Spring training has launched across the Valley and Scottsdale Stadium is getting into the Cactus League spirit in distinctive style.
Because a person can't just go to a spring training game in Scottsdale.
No, a person must indulge in a catered, free-drinks, free-food VIP lounge experience when checking out the San Francisco Giants.
Because this is Scottsdale, a city advertised in national magazines with a photo illustration of a cowgirl in the desert at night in which the stars have been replaced by diamonds. And I love it. (God Bless Scottsdale…)
For about eight years, the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce philanthropic group the Scottsdale Charros have sponsored the Charro Lodge at the Old Town stadium. Guests can purchase tickets that benefit various scholarships and programs for high school students, teachers, athletes and equestrians.
The tiered patio lounge has about 550 tickets available for between $75 and $125 (yes, even the VIP has a VIP), and once inside, guests can enjoy free food and drinks, as well as massages and pedicures from Bliss Spa at the W Scottsdale Hotel and Residences.
“It's a party within a baseball game,” said Mark Matsock, baseball chairman for the Charros. “It's a hip, young crowd, as well as baseball fanatics.”
Matsock said that during the week, the right-field, open-air lounge is filled with families, but that on the weekends, the crowd skews to more up-and-coming business types and the revelers they invite, a little like the crowd at the Bird's Nest at the FBR Open. But, unlike the crowd at the FBR Open, these baseball fans actually show up dressed to watch the game. (Think: jeans, Ts and sunscreen, nary a high heel in sight.)
Guests can enjoy a pre-game calypso band, batting practice with the Giants and swag bags filled with items from shops at the Borgata of Scottsdale, as well as food and drinks from Salty Senorita. But if Salty's Mexican food isn't your thing, you can also score unlimited amounts of classic ball-park food including peanuts, popcorn, Red Vines and hot dogs. And different restaurants join Salty in providing food and drinks depending on the day, including Z'Tejas, Old Tortilla Factory and Furio.
(The W Scottsdale has also partnered with the Giants to offer a special spring training stay package that includes autograph signing sessions at the resort for guests at 7 p.m. March 5, at 7 p.m. March 19 and at 10 a.m. March 26.)
Once in the stadium, guests can buy tickets for the Lodge at a discounted price that varies depending on the teams playing. And, on the back of every regular ticket is a 25 percent-off coupon for more than 45 Valley businesses, including the Bliss Spa, Canal, Spa Avania at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale at Gainey Ranch and Z'Tejas. A full list is in the game program.
Tickets are available at the stadium or at 480-990-2977. Learn more at charros.com.
