2016 Spring Training Guide: Southwest Valley

The golfer and baseball fan’s guide to planning a Spring Training Trip to Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, and Goodyear

Cincinnati Reds/Cleveland Indians
Goodyear Ballpark
1933 South Ballpark Way, Goodyear
goodyearbp.com; 623-882-3130

PLAY: A John Fought-Tom Lehman collaboration, Verrado Golf Club cozies up near the White Tank mountains 15 minutes northwest of the ballpark. A short drive north brings you to the mature 54-hole Wigwam Resort in neighboring Litchfield Park. Twelve minutes south of the stadium, the Jack Nicklaus II-designed Golf Club of Estrella (pictured below) provides Troon Golf quality at a great value. 

STAY: National chains with “inn” and “suites” in their names are always worth a look. For an upgrade, the 440 acres and 331 intimate casitas and suites at the Wigwam make it the perfect retreat for post-game cocktails or stargazing.

EAT: Cleveland fans can slather their hotdogs with Stadium Mustard, and Skyline Chili satisfies the Reds fans. For a non-chain-restaurant experience, try Flavors of Louisiana, Bella Luna Ristorante, and two Japanese restaurants—Nakama and AH-SO

DO: Phoenix International Raceway has its Spring Break NASCAR Weekend March 11-13.  Watch the Arizona Coyotes skate for a playoff spot in nearby Glendale.


Texas Rangers/Kansas City Royals
Surprise Stadium
15850 North Bullard, Surprise
surprisespringtraining.com; 623-222-2222

PLAY: For the best courses, fans of the World Champs (and Rangers) have to travel to Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park or the heralded Trilogy at Vistancia in Peoria (pictured below). Two extraordinary golf experiences lie 45 minutes west in Wickenburg: the lush, rolling Rancho de los Caballeros Golf Club and the celebrated new Wickenburg Ranch Golf Club.  

STAY: A good half-hour drive separates the ballpark from the Wigwam, Rancho de los Caballeros, or any of the finer Glendale/Phoenix/Scottsdale properties.  Among Surprise’s many economy hotels, the Windmill All Suites ranks highest.

EAT:  Vogue Bistro adds a Gallic flair to burgers and sandwiches, while The Irish Wolfhound majors in pints and pub grub. New York Flavor is deli at its best, and Fresh Wasabi spans the gamut of Japanese cuisine.

DO: The nearby White Tank Mountains provide enjoyable hiking trails. Surprise’s Aquatics Center includes a 4,700-square foot water play area.


Los Angeles Dodgers/Chicago White Sox
Camelback Ranch
10710 West Camelback Road, Glendale
camelbackranchbaseball.com; 623-302-5000

PLAY: The three courses at the Wigwam lie less than 10 minutes from the ballpark. A bit further is Palm Valley in Goodyear and Verrado Golf Club (pictured below) in Buckeye, just west of Phoenix. Talking Stick, Wildfire, Troon North and the other 36-hole facilities around Phoenix and Scottsdale (see listings in the Rockies section) are also easily accessible from Glendale.

STAY: In addition to the aforementioned Wigwam, the major chains all have multiple inns and suites here. Old-school fun awaits at Welsch’s Rose Acres, a bed-and-breakfast with pools, miniature horse racing, two chipping holes and putting greens.

EAT: Haus Murphy’s brings Deutschland to the desert with a biergarten and authentic German fare. A Touch of European Café is well worth any B.Y.O.B. inconvenience.  Visit Westgate City Center for nearly 20 different dining options.

DO: Westgate offers plenty of shopping options. Why not see who’s playing at Gila River Arena?


Seattle Mariners/San Diego Padres
Peoria Sports Complex
16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria
peoriasportscomplex.com; 800-677-1227

PLAY: The fabulous Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia and the Rees Jones-designed Quintero Golf Club make Peoria a legitimate golf destination. If you can get on, you might run into Colorado’s own Jim Engh, who designed and lives at the private Blackstone Country Club. Plus, the 101 Loop makes just about any course accessible within 20 to 30 minutes.

STAY: Outposts of Comfort Suites, Hampton Inn and other national chains all represent here, and North Scottsdale’s resorts remain viable options. In Peoria, Cibola Vista Resort & Spa boasts plush suites and casitas and myriad water features.

EAT: Arrowhead Grill and Cucina Tagliani both lie about a mile from the Sports Complex. Firebirds Wood-Fired Grill offers quality theme dining.

DO: Explore the final frontier with simulated flights at the Smithsonian’s Challenger Space Center.


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


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