizona.