It’s that time of year again ‒ the one with single-digit temperatures in the forecast in Wisconsin while in sunny Phoenix the weather is gorgeous and there is baseball being played.
If you are heading to American Family Fields of Phoenix to catch a spring training game this year, consider this your ultimate guide to attending a game at the home of the Milwaukee Brewers.
Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets can be purchased directly from the Brewers’ website. The box office is also open on gameday and, with the exception of the rare night game sellout, will just about always have seats available on game day.
Where can I park at Brewers spring training?
There are a handful of parking options for Brewers spring training at American Family Fields of Phoenix.
The stadium parking lot entrance is on 51st Avenue just north of Osborn Road. There will be signage along 51st Avenue indicating where to go. Shuttles typically run from the lots to the stadium, though patrons also can get a glimpse of the action on the back fields of the complex if they choose to walk.
The address to the stadium (3805 N. 53rd Ave.) will take you to the main parking lot located adjacent to the stadium, but it is not recommended to try and park there on gameday as spots are reserved.
Street parking is also available in the neighborhood around the stadium near Clarendon Avenue and 55th Avenue.
Do not try and park at the shopping center, as the Brewers warn patrons those cars can be ticketed and towed.
How much is parking at American Family Fields of Phoenix?
Typically between $5-$10.
Which parts of American Family Fields of Phoenix are shaded?
For day games at American Family Fields of Phoenix, parts of the seating bowl along the first base side are shaded pregame and into the early innings. Seats higher up toward the concourse receive more shade. As the game goes on, the shadows cover more of the area behind home plate, with the same caveat about seats closer to the action getting more sun. Third base side and the outfield berm are mostly exposed to the sun.
Where can I eat around American Family Fields of Phoenix?
If you’re not eating at the ballpark, there are options near the stadium. The shopping mall located directly north of the stadium features a handful of options, including Raising Cane’s, Panda Express, Subway and Wingstop. There are a bevy of other options on Indian School Road, as well. And it’s Phoenix, which means there’s no shortage of Mexican restaurants within five minute driving radius of the park – Tatemado’s on 59th Avenue and Ta Carbon on 51st Avenue are Journal Sentinel favorites.
Do they sell beer at American Family Fields of Phoenix?
It’s the Brewers. Of course they do.
Can I tailgate?
According to the Brewers, tailgating is permitted in the parking lot but it is limited to your parking space.
When do gates open?
Gates open 90 minutes before game time on days of home games. Sometimes – but not often – the team will still be taking batting practice when gates open for home games.
On road game days, gates open earlier, allowing fans to sit and watch batting practice or other various drills taking place on the main field. Players will typically begin taking the field around 10 a.m.
Can I go to the back fields?
Yes, the “back fields” used by the minor leaguers are close to the home plate gate to the main stadium and open to fans on most mornings. These are fields Nos. 4 through 7. Toward the back half of spring training, prospects will be playing games on these fields. The Brewers’ official player development account often posts its lineups and schedule the day of games before they begin.
How do I get autographs at Brewers spring training?
Players often sign autographs at a higher clip – typically for kids – during spring training.
Before games at American Family Fields of Phoenix, some players will sign along the first-base line netting past the dugout after concluding their warmups. There is also a chance to snag some autographs from players as they enter the dugout before the game. To try this, go to the bottom of section 105; but be aware that space in this spot is limited. At the conclusion of the game, fans will once again flock to this area in hopes of catching a player coming off the field – though by this point in the game it is often only prospects left on the field.
You can also try the backfields to catch players walking to and from workouts. Typically this area is populated by minor leaguers, but you never know who you may run into along a pathway.
Do they have sunscreen at the stadium?
The Brewers typically offer complementary sunscreen. Dispensers can be found in restrooms along the concourses.
What is there to do near the stadium after the game?
Unfortunately, not much. Perhaps you want to grab a bite to eat somewhere in the Maryvale neighborhood or play a round of golf at the nearby Grand Canyon University course, but otherwise there are not very many attractions for tourists and baseball fans in the area. But worry not, the stadium is located in central Phoenix and not far from Interstate 10, so anything you’d like to do after the game is probably still within driving distance.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: The complete guide to attending Brewers spring training in Phoenix
Reporting by Curt Hogg, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
