Cactus League Spring Training Guide - Hohokam Park

Finally got to Hohokam. Honestly I didn't feel like posting this tonight but the season is inspiring me. Lazy Steve and I will be attending the Cubs opening Spring Training game on Thursday (yes I will have pics) so lets review the good times there is to be had at Hohokam Park in sunny Mesa, Arizona.

Where to be pre-game...


There is only one place to be before a game at Hohokam, outside the stadium enjoying a tailgate party. Most of you are probably saying, "But Angry Mike, we don't live in Arizona and lack the required equipment to host a proper tailgate." Excuses. Who said you can't stop at a local store, pick up some good beer, and camp out for an hour before the game? Usually, friendly Cubs fans like myself will ask you to play washers (cornhole? whatever). If you are interested in stopping by a COI sanctioned tailgate send us an email.

Stadium experience...


Hohokam is the most entertaining park you will stop at in the Cactus League. A lot of this has to do with the morons you will find inside. A COI favorite has been this asshole that wears a jersey that says "cursed" on the back. Yeah, wear it like a badge of honor dick. Needless to say, we at COI enjoy the opportunity to ridicule self-loathing Cubs fans.

The beer selection is a bit limited but they have some decent bombers. Generally we load up on good beer on the tailgating fields so we throw back a couple $8 margaritas from the Dos Gringos stand. They aren't that great but they hit the spot when the sun is blazing.

Typically we buy general admission lawn seats and walk around the park as the game progresses. Some of the volunteers that work there like harassing us when we stand at the railings watching the game. They have nothing better to do.

All-in-all this is just a good game to see a game whether you are a kid looking for a good time, a family guy bringing the kids to the game, or a baseball aficionado.

Where to be post-game...



The hidden gem of this area has got to be the Sun Devil Wine Cellar. Most bone heads will tell you to head to Sluggo's after a Cubs ST game, but again, most Cubs fans are bone heads. SDWC has 3 rotating taps of premium beer and 3 wall coolers of bottles to compliment them. They also feature a huge selection of wine that they will cork for a nominal fee. On top of that they have about 18 selections by the glass.

If you think you are in the wrong place as you approach Sun Devil Liquors don't doubt yourself. It doesn't look like much from the outside. Just walk through the awesome beer/liquor store up top to the staircase downstairs.

Just beyond the bar is a lounge that is perfect for larger groups. The couches feel pretty good after a long day at the ballpark.

Restaurants? Check out Los Dos Molinos after the game (about 4 miles away). Have to be prepared for some hot New Mexican food but you will love it. Another option is Ra Sushi (about 8 miles away) if you don't mind heading down US-60 a bit.

I hope some of you guys make it down for what I call the best month of the year in Arizona. Give us a holler and we will see if we can't arrange some tailgate or bar time.

GO CUBS!

Share on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.