Last February I spent a wonderful week in Phoenix, Arizona. I was so happy to be able to check out the Heard Museum and the Arizona Science Center. Both were fun, but my main reason for visiting Arizona was to check some spring training games.
This was my first year to be able to check out some of the stadiums since I quit my 9-5 job. As a long-time Angels fan, I couldn’t wait to visit their spring training field, Tempe Diablo Stadium. It had been something I had wanted to do ever since I learned what spring training games were, lol.
Tempe Diablo Stadium
When you first arrive, you can’t miss the tall stairs and the huge Angels sign. It definitely tells you, “You have arrived!” I really enjoyed the pictures along the front of the stadium welcoming you to the new season.
Eventually, I made my way in and got my first look at the field and stadium. It was so cool to finally see it in person. I didn’t know it before I visited, but Tempe Diablo Stadium sits at the base of the Twin Buttes, one of which rises above the left-field wall. The rocky hill with an American flag atop provides a stunning backdrop. I felt a connection to the stadium immediately. Everyone was very welcoming and glad to talk about baseball, specifically Angels baseball. 
Tempe Diablo Stadium Team Store
It was a perfect day for baseball and was glad I got there early and had to stroll around for a bit. I had a great time walking around and checking out the stadium from all angels. Of course I also had to stop into the team store and check out all the Angels merchandise. I fell in love with the Cactus League Angels hats. A wonderful souvenir idea. They also had a huge section with Trout and Ohtani merchandise! So cool.
Tempe Diablo Stadium Concessions
As I had arrived early, I wasn’t quite hungry yet. However, I did walk around checking out some of the concession stands to figure out what I wanted for later during the game. It was a cool setup with food tents out in the picnic area at the top of the berm in left field. I enjoyed sitting around and talking to people for a few minutes but eventually continued on my journey around the stadium, and the food vendors.
Of course I found hots dogs and brats, but I also found quite a few interesting items. They ranged from Mexican specialties and pad Thai to root-beer floats and fresh-squeezed lemonade. There was even an espresso stand on the concourse. I didn’t see a stand, but I saw some kids walking around with cotton candy, so they got if from somewhere, lol. Maybe it was one of the seat vendors. Needless to say, there wasn’t a lack of food available.
If you care less about food, and more about beer, they had quite a selection of those too. They had the usual Bud, Coors, and Shocktop, but they also had Corona, Four Peaks, Pacifico Clara, Michelob, Dos Equis, Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Crispen Cider, Goose Island, Kilt Lifter, Hop Knot, Blue Moon, Sierra Nevada, and Firestone Walker 405. That is quite a variety indeed.
I also learned a little more about Tempe Diablo Stadium. It was built in 1968 and can hold up to 9,558 people. I am embarrassed to admit this, but I had no idea, that the stadium was also the spring training home of the Seattle Pilots in 1969 and 1970 before they moved to Milwaukee late in spring training of March 1970. The things you learn, lol. Apparently the Angels played their first home game in Tempe against the A’s on March 7, 1993.
I eventually made it back to my seat and set down to enjoy a lovely afternoon watching the Angels take on the Royals. It was a great game and the Angels won, but it was a battle until the very end. It was a perfect day for baseball and I have to say I am so happy I was able to visit Tempe Diablo Stadium and see a spring training game. I liked that it was more just playing the game for the fun of the game. No real pressure, just playing. I think that was part of what made it so fun.
Here is some pertinent information that I thought may help you on your visit to Tempe Diablo Stadium. Here is a link to their website if you would like more information.
Tempe Diablo Stadium Information
Address
2200 W. Alameda Drive
Tempe, AZ 85282
Telephone
480-350-5265
Recognize this guy? If not, email me and I will give you $430 Million reasons why you should know who he is, lol. I had a great time during my visit and hope to go to more games in the future.
