Heading out to Arizona this spring to catch some sun and Chicago White Sox baseball?
Here is a guide to help make the trip as enjoyable as possible:
The White Sox share a facility with the Los Angeles Dodgers in Glendale, and the Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres, Texas Rangers, Kansas City Royals, Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds all train nearby, in Peoria, Surprise and Goodyear.
With so many major-league and minor-league players and coaches needing housing on the western side of Phoenix, hotel rooms in the area are difficult to find. And available rooms come at a high price.
The sooner you can find a hotel, the better.
Want Yoan Moncada to sign his rookie card? Hoping to get Jose Quintana’s autograph before he’s traded?
Spring training is the place to be.
All through camp — including the Cactus League season — the Sox will be working out on the back fields at Camelback Ranch and fans are welcome to watch.
When practice ends, most players are happy to stop and sign autographs and pose for pictures. You can also get autographs in the stadium once exhibition games begin.
Glendale doesn’t offer the entertainment options like, say, Scottsdale, but Gila River Arena is a short drive from Camelback Ranch and is worth checking out.
If you like hockey, the St. Louis Blues and Detroit Red Wings are among the teams playing the host Arizona Coyotes in March.
If you’re a music buff, the Red Hot Chili Peppers play at Gila River on March 4.
Need a baseball break in Arizona?
Make the two-hour drive north to Sedona, you won’t regret it.
The red sandstone buttes and canyons are breathtaking, and the 1.8 million surrounding acres of national forest are perfect for hiking and becoming one with nature.
There’s not a “restaurant row” in Glendale, but there are quite a few options in the Westgate Entertainment District, which surrounds Gila River Arena.
Calico Jack’s, Hells’ Half Acre, Kabuki and Yard House are among the many establishments that are all within walking distance from each other.
Looking for authentic Mexican food? El Charrito is located in downtown Glendale and doesn’t look like much from the outside. Inside is a different story, and the food and margaritas are muy bueno.
If you’re in the mood for steak, head up to Jake Peavy’s favorite spot, Arrowhead Grill.
If you’re looking for something fast — and great — hit In-N-Out Burger. It’s located about a mile east of Camelback Ranch and there’s always a wait. Spare the extra time, it’s well worth it.
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