Cactus League Spring Training Guide - VEGAS, BABY!

Not many people realize it, but each Spring Training the Cubs play just a little bit north of the valley in the greatest city in the world, Las Vegas. Since this tour around the Cactus League stadiums is Angry's baby, I decided to feature the park that isn't technically a CL venue, but for a couple of days each year is infested by Cubs fans from around the world, hungry for baseball, gambling, drinking and maybe a show of the "scandalous" variety.

This year, the Cubs play a couple of split squad games against the White Sox on March 12th and 13th. The stadium is Cashman Field, home of the Las Vegas 51s, the Pacific Coast League, Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. The park is located just North of Downtown: the smaller, older and seedier section of Vegas.


Where to be pre-game...

A cab ride from the strip will cost about $30, but drinks and food are not cheap at the park so I suggest you tailgate back near your hotel, which we are assuming is the dirty but cheap Hooters Hotel and Casino, because honestly, who goes to Vegas to sit around in a hotel room? If you're attending the game on Thursday, which starts at 8pm, your tailgating will involve pretty much whatever casino is playing hot. Just try not to lose all your money before the game, because unlike the tables, the drinks aren't free at the stadium.

For the second day, a nice breakfast to help cure your hangover would be good (or if you haven't been to sleep yet, you probably haven't eaten in a while either). I suggest the Raffles Cafe at the Mandalay Bay or if you're in the mood for something lighter, JJ's Boulangerie at the Paris offers a wide variety of freshly made pastries and a tasty cup of joe. You also can never go wrong at America in New York, New York.

Stadium experience...

The park holds around 15,000, which is considerably more than most of the other Spring Training facilities. Since this is cross-town rivalry matchup, the atmosphere is electric, although you will see mostly Cubs fans (White Sox fans can't afford to travel). The stadium is nice from my recollection (I was pretty drunk both times). I remember it was difficult to get a beer, as there were no vendors, but if you wanted to pay $10+ for a mixed drink, it was pretty quick. The night atmosphere is obviously a little more raucous than the day game. The food outside was better than the food inside.


Where to post game...

The night game gets out pretty late, at least by Spring Training standards (by Vegas standards it's still pretty early). A cab ride back to the North end of the strip will be cheaper, although leave around the 7th inning or so as finding one at the end of the game will be impossible (like at the casinos, you have to wait in line for a cab, which along with 10,000 other fans can take a while). Shoot some craps at Caesar's (let me ask you something, is this the REAL Caesar's palace?) or head over to TI to play some 21. After that, well, this IS Vegas. Pretty much anything is possible.

The next day you might not feel as up for so much excitement after the game. Downtown is about a 30 - 45 minute walk (depending how many piss breaks you have to take on the way). It will take just as long to wait for a cab, so head down there for a more relaxed atmosphere. The little bit of exercise will help combat all the empty calories you've been consuming. If you're broke (which by this time, you will most likely be) you can play the penny machines and still drink for free until it's time to catch your cab to the airport.


Ginger's Favorite Spots...

Restaurants:
B&B Ristorante at the Venetian
America at New York, New York
Mesa Grill at Caesars

Blackjack:
Flamingo (only because they were handing out black chips)
MGM Grand
New York, New York

Sports Books:
Caesars
The Mirage
The Bellagio

Bars:
Nine Fine Irishmen at New York, New York
Red Square at the Mandalay Bay
Dick's Last Resort at the Excaliber

And more:
The Beatles LOVE, Cirque du Soleil at the Mirage


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