Tagged: Arizona

March 10, 2009

Update from the Road

Major League Baseball is in full “swing.” Though not locally just yet. A’s Spring Training is seven home games deep at Phoenix Municipal Stadium in Arizona. The United States has two wins in the World Baseball Classic. And A’s Ticket Services is involved with both.

Travis is the Spring Operations Manager at Phoenix Muni. He is responsible for most items not player or press related. He sends this report from the road: Hello. Games are underway. People ask me how the team looks and how much baseball I’ve seen. I really don’t see much of the games. Mostly watching the crowd, observing the stadium PA booth, checking on parking, etc. But from what I’ve seen the team looks solid. I’m very excited for this club. Young guys throwing well. New additions in the batting cage. The sun is warm, people friendly, it’s hard not enjoy the experience. Phoenix Muni is a great ballpark. Close to ASU, it’s an open ballpark. A lot of blue sky. Team on the field wears pretty colors. Cheers!

Matt, who you may remember from his many seasons as a teenage (and 20-something) bat boy is the Co-Equipment Manager for the United States WBC team. This is his second stint in that roll. Matt shares this report from Toronto: The week in Clearwater was a lot of work, changing stadiums and clubhouses four days in a row, making a lot of last minute roster changes, and just the overall organizing of our equipment. It was definitely our own little Spring Training before the tournament. The team came together on March 2 and all seem to be having fun playing next to each other and just watching each other in how they prepare and play. It’s very cool to see these guys respect each other and play for each other because of the USA on their chest. Toronto, needless to say, has been fun. Great city, we’re 2-0 and we’re looking good. The games are very intense with a lot riding on every pitch. I can only imagine a World Series game being like this. These guys are up for the challenges ahead as they have one thing on their minds and that is to win the WBC!

Thank you Travis and Matt. Best of luck while out of state (and out of country!). We look forward to seeing you both in Ticket Services again soon… though not too soon.

Travis includes some photos from Phoenix:

The A’s home dugout and field top prior to the start of Spring Training.

Grounds crew adding the “Athletics” script to the field.

The view from right field with Papago Park hills in the background.

Catcher Kurt Suzuki in practice with a coach.

The view from atop Camelback (he has to leave the ballpark at some point).

October 2, 2008

Cactus Crazy, A Spring Training Update

We’ve received a number of questions in the past few weeks regarding requests for Spring Training information. Love it! Phoenix Muni is a terrific ballpark in an outstanding area. It’s not far from downtown Phoenix, about a mile from the heart of ASU in Tempe, and a very short drive from Scottsdale. The Papago Park training facility is just a mile or two up the road from Phoenix Muni. And the A’s, with a wealth of young prospects, should be a ton of fun to watch. It’s no wonder fans are already excited for Spring Training. Here’s where we stand on Spring Training…

* We’re awaiting a complete schedule. Expect A’s games in Arizona to commence Wednesday, February 25, 2009, with the first home game at Phoenix Muni on February 27. Arizona games will end Wednesday, April 1. Hope to have a complete schedule to share by mid-October. Expect about 18 home games.

* There is no change in pricing for A’s Spring Training in 2009. Prices will remain the same as 2008. Season Tickets are available for the full Spring Training duration. Group tickets (at least 20 guests) are available, often at a discount. Luxury Suites and a pre-game BBQ area are available for rent too. Current Spring Season Ticket Holders should receive renewal information in early November. Email spring@oaklandathletics.com or phone (510) 568-5600 with questions.

* The A’s do not book travel packages directly with the team. Sports Travel and Tours can assist you with all of your travel package needs at sportstravelandtours.com.

Does this information help? More is on the way soon! So start dreaming of springtime Arizona weather as rain permeates the Bay Area forcasts for this weekend.