2016 Spring Training Guide: Mesa, Tempe and Phoenix

The golfer and baseball fan’s guide to planning a Spring Training Trip to Mesa and Tempe

Chicago Cubs
Sloan Park
2330 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa
sloanpark.com; 800-THE-CUBS

PLAY: Fifteen minutes east of the stadium, the highly decorated, dramatically bunkered Longbow Golf Club (pictured below), draws sloths of Cubs fans. Whirlwind, ASU Karsten and Raven-Phoenix are within the same distance west. Thirty-five miles south in Maricopa sprawls the 300-plus acres occupied by the must-play Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club, a stellar collaboration between Fred Couples and Schmidt-Curley Design.

STAY:  The Phoenix Marriott Tempe at The Buttes is close. Mesa abounds with solid chains like Hyatt, Ramada, Marriott, Hilton and Holiday Inn—all of which have some kind of Spring Training package. 

EAT: Cubs and Angels fans can eat alongside one another in Tempe.  In addition, Diamond’s Sports Grille calls itself “the winter home of Chicago Cubs,” and R.T. O’Sullivan’s two Mesa locations always sell $3 bottles of Harp. Vito’s has deep-dished Chicago-style pizza for 30 years, and The Original Blue Adobe Grill is worth reserving a table.

DO: Cowboy up at Rockin’ R Ranch or savor shopping at  Modern Western experience at the upscale Dana Park or Mesa Riverview.


Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Tempe Diablo Stadium
2200 W. Alameda Drive, Tempe
tempe.gov/diablo; 888-796-HALO

PLAY: Numerous courses sit within five minutes of Tempe Diablo Stadium. The most challenging, the 7,002-yard Pete Dye-designed ASU Karsten Course (pictured below), helped produce stars such as Phil Mickelson, Billy Mayfair, Paul Casey, Anna Nordqvist and Grace Park. Other options include the brilliant, pine-lined Gary Panks-David Graham-designed Raven Golf Club-Phoenix, and another Panks design, The Legacy Golf Club.

STAY: The Phoenix Marriott Tempe at The Buttes tucks into the rock outcroppings near the stadium, and the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort boasts an equestrian center, spa, casino and the two Whirlwind golf courses.  

EAT: Check out the panoramas at Top of the Rock at the Phoenix Marriott Tempe at The Buttes. Not connected to the superb Phoenix restaurant with the identical name, Caffe Boa is a foodie paradise, as is Quiessence at The Farm. Check out the cleverly named Aunt Chilada’s or the Rustler’s Rooste, both at the Arizona Grand Resort.   

DO: Tempe is a college town. Shop on Mill Avenue and play pool at Mill Cue Club.


Milwaukee Brewers
Maryvale Baseball Park
3600 N. 51st Ave., Phoenix 
phoenix.gov/sports; 800-933-7890 

PLAY: The Verrado Golf Club is a straight shot west from the stadium on I-10. William Bell, who designed Torrey Pines, also did Maryvale Golf Course, a classic muni with plenty of mature trees, doglegs and great practice facilities.

STAY: Budget motels dot the area. For a higher grade of service, head to the JW Marriott Desert Ridge or Royal Palms Resort & Spa.

EAT: In addition to Milwaukee-style brats, cheese curds and beer at every home game, you can get some authentic eats at Chelsea’s Kitchen, Sylvia’s La Canasta and the iconic Bikini Lounge.

DO: Head to the West Valley or Peoria’s P83 Shopping District.


Oakland Athletics
Hohokam Stadium
1235 North Center Street, Mesa
hohokamstadium.com; 480-644-4451

PLAY: The A’s replaced the Cubs as tenants at Hohokam last year, bringing their golf-loving fans to Longbow Golf Club, We-Ko-Pa Golf Club (below) and the ASU Karsten Course. A superb round awaits those who drive 40 miles south to Maricopa, home to the highly rated (by both Golf and Golf Digest) Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club

STAY: Tempe Mission Palms offers a sweet Spring Training package. So does The Phoenix Marriott Tempe at The Buttes. Accommodations from the national chains abound.

EAT: In addition to the restaurants listed for Cubs fans , savor the Cajun cuisine and music at Pier dé Orleans Restaurant.

DO: Bring the family to the Arizona Museum of Natural History or the inspiring I.D.E.A. Museum. Cruise Saguaro Lake aboard the Desert Belle or Canyon Lake, courtesy of the Dolly Steamboat.


More Spring Training Golf and Travel Tips:

Spring Training Travel and Golf Guide Home

2016 Spring Training Guide: Florida

2016 Spring Training Guide: Scottsdale

2016 Spring Training Guide: Mesa, Tempe and Phoenix

2016 Spring Training Guide: Southwest Valley


Read and see the full Spring Training Guide below:


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