Spring training 2025 question

[JFLegal]

I'm thinking of heading out there for a week in early March or whatever. Have never been. A few questions for those who would know:

* I'm just planning on buying tickets to games piecemeal (instead of buying a ticket package or whatever). Is that a good idea or should I reassess?

* Any cost to watch the Reds practice at their facility? Regardless, is it a pretty cool experience watching spring training practices?

* I'm just planning on getting a hotel or an Airbnb near the Reds' facility in Goodyear. Will I have a decent amount of options? (Would need to be a semi-nice hotel or Airbnb.) Or would you suggest something else?

Thanks for any help!

[BlackPete Ibold]

Went with the wife last year, saw game where TJ broke his wrist and also had a game rained out (SMH at getting a rain out in Arizona!)

We stayed at the Wigwam, which is the only 4 star or above place near Goodyear. Will say that west side of town is "less nice" than the eastern side of Phoenex area. Basically flat desert.

You can buy individual game tix ahead of time no problem, but would not wait until GameDay. I was surprised at how crowded it was. We also wanted to make sure we had seats in the shade so bought our tix very early.

The back practice fields are cool, but we were a bit lost as to who was who and what players were scheduled to do stuff. Did see Elly running some sprints, but that was about it.

The have some attempt to make it a "cincy" game... but I drew the line at $10 skyline cheese coney! For 1 single coney!!! But then figured what the heck and went to buy one around 5th inning and they were sold out.... at that price point, I can't imagine they would not have plenty as the profit margin is insane.

We had a fun time but not likely to do it again soon. Fwiw, we are planning to fly out to Sacramento next Sept and see the Reds play the A's there and then drive down to coast for a week. Glad I checked the Arizona spring training off the bucket list, but feel like there are better ways to enjoy watching them than Spring Training.

[sdwagers]

There are a lot parks as this based around the city of Phoenix. I 'd take the opportunity to see games at other venues.

I 'd get tickets in advance. Plan your stay - you're not far from Sedona and the Grand Canyon.

[JFLegal]

Thanks fellas, I appreciate the responses. Been to the Phoenix area a few times, but have never been to spring training. Just looking to relax for about a week somewhere close to the Reds' facility and take in some baseball. I think I might be more interested in watching the Reds practice than going to some of the actual spring training games. (Although I will definitely do both.) Are the Reds pretty good about letting fans watch practice?

Any other advice/tips/thoughts would be great! Thx!

[redsfan39]

If you have kids, it is the best opportunity if they have spring break during that time to meet players and get autographs.

[JFLegal]

If you have kids, it is the best opportunity if they have spring break during that time to meet players and get autographs.

I do have a wife and kids, but would likely just be a buddy and myself on this trip. My wife is completely on board with it.

Who wouldn't want to get rid of me for a week!

[kheidg-]

Reds are good about having open practices. You also will find plenty of minor league action on the backfields. It's all free.

I've never once had any issue finding a ticket at Goodyear. You can easily find an open seat without issue. If you need shade, then you probably want to buy ahead.

There are some decent mid-range hotels near the ballpark. We have stay at both Holiday Inn and Hampton Inn and both were in line with brand expectations. The prices can be a bit high during ST. If you go out towards Buckeye it is cheaper and still an easy drive to and from.

[JFLegal]

Alright my friends, it's on. Just booked my flight and hotel room. Will be meeting my buddy down there for the final week of February. Hit me up if you'll be down there! Go Reds!

Please post any other recommendations/tips you guys have. Thx!

[Bunting Bad]

The back fields are the best part of spring training. You are close enough to hear player conversations and they will interact with fans. Go early and take the walk over to where the minor league fields are located. I would always notice a couple young players that just had so much more raw talent than anyone else. Ball sounded different off of the
bat. If you are older, you will also appreciate getting to see Mario Soto, Eric Davis, Corky, Arroyo, etc. It's such a laid back atmosphere. You will enjoy the hell out of it.

[JFLegal]

The back fields are the best part of spring training. You are close enough to hear player conversations and they will interact with fans. Go early and take the walk over to where the minor league fields are located. I would always notice a couple young players that just had so much more raw talent than anyone else. Ball sounded different off of the
bat. If you are older, you will also appreciate getting to see Mario Soto, Eric Davis, Corky, Arroyo, etc. It's such a laid back atmosphere. You will enjoy the hell out of it.

This is exactly what I'm talking about! Thank you. Do the Reds make public what time practices begin?

[JFLegal]

Thanks to all the advice/comments thus far fellas! Please keep it going. I know a lot of you are a wealth of information (in all aspects of course lol, but specifically pertaining to Reds' ST in Goodyear). Love hearing anything you want to share.