Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona, is the spring training home of the Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers. The facility opened in 2009, and is one of the jewels of the spring training experience in the Phoenix area. California Dodger fans are especially pleased as it's the first time the team has ever regularly held spring training on the west coast, having trained in Vero Beach, Florida for almost 60 years. Both teams full training facilities are also at the complex so fans can view nearly every minute of practice even when no games are being played.
Camelback Ranch parking
The Camelback Ranch parking lots are expansive and easy to get to from Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway). The complex is not far from University of Phoenix Stadium, home of the NFL's Arizona Cardinals, and Gila River Arena where the NHL's Arizona Coyotes call home, although I wouldn't recommend parking there and walking to Camelback just because of the distance and the heat.
Hotels near Camelback Ranch
Because it's close to University of Phoenix Stadium and Gila River Arena there are many hotels in the area that cater to sports fans. There are several places at the Westgate City Center, near the NFL and NHL stadiums, as well as in other parts of Glendale. Of course many fantastic hotels, resorts and places to stay are all around Phoenix, but be warned: Glendale is on the far west side of the Phoenix area and area traffic gets worse the further one has to travel.
Seating at Camelback Ranch
There's not a bad seat in the house because max capacity is right around 13,000, but because it's Phoenix it can get quite warm, with temperatures close to 90 even in March during spring training. Most games are also played during the day so shade can be hard to find. Bring a hat, coverings for arms and legs if need be, and put on plenty of sunscreen. I've seen many a White Sox fan just a few days into a vacation after a long winter in Chicago already red like a lobster because they forgot the sunscreen. Outfield lawn general admission seating is a good value, and for a special treat try the "all you can eat" section in left field. Box seats and suites are also available but generally need to be reserved ahead.
Food at Camelback Ranch
True baseball fans don't need much more than hot dogs, peanuts, and maybe nachos, all of which are readily available at Camelback Ranch. The famous "Dodger Dog" has been imported from Los Angeles, as well as the equally well-known Chicago Dogs. For those who aren't fans of specialty hot dogs there are plenty of other options, including bacon on a stick (yes, really) and an 18-inch pizza slice. Though if you don't get a hot dog at a ball game I don't think we can be friends.
Beer at Camelback Ranch
A fine selection in every part of the park. The first new addition to the park since it opened is the Montejo Patio down the right field line. It's a full bar with plenty of hard-to-find shade. Because it's a great atmosphere with plenty of shaded seating it's tempting to just spend the whole game here. But that's not why baseball fans go to the ballpark, so tear yourself away for at least a few innings.
Parking alternatives at Camelback Ranch
Public transportation in Phoenix is tough. If you're on the far east side, trying to take a bus or other transit to Glendale is not an easy thing to do. There's only one bus that goes close to the stadium and it runs the entire length of Camelback Road, from Paradise Valley in the east to the very edge of the stadium complex in the west. It could take several transfers and a long time to get out and back depending on where you're staying.
What to bring to Camelback Ranch
Have I mentioned sunscreen yet? That's a must for sure. The usual stadium restrictions for cans and bottles apply here, of course. The kids will want baseball gloves for autograph chances- players are usually a bit friendlier during spring training to fans, but some stick to their in-season ritual of not signing. Blankets are allowed and recommended if you're going to sit on the outfield grass, but sun umbrellas are frowned upon, especially in the stands.
Insider tip for Camelback Ranch
While Dodger games are usually pretty full, White Sox games can seem like intimate affairs. If you're just going for the spring training experience, choose a White Sox game for easy parking- my group feels like VIPs because we get to park so close- and not many concession lines. Not to mention the better ticket selection. This is not a knock on White Sox fans at all, it's just the truth- it's easier to get to Phoenix from LA than it is from Chicago. No matter who you see, get the whole experience by walking around the entire park during the game. The field is never out of view and the whole place is very well designed, making it great place to watch baseball after a long winter and celebrate spring.
Author's bio: Alex Drude was at the very first game at Camelback Ranch in 2009 and goes back every spring training he gets a chance. Follow his sports and travel musings on Twitter @Alex_Drude and on Facebook.