What you need to know . . .
With the start of spring training right around the corner, here’s a guide to everything fans need to know about #RoxSpring 2019 as Colorado begins its pursuit of a third consecutive postseason berth: When does the party
start? Pitchers and catchers report to Salt River on Tuesday, and the first workout for those players is Thursday. Position players are due Feb. 17, with the first full workout Feb. 18 before games begin Feb. 23. The Rockies play almost every day, minus March 12 and March 21. How do I get tickets? Individual tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster (anywhere from $15 to $70, depending on opponent) or through various other third-party ticket services. Two season ticket options are also available: a package for all Rockies home games as well as a package for all 30 games at Salt River. Where should I stay? There is an abundance of hotels near Salt River, from basic to fancy. Options include the Motel 6 Scottsdale (4.8 miles from the stadium,
starts at $162 per night), Days Inn & Suites Scottsdale North (0.4, $262), Hampton Inn & Suites Scottsdale (1.8, $287), Talking Stick Resort (2.2, $348) and Courtyard by Marriott Scottsdale (3.5, $328).
What else can I do there? Besides the 14 other MLB teams and nine other stadiums to soak in during your Cactus League experience, early spring in metro Phoenix provides plenty of other entertainment options. Spend a morning hiking up Camelback Mountain or through the Mcdowell Sonoran Preserve; take the kiddos to an afternoon at the Phoenix Zoo; shop at Scottsdale Fashion Square; play world-class golf courses; check out the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. Or, just hit the hotel pool. Dining/drinking options near Salt River? Old Town Scottsdale is a 15-minute drive south of Salt River, and that area is saturated with all flavors of bars, restaurants and boutique coffee shops. Plus, if you drive a bit further, Mill Avenue in Tempe has plenty of dining options, as does Tempe Marketplace. And if you didn’t get enough beer at the stadium, Scottsdale Beer Company,
Two Brothers Brewery, Goldwater Brewing Company and Four Peaks Brewery are all a short Uber ride away.
Info on other teams? All other information about the Cactus League, including complete team schedules, stadium locations and the scoop on player availability for autographs can be found at Cactusleague.com.
Can’t get enough spring train
ing? The Rockies are playing a couple games in Monterrey, Mexico, against the Diamondbacks on March 9 and 10. And, to conclude spring training, Colorado takes on the Triple-a Isotopes in Albuquerque on March 25, followed by a final exhibition game against the Twins in Fort Myers, Fla., the next day.