Spring Training in Phoenix

Although it’s still football season here in New England (go Pats!), I’m excited for baseball season to start.  While my beloved Red Sox don’t play in the Cactus League, many other great teams do.  If you are looking for a March getaway, and want to catch some great spring training games, consider visiting the greater Phoenix area.

Last year, I had the opportunity to visit Phoenix during spring training, and I had such a great time that I decided to visit this year with my family.  We are visiting in March, and plan to check out several games.

During spring training, there’s no such thing as a bad (or expensive) seat.  I went to three games at three different stadiums, and loved feeling like I am part of the action.  Although Fenway Park is small, I never get that kind of up-close experience during the regular season.  Plus, the warm weather makes it such a fabulous outdoor activity.  We plan to get lawn seats, like those shown in the photo above, and just spread out and enjoy.

Spring training in Phoenix starts March 2, 2012.

Photo credit: Jodi Grundig

Disclosure: The Greater Phoenix Convention and Visitor’s Bureau covered the expenses for my spring training and family fun trip last year.

This Sunday, February 5, is Super Bowl Sunday. It’s like a holiday. The big game will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana at the Lucas Oil Stadium, which is a fantastic piece of kinetic architecture (that means it has moving parts).

Indianapolis is second only to Washington, D.C. in the number of monuments within the city, and it also features two natural waterways that run through it. Basically, it’s a pretty town.

The New York Giants will be playing the New England Patriots. Despite the Patriots playing in the same division as the Indianapolis Colts (AFC) I’m guessing that Giants’ quarterback Eli Manning, being brother to the Colts’ Peyton Manning, will garner the cheers of the hometown fans.

Remember, get to the stadium early for a good parking spot, and better yet, more time to tailgate (be responsible!).

If you’re looking for a good place for lunch and a beer check out Basey’s Downtown Grill and Spirits or Tavern on South, both are walking distance from the Lucas Oil Stadium. Also walking distance are some nice, affordable, and probably booked hotels, Comfort Suites City Centre and Holiday Inn Express.

Directions to Lucas Oil Stadium

Have a good time!

Photo: Triple Tri via Flickr

This weekend (or Thursday as the case may be) kicks off another fall American tradition, football season. That’s right, we’re ready for some football!

Whether you are a fan of the college gridiron or that of the National Football League (NFL) there will be plenty of weekend getaways available to you and your friends over the course of the season. We’re talking tailgating, folks.

They say that football fans travel well, with some teams traveling better than others, but one thing is the same for any pigskin pilgrim — you’ll need a place to stay and places to eat. Also, drinking.

Lodging

If you’re lucky, you know someone in the city that you’re visiting and can save some money by crashing in their guest room or on the couch. If you go that route keep in mind that your friend is doing you a favor, not planning your itinerary. Don’t assume they’re taking time out of their lives to show you the sites. It’s bad enough you’re rooting for the visiting team, don’t be a jerk about it.

Lots of hotels offer game-related deals and discounts, often as part of a package deal with airfare, game tickets and/or rental cars. The best place to locate such information is on the official site of your respective team or a travel site specializing in the town your team plays in.

Dining

Just because your football trip is taking you to a stadium and not a museum doesn’t mean you won’t be able to soak up some local culture. Eat what they eat! If you are in Philly find the best cheesesteak. If you’re in San Diego grab a fish taco. If you’re in New Orleans, get some gumbo. See how that works? That’s culture you can eat!

Drinking

Keep in mind that bars are prone to loud, excessive and sometimes uncool behavior. Also keep in mind that the local fans already don’t like you because of the colors you’re flying. You are on enemy turf, so be nice, have some fun and buy a drink or two — the latter could be the difference between a very unpleasant outing and a memorable one.

Kids

Kids are fans, too. Nothing is going to shine an uglier light on you and your hometown team than being rude and vulgar in the stands. It happens. Usually about four beers in. If you are taking your kids with you prepare them for what could be an ugly situation. If you aren’t taking your kids, be aware of those around you. Grace under fire, people.

The bottom line is, football is a game, and while you may bleed team colors, remember, you’re just an adult cheering for guys playing said game, not some militant last hope of football kind. Have fun. Be cool. Cheer accordingly.

I know, the X Games started yesterday, but this is L.A., and if you aren’t late you aren’t fashionable. It’s kind of a thing out here. That said, if you and yours are visiting SoCal this weekend there is one more must-do to add to your overflowing itinerary. That must-do is the X Games that I opened with. Pay attention.

The X Games are ESPN’s creation, a gift to the world of extreme sports competition. The Summer X Games started in 1995 and feature some of the best extreme athletes in the world. You know, the crazy kids.

All of the events are held in downtown Los Angeles. They are spread between Staples Center, the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE, Lot 7 (the actual parking lot), Event Deck at L.A. LIVE and Gilbert Lindsay Plaza. What could be more extreme than that?

Tickets start at $5 and include admission to the X Fest at L.A. LIVE, which features live music, sponsor tents, an interactive skate park, demonstrations and opportunities to meet the athletes. X Fest opens an hour before the events start and closes an hour before the events end.

If you plan to attend X Games 17 please consider public transportation as traffic will be congested (i.e., it will be ugly) due to street closures. For those of you that are up to the challenge, there is paid parking along Figueroa St. for $25.

X Games 17
Staples Center
1111 S Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA
(213) 742-7100
More Information
Tickets