Cactus League Spring Training Guide - Scottsdale Stadium

Ah yes, Scottsdale, Arizona. A fertile land full of cougars, money grubbing bitches, and over-tanned douchebags. Perfect place for an MLB Spring Training site right? Actually, you would be shocked at how fun a game at Scottsdale stadium can be.

Last season's Idiotic Adventure to Scottsdale involved watching the Boilers get pounded by UCONN in the Sweet 16 at a bar in Tempe before heading up to Scottsdale. Long story short, last year's only night game for the Cubs was called in the 8th due to gale force winds. You heard me right, they stopped playing because it was too windy. They actually had to close the Dos Gringos stand out in the left field grassy knoll for fear the sign would fall on the patrons. Cold and windy but Angry Mike felt no pain thanks to the excellent beer selection at the stadium. I think Ginger was the only guy that actually noticed the elements (since he DD'ed). Reminds me of a Cubs game against the Cards I almost missed a few years back if not for God intervening and bringing 50mph winds to Chicago.

I digress....

Where to be pre-game...


It's pretty main stream but I recommend The Yard House for a pre-game beer or 5. You will be hard pressed to find an establishment with more taps in the Valley. That doesn't mean they have the best beer compilation (that goes to Papago and Taste of Tops) but you will find something from just about any region in the country to suit your taste. The Yard House is located just northwest of the stadium at the intersection of Scottsdale and Camelback (1-2 miles away). It's inside the big ass mall.

Stadium experience...

Scottsdale Stadium has the second best atmosphere, only trailing Hohokam Stadium. The Giants seem to draw well (maybe this is because I only go when they play the Cubs) and their fans are generally pleasant and informed. Scottsdale has BY FAR the best beer selection in the Cactus League featuring draft Sierra Nevada and Anchor as well as bottles. They sport a Dos Gringos stand reminiscent of the stand at Hohokam which both Lazy Steve and Ginger Russ heart more than they should. All-in-all a fun place to watch a game. If you are going to venture to a stadium other than Hohokam make Scottsdale your choice.

Where to be post-game...



I think I would be letting the other Idiots down if I didn't mention everyone favorite Indian casino. Casino Arizona at McKellips is located southwest of the stadium off the Loop 101 at McKellips (approx 5 miles away). This place has been a favorite of the Idiots over the years and has been surprisingly loose with the payouts...at least at the blackjack tables.

If games of chance aren't your thing I recommend heading down to Papago Brewing which I mentioned in the Phoenix Muni guide (approx 3 miles away). You really can't go wrong with that place.

If you happen to be into wine, check out Kazimierz World Wine Bar or their sister restaurant Cowboy Ciao (both about 1 mile away). Should be able to find something you like amongst their 3200 options.

Well that's it for Scottsdale. I will try to get the Hohokam guide up by the end of next weekend. Trying to hurry so I can begin planning for the first tailgate in Mesa on 3/4.

GO CUBS!

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